Trapdoor Rifles

I only have one steel grip - frankly, I don't like the look of them, and they do sit too far back to be much more than a hand-stop. That said, if I ever do get around to finishing restoration of my remaining Long-range rifle, that is where it will go...

Jim - does the pistol grip fit the slimmer Cadet wrist properly, or are there gaps? If it is a nice tight fit I wonder if there is a new grip variant to look for?

38700 (from the Beardslee contract) is being discussed on Facebook right now. Not for sale, just mentioned. It has a bastard stock (reworked musket, no rod keeper) so am wondering if that is a coincidence, or whether they cut corners on the plated guns since they were liable to be abused... Any thou...

John, Did you happen to Dr Vance Haynes? If you do please ask if will get his Officers rifle book out in print one day. I'll second that - better to go with what you have than see it go to a landfill - which is what happened to a lot of Dick Branum's stuff, whatever was too much for Hayes Otoupalik...

Noticed Forager 1075 at the Colorado show today. Looked Kosher but in average condition. Did not see a price. A "new" entry for the log! 1073 has already been noted. In the case of the Forager, keeping notes speaks much more to the issue of survival rate, than say the 1880TRB where the in...

I can help with a trigger guard assembly (and would beat the dealer price) but would have to see a photo of the sight prep to tell you if its' been monkeyed with. The base IS very similar to the CW style. I do not believe that I have a sight - but will check.

I've got one of the hospital machetes - anyone want to trade me a Krag Bowie (plus proportionate boot of course?

Yeah, I didn't think so...

Clearly, back in the day, value was in the weight of the metal!

The description did not mention that the right side of the butt has the enigmatic "star" symbol carved in it, by someone, sometime with uncertain meaning. I think some collectors get REAL excited by those. https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4094/1149/custer-range-us-springfield-1873...

Had a message from friend this morning, telling me that Starline had FINALLY responded regarding his backorder from 2023 for .50-70 brass. It seems that they already have made, or very soon will make, a run. This should come as great news... Get 'em while they're hot!

Looks like a parts gun to me. Sight is M1873, installed backwards. The screws holding the lock on and the hammer screw are the square profile of Civil War muskets. The hinge pin is the longer post 1879 part, while the receiver and breech block are the slightly narrower pre-1879 parts. 1884 dated lo...