SRS Check On Possible Trapdoor Purchase Please

[browningautorifle]

Nice...good enough. I'd go ahead and make up a copy ramrod bayonet using the piece and the small needs aren't so bad. The bore looks like it could use a cleaning. I've never been able to figure out the Buffington sight, I'd be more comfortable with a standard sight. I guess a range report is forthcoming? I still think It's a good catch...

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[oldfoneguy]

Nice...good enough. I'd go ahead and make up a copy ramrod bayonet using the piece and the small needs aren't so bad. The bore looks like it could use a cleaning. I've never been able to figure out the Buffington sight, I'd be more comfortable with a standard sight. I guess a range report is forthcoming? I still think It's a good catch...

I'm hitting the range later this week Jim I'll write up a report right after. I have no experience with this rear sight but it seems overly complicated for a battle rifle. I possibly found an original ramrod bayo for sale at trapdoor collectors. I've sent an email and am anxiously waiting for a reply. This will leave only the sling swivel and screw to be located. I love it when a plan comes together!

[browningautorifle]

This will leave only the sling swivel and screw to be located. I love it when a plan comes together!

You may be able to source that here...WTB ad...

[oldfoneguy]

So I took the rifle completely apart for an in depth cleaning and oiling.

Several small parts are missing yet it still functions. Extractor spring plunger, pin for the ramrod retainer and one of the tiny springs that go with it. Found some rust under the lockplate. The middle band is the stacking swivel band for a carbine. I have an email out waiting for response for a ramrod bayonet. It's moving along very well.

Have been cleaning the barrel and am about half done. That hasn't been done to it in years have some pictures of the bore condition. I'm not surprised by it even dirty it showed strong but wow. Can't wait to get to the range.

[browningautorifle]

Nothing wrong with that one at all.

[oldfoneguy]

So the rod-bayonet arrived today in good order. Some patina as expected with an item of this age. Good solid never flattened point, excellent threads on the other end and as straight as the day is was made. Took the rifle to the range on Thursday and did somewhat acceptable. I did a write up in range reports if anyone is interested.

After learning a lot about these rifles in a short time it's become apparent there are several incorrect parts on this rifle and a few missing altogether and I am hard on the trail of correcting all the mistakes I've inherited.

Right now I'm doing a barrel soak with Hoppes. Chamber plugs for 45-70 have been discontinued everywhere I looked so it was up to me to make my own. After trying several different cases I found a .243 with the neck hammered flat and a 7/32"x 11/32" O ring in the extractor groove makes an excellent water tight substitute. Will keep barrel soaking for 24 hours then scrub well and give an update afterwards.

[oldfoneguy]

The barrel soak went very well and the barrel is now as clean as it's ever going to be with spotless patches coming out of it. Apparently the barrel wasn't so bad perhaps because of the cleaning I gave it before taking it to the range. Although darkened the Hoppes was still see through which is the opposite of how it came out of my P14 when I soaked that. The solvent came out of that barrel looking more like mud.

Pleased with the progress so far. Another order to be placed to S & S this week for parts to make it correct and that should be close to the final order. Now I need to get bullet lube so I can start doing some loading. The gentleman came through with the primers on Saturday as he said he would so the lube is the last item needed.

[browningautorifle]

That barrel looked about perfect from the beginning. Something we seldom see here...

[oldfoneguy]

So the little box of goodies from S & S arrived today with almost everything I need. Reproduction rear sling swivel and screw, spring plunger for extractor, spring for ramrod retainer, middle band with indent for Buffington sight, extra tall front sight and pin.

I'm going to fire it before making any front sight changes now that the rear sight is laying flat. It was about a foot high so I'm assuming it may drop by 6 inches but we'll see. With the spring plunger in place the extractor really kicks out the brass where it was gently pushing out of the chamber. After putting the block in with the spring plunger in place now I understand why so many are left out.

The pin for the rod retainer is still missing and I may have to make my own as no part suppliers have one. The top band is still incorrect but that can wait because it doesn't affect function and funds are limited.