1868 trapdoor sporter

[browningautorifle]

You still need to do a slug of the bore and probably a chamber casting to see where you're starting out... Even if it's a fat 38spl chamber you can get enough brass to not worry. That is if you do that.

The stock you can keep an eye for, you may find one or these guys might have one if you post a WTB hereabouts...

[rpchachee]

Thanks for the insights everyone. I will definalty consider the .38 special if it isn't already. I'll post more info when I find more out.

---------- Post added at 11:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:29 AM ----------

I take it you got a good deal on it as a cut down 50-70.

As best as I can tell from the info I'm looking at online, the barrel is still the original length. Reciver and barrel serial numbers both match and have the same number font. I feel I got a pretty good deal. I just threw a number out there to the guy and he agreed. Paid $300. Not sure what sportered trapdoor go for tho. Never owned one till now lol.

[Daan Kemp]

Measure the diameter of the chamber and the groove for the cartridge rim, and the depth of the chamber to the shoulder. It will give you the dimensions of the cartridge case, which will give you an idea of the cartridge. Should be easy from there to find the cartridge.

[free1954]

whatever happened with this rifle? did you ever find the caliber?

[ssgross]

I figure a replacement stock would be the worst thing to try and obtain.

The stock you can keep an eye for, you may find one or these guys might have one

Dunlap woodcrafts Chantilly, VA. I handled a couple full length trapdoor stocks last time I was in his shop a couple months ago.

[rpchachee]

no sadly i havent figured the caliber yet. ill look at it for a while and then it sits in the corner for awhile. its an on and off curiosity.

---------- Post added at 04:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:28 AM ----------

thanks for the info. ill check it out.

[ssgross]

no sadly i havent figured the caliber yet

Sounds like you might need to cast the chamber with Cerrosafe
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...y-prod384.aspx
It's cheap and melts easily in a spoon. Could be real fun shooter if if it's something common like 38 special. I haven't seen any trapdoor barrels in good condition for sale that weren't already on fully assembled rifles.

[free1954]

thanks for the reply. yes cerrosafe is real easy to use. what part of PA do you live in? i'm just north of scranton.

[rpchachee]

what part of PA do you live in? i'm just north of scranton.

a little south of clearfield.

[Patrick Chadwick]

My recommendation: don't waste a lot of money in trying to make it into a military-looking trapdoor again.
And don't mess with the chamber. You don't (yet) know what it is.
And don't trust bore measurement with calipers. Just not precise enough, because of the grooves.

As suggested, you need to slug the bore. You need a well-greased SOFT lead slug. Do you know any ML/percussion shooters? A 36-cal round ball would be suitable. A 38er might also go, but would be harder work.

If a modern 357/38 Special bullet falls through the bore, then you have one of the predecessors. I have a rifle which is like that. It took me quite some time to work out that it is chambered in ... (take a deep breath) ... 38 Long Colt Outside Lubricated !

So once again: don't assume anything, don't mess with the chamber or trust calipers.

Let us know the results!

Patrick