Trapdoor Rifles

I have seen very similar staining when linseed oil was rubbed over metal parts in the course of wiping down an old stock. It dried to a varnish-like finish and was removable by one of several types of solvent. Might be worth a try.

I had an 1870 Carbine marked with "S" behind the rear sight and a tiny "X" and "P" at the index mark. Perhaps this is peculiar to 1870 made 68's and 70's.

I had no trouble using 40-65 dies on 45-70 brass. Cases well-lubed ("Unique" case lube worked by far the best for me) and sized in small stages. I used nickel-plated cases to differentiate between 40 and 45 rounds. I found by accident that a 40-65 round shoots quite poorly when fired in a ...

Buy-Sell-trade (again)
Need 1881 Breechblock. No luck on previous ad, so thought I'd try again.
If anyone has a spare "1881" marked breechblock that's taking up space and cluttering your work bench, I would be quite willing to take it off your hands!

Try a cheap (plastic will do) dial caliper. Use the rod to measure from "slider" to the frame of the "ladder". Record reading for each range.

Until the adoption of the 45/70 series, most shoulder arms produced by Springfield left the armory with a finish described as "National Armory Bright", which in essence meant that all metal parts which were not case hardened or oil-quench blacked were polished bright. The degree of polish ...

John' I really look forward to seeing your pics of the 50/70 pistol. Many years ago, a large scale local dealer acquired what appeared to be a real one. He graciously allowed me to strip and photograph it for my own research. In my humble opinion, it could only have been faked by a dedicated and tal...

I have heard of such butt plates fitted to Remington NY State rolling blocks for match or Creedmoor use. Don't know for sure.

Yes, this one has the lead.

The one fact that holds my attention is that everything about the gun screams "Springfield". The work is arsenal quality, to my old eyes-- and, believe me, I have examined a thousand examples of Bannerman, S. H. & G, and other such pieces over the years. I'm going to endeavor to get th...