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Trapdoor Action (Read 1896 times)

Fields Participating Member Offline Posts: 24 Joined: Aug 11^th, 2016	Trapdoor Action Dec 6^th, 2024 at 8:46am	Print Post
	Attended a local gun show last weekend and saw several unusual custom rifles. Builder started with 1884 Trapdoor action, 30 inch Green Mountain Barrel, Hawkins style stock, tang site, 45-70 and workmanship was impressive. I've always thought Trapdoor action is on the weaker side for single shot rifles is this true? Other custom rifle was a large Martini Military Rifle refinished, ok but not interesting.


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Longknife Full Member Offline Posts: 114 Location: Illinois Joined: Mar 26^th, 2016	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #1 - Dec 6^th, 2024 at 9:05am	Print Post
	Its "HAWKEN" . There have seen many trapdoor Hawken copies made. Even some commercially made ones. Supposed to copy the work of JP Gemmer, who took over the Hawken shop. 1862-1915. I wouldn't use anything bigger than a 45-70 in the action, IMHO! ,,,LK
	« Last Edit: Dec 6^th, 2024 at 9:21am by Longknife »

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jhm Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1559 Location: georgia Joined: Sep 4^th, 2011	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #2 - Dec 6^th, 2024 at 9:16am	Print Post
	The trapdoor was in 45-70 originally. If you shoot rounds loaded for the trapdoor you are ok. You just can't hot rod them. Shoot them as intended and you are good. I have seen others built on a Gemmer or Hawken build and they look nice. JMH


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SchwarzStock Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1207 Location: SchwarzWald Joined: Mar 23^rd, 2010	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #3 - Dec 6^th, 2024 at 11:46am	Print Post
	I would not hesitate a bit if offered a nice Gemmer style Trapdoor in 50-70

	If your rifle is not in 7.62 and you can't hit what you are aiming at with de-linked machinegun ammo you are a pretender.
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oneatatime Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 3915 Location: Rocky Mountains Joined: Oct 30^th, 2011	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #4 - Dec 6^th, 2024 at 5:10pm	Print Post
	I had a 68 Trapdoor in its original 50-70 with a mirror bore and it shot as good as it looked. Wasn't the 30-40 worked up in a slightly beefed up Trapdoor by the arsenal? On the other end I once traded a $15 dollar rifle for a Trapdoor rebarreled in 32-20.


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westerner Frequent Elocutionist Offline deleted posts and threads record holder. Posts: 11525 Location: Why, out West of course Joined: May 29^th, 2006	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #5 - Dec 6^th, 2024 at 5:32pm	Print Post
	I know of a custom 45-90 trapdoor. With a false muzzle!

	A blind squirrel runs into a tree every once in a while.
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marlinguy Frequent Elocutionist Online Ballards may be weaker, but they sure are neater! Posts: 16293 Location: Oregon Joined: Feb 2^nd, 2009	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #6 - Dec 6^th, 2024 at 5:37pm	Print Post
	I've often thought about building up a custom Trapdoor action in a smaller cartridge like .38-55 or .32-40. Thought they would make a neat custom rifle, and the action would be plenty strong for most loads in the two cartridges.

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TN Longhunter Participating Member Offline Posts: 14 Location: Tennessee Joined: Jan 15^th, 2014	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #7 - Dec 6^th, 2024 at 7:47pm	Print Post
	I have a TD carbine, modified by a turn of the century (1900) that he sleeved. Marked “30 WCF” (30-30). I shoot cast and mild loads.


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Tom_Trevor assra life no.71 Oldtimer Offline Tom Trevor Posts: 695 Location: Granada Hills Ca. Joined: Jun 16^th, 2004	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #8 - Dec 6^th, 2024 at 8:55pm	Print Post
	The long range trapdoors were 45-80-500. I have shot mine with no problems. Somewhere on line is a magazine article we did with C. Rodney James for Guns Illustrated annual in 1986 trying to blow up a trapdoor rifle which took some doing to accomplish.


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jhm Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1559 Location: georgia Joined: Sep 4^th, 2011	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #9 - Dec 6^th, 2024 at 9:00pm	Print Post
	I built one up in 40-50 SBN that I shoot a 300gr RCBS bullet with 4198 and get good accuracy. JMH


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ndnchf Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1067 Joined: Mar 6^th, 2014	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #10 - Dec 7^th, 2024 at 6:49am	Print Post
	I've always thought a Gemmer style conversion of a .50-70 US model 1868 Springfield trapdoor would be an awesome and realistic rifle.


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boats Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 7575 Location: Virginia Joined: Apr 23^rd, 2004	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #11 - Dec 7^th, 2024 at 7:23am	Print Post
	Long time fan of Trapdoors, owned Full size, Cadet & Carbines competed with the Cadet mostly, planned to build a replica of period Springfield Arsenal built Trapdoor Creedmore style rifle. Switching to CPA’s never did it. Don’t take any of this as fact, could be things to further look into. Couple things I considered. Best to build on the 45/70 case head size, 40/65, 45/90. No action alterations needed and pressures similar to 45/70. My plan, the 45/90 Significant change adding a tang to mount a sight. The Buffington is a handicap. Changing front sight simple. Trapdoor locks can be tuned for “good” trigger pull, they are smooth but heavy. Sear spring alteration cures weight. Converting top set trigger may be possible but complicated. Did not consider switching to set. Without looking through my gun books recall the Arsenal competition rifles used a Lee Magazine rifle stock. Higher comb flat buttplate. Both needed. At the time, 30 odd years ago, Springfield Arsenal museum would make originals available for hands off study & photography by appointment. Obscure information again from memory, “Bull Barrel” came from the Arsenal armorers name, he built the match rifles. Please correct if otherwise Boats
	« Last Edit: Dec 7^th, 2024 at 7:37am by boats »

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Fields Participating Member Offline Posts: 24 Joined: Aug 11^th, 2016	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #12 - Dec 7^th, 2024 at 7:53am	Print Post
	Thanks to all, I'm still learning about single shot rifle. Recently enjoyed article about Highwalls in our Journal and drawing illustrating the difference between Stevens 44 and 44 1/2 posted on this webpage.


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Deadeye Bly Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1067 Location: Stephens City Joined: Feb 25^th, 2011	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #13 - Dec 7^th, 2024 at 8:47am	Print Post
	Trapdoor Gemmer rifles with octagon barrels are what most are building these days. I believe I once read that there is only one known specimen of an original made by Gemmer with an octagon barrel. All the others he did used the original round barrel. I agree with ndnchf that a '68 in 50/70 would be an interesting conversion. I've got a good '68 action and lock that would be perfect.


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Green_Frog Frequent Elocutionist Online "It ain't easy being green" ASSRA Life #281 Posts: 4067 Location: Lynchburg, VA Joined: Apr 18^th, 2004	Re: Trapdoor Action Reply #14 - Dec 7^th, 2024 at 11:15am	Print Post
	Weren’t the first Trapdoors chambered in 50-70? Of course back then it could only have been a black powder load and pressures wouldn’t have been but so great. Speaking of pressures, it’s worthy of note that when loading data is published for the 45-70, there are always two or usually three power levels listed with the lowest always listed for Trapdoors etc. Aren’t even the Rolling Blocks a little stronger? Like my friend boats, back when I was young and still could seriously dream of building a wide variety of guns, I dreamed of a 50-70 Trapdoor with a Gemmer or Hawken style Sporter stock. Just one more project I never got around to! Froggie


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