Man Buys Civil War Rifle At Online Auction, Finds Out That It’s Still Loaded Since The 1800’s

NORTH PORT, FLORIDA — A man made a score at an online auction after successfully bidding on a Springfield 1861 rifle, manufactured in Connecticut in 1863 during the Civil War.

The gun belonged to a New Jersey soldier. When John Pisano received the gun after winning the auction, he quickly realized that it was still loaded, likely for over a century.

Pisano took the weapon to a local gunsmith who helped him safely remove the charge without the gun firing. Jim Morrison, owner of J.M. Gun Repair, told the paper that it appeared as if the load was from the 1860s due to its condition.

via mysuncoast.com

Commenting on the story, a Facebook user revealed his experience and knowledge related to the topic.

And never forget one of the important rules of firearm safety: Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.