Springfield trapdoor receiver lengths

[labradigger1]

Hi, I was overcome yesterday with gunlust at an auction in Pa and bought a rem rolling block in 43 Egyptian and an 1884 Springfield trapdoor.
I also bought an extra barrel and stocks to make another rifle.
There was also a box of Springfield parts so I bought that as well. Among the parts in the box are several receivers but one is noticeably longer than the rest.
One is about 5-1/2" long while the others are 4-13/16". No serial #'s on the longer receiver but does have a (U) stamped on the under side. All the extra length of the receiver is at the front portion and seems to have about twice the length of threads for the barrel. Google does not seem to be helping much.
Anyone have any idea what model this long receiver was used for?
Thanks, Lab

[curator]

There was an experimental trapdoor Springfield made for the "long-range" .45-85 cartridge. This was just before the .30 Krag was accepted. Not many were made, and Springfield Armory did not serial number their experimental models. You might try asking this question on one of the trapdoor sites.

[ascast]

ditto curator, but I would sooner think it's the earlier '68 or '69 or '70 year (?) model. The nose of the receiver is very much longer. it was a 50-70. Any screw holes in it on top? post pic?

[labradigger1]

Shown beside standard receiver for comparison.

[labradigger1]

Possibly 50-70 receiver?

[wddodge]

Get in touch with Keith Rush at Trapdoors Galore. I've met and dealt with this gentleman several times and his knowledge of trapdoors is outstanding.

http://www.trapdoors.com/index.php

Do this at your own risk...... It's hard to get off the phone with him in less than an hour.

Denny

[bob208]

by my book it is a 1868 receiver. they were the only ones that were longer.

[labradigger1]

by my book it is a 1868 receiver. they were the only ones that were longer.
I seen that listed on a website earlier. Maybe?

[M-Tecs]

This is the site I would recommend http://trapdoorcollector.com/ Al is a straight shooter.


Al Frasca

937-399-5002 (office),
419-746-2242 (away)
or 937-408-0147(cell)
email afrasca@erinet.com

[StrawHat]

The first Springfield Single Shot that used a separate receiver was the 1868. Prior to that, they were all machined from musket barrels. The Frasca site is the one with the most information, and the associated forum.

Kevin

[varsity07840]

The longer one is from an 1868 or 1869 .50-70. The model 1870 changed to the shorter version.

Duane

[Scharfschuetze]

The longer one is from an 1868 or 1869 .50-70. The model 1870 changed to the shorter version.

Duane

Bingo. Varsity and Bob208 are shootin' Xs.

Lack of a serial number would also tend to confirm the 1868 answer. A 50/70 high arch breach block should be proper for the long nosed receiver.

[varsity07840]

Oddly enough, most '68s and'69s had a set of matching serial numbers on the left side of the breech. One set where the barrel met the receiver and the other on the receiver itself. The short receiver 1870 did not carry serial numbers. Keep in mind that the last production 1868s had 1870
stamped receivers, while the true 1870s were stamped Model 1870.

Duane