50-70 Trapdoors

ArtyMan

ArtyMan

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Hey guys,

I own and occasionally shoot an antique 1863 Sharps carbine in 50-70 as well as a Pedersoli Sharps in 45-70 and a Shiloh Sharps in 45-120. As I begin to shoot more and more black powder and find myself more often taking my BP firearms to the range over milsurps, I was looking into the Trapdoor series of rifles and carbines as a next purchase - specifically an antique for minimal shooting. I’ve seen a few 1884 Trapdoors for sale, but was wondering what the average going price for either an earlier 50-70 Trapdoor rifle would be or an 1873 Trapdoor in 45-70?

Are either of these “around” in Canada or would it be something that would have to be imported?


Thanks!
 
I have a Rem. Roller in 7x57 Mauser.
Been shooting it for years. Got it from P&S.
Never struck me as being a weak action.
I also have 50x70, .43 Egyptian and .43 Mauser.
These are much older and so I suspect the steel is not as strong in them as the South American 7x57.
 
Thanks! I currently load a 405gr cast bullet in front of 65g compressed 2FG powder for my Pedersoli in 45-70. For my antique Sharps I typically load a 450gr cast bullet in front of 55-60gr compressed 2FG powder but that doesn’t get shot often at all!

I’m going to do some more reading into trapdoor limitations load wise. I only plan to use cast and standard Goex black powder.
 
Thanks! Wasn’t aware those antiques could be shipped across the border!

That certainly opens up more options
 
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Pete04 said:
I have a Rem. Roller in 7x57 Mauser.
Been shooting it for years. Got it from P&S.
Never struck me as being a weak action.
I also have 50x70, .43 Egyptian and .43 Mauser.
These are much older and so I suspect the steel is not as strong in them as the South American 7x57.
Click to expand...

Duhh!
Sorry for the confusion. For some reason I thought we were talking rolling blocks not trap doors.
 
ArtyMan said:
Thanks! Wasn’t aware antiques could be shipped across the border!

That certainly opens up more options
Click to expand...

Hi, I just purchased a 1884 Springfield Trapdoor 45-70 (1889 mfg cartouche) privately in the US. I paid $750.00USD I am using Borderview to import rather than fuss with it myself. Also just bought a Navy Arms (Pedersoli) Rolling Block 45-70 at an auction in the USA - condition is very good and I paid $650.00 (inc auction buyers premium)for it.

Retreever
 
Most, if not all 50-70 trapdoors were Allin Conversions, civil war cap & ball rifles that had a trapdoor action installed to a cap and ball barrel, chambered 50-70 to convert to the available at the time cartridge , designated Springfield model 1866. They are around on the collector/gunshow market but are considered the weakest of the trapdoor rifles.
 
Thanks for the info! I’ll try and hunt around up here first but may end up going that route! Prices seem a bit higher but selection is certainly much greater
 
fingers284 said:
Most, if not all 50-70 trapdoors were Allin Conversions, civil war cap & ball rifles that had a trapdoor action installed to a cap and ball barrel, chambered 50-70 to convert to the available at the time cartridge , designated Springfield model 1866. They are around on the collector/gunshow market but are considered the weakest of the trapdoor rifles.
Click to expand...

Yes it definitely wouldn’t be a regular shooter by any means. Would certainly look good beside my 1863 Sharps conversion to 50-70.

I suspect with a solid inspection by a gunsmith and a lighter but safely compressed load of 2FG it would be safe to fire occasionally No?
 
As mentioned. Last fall had a Springfield 1870 in 50-70 for sale on this site and at the shows. For only a couple months. No one wanted it unless in mint cond.
 
QM 86 said:
As mentioned. Last fall had a Springfield 1870 in 50-70 for sale on this site and at the shows. For only a couple months. No one wanted it unless in mint cond.
Click to expand...

If it was complete and in “shootable” shape I’d have grabbed it!
 
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