Springfield Trapdoor

[Guest RCLARK]

I wanted to share these. I took this gun in on trade for a motorcycle several years ago. At the time, I had little interest in "collectible" firearms.....so I sold it to my Uncle. I regretted it pretty much right off. Recently started trying to buy it back from him and FINALLY found a Mini 14 that he was interested in and struck a deal. Its not leaving again....

Now....being a relative noob to these guns.....I know very little about it. I'll be doing some research of my own, but any input you guys have would be appreciated. Enjoy the pics.....and thanks.

[Garufa]

I have always wanted one of these and that looks very nice. Great condition, I mean really, really excellent condition!

If you want to shoot it, use only black powder loads then clean appropriately. It looks sound, there's no reason you shouldn't at least a few times.

Edited April 28, 2012 by Garufa

[Caster]

There are smokeless loads for that gun, I can't remember but it seems like pressures < 18K PSI. I know my Accurate manual lists "Trapdoor Only" loads. GREAT CARE must be taken though as these are very weak actions when compared to other rifles. Black Dawg makes black powder factory made ammo that will good to go.

[Guest RCLARK]

I may shoot it at some point. Thanks for the info. I figured 45-70 ammo for it would be hard to find.

[Caster]

NO, not hard at all. Certainly not cheap but easy to find.

Here's the Goex® Back Dawg ammo I was talking about.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/559254/goex-black-dawge-black-powder-ammunition-45-70-government-405-grain-lead-flat-nose-box-of-20

I'll bet you my hat that David {DLM} here can get you a deal on some. If it related to ammo the man can find ANYTHING!

[Guest RCLARK]

Sweet. I might just have to order some. I hadn't looked.....just assumed it would be scarce. Thats usually my luck. Thanks!

[Motasyco]

Congratulations on bringing that back home. Nice piece.

[BeMan]

You have an earlier trapdoor. It has the early rear sight. After 1880, trapdoors were issued with the "Buffington" sight that was graduated to 1400 yds. Your sight at it's lowest setting was zeroed for about 200 yds if I remember correctly (what was considered battle distance). You may have decent accuracy with the Goex loads or Ten-X brand. A good source for products such as ammo for these old rifles is "Buffalo Arms Co."

[MrBrian]

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/40366-springfield-model-1873/

[Guest RCLARK]

Thanks for the info guys. Appreciated.

[NRA]

_{way to cool for school!}

[Guest Victor9er]

Wow... a real Springfield... very nice. Congrats on getting it back, hold onto that puppy!

[gjohnsoniv]

Those things are a blast to shoot. Especially at several hundred yards when you can practically see the round and the swirl.