New (to me) 1866

[Lead Snowstorm]

Finally had the chance to photograph my latest trapdoor, the 1866 I mentioned in the other thread. As always, tremendous thanks to Mr. Hosmer for his advice.







Unfortunately the cleaning rod is a problem - it doesn't screw in.



The barrel liner can be seen clearly.



Still some case color on the hammer and sideplate, and the blackened finish on the door is still nice.











Flat shows two cartouches, overlapping SWP and ESA.





The sight appears to have the numbering on the 'correct' side, facing the shooter.



Looks like it is marked "5," "3," and an ampersand "&" sign near the bottom. Had a bit of a hard time getting a good photo with my phone.





Appears to be the "L" firing proof, and maybe a sub-inspector "O" mark. There's no trace of any fancy "N" left, to my eye.















Decent bore, some pitting.

[JimF]

WOW, Lead . . . Beautiful rifle!!

One thing though . . . .

If you remove both lock plate screws, notice if the ends are different. . .that is, see if one is flat, the other convex.

In your photos, I think the flat end screw is in view (front).

In original Springfield manufacture, the convex end screw was to the front, while the flat end was to the rear (flat end under the hammer).

Most guys don’t notice these “minutia”, but I do.

Now, let’s talk about sling installation . . . . .

[Carlsr]

WOW!!! That's a really nice rifle.
Congrats!

[Tkacook]

One of the nicest one of those I have ever seen. Amazing!

[butlersrangers]

Lovely Model 1866 rifle, you did well!

[Edatbeach]

Nice!
Is that a “new” not conversion stock? I don’t see a ramrod spoon pin.

[Lead Snowstorm]

If you remove both lock plate screws, notice if the ends are different. . .that is, see if one is flat, the other convex.

In your photos, I think the flat end screw is in view (front).

In original Springfield manufacture, the convex end screw was to the front, while the flat end was to the rear (flat end under the hammer).

I see what you mean...when I get a chance I’ll see what the one under the hammer looks like.

And I also do not see the pin hole for any retainer spring.

[lyman]

nice looking rifle and really good pics!

[Dick Hosmer]

That is a very, VERY nice 1866 - you did extremely well. No need to even think about ever wanting to "upgrade" - that's a keeper!

While seemingly trivial, the lock screw thing IS a big deal, as - if all the little clearances run the wrong way, the domed one can bind the hammer if turned in too far.

[Kragrifle]

Is the presence or absence of the ram rod spoon pin important?

[Tkacook]

I wondered the same thing. I noticed the spoon pin was missing.

[Dan Shapiro]

Nice rifle!

As for a proper sling:

https://regtqm.com/product/m1855-m18...gettysburg-pa/

[bruce]

Simply beautiful 66TD! Sincerely. bruce.

[Lead Snowstorm]

Got the screws switched around and pulled out the older brother for a family pic. (The other TDs are in the back of the safe...too much work for a lazy post-Christmas week!)

[Dick Hosmer]

And a very nice M1865 as well - a great pair, and both are nicer than my examples.