Early Trapdoor hammer question

[Tkacook]

Is there a difference between the 1866, 1868 and 1870 hammers? Are they interchangeable? I know they used the early lock plates, I just wanted to know if the curves and profiles are the same.

Andy

[Dick Hosmer]

The 1866 is distinctly different in shape from the 1868/1870 which are identical to one another.

1868/70 hammers are sometimes used by Bubba (but NEVER SA) on later 1873 rifles, with the flush lockplate - they don't look right, but the alignment is close enough to function.

[Tkacook]

Dick,

That was exactly the information I needed. Thank you!

[Tkacook]

I found a 1870 hammer for my 1870 rifle. The lock with the 1866 hammer would not line up with the breach block and now I know why.

Andy

[Tkacook]

Well I'm ready for the range. The 1870 hammer works perfectly. I know it's made from parts, but it still should be a good shooter. S/N 9825 which I think makes it a 1868 barrel and breech. 1870 breech block. Barrel looks good and and nice rifling. Somebody cut down the stock long ago. Need to find a better rear sight.

http://home.hiwaay.net/~acook/photo/1868-Trapdoor-1.JPG
http://home.hiwaay.net/~acook/photo/1868-Trapdoor-2.JPG

Andy

[Dick Hosmer]

Congratulations! Should be a lot of fun. It appears to be a Model 1868 rifle, and thankfully the barrel wasn't cut. Do the barrel and receiver numbers match? From the picture it seems you may have a Model 1870 block, which would be functional but incorrect. The top surface of the correct Model 1868 block aligns with the center of the hinge pin, while that of the Model 1870 (and all later .45 caliber blocks) aligns with the bottom of the pin. At that serial number the block should be dated 1869. If so desired, it should be completely restorable to original appearance at very modest cost - probably less than $350-$400 if you make a game out of it, and really dig. Rear sight and ramrod will be the most expensive items.

At the risk of seeming pushy, you might want to pick up a copy of my little guidebook as a start ($25 to POB 1367 Colusa CA 95932 for an autographed copy, postpaid) or, used copies can now be had for less - in any event, it would help you sort the wheat from the chaff.

[Tkacook]

Dick,

The barrel and receiver do indeed match. I picked up the barrel/receiver on eBay for very cheap and already had the later breech block and parts. The way this works for me is that I wanted to get it shooting to see how well the barrel is and then I will start replacing parts. I love the chase for parts. eBay is sometimes a great source and sometimes an exercise in frustration. I intend to keep the barrel the full length and find a correct stock. The lock is dated 1864 and should be correct. I don't see many 1869 breech blocks. I do have your book and use it for reference. This one is just in its first stages.

Thank for the help and advice.

[Tkacook]

Well it shoots very well. Three shots touching at 50 yards. I guess I have to start finding all the other parts! ;)

Andy

[Dick Hosmer]

That's VERY well indeed, given the coarse sights and heavy trigger pull.