SRS Check On Possible Trapdoor Purchase Please

[oldfoneguy]

Not my area of expertise and I have no dog in the fight, but there is something very unusual about the rod on that trapdoor.

The rod-bayonet 'tip' normally looks like this attached photo. (I am not aware of any 'issued' protective cover)?

You are correct. Look at them side by side it seems like the bayonet bracket on the one I'm going to look at is on backwards. Is that even possible? See how the release button is to the front on your picture and it's to the rear on this one? Good catch! Something I'm going to have to pay close attention to, thanks.

Update, spoke to my daughters boyfriend and he explained the bayonet bracket is removable and apparently this one was put back reversed that's why the bayonet doesn't have a point and the release button is to the rear. Going forward I will refer to him by his name Paul it's quicker to type.
So my resident go-to expert for all things trapdoor is Paul.

[butlersrangers]

The rifle you are considering, in addition to having the latch on backwards, has a rod that is not a model 1888 trapdoor bayonet.
There appear to be six areas on the 'odd' rod that have knurling.

A rod-bayonet has a tip that is pointed, kind of like a 'Philips-head screwdriver', and only a single broad area of knurling.

The rifle in question could have something rare and exotic, but I doubt it.

[oldfoneguy]

Well I'll find out tomorrow and let you all know. Thanks for the possible price negotiating tool.

[browningautorifle]

The bayonet isn't inserted reversed is it? Point inward?

[butlersrangers]

Not inverted.

A quick search of known parts dealers would indicate a loose trapdoor ramrod-bayonet is no easy or cheap matter to find or replace. It does not appear to be reproduced either.

[oldfoneguy]

Would anyone have a photo available of a completely removed rod bayonet that I can use for comparison? You may same me from making an expensive mistake.

[browningautorifle]

A quick search of known parts dealers

I did that and couldn't even find an example of a rod bayonet, except one I think...

[butlersrangers]

I can't find a photo of a compete model 1888 rod-bayonet, online. There are some implements that function with the small end of the rod.
So, I imagine there is a small thread or ribbing on the non-pointy end.

[oldfoneguy]

I can't find a photo of a compete model 1888 rod-bayonet, online. There are some implements that function with the small end of the rod.
So, I imagine there is a small thread or ribbing on the non-pointy end.

Attachment 125899

That's really what I needed to see thanks

[browningautorifle]

Here's a pic from Guns International showing the ramrod bayonet still in it's channel but you can see all of it.