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Joslyn M1862 and M1864 Carbines

Forgotten Weapons
Published on June 15, 2015
Category: Reviews
Duration: 9:38

This review details the Joslyn M1862 and M1864 Civil War carbines, highlighting their breech-loading mechanisms and evolution. The M1862 featured a proprietary .54 caliber rimfire and a unique extractor, while the M1864 adopted the .56-52 Spencer caliber and an improved latch. Springfield Armory also utilized Joslyn breech assemblies for infantry rifles.

Tags

Joslyn Carbine
M1862 Carbine
M1864 Carbine
Civil War Carbine
American Civil War
Cavalry Carbine
Rimfire
.56-52 Spencer
Antique Firearms
Militaria
Firearms History
Union Army
Breech-loading
Benjamin Joslyn

Quick Summary

The Joslyn M1862 and M1864 were Civil War carbines. The M1862 used a .54 rimfire caliber and featured a unique blade extractor, while the M1864 adopted the .56-52 Spencer caliber and an improved breech block latch. Springfield Armory also used Joslyn breech assemblies for rifles.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Joslyn Carbines
  2. 00:52Benjamin Joslyn and Early Designs
  3. 01:30M1862 Features and Production
  4. 02:20M1864 Improvements
  5. 03:30Springfield Armory Involvement
  6. 04:15Mechanical Operation: M1862
  7. 06:05Mechanical Operation: M1864
  8. 07:10Markings and Identification
  9. 08:12Field Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main differences between the Joslyn M1862 and M1864 carbines?

The M1862 used a proprietary .54 caliber rimfire, while the M1864 adopted the .56-52 Spencer caliber. The M1864 also featured mechanical improvements like a more robust spring-loaded breech block latch and a firing pin shroud, compared to the M1862's simpler friction-detent lock.

What was unique about the Joslyn M1862 carbine's action?

The M1862 employed a simple pivoting breech block with a distinctive blade-style extractor. This extractor automatically pulled the cartridge rim as the breech block opened, facilitating easier reloading compared to some contemporary designs.

Did Springfield Armory use Joslyn carbine designs?

Yes, Springfield Armory purchased 3,000 Joslyn breech assemblies to incorporate into infantry rifles. This marked a significant step as it was the first time the government arsenal mass-produced breech-loading rifles.

Why did the Joslyn M1864 carbine sometimes receive negative field reviews?

Historical accounts suggest that negative field performance was often linked to issues with the quality of the .56-52 Spencer ammunition used. Poor ammunition could cause the breech to malfunction or open unexpectedly, rather than indicating inherent design flaws in the carbine itself.

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