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

I would not hesitate a bit if offered a nice Gemmer style Trapdoor in 50-70

I know of a custom 45-90 trapdoor. With a false muzzle!

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.

I built one up in 40-50 SBN that I shoot a 300gr RCBS bullet with 4198 and get good accuracy.





JMH

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

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.

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

Well, the truth is, that I shot the Unique, breech seated. I did nothing special, just put the case in the chamber.

I used both F150 & F210 primers. The F150's gave 19 fps ES & 6.9 SD. The F210's, 20 ES & 6 SD. The F150's were more accurate by .18 @ 100 yds. .84 vs 1.02. F150 971 fps, F210 965 fps averages.

The bullet was NEI 409 gr spitzer bullet, cast in range scrap. I used that because 400+gr a shot, uses up lead, pretty fast.

Thank y'all for the info.

I've had good luck with Unique and TrailBoss with .457 round balls. I'm not near my notes now but I remember the charge being 10 grains. This is a good grouse, and rabbit load.