Even though the muzzle-loading, rifled musket, caliber .58, was the regulation arm of the infantryman of the Civil War, many other guns and other calibers were utilized. The Gunsmiths who made

The Rifled Musket

Even though the muzzle-loading, rifled musket, caliber .58, was the regulation arm of the infantryman of the Civil War, many other guns and other calibers were utilized. The Gunsmiths who made breech-loaders had a common and difficult problem: that of making a gas-tight joint. There resulted various approaches in mechanics and models. The repeating arm with its tremendous fire-power, an innovation, did not have time to antiquate the single-shot during the course of the conflict. Most of the cartridges were special for each make of gun, and this too adds to the general interest in the subject.

The Rifled Musket