Trapdoor question

[13Echo]

An 1873 marked block is found on many much later production rifles as this was a model number, not necessarily a production date. Both low and high arch blocks are marked 1873 and blocks so marked were made and used up to 1886. The trigger your rifle has appeared about1883 and the cleaning rod was issued starting in 1882.

Does your stock still have its cartouches and date stamp?
Jerry Liles

[StrawHat]

If you don't have this book,

http://www.4570book.info/

It is another one I would recommend. Some of the information is outdated but you will learn a lot about making the Springfield Single Shot Rifle perform.

[Boz330]

An 1873 marked block is found on many much later production rifles as this was a model number, not necessarily a production date. Both low and high arch blocks are marked 1873 and blocks so marked were made and used up to 1886. The trigger your rifle has appeared about1883 and the cleaning rod was issued starting in 1882.

Does your stock still have its cartouches and date stamp?
Jerry Liles

Jerry, after checking the 6 digit SN against the info in a Dixie catalog it would appear that the rifle was manufactured in 1889. I can't find any cartouches on the stock. It doesn't appear to have been sanded but there are a number scratches and dings that could be making them hard to see. I need to get my magnifying hood and look at it closely.

Bob

[13Echo]

It would appear you likely have a correct set of parts then. It is possible the stock is a field replacement. Does it have a large P stamped behind the trigger on the stock wrist? The acceptance cartouche should be on the left side of the stock opposite the lock. If the wood stands just a bit above the lock plate the stock may not have been sanded and refinished.

My 1868 has a replacement stock that lacks the cartouces but is otherwise correct. This may be the case with your rifle too.

Jerry Liles

[Boz330]

It would appear you likely have a correct set of parts then. It is possible the stock is a field replacement. Does it have a large P stamped behind the trigger on the stock wrist? The acceptance cartouche should be on the left side of the stock opposite the lock. If the wood stands just a bit above the lock plate the stock may not have been sanded and refinished.

My 1868 has a replacement stock that lacks the cartouces but is otherwise correct. This may be the case with your rifle too.

Jerry Liles

Thanks Jerry, if I get out of here at a reasonable hour today I'll try and remember to check those things. Might be a good idea to take the magnifying visor home as well. I'm due an eye exam and some new lenses and I'm having more trouble reading lately so I guess I might as well bite the bullet and get it done. Man getting old sucks.

Bob

[StrawHat]

... Man getting old sucks... Bob

Inside every old man is a young guy saying, "What the %^&* happened??"

[Boz330]

Inside every old man is a young guy saying, "What the %^&* happened??"

I hear you. When I turned 50 I was running 4 miles a day. I went out to NM to guide hunters in the fall walking up and down the mountains from 7000ft up to near 10,000ft. Then my back started giving me problems and one knee and then the other needed arthroscopic surgery and now they are just about due replacement. Trying to hold off as long as possible on that. Hell if I'd of known I was going to live this long I'd have taken better care of myself.................. Naw probably not.


Jerry, I looked real close and couldn't find any cartouches. Lock plate is even with the stock. If it was sanded down it was a long time ago. The dents and dings look like what you would expect of a military rifle of this age.

Bob

[StrawHat]

(WARNING....THREAD DRIFT.......)

...one knee and then the other needed arthroscopic surgery and now they are just about due replacement. Trying to hold off as long as possible on that. ... Bob

Don't hold off so long that you do futher damage to the surronding bones. I nearly did that with a shoulder. After replacement, NO PAIN!!!! I should have done it years earlier.

When you get it done, do everything they tell you to at therapy and more. It is worth having done.

We now return you to the regular portion of the Trapdoor discussion.

[13Echo]

With everything taken together I think you have a complete and correct Trapdoor Springfield with a carefully refinished stock or, possibly, a field replacement stock. It looks like a very nice rifle and should make a fine shooter.

Jerry Liles

[Boz330]

It is getting into my slack time of year and the temperatures are moderating so hopefully I'll get some time out with all of my projects.

Bob