Trapdoor Rifles

Hey all-

(First off, loving the new forums and the ability to not have to worry about how the forum software will format my post!)

I am interested in acquiring a M1868 Springfield -- definitely does not need to be museum quality; a solid, decent-shape example is what I am after. Before I look through gunbroker, I figured I would check here with the experts to see if anyone has one they would be willing to sell. If you do, let me know!

Thanks in advance!

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns- ... 4&cdn_bp=1

This one is mine and is very unique and is way less expensive than it should be.

A beautiful rifle and I agree, one very well priced considering its rarity. Alas, I think it would be wasted on me for my purposes. I am looking for one that can be carted around and handled by various individuals attending a history chat/hike, so I would not want something that was essentially irreplaceable if it got damaged!

Hello Kendall, I was going to to offer my #2 1868, which is a very nice one dated 1870, but it sounds like you would be better served by gunbroker, They have them all the time. I'll keep my eyes open though. Did you ever get your other one settled in the Lava Beds museum? You stopped by our antique store in Colusa, about ten years ago.

I did! Its not at the Lava Beds' museum run by the National Park Service, but rather a local history museum nearby. I kind of regret donating it, because now I wish I had it! I assumed back then I would be happy enough with just my M1884, but it's just not the same!

This summer I am going to be trying to volunteer at the Lava Beds giving tours of the Modoc's stronghold and the like, and would love to have a decent example to show the visitors. I will keep my eyes on Gunbroker (but right now it looks like the examples they have are a tad overpriced for what they are).

And wait, how is the M1868 with serial number 2 dated 1870? Did they not start numbering them until later?

One other question: Is there SRS data on any M1868s? If so, I would be very interested in any 1868s or 1870s that were associated with the 12th or 21st Infantry or 4th Artillery.

SRS has 193 entries for Model 1868 rifles or carbines. Some are multiple listings for a single number on different occasions, but most are one time finds.

I saw nothing for 21st Infantry or 4th Artillery.
Here are the listings for Model 1868s associated with the 14th Infantry, sometimes with other notes for that number, but not identifying it as the 14th, such as being nickel plated, then with the Department of the Platte, and finally with the 14th infantry.
MODEL SERIAL MMDDYY USAGE
68R 38972 070371 CO G 14TH INF (N. P. TRIAL)
68R 39017 072770 NICKEL PLATED (BEARDSLEE)
68R 39017 051571 TO DEPT OF THE PLATTE
68R 39017 070371 CO G 14TH INF (N. P. TRIAL)
68R 39034 072770 NICKEL PLATED (BEARDSLEE)
68R 39034 051571 TO DEPT OF THE PLATTE
68R 39034 070371 CO G 14TH INF (N. P. TRIAL)
68R 40859 121873 CO D 14TH INF (SURVEYED)

khannon wrote: ↑Wed Nov 29, 2023 12:45 am And wait, how is the M1868 with serial number 2 dated 1870? Did they not start numbering them until later?

I think that Dick is referring to his 2nd or Other 1868, which is dated 1870. He has two that are worthy of inclusion in his collection.
His 1868 dated 1868 #62 and his other 1868 dated 1870. Both are in Wonderful condition.
He needs to find an 1869 dated example now that is also in the same condition.

Ah that makes sense!

I also mistyped- I meant the 12th infantry rather than the 14th infantry…

SRS does not list any M1868s with connection to 12th Infantry.