Trapdoor questions

[prsman23]

I know value on these can vary. I have someone willing to sell me this rifle for $350. I know nothing about them. I see it has some rust. Looks like surface rust. Missing the rear sight Tons of pics. Any thoughts?
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/04/u6y8e7a3.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/04/muhybyju.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/04/ra7uqyze.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/04/mapu4y5y.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/04/y4y8ugyb.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/04/ybybegy7.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/04/y9esa8u2.jpg

[curator]

Buy it or tell him I will---

[prsman23]

Lol. I already told him I'd buy it. Hopefully it doesn't turn into a wall hanger. He said the bore is bright and shiny no pits. Wish I could see it in person. Hopefully it's not too big of a gamble.

[prsman23]

Curator. We have a place in Bonita springs right on the beach. Ft Meyers is a hop skip and a jump away.

[Tom Trevor]

1891 cartouche is later than serial number on reciever but for that money well worth it. A bit of careful cleaning will add hundreds to value.

[prsman23]

Ok. I've had a hard time finding a serial number guide. What year is this one made?

[rmark]

Receiver probably made 1887 according to the chart on page 269, 'The Trapdoor Springfield' by Poyer and Riesch.

[Scharfschuetze]

Looks like the breach block carries the 1873 date which was used on most breach blocks up to the 1884 rifle. Given that and the mismatch of the cartouch and the serial number, it might be a parts gun. It's still a very good price and if the bore is shiny as claimed, you are buying into a great deal of fun at a very good price. Are you also missing the forend cap?

I'd certainly buy it for a shooter and if you get it back to "issue" standard with a new sight, you'll be the envy of all at the range. Given the 1887 production date, the Buffington sight is probably the correct sight to look for, but if it's a parts gun, the barrel my be from an earlier date and might require an older style sight.

A side note with Trapdoors is that the front sight needs to raised considerably for a good zero if you use smokeless powder in 'em. A piece of sheet steel or brass the width of the original sight blade works well.

[prsman23]

Are you also missing the forend cap?

I'd certainly buy it for a shooter and if you get it back to "issue" standard with a new sight, you'll be the envy of all at the range. Given the 1887 production date, the Buffington sight is probably the correct sight to look for, but if it's a parts gun, the barrel my be from an earlier date and might require an older style sight.



I am not missing the cap... To my knowledge.
Anyway to know which sight should be used by the barrel? I'd appreciate any info. And since the rifle is now in my possession I'd be happy to take additional pictures and can answer more in depth ?'s to help.

[Scharfschuetze]

The proper sight would be dependent on the distance between the screw holes on the barrel for the sight. Measure the distance between your screw holes and we can probably figure out which sight to look for.

The reason I ask about the front cap or stock tip is that it looks like it is missing from your photo of the barrel with the bayonet on it.

[fouronesix]

No kidding great price- especially with a fine bore. Here's a link to some serial dates for various firearms including US Military. Scroll down left side to "Manufacture Dates".
http://oldguns.net/cat_fa_old_hand.htm#SMOF6110

[woodbutcher]

:( The only thing wrong with that TD.IT AIN`T MINE.:mrgreen:
That`s a nice piece.Shot one years ago that belonged to a friend.His Grand Father bought it NEW.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[StrawHat]

My go to site for all things Trapdoor.

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

[rickomatic]

Her's another good site.

http://www.trapdoors.com

I picked one up at the funshow last week for $300. It appears to be a cut down rifle "turned in to" a saddle ring carbine. I got a couple parts from the site above.

[prsman23]

Thanks guys. Those are great sites. I did find out that I am missing the fore end cap. I came across a buckhorn sight that fits the front. It's missing the spring. Thanks to y'all I'll be ordering a spring from the links you provided.
Next I'll need to scare up some funds for the loading book and slug the barrel so I can order a mold.