Yesterday's Weapons Forums

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Well, I pulled the trigger and purchased a model 1888…or so Springfield Trapdoor via a first time seller on Gunbroker. Wish me luck, but he told me over the phone his wife made him sell it to make room for the AR-15 build he is using the money for. Supposedly it hung on a wall for 40 years in his Father's house. I'll post more later as the limit seems to be two.

Best Regards,

Mark

BTW, a very fine "Damn You Enfield Shooter, I should have never have fired your trapdoor in the first place. Nice, very nice, my pretty"

Two more…. Hope the blemishes come out with BLO. They came from being a wall hanger.

Best Regards,

Mark

One last picture of the bayonet lug. The serial number is over 500000, so she is a later make. Seller says the bore is shiny and lumped 100 rounds and a set a dies with the rifle. Looks like I'm going to have to use my Lee Classic press or else. Oh well, this was my AR-15 build money. AR-15's should be around for some time, but best to grab a nice trapdoor while I can.

Best Regards,

Mark

For best accuracy, slug the bore and score a bullet mold a couple thousandths over that. Soft lead boolets, too. Looks like fun! Now you need a flint lock! SW

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Slava Ukraini!!

very nice looking catch there , 88 rod bayonet was what i had as well , don't fret the blemishes they should clean up fine and what do you expect from a rifle her age ?

these are great fun to shoot , low power smokeless reloads is where i went with mine , cast bullets , a lot cleaner than the black powder - but that is an option as well

I also received 100 rounds of ammo with the rifle. I heard the reloads were done with smokeless powder, but I'm unsure of what powder and how many grains were used. I'd prefer to pull the bullets and reload with black powder. Tempting to just use the reloads, but better safe than sorry.

The rifle also came with a set of Lee Loader dies for 45/70. I read on the Lee Precision website that a rubber mallet to use them is not included. I use regular dies with a press and the Lee Loader dies are for neck sizing only. Ummh, what I'm a dealing with here? I do feel better with a regular die set and I have a Lee Classic press ready to go here.

I'll attach some pictures of the bayonet soon.

Best Regards,

Mark

As Promised…pokey sticks!

I've just been told I live rather close to "Mr. Trapdoor", the nation's leading expert on trapdoor Springfields. I shall arrange a visit once I actually receive the rifle.

Best Regards,

Mark

nice , i think i still have photos - ill look -