Trapdoor Rifle.

[thx997303]

My father in law has a trapdoor carbine marked 1863 on the side plate, and marked 1870 on the trapdoor.

My question is, what model trapdoor would this be considered?

I imagine it was arsenal refinished at some point.

[Larry Gibson]

If original and not a parts gun it should be a 50/70 and possibly a M1868.

Larry Gibson

[NickSS]

The goverment used parts from Mussle Loading rifles all through manufacture of the trapdoor rifles. All of the rifles made before the modle of 1873 used left over locks from civil war rifles. I think the only cabine trapdoor made was the model 1870. so that is what you probably have,

[Mark Daiute]

you need a copy of Richard Hosmer's Book "The 58 and 50 Caliber rifles and Carbines of Springfield Armory 1865-1873" available through North Cape Publications.

After the second Allin Conversions and with the advent of the Model 1868 Trapdoors as we call them today were new made. IIRC, after the Second Allin Conversions locks were new made also... I'd have to check Dick's Book. There were several carbines, including 1873's...

With the 1873 onward trapdoors were in 45-70, prior to that they were primarily 50-70 with the first Allin Conversions being 58 caliber.

Keep us posted.

[thx997303]

Well, this one's a 45-70.

Looks like it may be a converted Springfield 1863.

[Mark Daiute]

The 1870 breechblock was made for Model 1868 and/or Model 1870 trapdoors (depending on configuration). Both the 1868's and the 1870's were 50 caliber rifles. It's possible, if not likely, that your rifle was assembled from parts by the likes of Bannerman. A rifle like yours was sold recently on Al Frasca's site.

Regards,

Mark

[Ron B.]

Can you post pics; we'd like to see it!
And, does it have a serial number you can partially show?

Ron

[thx997303]

It isn't my rifle. It belongs to my father in law.

I will try and get pictures.

[StrawHat]

Here's a site that may help.

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

[NickSS]

if it is marked like you said and has parts like you say it has and is in 45-70 it has b een put together from parts and probably has a relined barrel to boot. If so it has zero collectors value and is only a shooter or can be used for parts.

[thx997303]

Well we plan on shooting it.

Speaking of which, does anybody use hodgdons data for trapdoors?

Seems kinda hot to me.

[Tom-ADC]

I tried & liked 10 grs of Unique with a 405 gr boolit no filler zero recoil and accurate out to a 100yds.
Also used Varget & IMR 3031with good results but now all it see's is holy black.

Go to Hodgdon's website they have loads just for trapdoors I tend to stay at the low end of the recommended loads.

[missionary5155]

Good morning
Be sure to slug the throat area. My 45.70 Trapdoor has a FAT throat at .462 and needs a .464 boolit to shoot accurately with smokeless.

[StrawHat]

[QUOTE=missionary5155;1046878] ...My 45.70 Trapdoor has a FAT throat ... /QUOTE]

Not unusual with Trapdoors. Good advice to slug the throat.