Use for a .50-70 barreled action

[ndnchf]

I've got an 1868 Model Springfield .50-70 barrled action laying around.  Been thinking of possible uses.  The 1868 Model was originally made from surplus 1861 springfield model stocks.  I've been thinking about getting a repro Euroarms 1861 Springfield musket and adapting the 1868 barrled action to it.  I'll probably cut it down to a more manageble length and maybe use other musket parts to finish it up.  Not trying to recreate anything here.  But trying to do what a gunsmtih of the 1870s may have done with a rifle that was brought in with a shattered stock - adapt it to something else of the period. 

Have any of you done this or heard of anyone doing it?  Ideas?  Suggestions?

BTW - I already have a complete model 1868 that I shoot regularly, this is just a fun project

[Herbert]

i have seen idear of yousing replica gun parts work,i did it with a snider reack and replica enfild stock ,it worked fine with a litle inleting

[Rebel Dave]

hdhchf
No need to use repro parts to make a whole gun. I'll let you in on the BEST PLACE to get U.S. Martial musket parts, this includes all  models  of trap doors. Check out my freind Bil Osborne's shop, @ Lodgewood.com ,   he has all manner of parts, probably even a few original stocks, and especilly lock parts. I know from experience with muskets, the original lock parts "are the best". If you call them ask for Becky.

Good Luck   Rebel Dave

[Advertising]

[ndnchf]

RD - I am familiar with Lodgwood, I've ordered parts from them before.  They are a great resource.  I'll keep them in mind.

[Oregon Bill]

Ndnchief: If the barrel and action are in good shape, it is well worth trying to put your .50-70 back to work. Try trapdoorcollector.com, S&S and Dunlap Woodcrafts for parts. Local historical society has a .50-70 with forend cut back, double triggers installed and an inlet in the right cheek of the buttstock where a leather strap holds three extra cartridges. The rifle was used to guard cattle against grizzlies in the 1870s here.

[ndnchf]

The barreled action is serviceable, but not cherry by any means.  That's why I figure its a good candiate for this project.  I thought about a Gemmer style conversion, but that would require re-barreling,  I don't want to go that route.  Plus I like old military rifles, so the idea of putting it into a repro 1861 Springfield stock seems like a good starting point.  But I would like to shorten it a bit to something like an 1842 Fremont musket size.  I may even use an 1842 style front band that has a front sight on it.  Like I said, I'm not trying to recreate an original rifle, but build a servicable rifle, like a period gunsmith may have done with parts that were available.

 I have an S&S catalog and have looked at Dunlap's and other trapdoor internet sights.  There are plenty of parts out there. 

Thanks for your thoughts  

[Joe Lansing]

I had an 1868 action around, too. I always liked the idea of a 50-70, but only in recent years has the brass become available at affordable prices. 
Earlier this year I searched Ebay and Gun Broker and S&S for parts and I assembled a "sporter" 1868 Springfield. It has a fine bore, with all original parts, except for the sights and a few screws. All that is left to do is to work on the finish.
It shoots very well. I load with 23gr 4759 under Quaker Puffed Rice as a filler.The 450 gr bullet is crimped in. I do not resize the cases. This is a comfortable and accurate load, and not sizing preserves the cases.
I also added a wood, checkered pistol grip I got from Dixie.

                                             JL