1870 Trapdoor saddle ring carbine

[Tkacook]

Carlsr

We very much enjoyed seeing it. I would like to have any 1870 Carbine, but can't even dream of spending $25,000 on one.

[Dick Hosmer]

Mine was $1,500, but it was many years ago.

[Carlsr]

That would be the one pictured in your book? Lucky you Dick!

[Dick Hosmer]

Yes, but, unfortunately the front sight is not original - that is most likely why I was able to acquire it at a reasonable price even then.

I believe the seller thought it might have been a cut-down, but it is definitely not as all of the other "special" features are present and correct. The carbines used a modified 1869 Cadet barrel, and the stock cannot be faked from that for a longer arm. Over the years I've considered having the sight restored, but never took the plunge, basically because it would look like someone had diddled with it. The current sight, which simply restores functionality, is sufficiently ugly to preclude anyone thinking it was faked.