| Springfield Model 1822 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Musket |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1822–1865 |
| Used by | |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Eli Whitney |
| Designed | 1822 |
| Manufacturer |
|
| Produced | 1822–1835 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 9 lb (4.1 kg) |
| Length | 58 in (1,500 mm) |
| Barrel length | 42 in (1,100 mm) |
| Cartridge |
|
| Caliber | .69 in (17.526 mm) |
| Action |
|
| Rate of fire | User dependent; usually 2 to 3 rounds per minute |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,000 ft/s (300 m/s) to 1,400 ft/s (430 m/s) |
| Effective firing range | 50 to 100 yd (46 to 91 m) (smoothbore)[1] 200 to 400 yd (180 to 370 m) (rifled)[1] |
| Maximum firing range | 150 to 300 yd (140 to 270 m) (smoothbore)[1] 800 to 1,000 yd (730 to 910 m) (rifled)[1] |
| Feed system | Muzzle-loaded |
| Sights | A front sight cast into the upper barrel band, rear sight (percussion/rifled conversion) |
TheSpringfield Model 1822 was a .69 caliberflintlockmusket manufactured by theUnited States in the early 19th century.
The Model 1822 was an improvement to theSpringfield Model 1816. Some documents refer to the Model 1822 as its own separate model, but other documents refer to it as a variant of the Model 1816 designated as the Type II.[2]
Like the Model 1816, the Model 1822 was a .69 calibersmoothbore flintlock, with a 42-inch (110 cm) barrel and an overall length of 58 inches (150 cm). One of the most noticeable differences in the Model 1822 is the attachment of the lower sling swivel. The forward part of the trigger guard was provided with an enlargement which was drilled to receive the sling swivel rivet. Previously, the sling swivel had been affixed to a stud in front of the trigger guard.[2]
In addition to theSpringfield andHarpers Ferry armories, the Model 1822 was produced by numerous other independent contractors. It was eventually replaced by theSpringfield Model 1835, which is also considered by many to be a continuation of the Model 1816 designated as the Type III.[2]
Like other flintlocks, many of the Model 1822 muskets were converted topercussion lock in the 1840s and 1850s, as percussion caps were more reliable and weather resistant than flintlocks. However, during theMexico City campaign,General Winfield Scott insisted on his army being equipped with flintlock muskets because flints were easy to make or procure, important in a hostile country where supply lines were vulnerable.[2]
Some Model 1822 muskets also had their barrelsrifled so that they could fire the newly inventedMinié ball if the barrel was thick enough and structurally sound. However, the increase in breech pressure created by the new expanding bullet was too much for the conversion process and older musket barrels to contain and rifled Model 1822 muskets were issued instead with standard .69 caliberround balls.[2]
The Model 1822 was used in both theMexican–American War and theAmerican Civil War. During the latter, .69 caliber muskets (mostly percussion, but some flintlocks as well) were common in the early part of the war (either in their original form or converted to rifling). They had totally disappeared from theArmy of the Potomac by the second half of 1862 (aside from theIrish Brigade, which carriedSpringfield Model 1842 muskets until 1864), but the less-well equippedConfederate Army used them for longer, and theArmy of Northern Virginia's ordnance chief claimed thatGettysburg was the firstbattle in which the army was completely free of smoothbore muskets.[3]
In theWestern Theater, the situation was worse for both sides and smoothbores remained in use in theUnion armies into 1863. SomeConfederate regiments were still carrying .69 caliber muskets at theBattle of Franklin in November 1864.[3]
| Preceded by | United States Army rifle 1822-1835 | Succeeded by |
