Trapdoor Rifles

Thank you all again for your observations and comments. Tom, the price is a typo, but it's still too high.

I agree with Tom. The seller did state that the set-trigger works - one picture shows the little screw. Quick guide to eyecups: A flat one with sharp 90 degree edge, as on a Lyman 48 for example, is ALWAYS wrong. H&R used that style on their OMs. The antique ones are uniformly, but rather shallowly dished, and have a reeded edge with the (very fine) cuts at about 45 degrees. They will always be turned steel, and have patina. Most modern ones, such as Pedersoli, are gross-appearing in comparison. They are, I believe, castings, almost half-spherical, with a bulky, ugly edge with the reeding being "straight", as on a silver dollar. They may be pot-metal and will have no patina. That is what is on that "all original" piece.

It could be said that with every passing year, sellers know less and less about what they are hawking . . .

Vicariously enjoying this hunt - I hope it will ultimately be successful!

Dick,Are we talking about the OM on Guns International? The add says nothing about a set trigger one way or the other unless by e-mail. And there should be NO little trigger set screw showing on any original officers rifle.All internal with no adjustment method.

Yes.

See description, line 3: "set trigger functions perfect", and, I was speaking of the screw in the rear part of the trigger plate - which does show in at least one pic - I think it secures the curly-que spring that applies pressure to the rear of the rocker. I do know there is no teeny tiny screw by the trigger itself, as on some other designs.

I glossed right over that in the description and do now see the screw hole. Must be why I am getting lasik surgery next month!

In reference to the OM advertised at GI, the set trigger does work. As Dick noted it's mentioned in the description plus I emailed the seller to confirm. Now as to the price at GI, I believe it's a typo. He has it listed on his website for $10,000 less.

http://www.collectingtexas.com/viewitem.php?id=6361

That price makes it attractive, but not the original listing.
Glen Mattox had several officers models which will be sold by Poulin in an upcoming auction, so there are plenty available, if people have money in their pockets.

John S. wrote: ↑Sun Jun 18, 2023 4:01 pm will be sold by Poulin in an upcoming auction

The auction is 9 days away and the complete catalog is not online yet. Is it common for Poulin to wait for the last minute to show the lots?

Poulin's June and August auctions are their lesser level "on line only" deals, but the catalog is posted, but no OMs included.
https://poulinantiques.hibid.com/catalo ... ne-auction

Their next "Premier" auction will be November.

Glen Mattox really liked OMs and at one time had 4 or 5 of them, maybe even more, but at the time of his death was probably down to 3 or 4. Poulin had a couple on display at the Colorado show. I did not look closely, as it is too depressing to see wonderful things you want, but realize you cannot afford. Exactly the feeling I had as a high school kid looking at the first OM I saw at a Norristown, PA show circa 1960 priced at $850.00, which was more money than I could comprehend. Sure was a beautiful gun, as they all are.

Finally got my one (heavily-used) OM from long-time friend, the late Mitch Luksich (known simply as "Big Mitch" to most). I was lucky in that he wasn't buried in it $$$$-wise, and would take part trade. Bob Hill helped with the rear sight and cleaning rod - Tom Trevor provided the Beach sight (it had come with an incomplete custom hooded item which I still plan to restore some day -see pic). Never spent a lot of time with Glenn but what little I did was most enjoyable. He showed up once - I was stunned - at some little piss-ant local show (only because he was trapped in the area while travelling - I think he and I were the only real collectors there). Sure miss those guys - glad to have Tom, Lasik surgery and all!