Trapdoor Rifles

These are three early model 1873 carbines all appear to have been captured by native Americans. The First one pictured is in the 17k range, I cant remember the exact number but seen on a forum

The Second is in the high 20k range has signs of indian usage and only a few numbers away from a documented carbine turned in by a native american that fought against the 7th at the battle of lbh.

The third one was sold at auction as a Indian captured 7th cavalry carbine sn 21577. All three have the same hole right above the trigger in same spot in the wood as seen in all the pictures. Has anyone seen this before? or have an explanation for this. Thank you. Also posted this on jouster.

Chris, That is seen from time to time. I have seen it referred to as a "poor mans set trigger" A wood screw is screwed into the stock and it will touch the arm of the sear and by tightening it until the hammer falls, then back it off say half turn you have made the trigger very light in let off. Now no native american would have ever done something like that or passed such knowledge from tribe to tribe. Done by some civilian after it left government control.
Also in the new Sharps books out there are a few Sharps military rifles sent west shown with the same hole in the stock. Hope this helps.

Chris, can you provide any further info on where/how I might get the numbers for the other two? Many thanks.

The first one is 17095 other is 20800. here is the link for 17095 https://www.thefirearmsforum.com/thread ... ne.231377/

Thanks very much for the link. Carbines 17095 and 21577 were new to me - but I had been aware of 20800 previously.

Lots of "Uncle Charlie" opinions on that forum . . .

In that forum he said the barrel was missing the front sight and not sure if it was cut down. No picture of the front of barrel so its hard to know if it was cut down or not, The stock looked original.

I missed that - thanks! That is a '73C sight and everything else looks proper - and 17093 is a genuine carbine - so I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt and list it, but will append the asterisk.