ENDED Advice for finding a functional affordable Springfield trapdoor

[steveb287]

Hello all,
Just curious if you can give advice or guidance on where I can finally get a Springfield Trapdoor carbine/rifle 45/70 somewhat affordable. I never have had the money for the uberi but hoping to find one used affordable that just shoots good and functions at the range for fun. Love the history and have always wanted to own one to shoot

Thanks in advance !

 

[RedRover]

Your post reminds me of the glory days of "Trapdoors Galore" until the passing of Mr. Rush, the owner. For a few decades he used to sell Trapdoors and parts in all manner of conditions etc.

At present could not recommend off hand any one-stop shop. But there are some handy publications for the Trapdoor shooter. Like Mr. Wolf's guide to loading cartridges for the originals, etc.

Amazon.com

Here's a more recent book on the subject by Mr. Knight...

Amazon.com

I recall Mr. Poyer's book was a handy one potentially regarding collecting a trapdoor or two...

Amazon.com

 

[scooter748driver]

I know of several in a local gun shop that are fairly inexpensive. What is your budget?

 

[johan_steele]

My suggestion is always Lodgewood, Dennis Fulmer is another as well as Gunderson Militaria. Though affordability and shootability don't always go hand and hand. For shootability unless it's Lodgewood you're taking an educated guess at best.

 

[steveb287]

I know of several in a local gun shop that are fairly inexpensive. What is your budget?

Thank you for the response! Yeah I was wondering if it is unrealistic to get a decent shooting one in the $500 to $600 range ?

 

[scooter748driver]

I'll check to see what they have in that price range when I'm next there (probably one day next week. If they have some in that range I'll snap a couple of pictures for you to see them.

 

[steveb287]

My suggestion is always Lodgewood, Dennis Fulmer is another as well as Gunderson Militaria. Though affordability and shootability don't always go hand and hand. For shootability unless it's Lodgewood you're taking an educated guess at best.

Thank you ! Checking out online now

I'll check to see what they have in that price range when I'm next there (probably one day next week. If they have some in that range I'll snap a couple of pictures for you to see them.

thank you so much !

 

[James Brenner]

One thing to keep in mind, Trapdoors come in both .50-70 and .45-70 calibers. .50-70 brass is impossible to find. Make sure you opt for a.45-70 rifle.

 

[3rd North Carolina]

i would try your local gun shop. i have gotten all of mine that way for a decent price

 

[steveb287]

i would try your local gun shop. i have gotten all of mine that way for a decent price

Thanks yeah I'm going to keep an eye out. Can I ask what a decent price estimate would be on one ?

 

[johan_steele]

One thing to keep in mind, Trapdoors come in both .50-70 and .45-70 calibers. .50-70 brass is impossible to find. Make sure you opt for a.45-70 rifle.

Don't forget .58 rimfire…

 

[iron bender]

Consider Jackson's Armory in Dallas. I know for fact he's got lots of trapdoors for sale right now. At good prices. You'd have to call them as their website doesn't update too frequently. Ask for Randy or Doc. They'll hook you up with exactly what you're looking for

 

[Trooper "D"]

Hello all,
Just curious if you can give advice or guidance on where I can finally get a Springfield Trapdoor carbine/rifle 45/70 somewhat affordable. I never have had the money for the uberi but hoping to find one used affordable that just shoots good and functions at the range for fun. Love the history and have always wanted to own one to shoot View attachment 550834Thanks in advance !

I am looking at DGW for repros but originals are a much or less. I'm looking for carbines in 45/70-45/55. I think I might hit up those suggestions myself.
Thanks.
Cheers!

 

[steveb287]

Consider Jackson's Armory in Dallas. I know for fact he's got lots of trapdoors for sale right now. At good prices. You'd have to call them as their website doesn't update too frequently. Ask for Randy or Doc. They'll hook you up with exactly what you're looking for

Awesome thank you so much I will call!

 

[JackADriscoll]

You can frequently find authentic ones at that price range on online auctions. The condition is usually pretty obvious. Don't bid if it's not.

 

[JackADriscoll]

Oh and if they are pre 1898 they can be shipped direct to you minding local laws of course

 

[Story]

have always wanted to own one to shoot View attachment 550834Thanks in advance !

If you just want a shooter, by all means consider the "Hollywood" carbines floating around (or available to rebuild).

Here's my writeup of one that followed me home

Hollywood, Martin Retting and Trapdoor Carbines

Follow me on this, as the Movie Studio thread (http://www.jouster2.com/forums/showthread.php?76304-Movie-studio-marked-guns ) sent me down the rabbit hole on this rode-hard more-or-less M1879 carbine. https://i.imgur.com/NJ5rLCS.jpg Back in the 1950s, Martin Redding use to peddle both...

www.jouster2.com

If you don't need a saddle sling bar stock, then a cut-down and properly profiled rifle stock is dandy.

If the bore needs work, Bobby Hoyt out near Gettysburg is your man - reasonable rates and fast turnaround.

As for .45-70, learn to handload - it's not like your rate of fire will ever outstrip your production rate in front of a TV

For those who require a tie-in with the civil war,

In the best traditions of the Cavalry
IYKYK

 

[Trooper "D"]

Oh and if they are pre 1898 they can be shipped direct to you minding local laws of course

If the weapon can fire modern fixed ammunition then 1898 goes out the window. Same for 1873 Colt SAA revolvers. If there is ammunition that will fit and fire, no matter how unwise that might be, the Pre 1898 doesn't apply. If you have received vintage weapons that can fire modern fixed ammunition then hats off to you.
Spencer carbines fired rimfire shells that are not produced anymore. So in that case the Pre 1898 applies. Unless they have been altered to be able to fire modern fixed ammo which seems to be a popular thing. I would do it if I had and old unaltered Spencer.
But let me of I am wrong about this. Maybe it depends on any cops and or judges who have a bad attitude. In that case I got the lucky draw.
Cheers!

 

[JackADriscoll]

If the weapon can fire modern fixed ammunition then 1898 goes out the window. Same for 1873 Colt SAA revolvers. If there is ammunition that will fit and fire, no matter how unwise that might be, the Pre 1898 doesn't apply. If you have received vintage weapons that can fire modern fixed ammunition then hats off to you.
Spencer carbines fired rimfire shells that are not produced anymore. So in that case the Pre 1898 applies. Unless they have been altered to be able to fire modern fixed ammo which seems to be a popular thing. I would do it if I had and old unaltered Spencer.
But let me of I am wrong about this. Maybe it depends on any cops and or judges who have a bad attitude. In that case I got the lucky draw.
Cheers!

That's interesting. What state do you reside?

 

[Trooper "D"]

That's interesting. What state do you reside?

Arizona. Northern Arizona to be exact. Things are not what they seem up here. Especially the small towns. Especially towards folks who move here and are not Arizona Born and Bred.