1st Allin Shortened (2 Band)

[Tkacook]

Thanks for posting those!

[cimiM1]

Thanks for posting those!

Look similar to yours?

[Tkacook]

I am embarrassed to say that I have a shortened 2nd Allin, not a 1st. Miss-read your title in the original post. And no it's not as nice as that, but it's a good shooter.

1866-short-rifle.jpg

[cimiM1]

Thanks for posting the photo. I have a full length 2nd if you'd care to see some photos.

[Tkacook]

Always love to see trapdoor pictures!

[Kragrifle]

I have two of the "proper" two band first Allins. The best description is in the little catalog that Joe DeChristopher published years ago.

[Fred]

Neat trapdoor!

[Edatbeach]

FWIW, my reasoning that this "short M1865 rifle" (as described by DeChristopher) is NOT an SA product is as follows:
1. The stock shows the original middle band spring slot, filled in. SA apparently did not use this approach: in the earlier M1864 SA "short rifle musket" (Moller Vol. III p. 336-8) and the later M1866 Short Rifle, stocks were provided without the filled middle band spring slot.
2. The barrel is not tapered full length to a 0.780 inch muzzle to fit the M1855 bayonet; the taper starts behind the front band, at about 10 inches from the muzzle. SA tapered the M1866 Short Rifle barrels full length.
3. On my example, the cut for the stock ridge at the front band was done with a saw (like Harpers Ferry did early on, not SA), and the front section then tapered. Traces of the saw cut remain -- not SA quality.
4. The muzzle crown, flat with the inside taper, is not typical of SA work.
5. The ramrod is shortened roughly, with the cut end unevenly filed to a "crown."
6. The ramrod/clearing rod cut at the front of the stock, where the rod has the bulge for retention, is unevenly done -- not SA work

I'm open to other proof, but so far, actual documentation is lacking.