1873 Springfield

[hatman]

Hi all,
I recently acquired an 1873 Springfield Trapdoor carbine from a reputable Idaho firearms/ammo company.
It appears to be a legit carbine manufactured in 1888.

I would like to shoot this carbine, but I want to make sure as much as possible it's safe.
I took it to a gunsmith today and he thought it "was probably"  OK, but he was reluctant to give a full blessing.
Admittedly he isn't a trapdoor, or even a 45-70, expert.

The only thing that seems to be a concern to me is a slight side-to-side (1/32nd to 1/16th in) wiggle in the trapdoor when the hammer is pulled back.
When the trapdoor is locked in place there is almost no side-to-side wiggle and no up-down wiggle.

If this is safe to shoot, I would only consider 45-55 BP carbine loads.
Does anyone have any experience here and would be willing to share some wisdom?

[Drydock]

The Trapdoor is technically a "Yielding Breech" design, that little bit of movement you have there is normal.

Is the Cartouche on the stock wrist still visible?  What is the date on the Breechblock?  Does the Breechblock have a High continious arch, or a low flattened arch?  What kind of sight do you have, a tangent ramp or sliding leaf?

Come on down to the Barracks and we'll help ya out with that old Army Carbine.

[hellgate]

Look up the serial number in the back of the Dixie Gun Works catalog to see if it is a "Custer gun". If so, it is too collectable to shoot. Once Custer got wiped out the army got serious and ordered a ton of TDs so a lot were made in the 1880s to help settle the Indian problem onec & for all. As for a wobbly breech block, my carbine is pretty sloppy but the gunsmith at Accuracy Systems in Odessa, TX said it was fine to shoot. I had him reline a rusted, bulged barrel. I have shot it extensively since and it runs fine. I only use the carbine load because it whacks on both ends.

[hatman]

Thanks for the info guys.

I have re-posted this in the Barracks forum.