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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single (Read 2155 times)
foxhunter
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Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Mar 27th, 2023 at 7:41pm
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is anyone shooting one of these? picked one up at a yard sale a while back. looks safe to fire just haven't got around to it yet. i know not to shoot any of the  45-70 loaded for modern rifles.
  
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sportslube
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #1 - Mar 27th, 2023 at 8:06pm
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Do not shoot jacketed bullets in it, very bad for the rifling
  
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oneatatime
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #2 - Mar 27th, 2023 at 8:25pm
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A lot of people are shooting these with lead bullets and black powder or low pressure smokeless loads. They shoot well also.
  
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marlinguy
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #3 - Mar 27th, 2023 at 8:38pm
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I've owned a few, and just bought one last month that's got a like new bore. Mine slugs at .459", and most will be larger than the average modern .45-70 bore at around .460" or larger.
  

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foxhunter
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #4 - Mar 28th, 2023 at 4:03am
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shot one years ago and felt like a mouse gun but i wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of it.
  
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MerwinBray
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #5 - Apr 4th, 2023 at 7:28am
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I’ve shot several and recently bought a decent 1892 stamped all original example that I look forward to working out. 

If you shoot black powder, it’s a bit different loading the round than most BP single shots. The trapdoors seem to like to be crimped where most of my other makes of single shot do not. 

There is a good book out there that is about nothing except how to make a trapdoor shoot well. I can’t remember the name of it as it’s probably been 20 years since I read it. Maybe someone else here will know. If you want to shoot it, it’s worth getting that book. It has infor for black powder and smokeless loads safe in a trapdoor. 
Enjoy it. They’re a fun gun.
  

Great Plains Precision Rifle Club
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craigster
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #6 - Apr 4th, 2023 at 10:54am
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Loading Cartridges For The Original .45-70 Springfield Rifle And Carbine by Pat Wolf.

Everything you need/want to know.
  
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Crown-C
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #7 - Apr 4th, 2023 at 11:59am
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I should have had the trapdoor book by Wolf about 40 years ago when I bought an old rusted Trapdoor at a farm auction. It was a rusted mess, but cleaned it up. Shot a deer at a slow run in one of our pastures and used factory loaded 45-70s in it. Didn’t know any better back then!  A few years ago I picked up a pristine 1884 from my son’s sporting goods store, I now use reduced loads!
  

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Old Soldier
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #8 - Apr 14th, 2023 at 8:21pm
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Trapdoor is a great rifle. The model 1884 with the Buffington rear sight is best for shooting, cuz it is windage adjustable. What model is yours? Most bores are oversize. You count on BP to bump up the bullet. My rifle mikes .460. I use a .457 500 grain bullet, and it bumps up nicely with pure lead, or even 20-1. Do not use hard lead. Start with about 60 grains of FFG. Also you need a soft lube, like SPG.
Here's hoping you have a ball with your old war horse.
  

"White man have very strong Medicine. Shoot today maybeso kill you tomorrow." Esa-Tai Commanche warrior
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #9 - Apr 19th, 2023 at 10:26am
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I have an 1884 model with all the appropriate cartouches and buffington sight near mint condition and I love shooting it. 

Retreever

  
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Chase
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #10 - Apr 21st, 2023 at 11:42pm
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Count me in!  Fun rifles and some can be surprisingly accurate.  My shooter is an 1884 rifle that is fairly sorted out and a satisfying shooter.  With a bit of attention to a few details they can be taken well beyond average.  Good luck with your new rifle, it’s a fun rabbit hole to jump down.
  
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Joe_S
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #11 - Apr 24th, 2023 at 12:03pm
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I personally prefer the 1879 Buckhorn sight which is interchangeable, but your mileage may vary. The trapdoor is one of my favorite rifles. Have fun!
Joe S
  
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BlackPowderLove
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #12 - Jun 21st, 2023 at 5:41pm
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Love mine and have taken some deer with it.
  

“Tradition is not to preserve the ashes but to pass on the flame”
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Tom_Trevor assra life no.71
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #13 - Jun 21st, 2023 at 6:10pm
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Always room for one more.
  
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rgchristensen
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Re: Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 .45-70 Govt Single
Reply #14 - Jun 21st, 2023 at 8:17pm
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The old TD will beat you up with "full war loads".   Some years ago, I built some loads that would be more shootable.   47 gr Swiss 1.5 powder, amaranth seed filler, LDPE wad, and 405 gr bullets from a mould opened up to .465". Velocity was around 1100 FPS, with low SD.  Object was to beat Dennis Bruns, "Mr Trapdoor", at the Nationals.  The low velocity provided minimal recoil and less wind drift.   It's possible to wipe the TD from the breech with a 5/16" Delrin. rod and appropriate jag.   

Anyhow.....Dennis, now gone to his reward, was a fine gentleman and a friendly competitor, who taught me that the Buffington sight is a fine target sight, and how best to use it.

CHRIS
  
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