1873 Springfield Trapdoor

wdahms

Do you have to shoot black powder in this rifle or can you shoot regular 45-70 rounds in it? I guess just some general info on the rifle would help.

wdahms

Aside from the usual proofmarks on the side of the barrel, I have found these marks on the BOTTOM of the barrel. What are they?

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll186/wdahms1/IMG_0142_zpstseid2eq.jpg

wdahms

Hey Guys,
I just won a springfield trapdoor rifle (I am getting in the old military guns kick) in a local auction house. I would like to know a little bit about this old man. It's 1873 and has a serial # of 264xxx. Is it a 45-70?
Not in pristine condition but going to see what I can do to clean it up. It is sporterized. I don't know if that was original or not. Just looking for a little info.
Thanks.

rufe-snow

Springfield Armoury proof marks.The large "P" is the common one, that is used as the basic approval stamp. The small deep one is a "Eagles Head". Although it's difficult to make out

The "P" was used as late as W W II. I don't believe the "Eagles Head" was used any later than W W I.

wdahms

Thank you for the reply. I thought these were the proof marks, though, Why would they use two sets?

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll186/wdahms1/ProofMarks_zpsco2hvc6g.jpg

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by wdahms
Thank you for the reply. I thought these were the proof marks, though, Why would they use two sets?

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll186/wdahms1/ProofMarks_zpsco2hvc6g.jpg



I don't absolutely no? Perhaps there were multiple inspections/inspectors?

Spider7115

Many Trapdoors were returned to Springfield for upgrades or refurbishing. These would have been re-proofed before being returned to the field.

wdahms

Well, I'll suppose that's the case here, then. Thanks for the info.