Springfield Trapdoor Bannerman Special - Might be a Shooter
So I this little mutt has only been in my hands since last night. However I'm beginning to think she is a shooter due to condition of action and barrel.
Action locks-up tight. No wiggle in the lock either open or closed. Firing pin is free, and no sign of strain or cracks anywhere in the trapdoor joint.
Trigger wiggles front-to-back a little (normal ?).
Best part of the mechanics is inside the barrel looks like a mirror, and rifling is very nice.
I'm trying to understand more about this rifle, and it's quirks.
If you know anything about these oddball parts, how to check for issues, or what I should do next, please leave a comment.
Thanks!
Year of Manufacture: Unknown (1889-1990 ???)
Caliber: unknown
Action Type: Single Shot Trapdoor
Markings:
Large "L" and "15" stamped on top of the receiver.
The barrel at the 12 o'clock position, near the receiver is marked "A"
The barrel at the 6 o'clock position, near the reciever is marked "P Y S" or "P V S" with a strange symbol near the P
The barrel ahead of the trap door is stamped with “V” over “P”, an eagle head, and another “P”
Bottom of receiver is marked "A" and what looks like a metal plug.
The Left side of the receiver is stamped “N.J”.
The trapdoor is stamped “US / SPRINGFIELD / 1873”
Behind the trap door on the receiver is the serial number “479952”.
The lock plate is marked with a single "C”.
The top of the buttplate is stamped “U.S.”.
The barrel bands are both marked with a “U”.
Barrel Length: Unknown
Sights / Optics: Buckhorn rear sight and fixed post front sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
Type of Finish: Possibly bright
Finish Originality: Unknown.
Bore Condition: The bore is shiny and the rifling is worn but is still serviceable. There is no rust or erosion.
Overall Condition: The Screw heads are serviceable with only slight disfiguration. The markings are faint in some areas and strong in others.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, and locks-up tight with no wiggle. Have not fired this rifle.
Issues -
Stock - particularly that it's been cut just under the Buckhorn rear sight. To fix I'll probably need to reinforce the tweo pieces with a steel rod, and epoxy/glue together in a vice.
Since it's a no cartouche, no barrel bands stock, although beautiful, I feel I can complete the repair myself guilt-free. Both barrel bands hold on only with friction.
The trigger guard was removed, and an odd sling mount was installed at some point.
Tons of pics incoming!
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...9i2v6bcv-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...sie5rpdq-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...mdl0xhau-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zpse4ce-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zpsebe6-1.jpg
Looks like a spoon-shaped spring. What is this?
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...dxwj94is-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...fgcwqgkh-1.jpg
Perhaps this was originally a bright finish trap door.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...x5culuvl-1.jpg
Barrel marking near receiver
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...czzygil7-1.jpg
Left side of receiver
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...u8ugvzno-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...boqrbvvu-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...il3amwa9-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ihmafjez-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...yqiradgy-1.jpg
Almost the entire length of barrel, which was hidden behind stock, has a bright finish.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...mqchdcoo-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...crza2pym-1.jpg
Someone tried to hold stock together with two small nails. Rifle was a decoration for years.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...vxmhgftj-1.jpg
Notice gap on the rear base of trigger guard due to after-thought sling mount.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...mo8iujvc-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...bjukyhtw-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...rqqgycgs-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...mosfuyn5-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...b6iemsd5-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...qw9fxvu3-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...oaohugdk-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...oyajz2o0-1.jpg
Haven't cleaned the breach or barrel yet.
Looks crisp and undamaged.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...26860ee2-1.jpg
The only marking on the Lock plate "C"
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._zpsaad0-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...b6ia8zne-1.jpg