This is my first time posting on this site so I apologize in advance. I have an old Springfield 1873 full length rifle that I would some day like to shoot. It had been used as a deer rifle up until "recently" and shows signs of abuse. Overall, the rifle and bore looks good, and the wood is not cracked except for a chunk missing near the tang that I will address later. I took the rifle to the only local gunsmith, however he was so swamped that he would barely give me the time of day. I had concerns with the fitment of the breech block, as, when opened, it will move side to side about 1/16"-1/8" in either direction. Attached are pictures showing the block closed, and on it's farthest sideways in either direction open. When closed empty the block does not move at all in any direction. All the gunsmith said is that it failed headspace (duh) and the hinge pin was bent. He also thought the cam in the block might have been filed to help it close, when it stopped closing with a bent pin. He said that replacing the pin wouldn't fix the wobble when opened, and a new one would bend like the old one. He would not fix it even though I had said cost was not a major concern. He did not tell me if it was safe, only that it failed headspace, which from what I understand, these rifles never had tight headspace tolerances new.
The rifle also has a small chunk of wood missing on the lock side up near the tang. I have some experience with diy gunsmithing and I think I could replicate that chunk and replace it, but it won't look original, and may hurt the value if it isn't needed. I also feel confident replacing parts of the breech block if needed.
What can I do to make this rifle safe to shoot, and is it a process that will significantly hurt the value of this rifle?
I plan on firing only 45-70 Government labeled commercial ammo, but if I could find it, I believe 45-70/55 carbine loads would be the safest option.
Thank you,
Bill
The rifle also has a small chunk of wood missing on the lock side up near the tang. I have some experience with diy gunsmithing and I think I could replicate that chunk and replace it, but it won't look original, and may hurt the value if it isn't needed. I also feel confident replacing parts of the breech block if needed.
What can I do to make this rifle safe to shoot, and is it a process that will significantly hurt the value of this rifle?
I plan on firing only 45-70 Government labeled commercial ammo, but if I could find it, I believe 45-70/55 carbine loads would be the safest option.
Thank you,
Bill