Springfield Trapdoor rifle question

[Motasyco]

My uncle has an 1873 Springfield Trapdoor rifle that I'm interested in buying from him. The problem is that I don't know what to offer him. He says he bought it years ago for $600 and that it was graded "Fine". It is in very nice condition. That's one of my concerns. It maybe looks too good. I do know it's chambered for 45-70 and is a rifle, not a carbine.

Any ball park ideas on it's value or "things to look for" would be greatly appreciated. I know it's difficult to judge without pictures or more information. I have intended to get pictures but I don't get over to see him often. In fact he gives me crap about it and jokingly calls me a stranger. Our schedules just don't match up well. I'd like to get a good deal but I don't want to take advantage of the old guy or make a big mistake. Advice? Well, advice other than the obvious "get some pictures"?

[BeMan]

Had one of these when I lived in WY. I paid $800 for it and shot it about 50-60 times. Factory ammo is woefully inaccurate in these. The loads MUST be matching the original loads for the trapdoor. I bought a book that told me the load recipe. With that load, it was dead on with the Buffington sight that adorned it. I had to pay a guy to load the rounds for me and it became cost prohibitive, so I sold it back to the guy I bought it from. He was hitting metal sillouites at 800 yds with it. The loads were 70 gr black powder (compressed loads) using a 500 gr lead bullet that is 20:1 lead to tin ratio. Hope this helps.

[Motasyco]

Had one of these when I lived in WY. I paid $800 for it and shot it about 50-60 times. Factory ammo is woefully inaccurate in these. The loads MUST be matching the original loads for the trapdoor. I bought a book that told me the load recipe. With that load, it was dead on with the Buffington sight that adorned it. I had to pay a guy to load the rounds for me and it became cost prohibitive, so I sold it back to the guy I bought it from. He was hitting metal sillouites at 800 yds with it. The loads were 70 gr black powder (compressed loads) using a 500 gr lead bullet that is 20:1 lead to tin ratio. Hope this helps.

Every bit of info I can get will help. Thanks for your input.

[MrBrian]

I bought one last year off of gunbroker for around 700, and I have yet to shoot it... for me it's more of a decorative piece. However, it's in good condition and is shootable, I just haven't taken it out to the range yet. As far as what to look for.... Look down the barrel with a tiny flashlight and make sure there isn't any rust or pits from rust.... make sure there are no splits in the wood, and make sure everything locks up tight with the firing mechanisms... Not sure if there are "matching serial numbers" because I think they're just stamped at one place.... also if the Springfield engraving on the side is in good condition (you can read it all) then that helps the value as well... I am by no means an expert, but that's just the things I looked for when buying mine... I posted pictures of mine www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/40366-springfield-model-1873/ Hope this helps

[MrBrian]

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

[BeMan]

Just now getting back to this topic after having found the needed info. The authoritative book on the subject is, "Loading Cartridges for the Original 45/70 Springfield", by J.S. and Pat Wolfe. Buffalo Arms carries the book and that is where I bought the 500 gr bullets of the 20:1 lead/tin ratio. You will enjoy the book. Good luck.