shooting trapdoor springfield

[Iggy]

Onmilo,

A Gemmer TD is a cool looking outfit. The one at the gun show was too steep for this old Geezer, but it was a pretty thing.

Where are you finding brass for your 45-60 Winchester. I have a friend that has the Centennial Carbine(?) He has had a devil of a time finding ammo or brass.

 

[StrawHat]

I was always looking for one of the military 12 Gauge TDs At one time I think there were two issued to each company so they could scrounge up fresh meat while in the field.

I believe the TD was converted to a forager shotgun in 20 guage. I don't recall anymention of them in 12 guage. They were marked 1881 on the breechblock, not many were made, about 1000.

 

[StrawHat]

I have a walnut Hawkin full stock and some other parts and may turn up a Green Mountain octagon barrel for the gun.

Most of the Gemmer, and other conversions used the original round Springfield barrel. Unless you want the octagon barrel for the appearance, an original barrel in good condition is accurate enough to win matches.

 

[Iggy]

I believe the TD was converted to a forager shotgun in 20 guage.

Yup, you're right. Geezerhood ain't easy!!

I find the Springfield barrel to be more accurate than I am.

 

[StrawHat]

Iggy,

The Springfield barrel is more accyrate than most shooters! Especially if you take the time to build a load the rifle likes. They were built to standards that have long since disappeared and put through extensive tests to insure they were the best available at the time.

I have used several trapdoor actions to build rifles and they always amaze me with the accuracy they give.

 

[Onmilo]

Try Glenn Zanders for Ten-X loaded ammunition.
Have your dealer order it, they don't deal with the public. (snobs )

I make cartridge cases from Federal 45/70 cases which is sometimes a better option as Ten-X cases are dimensioned to .45/60 specs and require special shell holders for priming and sizing.
I use #23 Lee shellholders, not cataloged but special order.

If you look hard enough, there are bunches of Snider rifles converted to 16 guage shotguns and Martini Henry rifles were converted, some for a special 12 guage shell and some for the standard 2 1/2" 12 guage shells of the day.