old 45/70 springfield ?????

[Guest jdavis]

i got an old 45/70 springfield the marking on the side plate is and eagle holding a branch and in words u.s. springfield 1873, on the top of the action it is stamped u.s. model 1884 on the stock right at the back of the action stamped in wood is x 46 the serial number is 477xxx it has adjustable rear ladder site a cleaning rod and two sling rings in the front and one in the back when you pull the hammer back there are three clicks. i will try and get some pics up asap it is a real nice piece in great shape the bore is clean, some body give me more info on it if possible.

[Guest jdavis]

[Guest gcrookston]

Nice looking old indian fighter... you might find all the information you need here:

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

[Guest jdavis]

where do i get ammo for this gun that is safe to shoot, and can it only fire blackpowder ammo safely?

[Guest gcrookston]

where do i get ammo for this gun that is safe to shoot, and can it only fire blackpowder ammo safely?

almost all the 45-70 loaded these days is safe for your rifle. They down-load smokeless to accomodate your weapon. Since this is a black powder round there are a few still out there that load for it. It is quite popular among cowboy action shooters... here is a link:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=149168&kwtid=225811

[Guest 70below]

Nice!

[323ssplt]

Great Score. I've been thinking about adding a trapdoor to my single shot collection from that period which right now includes a Martini-Henry and a Snyder.

As to ammo, make sure to look at the box, most are downloaded for these old war horses, however, some like the Hornady LeveRevolution stuff can ONLY be shot in a modern weapon. Generally it says so right on the box.

[Guest jackdog]

Wow that is a nice rifle, congratulations.

[Guest jdavis]

thank you, i am very proud of it.

[Guest jdavis]

i am going to pick some ammo for it and try it out i dont think i could live with myself if i didnt.

[Guest jdavis]

finally got around to picking up some ammo today, winchester xp 45-70 government 300 grain hollow point, i know im probably beatiing a dead horse, but will it be safe to fire?? i just dont want to damage the gun it is in great shape ,my gunsmith said it was a very serviceable gun and he was impressed with the bore.

[Mark@Sea]

If you really have a doubt, call winchester-olin and ask 'em. I think it'd be fine, though. 300 grain bullet, about 1800 fps. I have a trapdoor, I'd use it in mine.

Yours is a newer rifle than mine. Looks nice - and they are a hoot to shoot!

[Guest jdavis]

my gunsmith thinks it will be fine and i think it will be fine i just wanted a third oppinion, it makes me feel better to have as many oppinions as possible especially from someone who shoots a trapdoor, i havent fired mine yet.

[Guest Linoge]

Let us know how it goes... my parents have an old trapdoor they are going to be bringing out my way eventually, but it is going to be needing some serious TLC before I get anywhere near being willing to shoot it.

[Guest jdavis]

i took it out today and shot it i put 16 of the 20 rounds through it it shoots unbelievabely good, after i figured out it shoots 8 inches high at twenty yards i had it on the mark, it has a little harsher recoil than i expected but still a sweet gun, as i was shooting it i thought about those poor guys in that era having to carry that thing it isnt light. this ammo shot fine and the gun held up to it no problem. after i figured the gun out i held a good 6 to 7 inch, six shot group at fifty yards from a rest. i was really impressed with the grouping of this gun for its age. all in all i was satisfied with the ammo and the weapon there is nothing like shooting one i would reccomend the experience to anyone i promise it will make you appreciate the past a little more.

[Mark@Sea]

Yup. Fun, ain't it?

Linoge, if you bring some suitable 45-70 to the shoot, you're very welcome to shoot mine. I only have 4 rounds for it, though - saving those in case algores polar bears come down our way... hehehe.

[Mike.357]

I have a trapdoor, I'd use it in mine.

Can't wait to shoot yours again

[Guest jdavis]

if we ever get together in the same place to shoot yall are welcome to try my trapdoor out ,but you aint shooting it i would be very angry if someone put holes in it

[Louisb]

Find some nice soft 0.458-0.461", 300-425 grain lead bullets (slug the barrel to find out which diameter) and push them at a sedate 1000-15000fps and you will find a point where POA to equal POI.

Also likely to make the gun a lot more fun to shoot.

Just an opinion of course and we all know about opinions.

[Guest Linoge]

Sounds like she is a good gun, jdavis... Interesting what we used to have to make do with, eh?

Thanks for the offer, Mark. I might see if I can turn any of that up, in addition to everything else I am trying to track down .

[Guest jdavis]

Sounds like she is a good gun, jdavis... Interesting what we used to have to make do with, eh?

weapons have definately advanced, the trapdoor is a blast to shoot and really makes you think of its history.

Edited March 21, 2009 by jdavis