I can't give you a definite answer to that, but I will say that I personally would NOT do it. Just the thought of the possibility of breaking a 150 year old firing pin scares the devil out of me.

 

Hold the hammer back with your thumb , pull the trigger and ease the hammer down on the firing pin mechanism .
Repeated hammer blows will eventually peen and damage the metal parts it hits ...not a good idea to dry fire an old trap door repeatedly ... But ... If you must do it ... make or by some 45-70 "Snap Caps" to cushion the hammer blows .
Gary

 

I would go to trapdoorcollector.com and ask them that question.

 

I advise against it. The early Trapdoors used a bronze firing pin. Dry firing is hard on them, and don't forget that she is a pretty elderly lady now. Also, the sharp hit from the hammer won't do those old lock plate internals any good, either. There is no reason to dry fire that rifle. If you pull the hammer back to full cock - ease it forward and be kind to your rifle.

 

Why do you want to dry fire it ? If your wanting to go thru the motions of firing it and ejecting maybe buy or make your own snap caps . These old rifles are tough but still need to be gentle as can with them .

 

Thanks for all the information guys l appreciate it. I guess i will buy some snap caps.
Thanks again, Joh mo pm