1861 vs 1863 Lock Interchangability

[Michael Bodner]

Question: Will and 1861 lock fit into an 1863 stock?

Put another way, if I took my 1863 lock off my 1863 gun, would I be able to install an 1861 lock without having to cut/fill the lock/stock external interface?

Thanks!

-Boots

[Carolina Reb]

On Springfields and contract M-1861s and 1863s, the answer is yes. Any lock will drop right in to any stock. You will have to swap hammers between the early and late barrels, but that's it.

[John Robey]

M1861 and M1863/4 locks will interchange; HOWEVER, neither will interchange with the M1861 Special (Colt, Amoskeag, LG&Y). The "specials" will only interchange with one another.

[Michael Bodner]

Thank you, Gentleman!

-Boots

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

You guys missed the obvious, the barrel. Per our rules a 61 lock / hammer needs a 61 barrel. Likewise a 63 needs a 63 barrel. What about the wrong barrel bands too? You can't mix them. Right???

[John Holland]

Most respectfully to all parties, the original question is only about whether an 1861 lock will fit into the inlet for an 1863 stock. As noted very simply, yes, it does. Many builders will use an old cut-down 1863 stock to build numerous models from, such as M-1855 muskets, 1861 types, Whitney types, etc. I hope we are all on the same page now, and this topic has run its course. Thank you to all.