Trapdoor Rifles

An 1867 Cadet lockplate, complete and apparently correct in all respects is listed on Ebay if anyone is in need.

I have seen very similar staining when linseed oil was rubbed over metal parts in the course of wiping down an old stock. It dried to a varnish-like finish and was removable by one of several types of solvent. Might be worth a try.

I had an 1870 Carbine marked with "S" behind the rear sight and a tiny "X" and "P" at the index mark. Perhaps this is peculiar to 1870 made 68's and 70's.

I had no trouble using 40-65 dies on 45-70 brass. Cases well-lubed ("Unique" case lube worked by far the best for me) and sized in small stages. I used nickel-plated cases to differentiate between 40 and 45 rounds. I found by accident that a 40-65 round shoots quite poorly when fired in a ...

Buy-Sell-trade (again)
Need 1881 Breechblock. No luck on previous ad, so thought I'd try again.
If anyone has a spare "1881" marked breechblock that's taking up space and cluttering your work bench, I would be quite willing to take it off your hands!

Try a cheap (plastic will do) dial caliper. Use the rod to measure from "slider" to the frame of the "ladder". Record reading for each range.

Until the adoption of the 45/70 series, most shoulder arms produced by Springfield left the armory with a finish described as "National Armory Bright", which in essence meant that all metal parts which were not case hardened or oil-quench blacked were polished bright. The degree of polish ...

John' I really look forward to seeing your pics of the 50/70 pistol. Many years ago, a large scale local dealer acquired what appeared to be a real one. He graciously allowed me to strip and photograph it for my own research. In my humble opinion, it could only have been faked by a dedicated and tal...

I have heard of such butt plates fitted to Remington NY State rolling blocks for match or Creedmoor use. Don't know for sure.

Yes, this one has the lead.