My wife's dad just gave me this rifle with not much information about it except that it was given to him years ago by his neighbor, a WWII vet, and was told it was a military rifle. I know very little about rifles, however this looks to be a very primitive one. Any ideas what it could be? My guess is Pre-WWII but truthfully I haven't got a clue.
Many thanks,
Chris
This is a breech block rifle. Many of these were converted muzzle loaders that the Military refitted to fire cartridges. It looks like there are parts missing from the block. Someone may be able to identify by sight.
Welcome to TFF from Sitka, Alaska. You have a Springfield "trapdoor", but which series I can't say. There should be a marking (such as Model 1873) on the top surface of the breechblock just behind the hinge point. It may be too worn to read at this point, but there should also be markings on the lockplate - a US eagle, date and so forth. You'll be able to find replacement parts - breechblock components, hammer & screw and the like - at S&S Firearms (www.ssfirearms.com).
Agree regarding cost of a complete restoration, but even as a wall-hanger I think it deserves to have a hammer. With no sling swivels or saddle ring bar, and no rear sight, perhaps it's an '81 Forager?
Thank you all! On the hinge says 'US Model', and nearby is the number 192746. On the base of the barrel is a stamping of 'VP' with what looks like an eagles head. Below that is 'P' and across is an 'R. It's awesome that you guys were able to identify it so quickly! I hope to acquire a hammer for it and then put it on display.
Happy New Year!
P.s - coming from the motorcycle world, I know some feel that antique bikes should be left as is, others believe in restoring it to its original condition. What's the general consensus on this forum with rifles?
According to gun-data.com's Trapdoor listing s/n 192746 was manufactured in 1882. The VP marking stands for "Viewed & Proofed". Since it seems to be a somewhat shorter than standard barrel length rifle but lacks the carbine's saddle ring bar, I can't help but wonder whether it began life as a Cadet Model (1021 were produced in '82), or perhaps as a Model 1881 Forager - a shotgun. As to restoration, if it were just a matter of a few missing components it'd be worth a try, but this Trapdoor's sorta past the point of no return. If it were mine I'd install a hammer just for looks and call it good.
You can tell if it's a cadet model or standard issue rifle by measuring the barrel. If it's Barrel is 32 inches long is a standard issue rifle not a Cadet model.
Cadet models get about 50 to $150 more than standard issue.
Personally I woud say that rifles not even worth restoring. Too many parts missing.A ,trapdoor in that condition today on *********.com wouldn't evendors fetch $250 with all the parts there.
You can tell if it's a cadet model or standard issue rifle by measuring the barrel. If it's Barrel is 32 inches long is a standard issue rifle not a Cadet model.
Very nice nmckenzie!
I'm sure I've shared with you my 1883-produced 45/70 more than once.
When I shoot it offhand I cheat my left hand directly in front of the trigger guard to balance the "2x4" steady.
Don't have a 2x4 like rifle (good friends do though) but do have a very nice condition 1884 SRC that was made in the last quarter of 1890 and delivered to the 10th Cavalry, complete with original cleaning rod set in the stock. Handy length in the woods.
The '84 in that not-so-hot photo has a stencil on the left side of the buttstock which would seem to indicate Company H, 6th Infantry Regiment, Rack #38. Stock cartouche is dated 1892.
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