Springfield Trapdoor Cadet Rifle

[Dai.S.Loe]

I have just been offered one of the above rifles.

I have a friend in the UK who knows I like the old single shot rifles. He phoned me up to ask me I f I was interested in a TD Springfield Cadet rifle.

Apprently this rifle is in excellent condition and is also a very fine shooter.

My mate has shot it himself and informed me that at 200 yards he posted a very respectible score.

From what I can make out it is original, not a put together rifle.

What I want to know fron you members out there is your experiences of shooting such rifles.

Most importantly "The Fun Factor"

What is the best accuracy (provided I do my bit) I can expect from one of these rifles.

Any information would be much appreciated.

Chris

[Dirty Brass]

I shoot a couple of Sp. Trapdoor rifles and a Pedersoli reproduction model too. Also have a couple of carbine models, but not original - they are cut downs, and I added a SR to one and milled off the sling swivel from the trigger guard. I love the things! Very little recoil. Accuracy is pretty good (for me) I can hold an 8" group at 200 yards with the rifles - and my eyes are BAD. The guns are very capable of good accuracy if they are in good shape. The cadet is a little shorter barrel, but it should still shoot accurately within reasonable distances and good loads. I shoot smokeless and BP and Triple 7 loads in mine - all 405 Gr bullets, and appropriate lube. Like I said - it's a hoot! here's a pic of one of my shooting buddies last January trying one of them out for size...

I promise you - if the gun is a shooter, you'll not regret getting it! 

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Welcome back Dai!  It's been awhile.

[Dai.S.Loe]

...

I promise you - if the gun is a shooter, you'll not regret getting it! 

My mate in the UK knows I love collecting. He also knows that I dont believe in just having a gun on display. It was made for a purpose, shooting, and in my humble opinion they should be shot if it is safe to do so.

Mark's priority therefore was firstly to find me a rifle that was an accurate shooter. This he has verified to by actually trying out the rifle himself. Appaerntly the current owner is a member of the British Black Powder Assn. and really does look after his rifles.

Mark infromed me of this rifle as it fittede the first priority, its accurate, and also because in his words its a "minter"

He is posting me some photographs of the rifle this week so that I can make a decision.

I am already 1/2 convinced it should be mine.

It can go into my modest collection with my 1861 Ballard carbine, my 1874 Snider carbine and my late 1800's hammer shotguns

Chris

[Dai.S.Loe]

Welcome back Dai!  It's been awhile.

Thanks

Sent you a message.

Been real busy with the new house etc. 10 months work to completely decorate the interior.

Also a couple of seriousd bike accidents that have left me with a knackered back.

Still shooting though.

Working with some matesa to set up a new range not far from my house. Resourse consent from the district council is a real PITA.

The range is at the bottom of an old quary and we have been measured at 41 db shooting a .308, the wind reading was 65 db.

The council is still giving us grief.

Chris