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    Contributing Member SRiverrat11's Avatar
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    1873/1884 Trapdoor

    I recently traded a FG CMPicon HRA M1icon for a 1873/1884 Trapdoor. I should have researched before I did it, but whats done is done. Now, I have a rifle I know nothing about(except what I've read here) and many questions. First, I want to shoot this but, see many say, "Use smokeless powder". I believe it shot black powder originally ,so I'd like to shoot blackpowder. I do not have time to reload so someone said go to Buffalo Arms.com. Do any of you know them? Next, 45/70, bullet grain? 405? 415? 500? I would really appreciate any knowledgeable opinions. Thanks in advance.
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    Advisory Panel Patrick Chadwick's Avatar
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    You have acquired the version that I would find most desirable - with the 1879 buckhorn backsight. This is a great improvement over the 1873 stepped ladder sight, with a continuous ramp and windage adjustment with scale markings. Many will say that the 1885 Buffington sight is even better, but that is often not permitted in service rifle competitions over here.

    Of course it is a blackpowder rifle, and should be used accordingly. If you look in the Lyman Reloading Handbook you will find appropriate warnings included with the 45-70 reloading data for smokeless powder.

    The original bullet weight was 500 gns. 405gn bullets were introduced for the cavalry carbines, but are definitely too light in the wind at long ranges. All BP shooters of my acquaintance use bullets of 500 gns or more, as the longer bullets are quite simply more accurate.

    Used properly (with BP and a 500-520gn bullet) the Trapdoor is one of the most accurate BPCRs, and a regular match winner.

    Buffalo Arms seems to be the major provider of obsolete BP ammo in the USAicon. I have no experience of their products, but I suspect that if you get to like shooting your Trapdoor, you will soon be taking a serious interest in reloading, if only to relieve the strain on your purse.
    Last edited by Patrick Chadwick; 11-15-2013 at 02:34 AM.

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