Franken gun?

[granola]

Hi guys, I'm new to the trapdoor world via a recent purchase of what was billed as a "model 1870 carbine". I have done enough research to know that that's NOT what it is, but it's in nice shape at a decent price, so it's mine. Now I'm just trying to figure out all the pieces. My search for "trapdoor experts" has lead me here.

I will try to be a thorough as possible, providing my "speculations" along the way based on what I have gleaned from the Collectors site and the Hosmer book on the .58 & .50 guns. I have ordered but not yet received my book on the later 45-70 guns (which I suspect I have some parts from...).

What I know. It is cambered in 50-70. I have a dummy round that cycles flawlessly. The barrel has been modified. I assume it has been cut down. It measures ~ 22 1/2" from crown to front of the receiver. It has also been milled to accept a dovetail front sight . The stock has also been cut down, but has a very nice, almost invisible plug/fill of the ramrod groove. It clearly has a replacement breechblock from a '73. The front sight hood is like nothing I've seen, so I assume its "homemade". It fits snug and looks to have been skillfully machined.

So, I believe the barrel is from a '68 based on the serial #. The receiver doesn't have a corresponding #, so I assume it's not an original pairing, but I question the witness mark on the other side that was either original or clearly done after the union of this configuration. The lock plate is unbeveled and undated, so I assume it's from a '73 or later. The trigger is "ribbed" which I believe is also a later feature. Same with the bevel on the lower lip of the hammer, although I haven't found the references. I haven't done much research on the evolutionary steps of the 45-70 guns. I believe the rear sight is from a '68 (deep V up to 9), possibly original to the barrel. I have no information on the double struck "1" on the top of the receiver.

Any insight is greatly appreciated. I look forward to getting it running! (if any of you guys could spare a few rounds of brass... that's all I'm missing )

I'm sorry I don't have an overall shot of the rifle but it's currently broken down awaiting deleading...

full

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[Dick Hosmer]

A Franken for sure. Stock is late .45-70. It does appear to be a Model 1870 barreled action though. The font on the 68s is different. Some 70s are numbered in various positions on the barrel in numbers like yours. Sight is rifle version. Barrel length should be 22" from muzzle to face of bolt, not front of receiver. Trigger is late .45-70. SA did make a milled sight hood like that for the Model 1870, but I have never seen one. You don't show the lock side so I cannot comment on what is going on there. Here is a real "M1870" carbine, or more properly, the Allin entry in the 1870 trials. Note that the rear sight is against the receiver, a feature shared with the 1000 trials rifles.

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[granola]

Awesome! Thank you so much. The detective work is half the fun on these old guns.

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[granola]

trying to get the picture size under control... sorry

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not much better on the size...