Putting Lipstick on a Pig

[Niederlander]

Gentlemen, I was cruising Gunbroker (always dangerous), and happened upon a cut down Trapdoor rifle listed as a "Trapdoor Carbine Tribute".  I guess that's one way to market a cut down parts gun!

[River City John]

Some people just like their pigs gilded . . .

[Drydock]

Fools and money they say . . .

[LongWalker]

I saw two stripped trapdoors being sold as "parts guns" today.  Both started life as ramrod bayonet guns; one was the barreled action (no breechblock, no rear sight) and barrel bands.  The other was just a barreled action (no sights/barrel bands/etc).  Nice bores though, still contemplating going back for one or the other. 

Still pondering why they weren't described as "barreled actions" rather than "parts guns".

[Professor Marvel]

Are the ramrod bayonet rifles any more or less desireable?
Just wondering as I have acquired a barreled action cheap and was considering... ummm
"Modification"

Yhs prof marbles

[Niederlander]

Longwalker, Were there many Trapdoor parts at the show?

[LongWalker]

Niederlander, I saw the two stripped actions, one with barrel bands.  No stocks/locks/other furniture, but there might have been some onesy-twosy stuff I missed.  No real "parts guys" there.  I saw two complete rifles, 1884 or updated to that.  Not bad condition, but overpriced.   

What are you looking for?

Professor Marvel, I guess "desireable" depends on your perpsective and use.  For parting together a shooter or custom sporter, the ramrod bayonet guns are problematic because they require the later stock, or the hardware gets in the way of shortening the barrel (unless you want to build a carbine or "tribute carbine"  ). 

The ramrod bayonet guns have a lot going for them when bought as complete rifles.  A late rifle is the peak of trapdoor development.  They tend to be in much better condition, have better bores, and (unless previously changed) have the oh-so-popular Buffington rear sight.  I tend to avoid them as shooters because I have a sneaking suspicion that the bayonet hardware changes POI as the barrel heats up. 

[Niederlander]

I've actually got most of the parts I need for two carbines.  One is going to be early 1874 and the other 1879.  They were both cut down rifles with nice bores.  (Not "Tribute Carbines"!)  I think an actual rifle would be more difficult, in that you have to find one that hasn't been cut down.  I think if you want a rifle, you're best off just looking for a complete rifle that hasn't been screwed with.

[LongWalker]

Does your 1874 have the high-arch breechblock?  And who did you have turn the barrels down and add the front sight bases?  Always good to know who's doing that kind of work.

Parting together a rifle isn't all that bad, if the trades go right.  Find (any) 1878 or later rifle with a rotted bore.  Swap in a barreled action with a decent bore, fill out the parts as needed.  I've done it a few times. 

Next step up from there is to re-barrel a decent rifle with a rotted bore--takes a bit more work and a few more tools, but it is doable: with the loan of a pickup tailgate for a workbench, and a couple of hands to help hold things, I could have done it at the Grand Muster--can't do THAT with a Krag!

Building mixmasters has the benefit of saving collector-grade rifles for the collectors.  There are times--it almost seems cyclical--when people seem to think trapdoors are worth as much as Sharps.  I'm still looking for a shooter 1866, and have reconciled myself to parting one together.  I did find a copy of Croft Barker's 5070 Shooters Handbook, so I figure I'm halfway there!  But I'm thinking about changing my sig line to " Will trade 1878 trapdoor, brass, dies, moulds, for a decent 1866 and brass"!

[Niederlander]

Longwalker, one thing I AM looking for is the early cross hatched hammer.  I'll just use a later hammer until I find the right one.

[Professor Marvel]

Longwalker -

I have been collecting a vast plethora of parts cheaply for over 20 years in anticpiation of retirement
and less cash to spend on such nonsense.

Thus I have a large collection of half-done projects, amongst which are all the assorted parts (less stocks) for 2
trapdoors, one sharps carbine, over a dozen 1858 remmies and 1851/1860 Colts, several percussion
double shotguns and over two dozen plains rifles ( and wacky assort ML barrels).

My intent for the trapdoor barreled actions is to cobble up a Gemmerized Trapdoor and an "Officers Sporting rifle" (not carbine)
trapdoor stocks, even replicas are priced too dear for my blood, thus I have a number of walnut and cherry blanks
drying in the shop...

we will see if familial health issues & etc permit the pursuance of said "best laid plans" or whether they will "gang aglay"

is the meantime I still have fun gloating over my hoard like the proverbial dragon, anf doing a little work at a time.

Worstcase, i can probably open my own mini online gunshow parts table....

yhs
prof marbles

[Pitspitr]

Some people just like their pigs gilded . . .

I prefer mine cured...

[Delmonico]

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