New Acquisition: Springfield Model 1873

[OnTheFly]

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]

Moving over to C&R...

 

[Scorch]

Absolutely beautiful.

 

[starbuck125]

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

 

[MacGille]

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]

That really is beautiful!

Best,
Oly

 

[OnTheFly]

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]

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.