October 30, 2013, 02:54 PM | #1 |
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Got some new parts...
....for my latest trapdoor carbine.
This is the rifle that started out as a parts rifle from a gun show. The bore was quite pitted even after cutting off the last ten inches. So I went shopping around for a replacement barrel on the evil bay and GB. Finally came up with a rifle length barrel with a receiver, complete breach block and breach plug for 150.00 plus shipping. I was concerned about the bore which the seller described as poor to fair. Absolutely not! This bore is quite good with no pitting. Little roughness in the finish but I doubt that will have much of an effect on the shooting qualities. Externally the barrel has a nice brown patina which I may try to preserve. The original barrel on the rifle (the one I am replacing) shoots quite well given its condition. I am hoping the new barrel improves the performance. The front sight was taken off and the barrel was rough filed but that makes no difference since the last ten inches of the barrel is coming off of this one too. When it is finished, this may be the best of the trapdoors I have.
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October 30, 2013, 04:25 PM | #2 |
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Just finished....
.....cutting and crowning the replacement barrel.
Also removed the sling swivel from the trigger guard and modified the contours of the guard to more closely match the carbine trigger guard. Anyone who knows Trapdoors would spot it. Ran a brush through the barrel and did not improve the appearance much. This barrel is still in good condition. Whole thing looks pretty good. I paid sixty bucks for the original rifle. Got about fifty bucks for unneeded parts on the eBay. Paid about 210.00 for the parts I needed to finish the rifle as a carbine. Now 170.00 for the new barrel. I'll sell the old barrel, breach, breach block and plug and prolly get close to what I paid for the replacement. In the end, I think I'll have less than 250.00 in this carbine. Can't wait to get a sight on it and shoot it.
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October 30, 2013, 09:41 PM | #3 |
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Remember to post pictures. I love to see your work.
I've got another 50-70 project. Have to find a stock. TK |
October 31, 2013, 02:25 AM | #4 |
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TK....
I have seen some fairly decent prices on eBay for stocks recently.
Wouldn't mind starting a 50-70 but I hate to think of the price for brass. (I should stop being such a cheapskate.) Only thing left on this carbine is the sight. I am going to be a bit more careful of the dimensions of the sight on this rifle. If this one shoots the way I think it will, I will sell the other one with the idea of accumulating enough to buy either a used 73 Winchester clone or a used Remington Rolling Block in .45-70.
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October 31, 2013, 10:31 AM | #5 |
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I have managed to get 40 pieces of brass and Lyman dies, so I'm good there. I would love to have a rolling block.
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October 31, 2013, 12:38 PM | #6 |
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Here's photos
Of the finished carbine. The trigger guard has been reconcoured. The stock is polished with Renaissance wax and then the hole thing is oiled.
And the muzzle and sight. Sight may be a little overtall. It is only slightly higher than my other carbines. I think it may look tall because it is very small front to back. It is much closer to original sight dimensions than my other trapdoors. This is about the only changes that would be noted.
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October 31, 2013, 12:45 PM | #7 |
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Looks good Doc, real good. If money wasn't so tight right now I'd take that extra receiver off your hands but even if I had it I couldn't do anything with it for awhile.
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October 31, 2013, 02:22 PM | #8 |
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Thanks, Master H,
I am putting it on the eVil bay today.
It has to be a two week auction because I am going to FL until the 13th for the school. Because it has a complete breach block, receiver and plug, I am prolly asking a little more that would be expected.
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October 31, 2013, 02:59 PM | #9 |
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It turned out real nice. You do great work!
TK |
October 31, 2013, 04:31 PM | #10 | |
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Quote:
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October 31, 2013, 08:21 PM | #11 |
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Looks great Doc! Anxious to hear how it shoots.
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November 1, 2013, 12:32 AM | #12 |
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Great look'n rifle Doc. Love the color of the stock. I've got one of the H&R copies and need to replace the crappy rear sight with an original. Love my 45-70!
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November 1, 2013, 03:04 AM | #13 |
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Vos
Yes. I like reloading the round and I like shooting them.
For me, the sights on the trapdoors are better than the sights on the Sharps from Pedersoli. If you decide to move to an original sight for the TD go to Al Frasca. By far, the best TD parts vendor anywhere. http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/ If you order, use the phone. He has parts that are not listed on his site and it is good to pick his brain during the ordering process.
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November 1, 2013, 06:53 AM | #14 |
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Nice!
WoooooHoooooo!!!!!!!!
Birch
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