Trapdoors Arrived

[THBailey]

Learning a lesson on not bidding after afternoon beer drinking, I bought my first trapdoors in a two for one money bid item at the recent RIA auction.

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1029/4100/two-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-rifles#detail

After a fair bit of online reading about these guns I have a couple of questions I would appreciate some help on.

The first gun is an 1873 ser # 195465 that per the online sources, appears fairly correct on parts, stamps and measurements. The bore, unfortunately, is pitted and corroded beyond use. I am wondering about others satisfaction and results when putting a liner in these guns? I am thinking of the 1-22" 3 groove from TOTW? Any reason I would not want to do this?

The second gun is an 1870 with the number 1561 on the barrel only, that likewise seems to have the correct parts and stamps, and a really nice 3-groove bore, but its measurements are off. 48" overall, 28 1/2" muzzle to block hinge pin, bands 12" apart. I am guessing it was converted to a cadet configuration somewhere along the line, but it sure looks like all original construction. I am hoping the someone might have some better information on this gun?

[emcon5]

Link doesn't work, looks truncated.

[THBailey]

Try again?

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1029/4100/two-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-rifles#detail

[mrvkamp]

The original link works for me (as does the second).

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Having only recently taken an interest in Trapdoors, I must say those are very nice!

[navydad2010]

Trapdoor is definitely on the list...45-70 is the bomb to load for, I hear!

[SamGoldstein]

Buy a replica and save yourself a major headache. The fun part is shooting not cleaning.

[IrishJoe3]

My original is my favorite gun to shoot. I usually shoot a light smokeless, though Shooting authentic black powder loads are awesome.

Track of the Wolf had everything you need to reload trap door, including casting and blackpowder supplies. Cleaning after blackpowder isn't a hassle, you just have to make sure you do it.

My barrel was also very very pitted, I ended up buying a barreled receiver (original) from eBay for $150 that was far less pitted. I'd be interested in whatever you find regarding liners!

[M1NM]

I knew a guy that managed a firearm museum for the owner of Southern Comfort. He'd buy guns in bulk. He gave me dibbs on a new unfired Trapdoor for $100. Bought dies etc and loaded up some period correct loads but just couldn't bring myself to shoot it - after alĺ it's only new once. Sold it to a friend who shot it. It became his favorite gun. He's passed away and his son is only keeping that one from his collection.

[beerman]

I think you did good on the price OP. I have an orig '73 that also had a pitted bore, but it shoots fine. I think the troops on the field didn't clean the BP like they should have as most of these I see are pitted. Mines been thru a rebuild as it has the later Buffington sights (as does your Kadet) Your long rifle has the period correct buckhorn type. These are fun guns to shoot!

[Bainter1212]

I have an original with Buffington sight, but haven't shot it yet.

One of these days I can break in my new Lee lead pot........

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[Sutcliffe]

Always been fascinated by these guns

They were pretty much obsolete the moment they rolled off the assembly line.

Love the .45-70 cartridge, though.

[Jimja]

The trapdoor is one of my favorite guns to shoot. It's a lot of fun and there is something very unique about working the action. They are not very popular and can be found at reasonable prices, especially compared to other US military rifles

Here are a couple of photos from the WEGC shoot a couple months ago

[THBailey]

The trapdoor is one of my favorite guns to shoot. It's a lot of fun and there is something very unique about working the action. They are not very popular and can be found at reasonable prices, especially compared to other US military rifles

Here are a couple of photos from the WEGC shoot a couple months ago

That is one nice looking gaggle of guns!

[Mike Armstrong]

THBailey, would you bring a beam of light into my dark corner by telling me who/what TOTW is?

(I guess I only THOUGHT I was a "know it all"....).

Mike Armstrong