Trapdoor Rifles

Hello,
I just discovered this place, and it is great. I recently purchased my first antique guns: a Burnside Carbine and a Trapdoor. I wonder if I could indulge in the immense knowledge here.
I believe I have a Model 1870 late production. It is stamped Model 1870, has the short block, and has the correct ramrod—double-shouldered. I have read these models generally did not have serial numbers, which I do not have. If anything does not look right please let me know.

I would also like to know what to look out for.

Thanks
Frank

I’ve been looking for a type I for quite some time now. I do however have the latter model as yours with the double shoulder rod. Yours should also have the ski slope on the stock next to the rear of the receiver opposite the lock. The thumb latch should also be rounded only at the rear and there should be just three cartouche marks.
Nice looking rifle!! Enjoy and welcome to the group.

Thanks,
Yes thumb latch is only rounded at the rear. I am not sure what you mean about the ski slope. Also, does the ramrod screw in? It looks like it has threads on the end. I also looked for the cartouches, and I didn't notice it before, but there are three. Every time I look at it, I notice something different - mostly more dings, scratches, etc!

Frank

Welcome to the group. Your rifle looks fine to me, from those pictures, and, you have identified it correctly!

Awesome thank you. Thanks to your book I have learned quite a bit!

Frank

FrankTrost wrote: ↑Sat Sep 28, 2024 11:44 pm . . . . . .Also, does the ramrod screw in? . . . . . .

No, it does not.
The double-shouldered cleaning rod is what secures the rod.
The “threading” on the other end is to secure the grasp of your fingers.

Thanks, maybe it is just gunked up. I will see about cleaning it out.

Frank

FrankTrost wrote: ↑Sat Sep 28, 2024 11:44 pm Thanks,
Yes thumb latch is only rounded at the rear. I am not sure what you mean about the ski slope. Also, does the ramrod screw in? It looks like it has threads on the end. I also looked for the cartouches, and I didn't notice it before, but there are three. Every time I look at it, I notice something different - mostly more dings, scratches, etc!

Frank

Al Frasca used the term ski slope which refered to the sloped area of the stock behind the receiver opposite the lock.
Here is a photo of mine

While double-shouildered (late production) the 1870 rod should be in the white, and should NOT have the grasping cannelures. You may have a later 1873 rod. Glad you found the book useful...

Dick Hosmer wrote: ↑Sun Sep 29, 2024 4:58 pm While double-shouildered (late production) the 1870 rod should be in the white, and should NOT have the grasping cannelures. You may have a later 1873 rod. Glad you found the book useful...

So I searched online as I do not have any 45-70 reference material yet. I found it as a repro, and it is for the M1873. I am not sure if it is type 1 or 2. Thank you. Now I am going to have to hunt for the correct one. Does it have cannelures, or is it smooth? It seems the M1873 one is a slight bit longer.

Frank