As most on here have probably figured out from my other posts I am in the process of building a trapdoor springfield sporter to shoot in BPCR in either 38-55 45-70 or 50-70 haven't decided which yet but am still in the parts gathering stage so I have some time.  What I was wondering at the moment is as I am pretty well set on double set triggers and we all know the factory locks require the tumbler to be cut for a fly is couldn't I just use a percussion muzzleloader lock that already has one?  Or even a pedersolli officer's model lock already arranged for a set trigger with my original springfield action?  I am planning to use double set triggers intended for a hawken muzzleloader from muzzleloader builder's supply (I've done a lot of business with them and never been disappointed) and I'm using a stock that is nothing like an original so originality is of no importance whatsoever.

With a little work the tumbler could be modified to have a fly. Might require someone with a good mill using carbide bits

Bears,
I have drawings for Trapdoor tumbler with a fly. Have made several, but not in the business. I find it easier to make a complete tumbler from mild steel and harden with Kasenit than try to cut a hardened origional. It is probably cheaper to have John cut the origional than have someone make a complete tumbler. Will send drawings if desired.
Chuck

Drawings sent. Where is Trapdoor Dick? He is the expert on this.
Chuck

There is no doubt a large exposed hammer has a slow locktime compared to a Highwall or CPA.  I don't think they are any slower than a side hammer Sharps or slower than the run of the mill side plate lock

If looking for ultimate accuracy a Trapdoor is not a good choice.  However it will shoot with most single shots.  Slow lock time is not a terrible thing as long as you follow through. 

Boats

I think I have decided what I am going to do to rectify this little snag.  After further e-mail contact with trapdoor dick I am going to modify an L&R Leman lock, as I happen to have one in a drtawe, to take a military hammer as I understand it I need to retime the hammer 90 degrees and bush it so that it fits.  Now for the next part to buy, of those that have put an octagon barrel on a trapdoor what taper fits the best?  Or am I better off buying. a round barrel and milling the flats myself (or better yet having john taylor do it for me) keeping in mind the barrel is going to be a half octagon with a wedding band at the transition.

George, an option we haven't talked about that I have used and looks good to me is a Northwest gun O/R taper w/one or even two wedding bands. On that receiver I personally think the Sharps flowerette would get lost too easily. But, as we've been talking, while either is OK, it's what you like. I put the the Sharps fast taper w/flowerette on a Greener I built (ya, I know, it's not a TD but give a guy a break) and it's just right for that receiver. So have some more of that "fun" we've been talking about.

Dick

Oh those WT dreams. Bacardi's good too. But I got over that. To olde to handle any more. OK back to business. Forgive me, but I've seen a TD with a wedding band of sorts cut right in front of the receiver. Personally didn't like it. At that location, it breaks up the visual flow of the receiver into the taper of the barrel I mean the original barrels had a quite heavy taper anyway.  Cutting the first band out about 8 to 12 inches presents no barrel thickness problem. You're well beyond the pressure chamber and a good wedding band(s) isn't (aren't) very deep anyway. Caliber is a good choice. The Scheutzen in the pix I sent you is a 32-40. Hardest part to make is the extractor. The gentleman who does my machining where I no longer have the tooling anymore, did a magnifcent job. Better than original. So happens, as a lot of the guys here will tell you, if'n ya don't already know it, the 32-40 case is the same basic as the 38-55. So we have a source who already has made them if you need. Lock bolts. The orginal military rifles had nithing more than a round recessed washer opposite the lock. Mounting hole location is no different than any other muzzle loader or like rifle. Make finials or lock plate in whatever fashion pleases your little heart. Did I forget anything??  

OK George, Let's get to goin'. Have you finalized the style yet or still be a thinkin?  Maybe I should be a sellin ya the full stock Gemmer/Hawken.   

Dick