Posted: 1/8/2012 4:33:08 PM EDT
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I lucked into a US Springfield Trapdoor, US Model 1884 with the 32" barrel. I have very little experience with these rifles, and know virtually nothing about them. The rifle has a 6-digit SN, 504973, and is in fair to good condition. Any guesses on the age of the rifle? Also, how rare are these guns, and is there much collector's value? Finally, any guesses on what the rifle would be worth?
I know pics would make this much easier, so I will post a few when I get a chance. In the meanwhile, any help would be greatly appreciated. |
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I found that the serial number of your rifle puts its date of manufacture sometime in 1891. That's all I've got for you. It's probably a .45-70; I'm not sure if they were produced in other calibers or not. Don't refinish it!
I've a book by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch entitled 'The .45-70 Springfield, 4th edition'. Looks to be tons of variations in markings and minor changes. P. |
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According to Gun-Data.com, your rifle was made in 1891. Depending on the bore condition, amound of original finish remaining, and condition of the wood, your rifle could be worth $400 to $600. I work in a gun store, and we have two of them on the shelf right now. One is priced at $499 and the other at $699.
If your rifle has a star next to the serial number, it was made up of both new and salvaged parts. The old trapdoors are loads of fun to shoot, but you have to remember that they are sighted in at 275 yards, so they will shoot about 30 inches high at 100 yards. In addition, the bore diameters on those old guns vary quite a bit. For best accuracy, use soft lead hollow-based bullets, and not jacketed ones. I load the ammo for my trapdoor with a 405 grain hollow-based bullet on top of 25 grains of IMR 4198. Remember that the trapdoor is not a very strong action, and don't try to shoot any hot loads in that gun. If you're shooting factory ammo, I strongly recommend UltraMax cowboy loads. |
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Quoted:
According to Gun-Data.com, your rifle was made in 1891. Depending on the bore condition, amound of original finish remaining, and condition of the wood, your rifle could be worth $400 to $600. I work in a gun store, and we have two of them on the shelf right now. One is priced at $499 and the other at $699. If your rifle has a star next to the serial number, it was made up of both new and salvaged parts. The old trapdoors are loads of fun to shoot, but you have to remember that they are sighted in at 275 yards, so they will shoot about 30 inches high at 100 yards. In addition, the bore diameters on those old guns vary quite a bit. For best accuracy, use soft lead hollow-based bullets, and not jacketed ones. I load the ammo for my trapdoor with a 405 grain hollow-based bullet on top of 25 grains of IMR 4198. Remember that the trapdoor is not a very strong action, and don't try to shoot any hot loads in that gun. If you're shooting factory ammo, I strongly recommend UltraMax cowboy loads. Are either of these in your shop carbines? That seems like a low price for original Springfield Trapdoors, but what the heck do I know.... Op, try this place: Trapdoorcollectors Good luck! |