Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting Any Trapdoor Experts?

[TRLRTRSH]

A friend of my has this trapdoor 45-70 I've been trying to research the Carbine a little for him.

The serial number (75368) indicates to me from what I've been able to find a production date of between April and June of 1877. But Springfield did not (again from what I've been able to find) start Stamping the door next to the hinge with Model 1884 until sometime around 1887. There is a small "p" stamped on the barrel close to the receiver on the left side, US marking on the butt plate and cleaning rods go in the stock under a sliding door.

Supposedly the original "owner" of this firearm was in the Spanish-American war and kept the weapon afterwards. He in turn gave the rifle to my friends Grandfather years ago.

I have my theory as to the apparent discrepancies but would be happy to hear yours. Or any hard true facts please.

Any information would sure be appreciated.

 

[Troubleshooter]

I am NOT an expert on the trapdoor Springfields, but it was not unusual for military firearms of any time period to undergo an arsenal rebuild, when upgraded parts, sights, etc would be applied without regard for future collectors' value. You see the same thing with the WWII carbines, Garands, etc. I was once issued an M1911A1 that had an M1911 slide on it. This might explain the apparent discrepancy. Bear in mind that the trapdoor was in the inventory of some National Guard units well into the 20th century, so there was ample time for arsenal rebuilds to occur.

 

[TRLRTRSH]

Agree with what you say Trouble, but from what I understand if the weapon was arsenal rebuilt a star * was stamped on the barrel, since the weapon is not mine I have not disassembled it, I may ask the owner if I can do that and then fully inspect the underside of the barrel.

My though was the original "owner", (my friends" Grandfather's neighbor who gave the weapon away), maybe at one time during the Spanish-American war had the weapon upgraded by the Unit armorer unofficially, who knows, it's all speculation at this point

 

[cksh8me]

I could be wrong on this but becareful of which load you put in those guns. I believe the loads for the trap door weren't as hot as the loads of today. They might not handle the presure.



Like I say I could be wrong check with someone else.

 

[TRLRTRSH]

cksh, thanks for the information, I've been reloading for years and you are correct, without looking up the pressures I believe the 45-70 is restricted to less than 20,000 psi.