Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L

Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Barracks => Topic started by: LongWalker on April 05, 2021, 06:05:12 PM

Title: 1870 trapdoor carbine
Post by: LongWalker on April 05, 2021, 06:05:12 PM
I was nosing around trying to find some brass and ran across this: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/889580638 

I thought someone might want to save the pics for reference for future projects. 
Title: Re: 1870 trapdoor carbine
Post by: 38OVI on April 05, 2021, 10:18:22 PM
For some more information on trapdoors try www.trapdoorcollector.com   
Title: Re: 1870 trapdoor carbine
Post by: Niederlander on April 06, 2021, 06:03:57 AM
Nice find!  Without checking references, it certainly looks like the real thing.  If I only had the pocket change to buy it..............
Title: Re: 1870 trapdoor carbine
Post by: Pitspitr on April 06, 2021, 06:22:09 AM
If I only had the pocket change to buy it..............
I think you should buy it. You're always encouraging me to buy things, so I think you should buy this.  ;D
Think how good it would look in the firearms display!
Title: Re: 1870 trapdoor carbine
Post by: Tascosa Joe on April 06, 2021, 09:15:39 AM
Neat, but way above my pay grade.
Title: Re: 1870 trapdoor carbine
Post by: LongWalker on April 06, 2021, 11:53:25 AM
I ran across this following up a thread from the Trapdoor Collector Discussion Board from January; Dick Hosmer seemed to think it was real.  Given that, I figured the pictures in the listing would be a help for anyone inclined to make a carbine from a cut-down 1870 rifle.

Of course, if someone buys it, I hope to someday get the opportunity to check it out!
Title: Re: 1870 trapdoor carbine
Post by: Trailrider on April 06, 2021, 12:45:01 PM
Looks legit. Very scarce historical item.  Not many of them actually got issued as the 1869 cartridge conversion Sharps Carbines were more often issued to the cavalry.  I'd buy it, but I'm about $12,999. short!  :P
Title: Re: 1870 trapdoor carbine
Post by: Niederlander on April 06, 2021, 05:06:42 PM
I ran across this following up a thread from the Trapdoor Collector Discussion Board from January; Dick Hosmer seemed to think it was real.  Given that, I figured the pictures in the listing would be a help for anyone inclined to make a carbine from a cut-down 1870 rifle.

Of course, if someone buys it, I hope to someday get the opportunity to check it out!
I've built one out of a cut down rifle, and there are a few things that are pretty hard to fake unless you're an excellent machinist.  (The stock and cartouches are a whole 'nother item.)  Mine is "close enough for government work", and I'll have to say they're awesome little carbines.  I personally find them superior to the Sharps and rolling blocks, both of which I've used in competition.
Title: Re: 1870 trapdoor carbine
Post by: Niederlander on April 06, 2021, 08:35:26 PM
Looks legit. Very scarce historical item.  Not many of them actually got issued as the 1869 cartridge conversion Sharps Carbines were more often issued to the cavalry.  I'd buy it, but I'm about $12,999. short!  :P
I could certainly be wrong (I often am!), but according to what I've read MOST of them got issued during trials, and most show a LOT of wear because of it.  I think one reason you hardly ever see them (aside from the extremely limited numbers produced) is that they were pretty much used to destruction.  Of course, a lot of that may have happened after they were surplused, if they were.  They are REALLY handy little rifles, in a great caliber.