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Ammohouse
12-09-2007, 10:46 AM
Whos the expert here on the Trapdoor?
I've got pictures of one that I need more info on.
I think it original but I'm not sure.
Or should I just post pics here?

13Echo
12-09-2007, 11:14 AM
By all means post the pictures. Need to see the serial number, left and right side action pictures, rear sight, and muzzle. Also post your question of the Trapdoor sites, especially

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

Jerry Liles

Ammohouse
12-09-2007, 02:25 PM
Here's the pics. As you can see, my camera skills are limited!
The serial # 338891

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/2Knives/TD1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/2Knives/TD2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/2Knives/TD3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/2Knives/TD4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/2Knives/TD5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/2Knives/TD6.jpg

13Echo
12-09-2007, 02:32 PM
It's an 1884 Springfield and it looks all original except someone has "sporterized" the stock. The value is greatly reduced by the cutdown stock. Otherwise the metal looks to be in excellent shape and, if the bore is good, it should be a good shooter and a lot of fun.

Jerry liles

KCSO
12-09-2007, 04:08 PM
Looks to be a cut down rifle made to look like a carbine. If the bore is good it will be a good shooter but no collectors piece. Even in this condition they are going for over $500 bucks around here.

Ammohouse
12-09-2007, 06:11 PM
I was kinda guessing along those lines.
I've read a little about them and I thought I might have known what I was talking about.
Its always nice to make sure though...thanks.
It is in very good condition and definately a shooter. Its my buddies gun and I told him I would make some BP loads for it. He bought a box of 45-70(smokeless) I told him not to use them. My old *** trapdoor is a thrown together model made from alot of different guns, I still shoot it from time to time, they are fun guns. His is in ALOT better shape than mine.
Thanks for the help.

KCSO
12-09-2007, 06:14 PM
http://www.armscollectors.com/srs.htm type your serial number in here andy find out what it was and where it went.

StrawHat
12-10-2007, 01:31 AM
Two sites that have a bunch of stuff about and for trapdoors.

http://www.trapdoors.com/

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

My trapdoor is the result of a blending of an 1866 barreled action with a 1841 Mississippi Rifle (italian). Not 100% authentic but not necessarily wrong either.

Your buddy will enjoy those BP loads. Make sure you teach him how to make them or you might be loading a lot for him.

NickSS
12-10-2007, 05:09 PM
AS said above it lookes like a cut down 1884 springfield but it could also be an 1878 with a buffington sight or a Model 1888. The serial number will tell the tail. Remember one thing the TD springfields were designed to shoot either 405 gr HB bullets or 500 gr solid base boolits cast 16 to 1. If you shoot anything else accuracy will be spotty. Also groove diameters run .463 and larger so the boolit has to upset to fill them. Black powder does this but smokeless is spotty as far as bumping a boolit up. I shoot several of these rifles in 50-70 and 45-70 and found that black powder is the powder of choice for accuracy. I size boolits .459 and let the powder bump them up to fill the bore just as the original ammo did.

Ammohouse
12-10-2007, 08:51 PM
The more I look at it, it doesn't seem cut down to me.
I'll ask him to get better pictures and I'll post them when he does.
Also, I must be doing something wrong because I can't find where to type in the serial number on the link you posted...am I mental?

13Echo
12-11-2007, 09:59 PM
The stock has to be a cutdown if it is original. Only the carbine had a short stock like that and it would have the inletting for the saddle ring on the left side. it is a shame since it is a very nice stock with a good, sharp cartouche.

Jerry Liles

Ammohouse
12-12-2007, 07:36 AM
Ah, I learn something new everyday. Thanks!
Yes, the pictures don't do it justice. Its in very nice condition!!!

crossfireoops
12-12-2007, 11:49 AM
The New Delrin "Flex rods" have made running the TDs with BP a real delight, in that you can swab and clean from the breech end.

Dittos on best accuracy with BP with the TDs, I have access to a small fleet of 'em.........just wish I got along better with the wonderful Buffingtons..........Hard for aging eyes.

Is the barrel on the rifle pictured ( beautiful, that one)......still original legnth ?

Best Regards, GTC