1870 Trapdoor

[Carlsr]

Finally received a long sought after rifle. My 1870 Springfield 50 70 to complete my collection, well until I see a short rifle. Seems to have been cleaned some and unfortunately has an incorrect cleaning rod so now I will need to find one. I did have a double shoulder 1870 rod that came with another 45 70 but traded it for a really nice correct rod for that rifle, should have kept it. Here are some pics4553645537455384553945540

[Tkacook]

Looks like a nice one! Congratulations!

[Dick Hosmer]

Good for you!

Is that the one from Gunbroker?

I may have a rod.

[Carlsr]

Yes Dick, it is. FINALLY!!!! completed the first part of my 50 Cal. collection. The firing pin was bent and missing the spring so I ordered them from Al. Once they get here I hope to take them to the range!!!!
If you have a rod that would be great. It came with a really nice M73 second type. Think I will hold on to it just in case I find a rifle for it : ) I noticed something else that may or may not be correct. The thumb latch is like that of the 1868 as it is squared with rounded edges. According to your book the rear corner should be rounded and the front squared. I looked on Al's site and he has 2 posted. One has the rounded rear corner and another looks to be like mine and both are marked 1870. Did Springfield change the thumb latch late in production or possibly use what was on hand? Would the 1868 latch fit the 1870 breech block?

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Thanks TKacook!!

[Dick Hosmer]

I'm very happy for you, Carl! It's always nice to fill a hole, but, the hunt is fun, too.

As to the latch, My "early" 1870s (carbine, trials rifle, and the one I just sold) all have the latch with rounded rear corner, so I believe the change was made right at the start. Though I've never tried to do so, I would expect that the 1868 and 1870 latches would interchange, even though the blocks are physically different. There would be no reason to have changed the fairly complicated tooling set-up.

I'll check on the rod. I do not have a latch.

Just looked at Al's parts - it's too bad he doesn't show an 1868, too, you'd see the difference right away, side by side. In my opinion, both of his 1870 latches have a curve at the rear, one is just more obvious than the other. I'm about 99% sure SA just modified 1868s anyhow, and there IS, from observation over the years, definitely a bit of leeway in the finished product.

[Carlsr]

I guess than that my thumb latch is not correct : ( E mailed Al about the ladder slide, he does have one so when I order it I'll also have to order one of his thumb latches also. Please let me know if you find the cleaning rod. Thanks Dick.