New Acquisition: Springfield Model 1873

OnTheFly · March 12, 2010, 10:52 PM

My father had a small collection of arms passed down from his grandfather and father. I told a friend about how my mother had promised them (in the will) to me, and he said "get them now". Apparently he had a relative snag some items that were promised him and now they can't be found.

Talked to my mother about it and she said they aren't doing any good sitting in her basement. I feel like a proud new father all over again. So here is one of them...

Springfield Model 1873 Manufactured Oct-Dec 1884
This trapdoor rifle is in pretty good shape. I don't think the gunsmith will find anything wrong with it.

Just have to find some cowboy action 45-70 for this baby and I can try it out.

Fly

**Shane Tuttle** · March 12, 2010, 11:17 PM

Moving over to C&R...

Scorch · March 14, 2010, 03:33 AM

Absolutely beautiful.

starbuck125 · March 14, 2010, 08:32 AM

i agree, beautifull rifle, i"m jealous!!!

MacGille · March 14, 2010, 11:03 PM

I am envious in the extreme. Don't bother with cowboy loads. Use ffg black powder a lubed wad and 400gr. lead bullet. I make my wads from pillow ticking soaked in lube made of 1 part paraffin, 1 part beeswax, and1/2 to 1 part crisco. Fold the ticking over twice and use a 1/2" arch punch to cut out the wads. The wad will lube the barrel and scrape the powder soot out with each shot. Use 50 gr. of powder for a mild load and up to 70 gr. for hunting.

The Springfield will handle these loads easily and will afford you years of pleasure in shooting it. Remember the value in a gn is in the shooting, not the selling price. If you care for it and treat it gently, you will not compromise the value of he gun.

olyinaz · March 15, 2010, 12:52 AM

That really is beautiful!

Best,
Oly

OnTheFly · March 15, 2010, 12:32 PM

MacGille,

I'm not a re-loader, but I understood MOST of what you said. I'm going to have to get a translator for the rest of it.

Seriously though, thanks for all the info. Those are the kinds of options I was looking for.

Fly

Wobble · March 16, 2010, 08:42 PM

I wish I had family heirlooms like this fine Springfield. I've only gotten old chairs, photographs, and postcards.

Seriously, your gun appears to be in extremely fine condition and probably is worth a lot of money, but I'm sure it's more valuable than money to you.

March 12, 2010, 11:17 PM	#2
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	Moving over to C&R... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

March 14, 2010, 03:33 AM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Absolutely beautiful. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

March 14, 2010, 11:03 PM	#5
MacGille Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2006 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 976	I am envious in the extreme. Don't bother with cowboy loads. Use ffg black powder a lubed wad and 400gr. lead bullet. I make my wads from pillow ticking soaked in lube made of 1 part paraffin, 1 part beeswax, and1/2 to 1 part crisco. Fold the ticking over twice and use a 1/2" arch punch to cut out the wads. The wad will lube the barrel and scrape the powder soot out with each shot. Use 50 gr. of powder for a mild load and up to 70 gr. for hunting. The Springfield will handle these loads easily and will afford you years of pleasure in shooting it. Remember the value in a gn is in the shooting, not the selling price. If you care for it and treat it gently, you will not compromise the value of he gun. __________________ If ye love wealth better than Liberty, the tranquillity of servitude than the animated contest of Freedom, go from us in Peace. We ask not your counsel or Arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen. --Samuel Adams--<*ixoye><

March 15, 2010, 12:32 PM	#7
OnTheFly Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Location: SE Nebraska Posts: 859	MacGille, I'm not a re-loader, but I understood MOST of what you said. I'm going to have to get a translator for the rest of it. Seriously though, thanks for all the info. Those are the kinds of options I was looking for. Fly __________________ I told my wife I was scheduling a mid-life crisis. It was either a Harley or guns. Secretly, I've already decided on guns. :-) Bang... Bang... Bang...

March 14, 2010, 08:32 AM	#4
starbuck125 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: kentucky Posts: 140	i agree, beautifull rifle, i"m jealous!!!

March 15, 2010, 12:52 AM	#6
olyinaz Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 877	That really is beautiful! Best, Oly

March 16, 2010, 08:42 PM	#8
Wobble Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Georgia USA Posts: 163	I wish I had family heirlooms like this fine Springfield. I've only gotten old chairs, photographs, and postcards. Seriously, your gun appears to be in extremely fine condition and probably is worth a lot of money, but I'm sure it's more valuable than money to you.