Gunshow today

[tom e gun]

So I went to a gun show out here in Sacramento today, and while I failed to find much of interest to us BP shooters, I did come across a man selling 2 trapdoor Springfield's for I believe $1000 for the both of them. One was an 1861 and the other 1863 I think. The guy didn't have a clue what caliber they were, but they looked to be in fair shape. Would this have been a good deal? I was somewhat intrigued but not enough to plunk down $1000 for unknown caliber rifles of that age. Sadly, I did not think to take any pictures of them :banghead: I'm curious as to what one would look for with rifles such as these to tell if they are shootable.
On a side note, I walked the whole place a couple times in the hopes of finding someone selling an ROA for a decent price as I had missed out at the last gun show in the summer where there were around 5 for sale. (Even a couple reasonably priced) This time there was not a one to be found! For shame I say....

 

[BADUNAME30]

Tom, you want i should let you know if i encounter one ?

 

[tom e gun]

Sure Jim, that would be great! I prefer the looks of the fixed sight SS ROA models but at this point I suppose I am not too picky to turn down others

 

[BADUNAME30]

Ariteden

 

[unknwn]

What's the deal with any laws in California for shipping into the state cap & ball revolvers? And beyond shipping into your State, does living in or around Sacramento impose anything of the sort (Draconian laws) on your receipt of a black powder cap and ball handgun from an out of state seller?

 

[Iggy]

There were some muzzle loading springfield rifles converted to breechloaders after the war, known as the Allin conversions. These were in 50 caliber if I remember correctly. They "could have been" Model 1861s and 1863s that were converted.

The true Springfield Trapdoor didn't come around until 1873 and it was in 45/70

If they were original and in good shape, $500 apiece would probably been a pretty good deal.

 

[tom e gun]

What's the deal with any laws in California for shipping into the state cap & ball revolvers? And beyond shipping into your State, does living in or around Sacramento impose anything of the sort (Draconian laws) on your receipt of a black powder cap and ball handgun from an out of state seller?

California has no restrictions on black powder/muzzle loading firearms, even in Sacramento, although for cartridge related stuff, I believe I can't get ammo here in this county through the mail/internet sales. (maybe just handgun calibers, but then who decides what that is considering the enormous variety of calibers these days being interchangeable in rifles and pistols)

There were some muzzle loading springfield rifles converted to breechloaders after the war, known as the Allin conversions. These were in 50 caliber if I remember correctly. They "could have been" Model 1861s and 1863s that were converted.

The true Springfield Trapdoor didn't come around until 1873 and it was in 45/70

If they were original and in good shape, $500 apiece would probably been a pretty good deal.

I must confess to not knowing much about Trapdoor Springfields, but these seemed to be cartridge arms, but since I have not had much occasion to check out these rifles in person before in either cartridge or percussion, I am not entirely sure they were. One seemed to be missing the ramrod and the other had the ramrod in place. I opened the chamber of one of them and it opened easily and appeared to be free of corrosion or damage, but then again it was a quick look.

 

[pohill]

I paid less than $400 for my 50-70 Springfield Trapdoor, Model 1868. The lock plate on mine is dated 1863. It is a "true" Springfield Trapdoor. According to Flaydermans, more than 51,000 were made. The 1868 models were not converted as the earlier ones were, but they used parts from earlier guns.
$500 for a 50-70 is good, depending, of course, on the condition. Good condition (Flaydermans): $750.
The 50-70s are great to shoot but the brass is alot more expensive than the 45-70s (and harder to find).