Questions on Dixie's 1863 Springfield

[Shortround]

First, has anybody put this kit together?

Second, is this kit very accurate and like the original?

Third, are there instructions for refinishing the weapon on this page?

Fourth, how does one polish the steel bands?

Now, just how much does this kit upset people if you reenact with it? I can't see a reenactor using this for an 1861 Manassas reenactment.

Bill
Private
Lansing, MI

[mexwarbob]

My wife purchased one for me as a combination b-day and xmas gift last year. It was on sale at the time
Putting it together and doing everything was a nice winter project.
There were no instuctions included; however familiarity with CW muskets is a big help.
I highly recommend The Civil War Musket: A Handbook for Historical Accuracy-Lock, Stock , and Barrel by Craig L.Barry. There is more than enough information in there to get you through the project. Search the forums for more info.
I used my Chapman gunsmithing screwdriver set for most of the assembly. The wood to metal fit was very good right out of the box and required only very little trimming (remember you can always remove more wood; you cant add with an x-acto knife kit
I left the barrel in the stock when I sanding so I could get a really flush tang to wood fit and also with the butt plate.
I started out with 80 grit and worked my way up to 600 grit and finally 0000 steel wool on the stock. The stock will take a considerable amount of sanding to get a really good finish, mine was very rough finished.
The barrel comes blued for some reason. You can buy a bottle of bluing removal at any sportings goods store. Just wear rubber gloves. It took three applications to fully remove the bluing. I started the polishing with emery paper and eventually wound up with 1500 grade sandpaper. Be patient. A tip from Curt Heinrich Schmidt and get yourself some Mothers Mag Wheel Polish at Wally World.
Finishing the stock I used the formula in lock, stock and barrel.
The barrel bands are not polished. They are meant to be color case hardened just like the lock plate.
You will have to polish the trigger guard and nose cap.
The lock came assembled, but I disassembled it cleaned it real well and did some fine tuning of the lock.
I use it for my late war fed impresiion. I have taken it to campaigner events and it has passed muster there.
I have had no problems with it. It has performed well every time.
Good luck, take your time and you will have something you can be very proud of.
Bob Gregory
79th NY Company A
"When I got started in reenacting, we had to wait for the sun to be invented for a dawn tactical"