Trapdoor Rifles

I'm not really sure about the measurement you asked about. From the toe of the Buttplate to the beginning of the wrist is 91/2 inches. I don't see any cracks or evidence of forcing the receiver. It does have a faint ESA cartouche, and I believe he died in 1878.

I agree, Dick. I often find myself admiring the beauty of an old Arsenal creation from long ago. I never do that with an AR-15 or anything new.

Thanks for replying gentlemen. The serial number is 321606, which would explain why a beautiful early block I bought from S&S won't fit. I didn't know much about Trapdoors when I bought this rifle (I actually still don't, but I've learned a little) and I know this is a cobbled together gun. If I...

I constantly see Trapdoors for sale with Block dates that don't match the model. I understand that "84's with the Buffington sight might have "73 blocks because there was a lot of the earlier blocks in inventory, but how about those 1873 models with buckhorn sights and an '84 dated block? ...

Great stuff!! How did you make the ammo? I watched a video from a Dr. Sheppard where he fabricates 58 rf via a lengthy process involving soldering a brass shot shell cf hole shut, then drilling an offset hole for a primer near the rim. Very tedious, meticulous work, requiring a lot of mechanical ski...

Hi. Trapdoors are an addiction for sure. Richard's books are a great investment, both for reference and educational purposes. If you decide to shoot it, be sure to have it checked by a knowledgeable gunsmith. Good luck finding ammunition. 50-70 brass is still made by some companies, but in limited a...

Does anyone know of any line drawings or descriptions of how the tools fit in the '88 Buttplate compartment? My friend has one and he bought tools, the combo tool, extractor and rod tip, but can't get them to fit. I don't own one, so can't look for myself. thanks.

Butch's Antique Gun parts has excellent repro rods of all sorts.

Thanks Dick. I bought your 50-70 collector's only book years ago, when I visited Springfield Armory. Invaluable aid. I referred to it when I bought a M1866 off gunbroker, and again ( although I didn't need to ) when I bought one of the last '66's from Al just before he closed shop. His descriptions ...

It's said "you don't miss a good thing till it's gone". For years I always knew if my friends or myself were in the market for a Trapdoor rifle, we could always go to Al Frasca's collectors site. Great pictures, honest accurate descriptions, and good prices. Not being able to travel to gun...