[JoeSF]

How does the hammer on a 1873 trapdoor springfield cause the bullet to be fired? It seems like it woud be moving at a right angle to the firing pin.

[Jagermeister]

JoeSF

I don't know the ans to your question, however maybe this will help.

JM

[Jim K]

This site shows it a little better.

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/Exploded.html

The firing pin is in the breechblock at an angle so its rear end, which is struck by the hammer, is actually to the right and above the front end, which is in the center of the breechblock to strike the center-fire primer.

The change from the rifle musket was not as great as one might think, since the percussion nipple on the older gun was at about a 45 degree angle to the barrel.

Jim

[JoeSF]

Thanks guys..I really appreciate it.
Joe