The only source I have here at home simply states they received 'Sprirfield rifled muskets' but does not state which type. I believe that they used the same rile as Halls Sharpshooters, however I do not own the book on weapons issued to Michigan regiments that is the most reliable. I will check it next time I do go to the State of Michigan Library to verify the rifles issued to the 1st MSS. The 1st Michigan Sharpshooters was a rather famous Michigan unit and there is at least one book on this unit that has some photographs, it is at the State of Michigan Library (I am not sure of the name, but do remember thumbing thru it when I was there a few months ago). This may in fact be a book that is currently for sale from several internet sources by Raymond J. Herek named These Men Have Seen Hard Service. In the magazine Military Images Volume XVI number 3 (The whole issue is on the Civil War soldiers of Michigan) there are several photographs of the regiment as well. I am currently working on uniform of Michigan units, but have not gone into depth on this unit as of yet. The enlisted men of 1st MSS seem to wear regulation blue frock coats. The blue frock coat issued to Berdan's Sharpshooter had green trim instead of regulation light blue and it is possible, but not likely, that the 1st MSS was issued this uniform. Some men from the 1st MSS wore slouch hats that seem to have "1MSS" on the front (I am not sure of this as the photos from the magazine are not clear enough to make out with certainty). If I have time I can check out some photos in the State Archives. One day I may travel to Detroit and research their photos in the Burton Collect which is the best source of Civil War photos in the area. If you are interested I can write back once I find out something.

Bill