My Trapdoor Carbine

[psteinmayer]

This is my other Trapdoor, serial number 449467. This carbine was purchased in the early 1960s when my Father was in Tennessee on vacation. Although I will take possession when my dad is gone, he will not let me fire it... and he has only fired it once himself (when he bought it). It's in pretty rough condition as you can see from the pictures. Lots of rust, including some in the barrel too. Everything is there, including the cleaning tools in the stock. Sadly, the cartouche and proof are gone. Again, if anyone has information on the serial number, I would love to know.

Paul

[pelago]

it is probably shootable, new modern ammo, no way, but many loads for older rifles out there, i shoot mine all the time

look here for more information
http://trapdoorcollector.com/

[psteinmayer]

I'm sure that it would be fine if cleaned up properly... which I intend to do eventually. Unfortunately, although my father has given the Trapdoors to me, he keeps them firmly planted on the fireplace, and has said unequivically that they are for display... so I have to wait until he's passed to take possession. I'll clean the carbine up at that point, and have it inspected as well. Then, I may take it to the range. He's 80 this December... so hopefully, thats another 20 years of so in the future! Until then, I just keep dreaming, or maybe buy a couple to shoot!

Paul

[pelago]

at the creedmore cup and eastern games one of the guys shot a 18973 trap door in the vintage match.
Isaac shot his even in the rapid fire portion, did not get ten rounds off in 60 seconds but got 7 off and hit black with each one
all in all did darn well and it was fun to watch shot prone, offhand and rapid prone ten rounds each at a standard 200 bull
yes, with care and remembering that they are old a shootable load can be had and they are fun to shoot, i shoot mine regularly at gongs at 200 yards
500 grain cast bullets

[psteinmayer]

I heard about the guy shooting at the match... I heard he was phenominal, and was shooting with black powder to boot, so he was throwing alot of smoke with that lead!

When I shot the 1873 rifle a few years ago (one of the few times dad has let me remove it from the fireplace), I shot factory Remington ammo with 405 grain jacketed bullets. They are loaded to safe pressures. I would never shoot Buffalo Bore though, as those are loaded to extremely high pressures! When I finally do take them home, I will most likely handload for 500 grain cast also.

[fredtheobviouspseudonym]

Is is possible that this is a cut-down rifle? While I am not in the least an expert is the muzzle a bit thick for a carbine barrel?

[fredtheobviouspseudonym]

Sorry -- just saw Mr. Hosmer's comments on the carbine on the other thread. If he says it's authentic, he's right & I'm wrong. Apologies.

[psteinmayer]

No problem... I defer to Mr. Hosmer, and all of the other amazing people on this forum for all of my Trapdoor questions and information. Yes, I was fairly certain that this carbine (although in rough condition) is correct, and after Dick's comment, I'm confident now.