Trapdoor Rifles

I have acquired a trapdoor from my grandfather it has a date of 1863 on the lock plate a date of 1869 on the breach has number 778 stamped on the tab of the butt plate it measures to be a cadet rifle has matching serial numbers of 471XX measures to be a 50 caliber like to date and learn more about the rifle and possibly fire at some point

Welcome to the group! Trapdoor collecting can be contagious. It would be nice to see some pictures, as there are some hiccups in your description. That is a very high serial number, towards end of production and should thus have an 1870-dated block. And, the highest number for a Model 1869 Cadet would be around 3500, since that's all that were made, AND they were all dated 1870.

Rifle barrels are 32.6" while cadets are 29.6". Cadet rifles of that period do not have sling swivels. You don't need to hide the number, unless you think it was stolen. Perhaps you have a rifle with mixed parts, which has been shortened? Pics will tell.

Cheap plug: You would probably like my little guidebook on the early .58 and .50 trapdoors, available on Amazon, or, a signed copy directly from me. Send $20 to POB1367 Colusa CA 95932.

Again, welcome . . .

Hi. Trapdoors are an addiction for sure. Richard's books are a great investment, both for reference and educational purposes. If you decide to shoot it, be sure to have it checked by a knowledgeable gunsmith. Good luck finding ammunition. 50-70 brass is still made by some companies, but in limited amounts and not often. I haven't seen any new brass for sale in a year. Of course, this drives the secondary sales markets to super inflated pricing. For example, Gunbroker has a bidding battle going on right now for 50 cases that is almost up to $250. People are desperate and will pay any price. Perhaps muzzleloading is the way to go.

Most items on GB are way over priced
I find that 50/70 brass is more reasonable at gun shows. There's also many groups on MeWe, a social media site that I've belonged to for many years now that sell once fired brass. The last bag of Starline 50/70 brass I purchase was only 50.00 and that may have been 1 1/2 years ago, purchased that bag at a gun show.

Please be advised, the correct way to measure barrel length is to insert a long rod or dowel into the muzzle, down the bore, to a CLOSED breech block.
Mark the rod at the muzzle, then measure that length.
It appears you have a M1868 receiver . . .as dictated by its’ “long nose.”

Without a tape measure, I can only judge proportion by eye, but that APPEARS to be the short buttstock from a 2nd Allin cadet. Please verify date on the lock plate, as the bevel definitely appears to be the thin 1867 style. FWIW, the cleaning rod shown is incorrect for the 1868 receiver. Interesting assemblage of parts. Don't think we have it completely ID'd yet . . .

I THINK you have an (incidentally QUITE rare, but unfortunately rounded over) 1867 stock, "odd" lockplate, cleaning rod - mated with an 1868 barreled action and other parts, such as the trigger guard, hammer, lower band, etc.

I appreciate all the information it is very helpful