Trapdoor Carbine Questions???

[Rafsob]

I picked up a trapdoor carbine today and it is very good condition. I am trying to research it and my DOB by serial number comes out to 1882. However, the serial number has a star at the end of the number. It has a bull rear sight and the butt stock plate appears to be correct. But in one book for serial numbers by year, it claims that no carbines were made in 1882? Not sure if I am reading it correctly though. One more thing, there is no cartouche on the stock or "P" stamped behind the trigger guard. Any experts out there with some help? Thanks.

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[Rafsob]

I took a few photos of the new gun:

[barbarossa]

It is my general understanding the 'starred serial number' denotes a weapon which utilized reclaimed parts from an earlier weapon and therefore denoted a 'second quality' arm suitable for issue to state militia, National Guard etc. My 'starred' Model 1879 Trapdoor rifle is also double eagle and 'VP' proofed on the barrel testifying to the fact it had been through a refurbishment sometime in its service career. A stock without a cartouche or P proof on wrist is almost certainly at best a field replacement stock. Some of the known field replacement stocks have been noted with a "X" or "R" stamped in the bottom of the wrist. The stock patina is really good on your gun and it has certainly been together a long time--don't think your carbine has been monkeyed about. Still, the fact the serial number falls into a non carbine manufacture block out of Springfield is worrisome-- could possibly point to a late 19th century Bannerman put together carbine built up from surplus parts. Can't say more without examining the carbine. Good luck.

[villiers]

Don´t wish to subvert the thread ... but ..how was the saddle ring used and how was it attached to the saddle? Did cavalry carbines have some different kind of sling?

[gsimmons]

They had a 2-21/2" wide sling with a large swivel around there left shoulder. The muzzle went into a leather bucket on the right stirrup.

[villiers]

So, very like the German depicted above ... and did the saddle ring attach to a hook on the saddle?

[Patrick Chadwick]

But in one book for serial numbers by year, it claims that no carbines were made in 1882?

To be precise, no new carbines.

That's what it says in "The 45-70 Springfield", Chapter 10. A very authoritative work that bears out what barbarossa has already witten. Section 10. has a list of known "rebuild" carbines from 1882 (and 1880-81) of this kind. The number quoted range from 181178 to 209867. Does yours fall into this range?


Patrick

[Rafsob]

My serial numb is 1809xx.

---------- Post added at 03:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:16 PM ----------

I wil more then likely use my new find during side matches in Cowboy Action Shooting. I am taking it to the range in the morning. I will be shooting BPCR rounds through it. don't want to take any chances.

[Patrick Chadwick]

My serial numb is 1809xx.

Sounds OK. The numbers in the book are of known examples, and the book does not claim an exclusive range. It looks as if you have just extended the range, and it would be appropriate to write to the author so that he can update the database. Of course, you will have to give him the complete number for the records!


Patrick

[Rafsob]

Sounds OK. The numbers in the book are of known examples, and the book does not claim an exclusive range. It looks as if you have just extended the range, and it would be appropriate to write to the author so that he can update the database. Of course, you will have to give him the complete number for the records!


Patrick

I would do so if I knew how to get in touch with him.

by the way I took the carbine to the range and it shot nicely. It is shooting a little high, but a friend has a larger sight I can install to bring the POI down. the windage adjustment work nicely and I moved the impact over inline.

I also got in touch with Keith Rush from Trapdoors Galore and I have a tool kit on the way for the buttstock. I am getting the original tools instead of the repros.

Thanks for your help pal.