1881 Trapdoor Carbine

[Wade]

I found this carbine and would like opinions on it please. The barrel was shortened about 3/4" for some reason, and the rear sight area has a crude dovetail cut into the barrel. There are markings on the side of the butt stock, and a cartouche that is hard to read. I know the brass ring is not correct.

[Wade]

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[Wade]

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[Wade]

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[Dick Hosmer]

Well, not so good news. While that number itself is not listed in the SRS books, there are NO carbines anywhere near it, at all. That MIGHT explain the cut barrel, though I think it is a carbine barrel which was cut to remove damaged rifling at the muzzle. Front sight blade is wrong (they were steel not brass) and the whole sight looks a little funky. A proper rear sight should cover the dovetail. Stock looks right. The breechblock does not match the width of the receiver; it is of the early style, but that can be easily fixed. Hope that helps, and that you didn't pay a high price for it.

[Wade]

Hi Dick,
I paid $300 for the carbine. I figured just the parts were worth that. Thank you for the comments.

[Wade]

Dick,
Where can I find the correct rear sight for this model? It can be well used. Which model is this carbine?

[Dick Hosmer]

That would be the Model 1877. Rear sights (you want an 1879 "buckhorn" style) can be had from S&S, Granpas Gun Parts, Lodgewood, and others. You'definitely want a block too - that is a mismatch that SA would NEVER, EVER have done. It's worth $300 - I was worried you'd paid more.

[Wade]

Thank you Sir for your expertise. I am not sure what you are pointing out about the breech block.

[Dick Hosmer]

The width is wrong. Receiver and block were widened by about 1/16" at 96300. You have a narrow block that is correct for up to about 75000. From about 75000 to 96300 the block was still narrow, but had a less-pronounced "arch" at the underside. While the blocks freely interchange, they were NEVER issued as mixed width.