An old Custom Trapdoor with a Texas flavor....

[Mad John]

If this Trapdoor rifle could talk, I'll bet it could tell some stories!
It began life as a Military issue Model 1873 .45-70 rifle. A relatively early model that came into the hands of an imaginative hunter and gunsmith. There are many modifications from it's original configuration. Shortened from rifle length with retaining a full length stock and using a barrel band for a modified front sight. Checkered for an obviously right handed shooter. A raised walnut rear sight platform with a buck-horn sight. An original officer's model grip attachment. The "star" carved into the right side of the stock, says Texas. A hardened leather cartridge holder mounted also. The lock work starting with the lengthened hammer spur and the internal works of the lock. The sear and trigger are hand lapped and tuned. The jeweling is exceptional in it's detail, probably done by a watchmaker / jeweler. Lots of hand work here. AND... the thing shoots really well.... John

 

[Maverick44]

Somebody had a ton of fun making that rifle.

 

[Texasjack]

May I ask, what is the ring on the trigger guard for?

Thanks for sharing! Really interesting firearm!!

 

[Mad John]

May I ask, what is the ring on the trigger guard for?

Thanks for sharing! Really interesting firearm!!

In the gun's original configuration the lower sling swivel mount was on the trigger guard. The upper swivel was on the front barrel band. The front barrel band was re-purposed for the front sight. Yes, interesting piece of work. I wonder how many Buffalo were dropped with this .45-70?

 

[Maverick44]

It's interesting that they used wood as a base for the rear sight. I imagine that machining a piece of steel or iron to do that would not have been an easy task back then.

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[Mad John]

It's interesting that they used wood as a base for the rear sight. I imagine that machining a piece of steel or iron to do that would not have been an easy task back then.

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When I first got this and disassembled it I notice this was all hand work. Someone with alot of time and skill. He probably did not have the money to buy a Sharps or Remington Block in a big caliber. This piece is surprisingly accurate. I get nice two inch groups at 100 yards. John

 

[Mad John]

Somebody had a ton of fun making that rifle.

Somebody had a ton of fun making that rifle.

I don't know that whoever did this was for fun. Probably out of necessity and only had a military long rifle to work with.

 

[jrbfishn]

Either way, that is some nice work.

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[HKShooter65]

Another great price of functional art you have.

The wooden rear sight base grabbed my attention too.
Looks absolutely unique.

 

[Just Geri]

Beautiful!

 

[gshayd]

Thanks for sharing

 

[wakal]

That is an amazing piece of work...thanks for letting us all see it!