1873 trapdoor wobble

[Bmoney]

Just picked up an 1873 trapdoor for a low price. Gun seems in solid shape, 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!

 

[Col. Harrumph]

A little side-to-side wobble is normal. I'd worry if you could lift the block that much with the cam down and the hammer at half-cock. Rimmed cartridges headspace on the rim and you are the first person I have ever heard of to worry about that on a Trapdoor.

 

[Bmoney]

Awesome, good to hear! There's not really any up/down movement. The movement almost feels a little rotational which could theoretically be viewed as up/down (breech block has a loose-ish fit to the hinge pin). I'm probably overthinking it.

I have very little experience with old/black powder firearms, so figure I may just not be used to what's acceptable with older guns/lower pressures.

 

[AlexanderA]

A little side-to-side wobble is normal. I'd worry if you could lift the block that much with the cam down and the hammer at half-cock.

This. I just checked the two Trapdoors that I have. One exhibits that slight side-to-side movement, and the other one doesn't. Both are safe to fire.

 

[Coyote3855]

We have several Trapdoor rifles and carbines in the museum collection. Most of the ones that show lots of period use have a bit of wiggle in breech block.

 

[Bmoney]

Thank you, this is all good info! I still think I'm going to have a gunsmith check it out - difficult part might be finding one familiar with firearms of that era.

 

[Bmoney]

Just attached some pictures of the rifle! Picked it up for $350. Hammer and firing pin are reproduction. Think it's worth taking to a gunsmith the check out? Or should I feel comfortable with low pressure BP loads?

 

[Bmoney]

Also just added a video of the wobble above.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

You paid $350 for that?!? Man, go buy a armful of lottery tickets before it's too late! But I think you should have a gunsmith take a look at it... not because he'll find anything. But you'll feel more comfortable.

 

[4v50 Gary]

This. I just checked the two Trapdoors that I have. One exhibits that slight side-to-side movement, and the other one doesn't. Both are safe to fire.

thanks. I have one, haven't shot it for years and don't know much about them.

You paid $350 for that?!? Man, go buy a armful of lottery tickets before it's too late! But I think you should have a gunsmith take a look at it... not because he'll find anything. But you'll feel more comfortable.

$350 is a great deal.

 

[Bmoney]

Ended up taking to a gunsmith for a quick look, he echoed some of the same things. Thank you guys for your help!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Wow, nice score!

 

[AlexanderA]

The bright finish on the hammer and lockplate would bother me. That at least has to be toned down to a "patina." The original finish was blued.

 

[Johnm1]

I agree it was a nice score even with the replacement hammer.

I’m not a gunsmith but that amount of wobble would concern me. Consider that a failure will be heading straight for your face.

I’d consider replacing the hinge pin. That might tighten things up. Might not if the wear is on the frame.

S&S has correct parts.

https://www.ssfirearms.com/products.asp?cat=94

You might even find a period hammer.

 

[Bmoney]

I agree it was a nice score even with the replacement hammer.

I’m not a gunsmith but that amount of wobble would concern me. Consider that a failure will be heading straight for your face.

I’d consider replacing the hinge pin. That might tighten things up. Might not if the wear is on the frame.

S&S has correct parts.

https://www.ssfirearms.com/products.asp?cat=94

You might even find a period hammer.

Yup, I ordered another hinge pin! The breech block/hinge pin connection is definitely the part that feels loose. Otherwise, the consensus I got and feeling from a smith is to not be too worried about the current amount of play with typical low pressure trapdoor loads.

And yes, the finish on the hammer and lock plate bothers me a little. I definitely intent on doing something to match it to the rifle a bit better

 

[Johnm1]

If you don't want to replace the hammer with an original there is always the option of browning it. It's a simple operation wth a browning solution and would bring it closer to its normal color. the side plate being original might be a different story. The browning would work, but the question would be if you want to brown an original part. I would, but that's just me.

 

[Bmoney]

If you don't want to replace the hammer with an original there is always the option of browning it. It's a simple operation wth a browning solution and would bring it closer to its normal color. the side plate being original might be a different story. The browning would work, but the question would be if you want to brown an original part. I would, but that's just me.

I'll likely try browning both parts! The finish on the original side plate has already been altered, so I personally don't see an issue with altering it further.

 

[Johnm1]

That’d be my thoughts as well.

 

[SC45-70]

I'll likely try browning both parts! The finish on the original side plate has already been altered, so I personally don't see an issue with altering it further.

After browning the parts boil them in distilled water for 5 minutes and they will turn a dark blackish blue. It may take a few cycles of browning and boiling to get the color you want.
SC45-70