Trapdoor Rifles

For this kind of field attire try What Price Glory.

IMG_2169 (1).jpg [/img] IMG_2161 (1).jpg IMG_2171 (1).jpg These are legitimate regular army unit markings. I have one exactly like it, in fact, I bought it from the same gentleman who owns the subject rifle. So far, I have accounted for eight M1866 rifles with this same marking made from the same m...

I spoke on the phone to Stephen McCartney this morning. Unfortunately, he does no have the original government load data for the forager loads. He did, however, suggest that you might look up the information on the loading kits that were issued along with the shotguns to the companies. He thinks tha...

Stephen's computer is not working at this time. He has access to the internet, but in a rather disjointed manner. I will tell him to check up on this site the next time I speak to him.

Rick T.

Thank you for sharing that photograph! That is an extremely nice photo!

Rick T.

I would have thought that as well, Tom. Of course, the only tool available at the time would have been the first pattern tool, and I am not the least bit convinced on how effective that particular tool was. I've never had to use one, so I don't know from personal experience, but it looks fairly crud...

On several occasions, including somewhat recently, our discussions included the head separation of early copper cased cartridges. Generally these conversations center around the legends of this issue as it pertains to the Little Big Horn fight. Additional discussion includes soldiers using leather l...

To see several other period images from the Modoc War, google "Warm Springs Scouts", and then go to images. You will find a couple of sites thar show period photographic images of both soldiers and Warm Springs Indian scouts at the scene. You will see them armed with both Sharps carbines a...

The top of the front sight on my rifle measures .305" off the barrel. Upon close examination, this sight blade is not that of a home gunsmith, but is definitely arsenal work. It is also in very nice condition and has one of the keyhole type butt plates installed. It is serial number 156538. Als...

John, Those are all great questions and are why I am asking the original question. The quotes from the trial reports indicate that the inaccuracies were from the bullet strikes on the targets were "stringing" vertically. And yes, it is mentioned that some of the trial companies wound up re...