1841 Mississippi barrel question

**Fauch125** · 03-25-2016

Recently acquired a 1841 Mississippi rifle, that had org the barrel and stock cut back 4 inches. I'm tiring to restore it, looking to have the barrel stretched and lined, rifled with the original configuration .54, 7 lands 1:72 twist rate that was designed for patched Roundball.
Was wondering if anyone had shot the 1841 in the N-SSA with the original barrel, but using either a Minnie or wilkinson bullet? Any feedback appreciated.

**Eggman** · 03-25-2016

Many of the things posted on this forum are quite routine, some even boring. But this post I have to say is exceptionally interesting. Folks who have been at this sport for fifty or sixty years usually have an answer to about everything, but your inquiry is a real stumper. The idea of stretching a barrel is fascinating. Here's hoping someone comes on line who has done this. There was a Japanese manufacturer in the 70's or 80's that sold a muzzleloader with a two part barrel welded together that became somewhat unpopular. But this was a welded thing, not a stretched thing. Then there is the stock. I haven't heard of anyone stretching wood so hopefully someone will chime in explaining how this is done. Then there is your desire to go back to a seven groove configuration - this from an N-SSA guy. I still remain firmly entrenched in the blinkered camp that many many grooves in a barrel makes shooting a minie ball problematic. You said it was designed for round ball - so when you get it all ready to shoot will you shoot round ball? Or maybe that Wilkenson you asked about.
Anyway, here is how I would deal with it. I would reline the barrel with a top performing liner from Bobby Hoyt (717-642-6696). Then I would have a really short guy take it to the Small Arms Committee and ask for special dispensation as a dwarf. Most of those guys are hard asses so I would go to Bruce.

**Lou Lou Lou** · 03-25-2016

Bobby Hoyt stretched my wife's musket barrel and lined it. Cannot see the weld.

**Lou Lou Lou** · 03-25-2016

Usually the wood is "stretched" by splicing in a corresponding non cut down stock under the barrel band. Does that help. Teddy Borkowski stretched a stock for me, but I am sure there are others, if you can get the requisite wood.

**Fauch125** · 03-25-2016

Thanks for the replies. Lou is correct in that this is what I am planning to restore the rifle to its original dimensions and configuration. When done, I will happily shoot patched round balls through it (just not in N-SSA competition obviously). Still curious if others have experience shooting other projectiles, which are N-SSA legal, from an original 1841 Mississippi barrel?

**John Holland** · 03-25-2016

The original Model 1841 Rifle, aka "Mississippi Rifle", in the original 0.54 caliber does not have a rate of twist of 1 turn in 48", as I had originally thought I remembered measuring once. I don't know what I was remembering, but it was incorrect. Jonathan Faucher is correct, the rate of twist is 1x72".
Thank you for the correction!!!
JDH

Ron/The Old Reb · 03-25-2016

" Then I would have a really short guy take it to the Small Arms Committee and ask for special dispensation as a dwarf"

Egg
How late at night do you lay awake dreaming this stuff up?

**Eggman** · 03-25-2016

I still say my way is cheaper.

**Fauch125** · 03-25-2016

Don't know if it makes a difference, but the '41 is a Tryon contract. From the company history, A Business Established One Hunded Years Ago (1811-1911), the original roundball rate of twist was one in six feet. Checked the twist on the 26" of existing barrel on mine, does not make it half way in 26".

**geezmo** · 03-26-2016

John,
I have an original Whitney Mississippi with a great bore. I've won a couple of local round ball meat and blanket shoots with it (.530 ball and .010 spit patch) . Never had great luck with a minie. I have an old Rapine 540250 minie mold that started to show some promise. It's a short light bullet with quite a deep cavity. If memory serves me right, it was starting to shoot somewhat with light charges (in the 30 gr. range) but I never kept up with it. You've rekindled my interest. I'll mold up a few and as soon as I get chance, try them out. Will let you know the results.
Barry