Tweet
The purpose of this thread is mostly an opportunity to wallow in my own self pity, and perhaps a chance for mild entertainment for yourself.
So I have a Model 1884 Trapdoor Springfield Rifle. The rifle is in excellent condition, and is a family heirloom that was given to me when I was a kid. I've shot it, but never seriously and never with blackpowder. Well I'm getting back into bullet casting, and wanted to maximize the potential of this rifle. Apparently, despite an excellent exterior, it doesn't have much potential.
At the range, using a light load of IMR 4198 and 405 grain cast/lubed bullets, I was only able to get about an 8-12 inch group at 100 yards.
I picked up a "Micro USB Bore Scope" for $20 off amazon. Essentially, this device plugs into a smart phone. I thas a very small forward facing camera, that has six small LEDs around it. The brightness of those LEDs is controlled by a thumb dial. The image is displayed on the smart phone. For $20 I didn't expect miracles, and didn't get miracles. But it did allow me to see in the bore better than looking down the muzzle. (In the pictures I dropped a section of dowel down the barrel, as the light reflecting off this plug gave a better picture).
The forward half of the barrel looks pretty good.
But right around 8 inches from the chamber, we start seeing a problem.
Curses to whoever fired the blackpowder rounds through this gun then didn't clean it for 50 years!
So that is my sad tale....if you happen to know anyone with a better condition trapdoor barrel for sale, please let me know
So I have a Model 1884 Trapdoor Springfield Rifle. The rifle is in excellent condition, and is a family heirloom that was given to me when I was a kid. I've shot it, but never seriously and never with blackpowder. Well I'm getting back into bullet casting, and wanted to maximize the potential of this rifle. Apparently, despite an excellent exterior, it doesn't have much potential.
At the range, using a light load of IMR 4198 and 405 grain cast/lubed bullets, I was only able to get about an 8-12 inch group at 100 yards.
I picked up a "Micro USB Bore Scope" for $20 off amazon. Essentially, this device plugs into a smart phone. I thas a very small forward facing camera, that has six small LEDs around it. The brightness of those LEDs is controlled by a thumb dial. The image is displayed on the smart phone. For $20 I didn't expect miracles, and didn't get miracles. But it did allow me to see in the bore better than looking down the muzzle. (In the pictures I dropped a section of dowel down the barrel, as the light reflecting off this plug gave a better picture).
The forward half of the barrel looks pretty good.
But right around 8 inches from the chamber, we start seeing a problem.
Curses to whoever fired the blackpowder rounds through this gun then didn't clean it for 50 years!
So that is my sad tale....if you happen to know anyone with a better condition trapdoor barrel for sale, please let me know
Comment