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fourbore · October 9, 2019, 02:19 PM

I was as surprised as you with the trapdoors. My goal was to get one and move on to earlier USGI models. I have the first 50/70, the M1866 and last 45/70, the M1888. I replaced the front blade (taller) on the 45/70 to get on steel at 100 yards with a 6 oclock hold.

It does take some study to buy the old guns. You will probably want a 45/70. I got "The .45-70 Springfield" By Poyer and Riesch. I also have a 50/70 book by Hosmer. I found two local shops that had near 20 trapdoors between the two. I was lucky to have this local resource. Reading the book, looking at guns, back to the books then the guns until I started to get a feel for what was right and how much it mattered to me.

A good clean 45/70 Cadet (2" less barrel) can be had for $800+ ish. The full rifles are a little higher, say $1,000. The carbines are harder with many cut down rifles and cost a lot more. I like the rifles.

I shoot cowboy factory loads in 45/70. I hand load with FF black powder and with Blackhorn 209 in 50/70.

October 9, 2019, 02:19 PM	#16
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	I was as surprised as you with the trapdoors. My goal was to get one and move on to earlier USGI models. I have the first 50/70, the M1866 and last 45/70, the M1888. I replaced the front blade (taller) on the 45/70 to get on steel at 100 yards with a 6 oclock hold. It does take some study to buy the old guns. You will probably want a 45/70. I got "The .45-70 Springfield" By Poyer and Riesch. I also have a 50/70 book by Hosmer. I found two local shops that had near 20 trapdoors between the two. I was lucky to have this local resource. Reading the book, looking at guns, back to the books then the guns until I started to get a feel for what was right and how much it mattered to me. A good clean 45/70 Cadet (2" less barrel) can be had for $800+ ish. The full rifles are a little higher, say $1,000. The carbines are harder with many cut down rifles and cost a lot more. I like the rifles. I shoot cowboy factory loads in 45/70. I hand load with FF black powder and with Blackhorn 209 in 50/70.