1873 Trapdoor Breech Block Wobble

[Bmoney]

New to the forum. Posted this in the repairs sub, but this one looks more applicable - let me know if that's OK!

Just picked up an 1873 trapdoor for $350. Gun seems in solid shape with visible rifling, and previous owner had fired a few black powder rounds out of it recently. Only issue I'm concerned about is some breech block wobble. I hope to shoot some black powder loads through it if I can verify it's safety.

With the action closed and an empty in the chamber, the action can move about 1/2 mm (.02 in) at the rear end of the breech block. How big of a concern is this?

Is it useless for me to check headspace? My research seems to lead me to the conclusion that a no go gauge might not be all that useful on a 150 year old rifle firing low pressure BP loads.

I appreciate any help!

Video below shows the wobble:

https://youtube.com/shorts/w7A2Tu-69sg?feature=share

 

[Mauser lover]

Not a subject-matter expert, so take this with some salt.

A headspace gauge is always going to be useful. The information it gives you may be discarded, but I would check.

Where's the wobble? This will tell you if it matter if it wobbles when empty. I have bolt actions that wobble a wee bit when they are empty.

 

[Bmoney]

Not a subject-matter expert, so take this with some salt.

A headspace gauge is always going to be useful. The information it gives you may be discarded, but I would check.

Where's the wobble? This will tell you if it matter if it wobbles when empty. I have bolt actions that wobble a wee bit when they are empty.

There's a link above to a YouTube video that shows the wobble. It still wobbles similarly with an empty cartridge in the chamber.

 

[AlexanderA]

There's a link above to a YouTube video that shows the wobble. It still wobbles similarly with an empty cartridge in the chamber.

One of mine's like that. Nothing to worry about.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Closed. Duplicate thread.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/1873-trapdoor-wobble.920434/