Trapdoor Rifles

I recently bought a Custer Era carbine #40877 on GunBroker. It is item # 1066947270 ,which can still be viewed if anyone wants to see it. I believe that it is unaltered and all correct. It does have a rack number, 24 NGC, stamped into the butt plate, which could possibly be from the National Guard of Colorado, as they were issued 140 carbines. Any thought? Thanks, Jim Meredith

Great find Jim. Congratulations. These days, we seldom find a specimen with such matching patina - usually some bit is off-color. The only thing I'd point out is the use of the earliest-style block, thought to have died out around 30,000, but who knows for sure?

FWIW, the number is on the list in my MS, if not the book, which I hope to reprint in the Spring.

I think you got a real bargain, as well. I've seen worse for more...

Dick, Thanks for the positive review of this carbine, 40877. I will take good care of it. I plan to get another copy of your book next spring. As for the rack number 24 NGC, stamped into the butt plate, maybe it stands for “National Guard of Custer”, ha ha! Thanks again, Jim Meredith