Trapdoor project got bumped

LongWalker · March 28, 2021, 06:08:54 PM

Sadly, my 1873 trapdoor project has been bumped from the priority list. I'd probably feel worse about this, but it was always a second choice--I really wanted a 50-70. I've seemingly been under the Curse of the 1884 Trapdoor as that is all I can seem to find. Nichevo. Someday my luck will change. . . .

I hit the Crete gunshow today (held in Beatrice for some reason). No one tried to sell me a 32-20, which was a plus, but no one wanted to buy mine either. Ah well, it was just along as trade bait, with the ROA and S&W 65. I should have taken the 98 Krag, think I might have found a buyer.

I did see a couple of (repro) Remington conversions (one in 38, the other in 45), a fair S&W Russian, a '95 Winchester SRC in '06 (couldn't remember who was looking for one, but I got contact info if needed). Didn't see a single cap and ball revolver--very strange--and no one had percussion caps. Saw a guy actually asking $25/100 for large rifle primers and he wasn't even wearing a mask. . . . Red Dot powder at $40/12 ounces. One guy had a couple original Sharps, some Ballards, Winchester 1885s, and various Euro-singles (and a neat little SXS underlever combination gun). Saw a sweet 38/44 Outdoorsman but it had a bulge in the barrel. Lots of S&W 22LR Outdoorsman/Model 17/Model 18, some Blackhawks that caught my eye. Prices are driving LOTS of stuff out of the woodwork.

Talked with a guy about some moulds I had on a friend's table, turned out he was the one with all the single-shots. Swung by his tables again later as the show was closing down early, realized the unpriced trapdoor was a 50-70. Not the cutdown '66 I've been watching for to make a sporter like my great-great grandfather had, but an uncut 1868. Bore condition is pretty good, but missing the cleaning rod and rear sight. After some dealing to fund the purchase, and some wheel-deal with the PO, the trapdoor followed me home.

Soon as I find a rear sight (and brass/dies/mould), I'll have it shooting again.

I think I mis-spoke ("Mis-wrote"?) earlier in this epistle. Sunday my luck will change. Yeah, that's the ticket.

Anyone have a rear sight for a 68 Springfield?

Major 2 · March 28, 2021, 06:16:11 PM

Way cool....the Planets aligned

38OVI · March 28, 2021, 08:25:17 PM

Try www.trapdoorcollector.com as he may have parts. The sight base is a basic CW base, the difference is the sight bar and slide.

Niederlander · March 28, 2021, 10:34:17 PM

There's at least on on e-Bay right now.

LongWalker · March 29, 2021, 02:36:54 AM

Thanks guys, I should have a sight coming (subject to the now-usual shipping delays and the whims of the US Mule). 38OVI--thanks for the tip--that helped! Bore is better than I thought, may wind up replacing the extractor spring.

Now to gather the necessaries to feed it. . . .

Pitspitr · March 29, 2021, 05:58:07 AM

I have a set of 50-70 dies for sale.

Niederlander · March 29, 2021, 07:50:09 AM

Quote from: LongWalker on March 29, 2021, 02:36:54 AM
Thanks guys, I should have a sight coming (subject to the now-usual shipping delays and the whims of the US Mule). 38OVI--thanks for the tip--that helped! Bore is better than I thought, may wind up replacing the extractor spring.

Now to gather the necessaries to feed it. . . .

I had to replace mine as it was just sort of dribbling the case out. With the new spring it shoots WAAY out! Can't believe the old one only lasted a hundred thirty years. Sheesh!

LongWalker · March 29, 2021, 02:28:16 PM

Pitspitr, PM sent. Thanks!