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Leman Rifle Musket
- University of New Mexico Press
- Chapter
- Additional Information
330.–1 Leman .58 caliber rifle muskets have Model 1816 musket style bands secured by lateral pins instead of spring type retainers. Leman Rifle Musket 330. A very few Leman rifle muskets exist. Because documentation has not been found supporting their sale, it is generally speculated that Leman fabricated fewer than 100 rifle muskets for commercial sale to one or more private militia companies, or possibly to Phillip S. Justice (see section 320). There are numerous variations in the specifications and configurations in the few known examples of Leman rifle muskets. All examples appear to be equipped with Model 1816 musket barrel bands and butt plates that have been altered for use in this rifle musket. Because of these variations, the following description must be considered only as of a typical example. General Information Caliber: .58 Overall Length: 555 /8" Finish: Bright Brass Components: None Production Period: Estimated to be in 1861 and early 1862 Quantity Procured: Estimated to be fewer than 50 Barrel Length: 40" Contour: The barrel is half-octagon at the breech for 21 /2", then round, tapering in decreasing diameter to the flat-crowned muzzle. Nipple Bolster: The bolster’s profile is similar to that of the Model 1861 rifle musket . A cleanout screw is partially countersunk in the convex outer surface. Bore: Rifled with three broad, shallow grooves. The land-to-groove diameter is .585". Muzzle Extension: 315 /16" Breech Tang: Various examples have 21 /4–23 /8" by 9 /16" round-ended tangs. Sights: Rear Sight: Various examples have high, standing leaves with “V” notches, dovetailed to the barrel 83 /4" to 9" forward of the breech. Front Sight: The rectangular bayonet lug, located 15 /16" from the muzzle, also serves as the front sight. The original front sight blade, the rear ring of the upper band, has been removed. Part III 398 Bayonet Stud: As previously noted, some examples use the bayonet stud as the front sight. Other examples have a low 5 /32" by 5 /16" rectangular stud located 11 /4" behind the muzzle, on top of the barrel. Still others have a similar stud that is higher, and a muzzle diameter that is too large to accept regulation Model 1855 angular socket bayonets. Lock Lockplate: Various examples have 57 /16" to 59 /16" by 13 /16" to 11 /4" flat-surfaced lockplates with rounded rear profiles. Hammer: The 31 /2", generally “S”-shaped, hammer has a convex outer surface. The high, straight thumbpiece is not checkered. Note: The mainspring’s upper leaf is screwed to the lockplate. Its lower leaf bears directly on the tumbler, which has full- and half-cock notches. Mountings Trigger Guard Assembly: The trigger is suspended from a lateral pin in the stock, downwards through a slot in the trigger plate, which may be from 91 /4" to 93 /4" long. The 11 /16" guard bow is riveted to this round-ended plate. It is secured by two convex-headed wood screws at the rear, and by the breech tang screw, just forward of the trigger. Butt Plate: The 43 /8" by 15 /8" butt plate has a straight rear profile and a slightly convex rear surface. The 21 /4" tang is round-ended. Barrel Bands: The flat surfaces are formed inwards at the forestock’s upper edge. Upper Band: This band has two 1 /2" barrel rings with a rectangular open space between them. The original front sight has been removed from the rear ring. This band is 23 /8" long at the top, and extends rearward at the bottom to 37 /16" overall. Middle Band: 11 /16" wide Lower Band: This 11 /16" band extends forward at the bottom to 11 /4". Barrel Band Spacing: Breech to Lower Band: 91 /2–911 /16" Lower to Middle Band: 113 /8" to 121 /4" Middle to Upper Band: 113 /4" to 12" Band Retainers: Each barrel band is retained by a lateral pin through its center. 330.–2 This Leman .58 caliber rifle musket has a standing leaf rear sight. [35.153.106.141] Project MUSE (2024-03-29 11:34 GMT) Non-Armory-Pattern Muzzleloading Arms 399 Sling Swivels: The swivels are riveted to the front branch of the trigger guard bow, and to an integral lug under the middle barrel band. The rivets are visible in the circular swivel plates. Sidescrew and Washer: The convex head of the single sidescrew bears on...