Welcome to the Colorado AR-15 Shooters Club Discussion Forums.
Any one know about a Springfield USA Model 1878 (Lots of Pictures)
My wifes grandma gave me an old rifle that I know nothing about other than its damn heavy. Anyone have info on it and what it might be worth?
My EDC: Handcuffs, Bandana, and Ball Gag.
If I'm ever at a party and the cops come to arrest people. Ill blindfold myself, throw the ball gag in, handcuff my hands, and hide in a closet. Police never arrest hostages!
Are you planning to fire it, merely hang it on the wall, just put it in the closet or trade/sell it for something else?
Of course the bore condition will be a factor in determining value and there may even be some sentimental value attached to it.
I wasn't planning on shooting it. I figured I'd frame it and hang it. I just don't know when this would have been used and for what. WWI maybe?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
My EDC: Handcuffs, Bandana, and Ball Gag.
If I'm ever at a party and the cops come to arrest people. Ill blindfold myself, throw the ball gag in, handcuff my hands, and hide in a closet. Police never arrest hostages!
Some basic info - specs/value.
You will enjoy researching it's history.
www.trapdoorcollector.com/m73.html
Lobbed from my electronic ball and chain
Last edited by buffalobo; 03-09-2014 at 16:42.
NRA museum.
http://www.nramuseum.org/the-museum/...oor-rifle.aspx
Link fixed
Lobbed from my electronic ball and chain
Last edited by buffalobo; 03-09-2014 at 21:37.
"Trapdoor" SpringfieldOriginally Posted by drift_g35
Way too early for WWI.
What you have is a "Trapdoor" Springfield rifle. Originally a percussion muzzle loading rifle used mainly by the North in the Civil War. Towards the end of the war and with the advent of metallic cartridges they converted them to what is called the "Trapdoor".
The 1873 was chambered in 45-70 and was built as a trapdoor rifle as opposed to the earlier converted rifles in 58 caliber and was the standard rifle for the US military until it was replaced by bolt action rifles such as the Krag Jorgenson and 03A3.
Yours appears to be in great shape and the cartouches on the stock are a pretty rare treat as most got worn or sanded off.
Just hit the metal with a light oil such as 3in1. You can wipe the stock with a lightly damp cloth to get any surface dirt and then a light rub of linseed oil.
In excellent condition they can fetch $2500.00 all the way down to less than $500.00 if rough.
Some homework would be required to ascertain that it is all original, correct stock etc.
Neat piece!
Last edited by BPTactical; 03-09-2014 at 17:06.
The most important thing to be learned from those who demand "Equality For All" is that all are not equal...
Gun Control - seeking a Hardware solution for a Software problem...
That's a G-VG condition piece of American History you have .
The Great Kazoo's Feedback
"when you're happy you enjoy the melody but, when you're broken you understand the lyrics".
Gotchyerself a fine buffalo rifle there! I'd bet it's perfectly shootable too after cleaning, inspecting and servicing.
There's a lot more of us ugly mf'ers out here than there are of you pretty people!
- Frank Zappa
Scrotum Diem - bag the day!
It's all shits and giggles until someone giggles and shits.....
Nice find!!!
My uncle back in NY picked one up recently in just a tad rougher shape than yours for around $1500.
FHUGETABOUDIT!!!
You want to be very very careful about shooting that rifle. You want to make sure that any ammunition that you obtain for it is safe to fire in a trapdoor action. The .45-70 has been chambered in many rifles over the nearly century and a half its been in use, and those rifles varied a great deal in strength. The trapdoor action was the weakest of the rifle actions chambered in .45-70.
Likewise, if you reload for it, you must be very careful to choose data designed for that action.
Sayonara
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote