To me this looks like a Trapdoor built by a frontier gunsmith without much concern about looks, only about using available parts and having a functional rifle.

The stock is a cut-down rifle stock (1888 cartouche) with the barrel band held in place by a pinned on piece of walnut. The barrel is a rifle barrel that has been shortened to 24.5 inches with the original front sight base (with carbine blade) reinstalled. A Hawken style trigger guard is married to an original Trapdoor trigger plate, using an early smooth trigger. The rear sight is a 6th variation '79 Buckthorn. The serial number puts this action in 1887, and the breech block, barrel, and lock are of the same vintage.

The original wood and metal are as found with some light cleaning, but leaving all the bumps and bruises from 130 years of use.

I can see a rifle like this being used well into the 1900's in some desolate locations. I have not had a chance to shoot this one yet, but plan to have some fun with it soon.

JerryH

I would be proud to carry this fine looking rifle in the field. Hope to soon see some hunting pictures.
Rich$

Hey Jerry, Not much to say but that is a neat rifle. Dale.

Indeed......... the "real" gun that won the west.

For all you TD shooters, the "Trapdoor Challenge" was just completed as part of the SE Regional BPTR/BPCR 4-day match at the Riverbend Gun Club outside of Dawsonville, GA. The seven (7) TD shooters (out of a total of 27) shot the same 200/300/600yd 30-shot match each of the first 2-days that the rest of us shot. While not a sanctioned match, the existing 'military BP' national record at 300yd was tied (94) and the 30-shot national record was broken by 5pts (281-5X) and the 2-day 60-shot record was broken by 2pts (550-10X) by Deadeye Bly. John won a "Woody Box" in black walnut for his efforts. If you've got a TD (must be original with no mods other than those allowed by NRA rules) and think you can shoot your TD you should plan to attend the 2018 match. Some pretty fancy shooting with original rifles and 4 1/2# triggers.

Everyone shot prone off sticks at all distances. However, if you wish to shoot position I'm sure there would be no problem.