Considering Springfield Trapdoor or Repro

[bennadatto]

Afternoon all!

It seems as though I have been bitten by this .45-70 bug, and my only recourse is purchasing a rifle to sooth my discomfort.

At first, my only consideration was a modern repro of the Springfield Trapdoor, as the ability to shoot smokeless loads would make it easier to shoot the rifle more frequently (outdoor range is about 45 minutes from home). However, I'm not opposed to purchasing an original, and the cheaper prices I've found make an original more and more appealing.

Would shooting an original Trapdoor (with original BP loading of course) significantly devalue the rifle? Also, I know quality will vary greatly from rifle to rifle, but, in the collective experience of the board, how safe are these old guys to shoot?

Finally, if you think a modern repro is the way to go, where are some places online I can find them? I've seen Dixie Gunworks' stuff. Are there others.

OK...sorry, one more question. In a moder repro, will the full size rifle buy me significantly more accuracy than the Carbine versions? Gut reacion says "yes!"

Thanks!

 

[highorder]

I think you'll be disappointed with a repro when so many decent originals are available. The original Trapdoors are safe for light loads of smokeless, and several ammo companies load a "Trapdoor" load.

They are fine if you keep to mild loads, and you won't lose much value shooting a "shooter" grade.

 

[Jim Watson]

A sound trapdoor is safe to shoot with loads in its working range.
Black powder will give good results and is not as hard to clean up after as people think.
They will handle mild smokeless loads but it is best not to shoot jacketed bullets in the old soft steel barrels.
You can get a pretty good original for the price of a repro and it will hold or gain value if you take care of it.
Barrel dimensions vary a good bit and you should have the book on the subject.
http://www.the45-70book.com/The-Book-3rd-Edition-by-Spence-Pat-Wolf

A repro will have a modern spec, modern material barrel and might take less effort to get to shoot well. But that is about the only thing in its favor to me.

A rifle will be more accurate than a carbine due to its longer sight radius. It will also kick less because of its greater weight and muzzle heavy balance. Even the troops complained about recoil in carbines and the army issued a lighter load for them; .45-55-405 instead of .45-70-405 or .45-70-500.

 

[alemonkey]

You should really give black powder a thought, even if you do get a modern reproduction. 45-70 with black powder is a hoot. And the clean up is easy, just swap with patches soaked in water until they come out clean, maybe a few passes with a brush to get out the leading.

 

[HPJeep]

Go modern if you plan on abusing it and dropping it in the mud and water while hunting. Go antique for a range toy since it will always keep its value. No need to mess up an original if you're going to abuse the thing.

 

[SaxonPig]

Black powder shooting sucks eggs. It's filthy, messy, and you spend more time cleaning than shooting. Yuck.

Get a repro. They are cheaper, stronger, and you don't fret yourself sick over shooting an antique.

 

[chuckles]

You might have a look at a new Sharps 1874 Reproduction. Several companies make them and they all are generally stronger actions than a trapdoor. I have a H&R Officer's Model that while nice looking, isn't my first choice to shoot 45-70. That chore is reserved for my Uberti Quigley Sharps. That 32" heavy barrel makes a 45-70 a bit more comfortable to shoot. JMHO