New member with a 1878

[astepup]

Hi guys! I turn 61 this year and picked up my first trapdoor at an auction. From what I can tell it seems to be all original. I've got penetrating oil in the barrel and have watched several videos on proper take down as I'd like to inspect and clean up the lock work. The rear sight is in need of repair and probably replacement. From what I've researched it appears to have two "slotless screws" attaching it to the barrel. Any advice on how to properly remove them? Although the rifle isn't in great shape I still don't want to mess anything up by doing something wrong. My goal is to get this old war horse back to shooting condition.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Tom Trevor]

astepup, If you refer to the date on the breech block that is a 3 struck deeper than earlier blocks. Usually the rifle is in the 250-350 thousand serial number range. The slotless screws are difficult to remove without damage and new ones are available if you damage the originals. At one time a tool was for sale to remove and replace them. If the damage is the staff and not the base it might be wise to just replace it.

[John S.]

Removing slotless screws can be done with needle nose pliers, working from the side, (not straight down trying to grasp the screw from the top. YOu will probably booger them at least a little but they can be cleaned up with a file to be less ugly. If you geet real luck you might pad the jaws with a strip of blue masking tape, but if real tight, figure on some damage. If the gun is not minty, then it is not a big deal as far as collector value, and it you will be shooting it, it is even less significant.

Tell us the serial number and maybe we can tell some more about the gun. You are welcome to post photos.

[astepup]

The serial number is 285498. I'm having trouble posting pics as I keep getting the "file too large" message. If I can figure out how to change my phone settings maybe that'd help.

[John S.]

There is no known history on 285498. However, many nearby numbers are documented as having bee with the 1st Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, but without being specifically listed, it is likely that your rifle went somewhere else.

However, just as an example of the service use of many trapdoors in the Spanish American War, it is instructive to review the 1st Arkansas history and the atrocious conditions at Camp Thomas in Chickamauga, Georgia. Remember, in the SAW, there were more soldier deaths from disease than battle.

https://www.spanamwar.com/1stArkansas.html

[Fred Gaarde]

I’m going to go through the procedure to post something in order to write down exactly what thing to click on.
I’ll add the details here in an edit.