Boats, It was the Winchester Hotchkiss style butt used on the long range rifles not the Lee.

The 1873 Springfield Trapdoor is probably the most under appreciated rifle ever. They are very simple and reliable. Parts are readily available. 
In a prior post a few years back, someone suggested putting a 38-55 Barrel on on a trapdoor, but  many members recommended against it due to the higher pressure of the 38-55. 
I have two sporterized trapdoors now and love them, but would consider another if I could get one in a caliber with a little less recoil. 
Joe S

Charlie I thought about a Hunter style Trapdoor back then. But had a H&R Officers model reproduction and Original unaltered carbine . The H&R was unpleasant to shoot with the 405 Grain carbine load or a 330 gr cast from a Raphine mold. Sold it off 

The carbine did fine 405 G Arsenal style carbine bullet 55 grs 2F Black. Weight difference mostly, stock shape too. It was a very handy capable rifle, no matter what we read about Custers experience would rather have it than a Rimfire Henry.

If I had built the Creedmore style would have gone with new barrel heavier than service rifles . “Bull barrel” 

Boats

Just for those that may not know, the 1866 50-70 rifles and the 1868 50-70 rifles are two different animals. The 66 used an old barrel sliced open with a trapdoor mechanism screwed to the top of the barrel. The 1868 has a separate action with a new barrel screwed into it. Essentially the 1868 is the same as the 1873 and latter actions except for the caliber. They were made until 1893 when they were replaced by the Krag. Once the arsenal was set up they didn't like to make changes. The screws for the Trapdoor buttplates are the same as those for the 1903 buttplates. The front sight blade for a 1903 Springfield will fit in a Krag or a Trapdoor. If you want to lower where a Trapdoor shoots when using smokeless powder you can replace the blade with a Springfield/Krag blade.

For a springfield blade try S & S firearms out of Glendale, NY they have a bunch of trapdoor and krag parts and they are on line.

Jeff, S&S is one place but if you google "1903 springfield rifle front sight blade" you'll see about 20 more places.

I had an H&R OM as well. I agree, not fun to shoot.

Have an original, 1885 production cut down to a carbine. 20-1/2" barrel, forearm too short ... if only it was 'real' ...

Bore is really nice. Still toying with the idea of building a Hawken or Gemmer style on it. Where to put it in the line of partial/unstarted projects i already have?

Pistol powders &. light bullets certainly the way to go most shooting. 

40 odd years ago, before single shot reproductions were available Trapdoors were what we had inexpensive & easily available. Comparing them to other military single shots, similar period, they are more appealing to my eye. Added advantage identical in handling & “Feel” to Muzzle loading Rifled Muskets. Tuning locks & trigger pull exactly the same 

Who remembers Turner Kirkland & Dixie Gun works offering $ 20 for any complete Trapdoor. Set the price for gun show finds. Number of years ago early for a flight out of Nashville drove up to Union City Tenn & visited Dixie. Still there and very large Trapdoor inventory. 

Boats