Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

Pre 1945 action rifles. Muzzle loading.

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James84
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Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

#1 Post by James84 »

In waiting for my cheque from the HO for my Offensive Weapons, I am debating what to spend a bit of it on and something I have always wanted is a Trapdoor. I am a huge fan of single shot rifles, hence my love of the Martini, Snider and Sharps.

I watched one pass me by in the Holts sealed bid auction earlier this month (sold for £511) which I had requested a condition report on and it sounded to be exactly what I was looking for. Just no free slot, my rifle hadn't been collected so no timescales on getting the money and no RFD open to receive it. - https://auctions.holtsauctioneers.com/a ... &saletype=

There is another for sale on Gunstar which appears to be much the same (an 1884 in similar condition) for £1150. - https://www.gunstar.co.uk/springfield-a ... es/1278555

My intended usage is to shoot it on occasion, bearing in mind it is an antique etc., although I am mainly looking for one to add to my collection. As such, I am interested to see what people think of:

- The 1884 vs the earlier models, such as the 1878 or 73. I tend to see the 1884 for sale more often, so that is what I am really focussing on.
- Could anyone advise on a reasonable price for one in the condition seen in the links above? I ask as if I can pick one up at auction for £500 - £700 as a regular(ish) occurrence, I will hold out for one, or is the £1,150 mark more common?
- Is there a source for these, such as an RFD specialising in them, or someone who regularly gets them?
- I am aware of the pedersoli repros, has anyone tried one or own one? I much prefer the originals, but if these are good shooters (which they seem to be) then it may be worth me investing in one for more regular shooting use.

I have done some reading and am aware that some people are not a fan of the Buffington rear sight but also read that some people prefer them.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Jorden
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Re: Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

#2 Post by Jorden »

Why not get one in 50/70 then it is off ticket (as a wall hanger only of course)
James84
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Re: Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

#3 Post by James84 »

Well that is a very good point... My interest is in 45-70 and it is what I am geared up to reload, but I am going to have a look later at 50-70. Having done some more reading, I am pointing more toward the 1884.
Musclebob
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Re: Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

#4 Post by Musclebob »

Check the barrel carefully. Poor maintenance will leave it pitted and dull. It should be shiny. Rifling on a trapdoor is shallow, around 0.03”. Check the ejector snaps and positively ejects the case. It should fling it almost over you shoulder. If it doesn’t, the ejector spring is broken and a swine to replace.

Check the latch on the trapdoor snaps properly down when the breech is closed. If that’s loose or not positive in closing, do not fire the rifle until you replace the spring on that latch or you risk an unintended opening of the breech.

Check the firing pin. Hold one end in place and make sure the pin isn’t broken. It should also move freely. If it’s stiff, there maybe corrosion inside the firing pin channel and you may get an unintended bang when you close the breech. Which would not be pretty.

Check the hammer. There should be three clicks on anything M1884 onwards. First click is half cock and it should not fire. Second click is the loading position, again it should not fire. Third is full cock. Trigger pull should be heavy 9-11lbs isn’t abnormal. Less than a heavy pull indicates someone may have tampered with it (unless it’s an officers model, but if you find one of those for less than a small fortune, let me know).

As a suggestion, go visit https://www.trapdoorcollector.com/springfieldarms.html to see what Al Frasca has for sale. Al has literally written the book on Trapdoors. Dick Hosmer is also on the site and will help with any questions you might have. These guys know more about the rifles and have access to the Springfield Research Service (SRS) which may be able to provide more info about what unit had that rifle.

Al will also export them to the UK. I got mine through him and it was a brand new, unfired rifle. Still full of cosmoline. And it cost me considerably less than one in the UK.

The Buffington site is great, if you know how to use it. I’ve shot it in the Historic Imperial to 900 yards and it was bang on with service loads.

Speaking of loads, get a copy of Spencer Wolfs book https://the4570book.com/ and load your own BP for it.

I run a load per his book. 500grain Saeco *881 (copy of the original bullet) at 1315fps shoots to the sights out to 900.

The Trapdoor is a great rifle and one of the longest served rifles in the US Armory. It is the rifle that actually won the west - not the Winchester.
James84
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Re: Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

#5 Post by James84 »

Musclebob wrote:The Trapdoor is a great rifle and one of the longest served rifles in the US Armory. It is the rifle that actually won the west - not the Winchester.
Thank you very much. That is one of the most thorough and helpful responses I have ever received!
James84
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Re: Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

#6 Post by James84 »

After a 7 month wait, my Saeco 881 mould finally arrived, now I just need to find a M1884 or 1888 to shoot the end product with!
Musclebob
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Re: Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

#7 Post by Musclebob »

Al has a nice shooter on his site for around $800
James84
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Re: Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

#8 Post by James84 »

Musclebob wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 10:52 am Al has a nice shooter on his site for around $800
I spotted that last night before he had even uploaded the pictures :D

I am after the Buffington sight and (for some strange reason) the clearing rod bayonet... I am fascinated by obscure and sometimes useless little pieces of engineering, much like the anti-aircraft sites on the Arisaka rifles... I check his site almost daily waiting for a 1884 or 1888 to appear.
Musclebob
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Re: Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

#9 Post by Musclebob »

James84 wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 4:02 pm
I am after the Buffington sight and (for some strange reason) the clearing rod bayonet... I am fascinated by obscure and sometimes useless little pieces of engineering, much like the anti-aircraft sites on the Arisaka rifles... I check his site almost daily waiting for a 1884 or 1888 to appear.
I've got one of each, plus I also have the normal bayonet for the 1884. :D

The Buffington sight is very good.

Be warned, Trapdoors can be addictive.
James84
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Re: Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?

#10 Post by James84 »

I have a M1888 on hold here in the UK for what (I believe) is a very reasonable price. I go and view in the next week with a view to buying. Ironically, at the same time Al has just listed a pristine rifle for £100 cheaper... but I'm not one for messing people around so will stick with the one I've found over here. The seller says it is in 'very good condition, no rust or pitting with a very good bore and the metalwork retains a good amount of finish'.

Fingers crossed...
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