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Post by Desert Rat on Sept 12, 2004 22:56:14 GMT -5
I've always wanted a nice 71/81 Mauser, or a .50-70 Trapdoor Springfield to get into BPCR. They just have not worked their way up to the top of the priority list yet. (next stop...1861 Springfield!!)
I have a 71/81 "relic" that my boss gave me. It had been dug up, and is missing the bolt, stock is cracked with some wood missing, and severly rusted of course. Not a restorable gun.
Thought I had a lead on a nice .50-70 Trapdoor not too long ago, for only $450, so I would have taken it, but the guy who knew about it, and was selling it for another guy got greedy and would not pass the deal onto me for that price...took it to a gun-show instead and got much more for it, and hence a bigger profit margin for himself.
Anyhow those would be my choices, the Mauser or a Trapdoor in .50-70.
I have a modern Marlin 1895 in .45-70, but shooting lead bullets and black powder through the micro-groove rifling just does not sould all that appealing to me. And it just "seems" like a modern rifle. I'd rather shoot that cartridge through a Trapdoor, Sharps, 1886 or something like that.
Rat
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Post by Teleoceras on Sept 13, 2004 14:16:15 GMT -5
Desert Rat: Did you try out the site at www.armchairgunshow.com/otsRD_Trapdoors.htm? I'm a big fan of the Trapdoor myself. There is one at my local store for sale that was built in 1890. Really nice gun going for $850. Nice bore, not too many dings. My only problem is that I would not want to shoot and risk wrecking such an historical gun if I bought it.  Well, that and I am not a reloader although I would have that problem solved since you can buy factory loads filled with BP.  |
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Post by Desert Rat on Sept 13, 2004 16:46:57 GMT -5
I've seen them around here from around $650, but usually $700 to about that $850. I think that $850 would be a little on the high side around here. (Eastern Washington State) But obviously one in very nice condition would bring that. But I've seen plenty of "shooters" in the $700 range. I've also seen them where they were not that great on the outside, but had very nice bores.
As long as the rifle was in sound mechanical condition, I don't think one could damage such a rifle...not with black powder anyhow. I also believe shooting such a historical piece gives it more dignity than just letting it collect dust. But really I don't think there would be any risk involved.
A black powder .45-70 or .50-70 would be a great place to START reloading! The straight cases are the easiest to reload, and it's pretty much impossible to get too much black powder in the case, and still get the bullet to seat. And with a single shot, crimping, overall length, etc. is not a big deal.
Is that one local to you a .45-70? I've heard that the .50-70s run about $100 less on average, as most people want the .45-70, as it's a more common calibre. That info comes from my boss, who is also an antique arms dealer, so I'm sure it's true, for around here at least. That kind of surprised me though, but it's good as I would like one in .50 rather than .45. I've never actually seen one for sale, in person, in .50-70 though.
Anyhow, if you did get one, and reload for it, you could also reduce the charge if you really are worried about stressing the rifle. You could shoot .45-55's for instance, and go to a lighter bullet also. That would be a real "powder puff" load, which would still kill a deer easy.
Personally, I would not hesitate to shoot any Trapdoor, in good condition, with the full 70 grains of black, and a heavy bullet.
Oh well it's fun to dream, I guess.
Rat
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Post by Teleoceras on Sept 13, 2004 17:36:50 GMT -5
Desert Rat: I also believe shooting such a historical piece gives it more dignity than just letting it collect dust. But really I don't think there would be any risk involved. Well, I have the scientist and historian mentality that anything of a certain age that is in great condition, should be kept in great condition. I've worked in a museum in the past so that kind of thinking is ingrained in my psyche. I'd rather preserve the original and shoot the hell out of the replica!;D The lack of space is a very big deal. I'm so into the pre-18th Century muzzleloaders that I have stocked up on quite a bit of accessories for them. I literally have no room to devote to reloading equipment. I had thought about it years back for reloading my 20 gauge shotgun shells with B.P., but dropped the idea for the above reason. Too bad Pedersoli doesn't make an 1881 Trapdoor Shotgun. Yes, it is a .45-70. The receiver has it as an 1884 model, but the gun has a ramrod bayonet and the cartouche is dated 1890. It also has a nice buffington sight. Since the gun is a late Trapdoor, you know it was designed to for the military loads using the 500 gr bullet. With me, the gun would be strictly for target shooting. |
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Post by Teleoceras on Sept 13, 2004 23:13:37 GMT -5
I've always wanted a nice 71/81 Mauser, or a .50-70 Trapdoor Springfield to get into BPCR. They just have not worked their way up to the top of the priority list yet. (next stop...1861 Springfield!!) How is this for irony, I found a .50-70 Trapdoor at www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=22858502 I know it is an auction, but it says it is in fine shape. Just figured I'd let ya know if interested. |
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Post by Desert Rat on Sept 14, 2004 22:19:25 GMT -5
Hey thanks for the thought, on the .50-70 on auction, but I'm buying a replica 1861 Springfield right now, and then I have to make sure I have some extra cash to pay off my Jeager when it's done. So a .50-70 Trapdoor will be out of the question for a while. Target shooting with any kind of Trapdoor would be a good thing. And if you are into muzzle-loader...then you are ALREADY a re-loader!! We just don't use cases!  ) Rat. |
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Post by Teleoceras on Sept 15, 2004 17:41:34 GMT -5
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Post by Desert Rat on Sept 16, 2004 11:23:50 GMT -5
Wow...nice page, nice guns! Brown Bess FOREVER!!
Liked your Parker-Hale 1853 Enfield too...I was torn between that and a 1861 for a while there...but just decided I didn't have enough "disposeable" income for the PH. The other factor was that I've just always been in love with the looks of the '61, so I went with my heart instead of my head...!! I also discovered some places who can re-rifle, or re-barrel the '61 at a later date should I be really unhappy with the accuracy or lack of it of the '61, which I don't think will happen.
Rat
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Post by tcmech on Nov 23, 2004 16:35:56 GMT -5
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Post by frosty on Aug 18, 2005 22:20:23 GMT -5
A good quality & inexpensive BPCR is the Harrington & Richardson Buffalo classic in 45-70 . I have one that I cleverly attached an average grade vernier tang sight to the wrist of the gun. With a Paul Jones creedmoore bullet lightly compressing the powder(about 1/16 in.with a .030 veggie fiber wad), I have shot less than 1" groups at 100 yds. and am ready to move on out to 200! Best regards and good shooting.  |
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Well, that and I am not a reloader although I would have that problem solved since you can buy factory loads filled with BP. 
)
