Gun show somewhat successful

D

Doc Hoy

New member
Went to the Hampton VA Gun show today.

Came home with a 45-70 trapdoor. SN 279530. (1885)

Rifle stock was cut down but barrel is original length.

Bore is good and the rifle operates very smoothly. Finish is in my opinion, I little rough. Many would describe it as having a nice patina. For me I will clean it up a little and try to get it looking a little .....Better(?)

Traded the 1873 Cap and ball Cattleman from Pietta, (9 inch barrel) I have been trying to sell, plus three hundred for the rifle and the seller threw in a Pacific "C" press which is the one which can be reversed so the handle moves up or down plus ten different shellholder rams.

I'll post photos soonest.
 
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Photos

Lock

Springfield001.jpg



Breach

Springfield002.jpg



Starboard side

Springfield003.jpg
 
Well....

I figure the revolver was worth 275.00.

That means I gave 575.00 for the rifle and press.

The rifle will clean up nice and I think I can make the stock look decent.

All in all it is not a great deal but I suppose not too bad.

I can tell you I am thrilled to have the rifle as it is very close to what I have been looking for.

It will be fun to work on.

I'll sell the rams I don't need on the evil bay and try to get some money back that way.
 
congrats Doc! I think that trapdoor has a lot of possibilities and looks like you can make it into a good shooter. You even got the rear sight and the barrel hasn't been whacked off. If you're looking to restore it - check with Lodgewood - they may have or can steer you in the right direction of an original fore stock section that you could splice under the lower barrel band. Or, you could just leave it the way it is. I hope you'll keep us posted on what you do with it along with photos. We always enjoy your "projects" greatly!
 
Thanks Triple B

I am about ready to put some photos up of the disassembly.

BTW, The barrel length is 29 1/4 from breach to muzzle.

This does not fit any original barrel length I am able to find (quickly) so I guess the barrel was shortened too.
 
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Here are some photos of the finished Trapdoor

On the back porch

FinishedTrapdoor001.jpg


In its place of honor

FinishedTrapdoor002.jpg


The stock shortening job left a booggered up job, so I made a brass fitting to finish the forestock

FinishedTrapdoor003.jpg


Here is the lock, receiver and sight

FinishedTrapdoor004.jpg
 
Thanks, Guys

I love this stuff.

I'm buying all of the dies, molds, cases and such to start shooting this thing.

(Gotta slug the bore first.)
 
Just got a response....

....from a guy at a big Trapdoor site.

This rifle started out as a cadet rifle. So the barrel length is correct. Perhaps never cut down.

I suppose the flat muzzle (no crown) is original design.
 
in my opion for what its worth doc, good buy an a very nice job bringing her back to life. well done!
one more thing doc....just how big is your safe?....:D
 
Beautiful job...

and... the predator attack cat looks like it could gouge an intruders eye-balls out in seconds!!!

Sounds like good news on the "Cadet" version. Could be quite rare. I hope so!!!
 
Hawg

You could be correct.

The barrel length on the Cadet was supposed to be 29.6. Barrel length on this is slightly shorter at 29.3. It is possible that the muzzle sustained some damage and the owner repaired it by cutting of the barrel ala. hacksaw.

It has a serial number which matches a Cadet rifle. It also has a trigger guard which is a match for Cadet trigger guards

I am traveling until Thursday but when I return I should have all of the stuff I need to load some bullets.

Once I do that, I shall see how she shoots.
 
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