1884 Trapdoor Springfield

dromia · Post by **dromia** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 4:34 pm

I am being tempted by one of these in 45-70.

It almost looks too good to be true and I think that it may have been reblued at some point but not recently. The markings on the reciever amd barrel are visible but thin, the blueing is strong.

The lock has the year 1863, is this a not original lock or is common on 1884s?

It has the Buffington sight and the foresight protector.

Bore is mirror bright with sharp rifling.

Observations please.

joseyclosey · Post by **joseyclosey** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:07 am

Adam, the lock date is 1873

And you really NEED that rifle!

Joe

dromia · Post by **dromia** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:38 am

Joe I need a Trapdoor Springfield but I want to be sure it is what it looks like.

Its probably just my cynicsm getting in the way, but it just looks too good to be true.

dromia · Post by **dromia** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 9:08 am

The saga continues.

I'm glad that the lock says 1873 Joe as my researches to date have shown that the lock plate on an 1884 should have 1873 or no date.

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 11:23 pm

There are all kinds of reproductions around complete with original stampings. Go here to find out if it's original or not. Enter the S/N on the Trapdoor page.

http://www.armscollectors.com/srs.htm

You may want to rummage around here too. http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

Is your's a rifle or carbine? It matters if you intend shooting it. A carbine load used 55 grains of BP, not 70. Trust me, it's important. 70 grains with a 405 grain cast bullet hurts to shoot out of a carbine.