Help! 1873 Springfield Trapdoor

[Mark@Sea]

Hoping someone can give me a quick answer. Got a ride to the local candy store here for some decent lightweight lubricant (my ship is in drydock) and they have an 1873 springfield trapdoor on the consignment rack. It looks complete, with good markings on the metal, and functions. Trapdoor locks up well, hammer is firm, trigger release is pretty good. Sights - a ladder type sight mid barrel. Very fine notch in it. Barrel is okay - a few pits, a little darker toward the muzzle, but good lands and grooves and reasonably bright. Wood has been repaired in several areas, doesn't look horrible, but is definitely noticeable. Comes with a bayonet w/scabbard, leather frog with a brass US badge on it. Overall, it looks like it ought to be shootable, if one could load up some BP 45-70 (these were paper patched, weren't they?)

Price asked is $650

Worth it or questionable?

Anyone have any experience with these at all?

I know - useless post without pics but I don't have a camera here.

[Mike.357]

Mark from what I can find out here in cyberspace that is about half of what you would pay for a new Pedersoli reproduction.

I find trapdoors in prices from 1199 to 1499 depending on barrel length and other options I guess. Of course these are NIB prices

[Mark@Sea]

This one is the real deal. I don't know much about them, not enough to know if the price is reasonable - and I would like to know if I'm leaving a deal on the rack or (potentially) paying way too much.

[Mike.357]

Mark,I did a search on Guns America and found this

http://www.gunsamerica.com/976994219/Guns/Rifles/Military-Misc-Rifles-US/1903-Springfield-Variants/Spring_field_M_1873_Trapdoor.htm

$1799 i believe it is original and it appears to come with accoutriments similar to yours. I am thinking you found a good deal. I also guess the price is way less due to repairs to the stock.

[Mark@Sea]

Well, I have found a source for a replacement stock if this one is too far gone. Asked the shop to hold it for me, will check it out my next day off (next Saturday). Workdays I am too beat to do anything but surf the net for a couple hours then crash. And of course, I don't have a vehicle here.

These things do use paper-patched bullets. Mike, you ever do this? Guess I will be casting and paper patching a few. I still want the Sharps, but this'n was hard to pass up. This is from a collector who also had a Krag rifle and an 03 springfield on the rack last time I was there a few weeks ago. Those are gone now, (650 each) and this one is, I guess, the next one he's letting go.

I've read that if in good enough condition these will fire modern low pressure 45-70 loads. If nothing else it will be a classic wall hanger.

I've got just the spot for it, too - if I can talk Sue into letting me sell the front-stuffer I have hanging over the fireplace.

[Mike.357]

Don't know the first thing about paper patching. I have never seen it first hand.

I would say shooting that gun would make for an interesting and satisfying hobby.

What with casting bullets, coming up with casings and paper patching the rounds.

Dunno if I would want it for a wall hanger.

I bet you are curious like I am as to what the guy will put in that shop next.

[Mark@Sea]

Yeah, thats' a good question. He has a carbine and a garand on the rack, which I don't need either of, having multiples already.

This does sound like a lot of fun, if the rifle is shootable. I've been looking for a list of what to look for in that regard, but no luck so far.

Hey, it'll be practice and give me something to do. Shiloh says 2 year wait for the sharps.

[Mike.357]

I wish I had money for the carbine. If I buy another long gun that is the one that leads the list I think.

What is Shiloh? Have you tried any other sources for the Sharps?

[towerclimber37]

Mark,

If you want the rifle, call me and I'll transfer money to you, or mail you a M.O. for it.

Love ya man!

[Mark@Sea]

Mike, I just hate to do this to you. Drool warning, put a towel over the keyboard:

Go to Rifle models / 1874

http://www.shilohrifle.com/

By the way, ODCMP has rack grade Inlands for $425, + $22 S&H.

Thanks for the offer, Brother. It is on hold, I am waiting on payday (friday). It'll wait, and I am using the time I've got to try to find enough info to evaluate its' condition properly.

[Mike.357]

Tower writes

Mark,

If you want the rifle, call me and I'll transfer money to you,

Tower you typed the wrong name in there, it ought to say Mike!

Mark@sea writes

Go to Rifle models / 1874

OMG that page kind of made my heart go thumpety thump thump..... I have not felt like that since I fell in love back in high school days. And that freakin Quigley music just sucks a person in. I think it is worth the two year wait. Can you pay a little at a time or does it have to be paid up front? I might sell my truck to get in line for one of those.

Edited April 14, 2008 by Mike.357

[towerclimber37]

sure thing!

I went to the shiloh page... all I can say is wow! nice rifles..and they make sure you pay for every penny of nice on 'em!

[Mark@Sea]

They require a deposit, balance paid on delivery. They make everything inhouse - barrels, actions, stocks, the works.

Yeah, they are some kinda nice. They only make rifles 'to order'. I was considering an italian reproduction, but the more I thought about it, the more I figured I wanted at least one firearm that is truly a work of art.

I'd be buried with it, if I didn't figure to have a bunch of new friends at the funeral, with shovels.

[Mark@Sea]

A stroke of luck - I just started posting on another forum (cast boolits) and a guy there, who has trapdoor experience, lives near the gunshop and will check out the rifle for me.

How cool is that?

[towerclimber37]

HAH!

ONLY you could get that lucky!

[Mike.357]

wow Mark that is some stroke of luck. At least if something needs fixing he might be able to put you on the right track.

Let me know what he tells you.