Trapdoor Springfields

[Sousuke]

Hi - I've been looking at trapdoor springfields a bit and wanted to know if there is anything I should be on the lookout for (good or bad).

I'm going to get an original shooter this fall I think and will use BP loads.

Are certain runs better than others? Are there any versions I need to look out for that are not cash and carry (barring obviously the reproduction uberti / pedersoli etc).

Best!

[Springfield45]

Watch for imitation cadet rifles or ones put together by Bannerman. All so be careful that carbines are not cut down rifles. Any Springfield from 1873 and on can be good, just look for one that is in good condition paying particular attention the barrel wear. Check the lock it should be very crisp even for an old rifle. The wood around the lock should look undisturbed. It is common to have the cleaning rod missing. And the ejector spring is the most likely part to be broken. These parts and reproduction slings can be had from Numrich gun parts.

[Anubis Laughed]

The .45-70 caliber Trapdoors were used for a long period of time by the US Military, roughly from 1873-1894, and there were several variants made during that time. Most rifles saw further use in the State Militias well up until the 1920's.

Complicating that is that many rifles went through official arsenal rebuilds. Later, various civilian contractors (and dealers and collectors), built their own rifles from parts and older guns.

I'd recommened picking up Joe Poyer's book on the .45-70 Springfield rifle. For an investment of less than $25 you can learn a lot about what to look for (and look out for).

Here's the Amazon link, but it's sold elsewhere as well:

http://www.amazon.com/45-70-Springfield-Joe-Poyer/dp/188239139X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438127113&sr=8-1&keywords=trapdoor+springfield

[M1NM]

I had one that was new never fired. Came from a lot that had been purchased for a museum. I knew the curator and declared it surplus from the museum holdings. Best $100 I ever spent but couldn't bring myself to shoot it. Should have never sold it to my friend a couple months later for $450. He used light smokeless powder loads.

[Sousuke]

The .45-70 caliber Trapdoors were used for a long period of time by the US Military, roughly from 1873-1894, and there were several variants made during that time. Most rifles saw further use in the State Militias well up until the 1920's.

Complicating that is that many rifles went through official arsenal rebuilds. Later, various civilian contractors (and dealers and collectors), built their own rifles from parts and older guns.

I'd recommened picking up Joe Poyer's book on the .45-70 Springfield rifle. For an investment of less than $25 you can learn a lot about what to look for (and look out for).

Here's the Amazon link, but it's sold elsewhere as well:

http://www.amazon.com/45-70-Springfi...or+springfield

Thanks! I ordered a copy (well my wife ordered a copy for me lol)

[THBailey]

Thanks! I ordered a copy (well my wife ordered a copy for me lol)

Good move! Poyer will forget more about these rifles than I will ever know!

[MPG]

Very fun to shoot
Enjoy !!

[musketjon]

Joe Poyer is a straight shooter--no pun intended. I have known him personally for the better part of 30 years. And Craig Reich, too, for almost as long.
Jon

[kendog4570]

If you are going to shoot it with black powder, you might consider this book.

http://4570products.info/Loading-Cartridges-for-Original-45-70-Springfield-1.htm

A little clunky to read through at times, but a wealth of information on original loads from Frankford Arsenal and how to assemble them with today's components. Follow it by the letter and you will be amazed at the power and accuracy designed into the rifle/ammunition combination.