Miller Model 1861

Breech-Loading Rifle

United States | 1865

"The Miller Model 1861 was the Springfield Model 1861 Rifle-Musket converted from muzzle-loading to breech-loading using the patented Miller conversion block arrangement."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 09/08/2016 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The Springfield Model 1861 rifle musket was produced in over 1 million examples during and after the American Civil War (1861-1865) and used by both sides of the conflict. However, its muzzle-loading arrangement made it obsolete in an age when the breech-loading system was growing into standardized usage. This led to some manufacturers converting the famous long gun into breech-loading forms by reworking the original flintlock system in play. One such conversion - undertaken by the Meriden Manufacturing Company of Connecticut - produced the "Miller Model 1861". The gun carried the surname of "conversion block" patent holders William H. and George W. Miller. In the system, a release catch found along the top of the barrel was used to brake the action open along a hinge, exposing the breech for inserting a cartridge. The patented arrangement was also featured in Parker's Snow and Company Model 1861 rifles.

Conversion work on the guns spanned from 1865 to 1867 and, by and large, the weapons retained their general form and function complete with the long single-piece wood body with integrated grip handle and shoulder stock. Two barrel bands were used to secure the barrel to the wood body. Sighting devices were set over the receiver and over the muzzle for ranged fire in the usual way. The trigger and loop guard were underslung beneath the action. Overall length measured 47.2 inches with a barrel of 39 inches. Weight was about 10lbs.

Despite the modification to breech-loading, the guns remained single-shot weapons as the Model 1861s before them. They were chambered for a .58 caliber rimfire cartridge. The reloading process, however, was much improved over the original Springfields as a trained shooter could manage up to six shots per minute. In the original rifle muskets, an operator could hope to reach a rate of fire of about two to three rounds per minute.

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Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Miller Model 1861. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,000 ft
304.8 m | 333.3 yds
Max.Eff.Range

6
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

1,000 ft/sec
305 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Physical
The physical qualities of the Miller Model 1861. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,200 mm
47.24 in
O/A Length

990 mm
38.98 in
Barrel Length

9.99 lb
4.53 kg
Weight

Breech-Loading; Single-Shot
Action

.58 (Cartridge)
Caliber(s)

Single-Shot
Feed

Iron Front and Rear
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Miller Model 1861 Breech-Loading Rifle family line.

Miller Model 1861 - Base series name; conversions handled by Meridan Manufacturing Company of CT.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Miller Model 1861. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Meridan Manufacturing Company - USA

[ United States ]

Going Further...
The Miller Model 1861 Breech-Loading Rifle appears in the following collections:

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR ARMS

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