ANyone know what this barrel is for?

[jmace57]

A friend of mine found this barrel in amongst some stuff of his great uncle's, who was a big black powder shooter many years ago. This man passed away between 35 and 40 years ago, so the barrel is at least that old. It was in the original box from Numrich and shows an insurance value of $54. It is marked Hopkins & Allen, in addition to the Numrich name and address. My friend THINKS the barrel is 44 caliber (or very near that). Does any one have any idea what this barrel is for? Many thanks

 

[hawkeye74]

HA was known more for shotguns and pistols than rifles. Could this be a 410 gauge percussion shotgun barrel? HA went into business in 1868 and out of business in early 1900's.

Numrich Arms makes the barrel post 1950 as that is when they were founded. This barrel likely was made by Numrich to replace an original barrel. They have done this a lot over the years. What model it would have been, I have no idea.

 

[swathdiver]

Nice find, why not send a pic over to Numrich?

 

[rcmodel]

I can no longer remember the details.

But Numeric Arms at one time sold Hopkins & Allen branded muzzle loaders and parts to build on.

It wasn't like they were real Hopkins & Allen guns.

More like what Midway is doing now with 'Stoner' AR-15 parts.
Eugene Stoner who designed the AR-15 died before Midway had a gleam in it's eye about selling AR-15 parts!

Just using a famous name as a trade name for what they are selling.

Here is a link to look at.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/HopkinsAllen-33297.htm

rc

 

[cheatin charlie]

They used to sell a kit to convert a trapdoor rifle to a muzzleloader. It came with barrel
and hammer. It could possibly be that, you would have to compare it to a trapdoor to be
sure.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Breech bolster looks right for a Springfield lock.

 

[StrawHat]

""...Turn your tired old trapdoor into a muzzle loading rifle!!... "

I believe that is how the wording was in the ads. As pointed out, it came with a percussion hammer to make it work. Kind of like the Model of 1865/65 in reverse. While I never saw the logic to it, I sure like finding trapdoor barreled actions to use!

Interesting find.

 

[jmace57]

Nice find, why not send a pic over to Numrich?

I did that yesteday, but have not heard back.


And thanks to all for your input.

I guess I could look and see if there is rifling in the barrel - it had a lot of grease and detritus from the old cardboard box in the muzzle. I'll take some measurements as well - it is a pretty long barrel.

 

[303tom]

Here is an idea, (Measure It) !...............

 

[kBob]

Another THR synchronisity!!!

Saw this thread this AM and just now while picking up around the bed found the September 1970 American Rifleman

On page 105 is an ad from ......wait for it.... Numerich Arms Corp of West Hurley NY

At that point they were on sale for $24.95 with front and rear sights but the ad also noted the regular price for one without sights was $29.50

It is described as an Instant Muzzleloader for converting trapdoors and claims to have exact external dimension of the trap door barrel.

Supposedly measures 39 inches from muzzle to tip of tang, is .45 caliber and has a 1 in 56 inch twist

Came with an original Springfield 1863 rifle hammer.

"READY TO INSTALL"

I get freaked when this happens as it so often does around here......

I literally picked up the old magazine and it fell open to the page!

-kBob

 

[pohill]

I was looking at this rifle last week - it might be the same type Numrich replacement barrel.


http://www.ktpguns.com/firearm.php?...=Manufacturer&sortdir=asc&searchdata=&SeeAll=

 

[Texan Scott]

just now while picking up around the bed found the September 1970 American Rifleman

You should clean your room more often.

Geologically speaking, though, a find of known age is invaluable for dating other finds in the same strata.

Sniff-checking old clothing may be acceptable, but if you have to radio-carbon date your socks, that's just...

 

[jmace57]

well after reading this link, I am sure my friend would accept $435 for it!

 

[pohill]

The $435 in that listing was for the 1861 Springfield rifle with the replacement barrel.
The store also has an original 45-70 trapdoor barrel (no stock) - I should see if it fits the stock in that listing.

 

[jmace57]

That'll teach me (an old guy) to try and read this stuff on my tiny Android phone screen. Thanks pohill