1881 Trapdoor Carbine

[Dick Hosmer]

It should be marked "US/MODEL/1873". For your era, it should have the smaller font of the two versions made, but that is not super important - biggest thing is to get the width right.

1873 dated blocks were used well into 1887 (three years after the "Model 1884" was adopted) because they had thousands on hand and the ONLY difference was in the marking. The term "Model 1884" basically referred to the flat "Buffington" rear sight as there were no other changes.

[Wade]

Thanks again Dick. Does anyone have a wide breech block to trade for a good narrow one?

[Dick Hosmer]

I'll take a look to see if I have one that would be right, but it may take awhile.

[Wade]

I appreciate that Dick.

[Wade]

What thread size is the rear sight screw?

[Dick Hosmer]

8-32 can be forced, but not a good choice. All SA screws are 26tpi. There are no commercially-available replacements at the Ace Hardware level. Outfits like Grainger or McMaster-Carr may be able to help. Personally I'd pay whatever originals cost from gun-parts dealers like S&S..

[Wade]

Now I know what to look for. Thank you Dick.

[JohnMOhio]

Where would we be when it comes to these firearms if we didn't have Mr. Hosmer? Totally confused or lost. Maybe both. Thanks Mr. Hosmer for educating us all.

[Allen]

Where would we be when it comes to these firearms if we didn't have Mr. Hosmer? Totally confused or lost. Maybe both. Thanks Mr. Hosmer for educating us all.

+1

[Dick Hosmer]

You are all quite welcome - actually - at 87 in a couple of weeks - I still enjoy it, maybe I'm a frustrated teacher underneath the curmudgeonly exterior? Jailhouse lawyer for sure!