The Model 1812 was an attempt to improve both the design and manufacturing process of the musket.

[2] The Springfield Model 1812 musket arrived too late to be of use in the War of 1812 but would later become standard issue to regular infantry and militia units.

However, the Model 1812 remained in service for many years, and was even used in the American Civil War, mostly by the Confederate forces.

By the start of the Civil war, the weapon was considered to be old and obsolete but was needed to fill arms shortages.

[5] Some Model 1812 muskets were later converted to percussion lock firing mechanisms.