custom rolling block

[R.MARSHALL]

I'm new to the forum and new to rolling block and black powder cartridge rifles. I have a beater 1863 Sharps carbine in 50/70 with a nice bore and a Springfield 1871 RB in 50-70 with a nice bore and I picked up a custom RB in 45-70 that I have a few questions about. 1st does it have a #5 receiver? When the breech block is closed there is a little daylight between it in the chamber, is that a problem? I plan to shoot some black powder through it, but would also like to shoot some modern ammo too, I that a good Idea or should I just stick to black powder?
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5220.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5220.jpg.html)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5223.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5223.jpg.html)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5224.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5224.jpg.html)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5219.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5219.jpg.html)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5225.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5225.jpg.html)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5226.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5226.jpg.html)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5227.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5227.jpg.html)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5228.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5228.jpg.html)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5229.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5229.jpg.html)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5232.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5232.jpg.html)

[John Taylor]

Nice looking roller. It would be a hard to tell from the photo but i think it is an older black powder model, not a #5. It still should be safe with factory loaded 45-70. The gap in the breach block can be caused by several things, most likely the person fitting the barrel did not check the breach for square. Usually this will not cause a problem with the low pressure of the 45-70, at 28,000 the brass does not move much.

[R.MARSHALL]

Thanks John. I was told by the seller that it was built by a gentleman by the name Ralph Mack and the engraver went by JT. If it's a good shooter I may invest in a tang sight.

[Frank46]

Looks like the upper tang has had the information that one would normally see there removed. I'm thinking it is a #1 blackpowder action. The #5's that I have seen have later patent dates, smokeless firing pin and there usually is a mortise that part of the butt stock fits into. Was the firing pin bushed to a smaller diameter for use with smokeless ammo?. Not being crital but if it still has the blackpowder firing pin it could lead to pierced primers. And does your RB have the screw through the breech block that retains the firing pin?. Didn't see it in your pics. Nice rifle and engraving. Frank

[Geezer in NH]

The breech block is NOT from a #5 action the #5 goes off to the right not up like that one does. I would say it was a #1 military action that was re-done.

[marlinman93]

Not all top tangs had markings. Especially the earlier guns! I've got three originals that have no top tang markings. The stamp is on the side of the receiver instead.

[R.MARSHALL]

Thanks for the replies guys. It appears the firing pin is screwed in from the rear of the block and is spring loaded. Here are some photos.
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5234.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5234.jpg.html)
http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u455/coondawg007/IMG_5235.jpg (http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/coondawg007/media/IMG_5235.jpg.html)