Author Topic: Original Trapdoor Rifles  (Read 16064 times)

Offline Drydock

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #20 on: May 31, 2015, 05:59:20 PM »
There were several regular units that used the cadet rifle, particularly in the 1880s as the Army experimented with various models looking for a lighter, more universal rifle.  In any case, the Cadet rifle is a GAF legal rifle, welcome in our single shot classes.  It would rightfully be paired with a SAA type revolver, or can be used by itself in our 1 gun rifle classes.  You are welcome to use your Remington Conversion as well. 
Civilize them with a Krag . . .

Offline Jake C

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #21 on: June 03, 2015, 11:03:16 AM »
I do have a quick question. I noticed that the rifle I'm looking at has a slight issue - the firing pin doesn't appear to stick up/out the whole way, which makes me fear that I may pull back the hammer, pull the trigger, and not have anything happen. Since my LGS said that they'd guarantee a firing rifle, or my money back/the rifle fixed, I'm not overly concerned, but I just wanted to check with you all concerning this.

P.S. sorry if my terminology isn't correct here, still fairly new to firearms in general and Trapdoors in particular.
Win with ability, not with numbers.- Alexander Suvorov, Russian Field Marshal, 1729-1800

Offline Pitspitr

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #22 on: June 03, 2015, 11:54:39 AM »
It could have some crud in the breach block that stops the firing pin from going all the way out or it be that the firing pin is ground/broken off. Some trapdoors had a firing pin return spring that could hold it back some.
If it is a ground/broken firing pin, S&S http://www.ssfirearms.com/categories.asp?cat=158 has them. Either way it's a simple fix, simply requiring loosening 1 screw.
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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #23 on: Today at 03:05:43 AM »

Offline Jake C

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #23 on: June 03, 2015, 12:24:38 PM »
It could have some crud in the breach block that stops the firing pin from going all the way out or it be that the firing pin is ground/broken off. Some trapdoors had a firing pin return spring that could hold it back some.
If it is a ground/broken firing pin, S&S http://www.ssfirearms.com/categories.asp?cat=158 has them. Either way it's a simple fix, simply requiring loosening 1 screw.

Thank you kindly, good sir. I'm going to get some dummy rounds and see if I can give it a test fire and then check to see if there is a primer hit.
Win with ability, not with numbers.- Alexander Suvorov, Russian Field Marshal, 1729-1800

Offline Jake C

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #24 on: July 10, 2015, 01:25:05 PM »
Well, I grabbed it! Pictures to follow soon, but I grabbed the older model today, serial number 35955. If anyone knows anything about the serial numbers of these rifles and could help me find a rough date for it, I'd be very appreciative. Also ordered the Lee dies including a crimp die, so now I just need bullets and primers.

I realized that I hadn't accurately described my issue earlier. Since I'm still very new to Trapdoors and I don't know the terminology, please bear with me. This is a learning experience. Basically, the part of the firing pin that the hammer would impact is recessed into the breach block. If you open the breach block and feel the firing pin, it appears to be loose, with no tension. Is that normal? and if not, how would I fix it?
Win with ability, not with numbers.- Alexander Suvorov, Russian Field Marshal, 1729-1800

Offline Cowtown Scout

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #25 on: July 10, 2015, 05:06:47 PM »
gun-data.com/springfield_trapdoors.html

Made 1875
Serial number 35219 started 1875
Serial number 60326 started 1876
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Offline Jake C

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #26 on: July 10, 2015, 05:20:17 PM »
gun-data.com/springfield_trapdoors.html

Made 1875
Serial number 35219 started 1875
Serical number 60326 started 1876


Thank you very much! It's just fascinating to be able to hold history like this in my hands. This is my first original 19th Century firearm.
Win with ability, not with numbers.- Alexander Suvorov, Russian Field Marshal, 1729-1800

Offline Drydock

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #27 on: July 10, 2015, 06:06:22 PM »
Most trapdoors had free floating firing pins, and would perform much as you see on this one.  Some early ones did have return springs on the firing pin.  I would remove the pin and verify there is no spring or any remains of a spring, to prevent the pin possibly freezing in the forward position.  Other than that you should be fine.



http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/Disassembly.html
Civilize them with a Krag . . .

Offline Drydock

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Civilize them with a Krag . . .

Offline Jake C

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #29 on: July 10, 2015, 06:32:19 PM »
Most trapdoors had free floating firing pins, and would perform much as you see on this one.  Some early ones did have return springs on the firing pin.  I would remove the pin and verify there is no spring or any remains of a spring, to prevent the pin possibly freezing in the forward position.  Other than that you should be fine.



http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/Disassembly.html

Thank you for the info! I actually made up a dummy round just a bit ago and was able to answer my own question. I'm just enamored with this rifle! I almost hesitate to take its picture because my only camera is on my phone, and it just can't do this firearm justice, in my mind. Even my lady likes it! The ejector works just fine. The barrel isn't shiny but good with only minor pitting and strong rifling. I went ahead and ordered a basic amount of bullets just so I'd be able to load up a handful of rounds ASAP and shoot it.
Win with ability, not with numbers.- Alexander Suvorov, Russian Field Marshal, 1729-1800

Offline Jake C

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #30 on: July 10, 2015, 06:54:37 PM »
Attempting to upload a picture, bear with me here.
Win with ability, not with numbers.- Alexander Suvorov, Russian Field Marshal, 1729-1800

Offline Drydock

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #31 on: July 10, 2015, 07:10:01 PM »
Civilize them with a Krag . . .

Offline Pitspitr

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #32 on: July 10, 2015, 08:37:25 PM »
If you bring it with you next June we can compare it to a pair of mine that were made the 3rd week of March 1874
I remain, Your Ob'd Servant,
Jerry M. "Pitspitr" Davenport
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Grand Army of the Frontier
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Offline Jake C

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #33 on: July 10, 2015, 10:28:09 PM »
If you bring it with you next June we can compare it to a pair of mine that were made the 3rd week of March 1874

I believe I'd enjoy that  ;D
Win with ability, not with numbers.- Alexander Suvorov, Russian Field Marshal, 1729-1800

Offline Cowtown Scout

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #34 on: July 13, 2015, 06:06:17 AM »
Attempting to upload a picture, bear with me here.

Nice rifle you have there. Congratulations!
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Offline Jake C

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #35 on: July 13, 2015, 12:04:45 PM »
Nice rifle you have there. Congratulations!

Thank you kindly! I'll need to get a better camera so I can really show it off; my phone camera really just doesn't do it justice.
Win with ability, not with numbers.- Alexander Suvorov, Russian Field Marshal, 1729-1800

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #36 on: July 13, 2015, 04:57:21 PM »
Since I collect US Military Long Arms, and this is about Original Trapdoors thought I would share some photos of the TD Rifles currently in my care.   ;D  They are from top to bottom in the first photo:

•  SF Model 1865, 1st Allin Conversion, original barrel, made 1865, .58-60 RF
•  SF Model 1866, 2nd Allin Conversion, sleeved barrel, .50-70
•  SF Model 1868, Allin Conversion, new barrel, made 1869, .50-70
•  SF Model 1870, Allin Conversion, new barrel, made 1870, .50-70
•  SF Model 1873 early, made 1874, .45-70
•  SF Model 1873 late (1877), made 1881, .45-70
•  SF Model 1884, made 1888, .45-70
•  SF Model 1888, round rod bayonet, made 1892, .45-70
GAF #510, STORM #98, GOFWG #126, SSS #211, SBSS #1713, CVV
Life Member: SASS, LSA, ORA, Whittington Center, LSFSC, Founders Club (Gold)
Benefactor Member: NRA and TSRA, Past President TSRA

Offline Jake C

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #37 on: July 13, 2015, 05:00:12 PM »
Since I collect US Military Long Arms, and this is about Original Trapdoors thought I would share some photos of the TD Rifles currently in my care.   ;D  They are from top to bottom in the first photo:

•  SF Model 1865, 1st Allin Conversion, original barrel, made 1865, .58-60 RF
•  SF Model 1866, 2nd Allin Conversion, sleeved barrel, .50-70
•  SF Model 1868, Allin Conversion, new barrel, made 1869, .50-70
•  SF Model 1870, Allin Conversion, new barrel, made 1870, .50-70
•  SF Model 1873 early, made 1874, .45-70
•  SF Model 1873 late (1877), made 1881, .45-70
•  SF Model 1884, made 1888, .45-70
•  SF Model 1888, round rod bayonet, made 1892, .45-70


If those rifles shoot half as good as they look, then you've got some real tack drivers there!
Win with ability, not with numbers.- Alexander Suvorov, Russian Field Marshal, 1729-1800

Offline Cowtown Scout

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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #38 on: July 13, 2015, 05:05:50 PM »
Trying to post 3 more photos but keep getting an error message.  Will try them one at a time, I've only got 3.
GAF #510, STORM #98, GOFWG #126, SSS #211, SBSS #1713, CVV
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Re: Original Trapdoor Rifles
« Reply #39 on: July 13, 2015, 05:07:04 PM »
Here are the last 2, maybe.
GAF #510, STORM #98, GOFWG #126, SSS #211, SBSS #1713, CVV
Life Member: SASS, LSA, ORA, Whittington Center, LSFSC, Founders Club (Gold)
Benefactor Member: NRA and TSRA, Past President TSRA

 

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