Experimental Trapdoor Rifle

Trailrider · July 03, 2011, 01:35:53 PM

On a recent episode of Pawn Stars a gent brought in a 5th Model Burnside Carbine, which he sold to Rick for $1,200 (in excellent condition, it probably is worth about $2,500-$3,500). The other rifle, which Rick wasn't interested in appeared to be a Trapdoor Springfield, but with a thumbpiece that stuck out to the side more than normal, and had a round know on the end of it. I know there were a number of experimental models made, but can't find anything in my references. Anyone have any idea about it?

JimBob · July 03, 2011, 04:21:23 PM

I remember that episode.The action wasn't a Springfield but some other type action used to convert ML muskets to breachloaders,there were many of them.To me it would have been of more interest than the Burnside.

Trailrider · July 03, 2011, 05:27:25 PM

Quote from: JimBob on July 03, 2011, 04:21:23 PM
I remember that episode.The action wasn't a Springfield but some other type action used to convert ML muskets to breachloaders,there were many of them.To me it would have been of more interest than the Burnside.

Yeah, me too! (Of course I've got a couple of Burnsides, both in "battle used" condition, which I picked up from two different dealers at the same collector's gun show years ago. They are eight digits apart! One has had the barrel cut off a couple of inches, and the front sight re-attached, but it shoots good!) OTOH, that trapdoor, whatever flavor, would have been interesting. Shame we couldn't get a closer look at it. Didn't even say what caliber it might have been.

Fifty-eight rimfire? Fifty-seventy? Oh, well....

JimBob · July 03, 2011, 05:39:13 PM

Wish I had some good shots of the action and lock area of that one. I'm sure it could be IDed.I was not real impressed with the "expert".He and the pawn shop guy just kind of relegated that conversion to the worthless category where in reality it may have been worth as much or more than the Burnside.

pony express · July 03, 2011, 05:44:22 PM

was it one of these?
http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=108652

JimBob · July 03, 2011, 05:50:07 PM

I don't think so but it's been quite awhile. I seem to remember it looked closest to a Snider type conversion where the block swung out to the side.The thing that attracted me was it looked in high original condition.

Cowtown Scout · July 03, 2011, 06:04:51 PM

Quote from: pony express on July 03, 2011, 05:44:22 PM
was it one of these?
http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=108652

That's COOL. Be sure you watch the video.
Scout

TwoWalks Baldridge · July 04, 2011, 05:51:15 PM

Great looking rifle and the video was pretty great ... Now I got to do a search to learn more, not sure how much more this old brain can hold without exploding.

Trailrider · July 05, 2011, 10:43:42 AM

Quote from: pony express on July 03, 2011, 05:44:22 PM
was it one of these?
http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=108652

Dot's der vun! As I mentioned, there was no mention of the caliber, but the thumbpiece looks right. What would that be worth? Probably NOT as much as I would have thought. I still think that anyone in Las Vegas would do better going to a Beinfield antique gun show they hold at least once a year. Of course, you'd still wind up selling to a dealer who would need to turn the gun to make a profit. But you might still get more than at the Pawn Stars shop.

Wild Wendy · October 19, 2016, 12:53:25 PM

If I'm correct, the rifle in question is one of four experimental Model 1868 rifles from the Springfield Armory. They never went into production, and never had a cartouche stamped into the receiver. And if it is oneof those Carbines, it's worth over $18,000
My reference for this conclusion is : http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/m68.html

Hope this answeres the question. What may have thrown off their "Expert" is the lack of a cartouche or any other proof marks.

Oh, I forgot to ask. Does anyone know which season and episode the rifle in question was shown in?

Colt Fanning · October 20, 2016, 08:30:07 AM

"it looked closest to a Snider type conversion where the block swung out to the side."
I once saw a rifle where the lever would swing a block out the side and I believe that it cocked the hammer. It was British and was called a
Schofield. A few of them were manufactured for the trials where the Martini was selected as the standard rifle for the British army. After the trials they were sold to a seal hunting company who gave them rough service. Remaining examples in poor condition go for 10000 pounds.
Regards
Colt