Any trapdoor shooters here?

[TIMC]

I just picked up one of the H&R reproduction 1873 trapdoor carbines. This one is in very nice condition and can not have had very many rounds fired out of it. I have wanted a trapdoor rifle for many years so this is a welcome addition.

I have read some good and bad about theses rifles but there is not much info out there on the H&R rifles. Anyone here have any experience with them?

 

[Jonny V]

I owned an original trapdoor Springfield. The thing you have to remember is that the rifle CANNOT HANDLE any round generating any pressure greater than what blackpowder can produce. This means 1300 fps or less with 405 grain bullets.

Failure to adhere to the above warning will result in the rifle exploding in your hands.

When fed proper ammo (stick with Rem green box), it is surprisingly accurate, and a lot of fun to shoot. Far out to think that it was the original "assault rifle".

 

[chuckles]

I have the Officer's Model H&R Trapdoor. Nice rifle and the H&Rs are made to modern standards but I would still only shoot "cowboy" loads. As the previous poster says, never shoot high pressure loads in an original but the H&Rs can handle a bit stiffer loads. I have read that the breechbolt needs to have the screw on the bottom checked for tightness periodically. It's the screw that hold the locking lever in place IIRC. You can do a google search for them and find a lot of good info. Mine has nice engraving, very nice case color and really nice wood. I paid 365 for it NIB from a private seller back about 1985 and mine has never been fired. One day I'll shoot it, maybe

 

[Vaarok]

The original "assault rifle" of the era was the Vetterli Vitali or the Werder.

That said, the Trapdoor is fun in a shoulder-fired-artillery sort of way. Figure out your windage and then start on hold-over until you're lobbing them in where you want.

 

[cluttonfred]

I fired an original, full-length trapdoor Sprinfield when I was I kid. I remember being very impressed with the size of the rifle, the size of the cartridge, the kick (I had mostly shot .22LR at that point) and the satisfying (and longtime coming) whump of the bullet hitting a tree.

 

[wleoff]

I've got an 1884 Springfield Trapdoor (the bottom rifle) that I shoot in a blue moon. I use 5744 powder. Most reloading manuals list smokeless loads that are safe in blackpowder rifles. Just wouldn't overdo it. Blackpowder rounds are easy to load, too.

 

[TIMC]

I owned an original trapdoor Springfield. The thing you have to remember is that the rifle CANNOT HANDLE any round generating any pressure greater than what blackpowder can produce. This means 1300 fps or less with 405 grain bullets.

Failure to adhere to the above warning will result in the rifle exploding in your hands.

Interesting, my reloading books show trapdoor loads up to almost 1718 fps max on 405 grain .458 cast bullets and 22,600 CUP max depending on powder.

I had planned on loading somewhere around 1400-1500fps with 405 grain bullets and varget depending on where I find the sweet spot and what my shoulder can take.

I am not new to the 45/70 just the trapdoor; I own two other rifles in this caliber.

 

[TIMC]

I've got an 1884 Springfield Trapdoor (the bottom rifle) that I shoot in a blue moon. I use 5744 powder. Most reloading manuals list smokeless loads that are safe in blackpowder rifles. Just wouldn't overdo it. Blackpowder rounds are easy to load, too.

Great looking rifles!

 

[.45Guy]

Interesting, my reloading books show trapdoor loads up to almost 1718 fps max on 405 grain .458 cast bullets and 22,600 CUP max depending on powder.

That seems to be on par with the historical data I can find on the Wetteren smokeless loads used during the Spanish American war.

 

[Elbert P . Suggins]

I have a 1884? mid length Cadet in good condition and also a 1874? carbine in very good condition. I have shot off the shelf ammo out of them before learning not too. Nothing broke or blew up thank God. I reload now with BP and fill them clear to the lead.

 

[Jonny V]

OK TIMC and 45guy....

Got a little "off the reservation here...".

 

[Big20]

I have an original TD that somebody cut down to resemble a carbine. It is hell on Texas hogs with low pressure 300 gr. HP's but I usually shoot 20 grs. of 2400 under 405 gr. hard cast lead bullets out of the Lyman mold. Yes, little powder in a big case but it has worked fine for hundreds of shots. You'll get right at 1000 fps and a satisfying nudge on the shoulder.