Almost There. Couple Questions

[EtherealFog]

Here's where I'm at so far













Question 1 - Which ramrod/cleaning rod do I need to get?

Question 1 - which is the correct bayonet?

[Dick Hosmer]

(1) You need the latest (and most easily obtainable) rod, which has a simple slotted head, with ONE ring, or lip, and a concave face. Do NOT be tempted to "get by" with a repro - they all cut corners, one way or another, and look like crap.

(2) A bayonet is a bayonet - they are not dated, and all came from the same source - reworked M1855s from CW muskets. Either common form of scabbard (leather loop frog, or brass hook) would be considered correct. What you DO want to do is to pick up a rig with about the same amount of wear as your rifle.

(3) The rifle would look very nice there, but I'd definitely suggest some form of cradle or wall hooks. You also need a sling-swivel and screw for the trigger-guard.

[EtherealFog]

That position was just for photos.

The picture on the S&S Firearms webpage showed the trigger bow with the swivel loop and I received a bare one. Have to call them about that.

Would this be the correct bayonet?

http://www.ssfirearms.com/proddetail.asp?prod=W14106&cat=94

Cleaning rod?

http://www.ssfirearms.com/proddetail.asp?prod=73S327

[Dick Hosmer]

Bayonet is OK, though I would suggest the more generic US instead of MASS.

Rod is not - you want something LIKE 73S328, but again, the repros do NOT look right!

I would refer you to the parts suppliers at www.trapdoorcollector.com

[Sportsdad60]

Bayonet is OK, though I would suggest the more generic US instead of MASS.

Rod is not - you want something LIKE 73S328, but again, the repros do NOT look right!

I would refer you to the parts suppliers at www.trapdoorcollector.com

I 2nd this.
I'm going to visit Keith's place in Vegas when I'm down there.

[Dick Hosmer]

I'm going to visit Keith's place in Vegas when I'm down there.

I wouldn't, but that is your choice, of course.

[Sportsdad60]

I wouldn't, but that is your choice, of course.

You cannot make a statement like that without a reason why...unless you're an actor that practices....drama...

[Dick Hosmer]

I do not take any pleasure in writing this, but, you asked, and facts are facts.

Mr. Rush presents himself as an expert in the "trapdoor" field. A few years ago, he sold, for a hefty price, what he claimed was an early "Custer Period" carbine to an acquaintance of mine. The gentleman brought it to me for vetting. Everything looked OK until I looked at the hinge pin area. Instead of the expected squared profiles of a pre-1878 (96300) receiver, what greeted my eyes was the rounded shape of a later receiver, which was (of course) slightly wider than the barrel. The serial number appeared - when inspected closely - to show signs of having been dicked with. There is NO WAY that was a "mistake" or an "accident" - refer opening sentence of this paragraph.

I advised my acquaintance to reject the gun, and ask for a refund. He did so, and was essentially told by TG to pound sand. Wrong thing to say to the wrong guy, who happens to be elderly and frail of body but definitely NOT lacking in spirit! KR was successfully sued in small claims court, and was required to make full restitution. I authored the expert opinion that caused the judge to find for the plaintiff.

It has been common knowledge for years that TG assembled guns from parts, but it was assumed that, since he was an expert, at least they would be the right parts. He once bragged about the practice to me on the 'phone. I'd called to ask him what the story was on a cadet he had for sale, but the number given was one of the very few known LBH numbers. He claimed not to know this (again refer to noted sentence). I have heard, but have no personal knowledge of how or who did it, that the receiver (#12221) once again graces a carbine in someone's collection. Over the years a number of guns offered for sale on the website were not what he claimed them to be - one that comes to mind was a particularly egregious fake of an 1870 carbine (a very rare gun). I could go on, and on.

But, just to show both sides, a good friend of mine happens to be a good friend of KR, and is quite willing to give him a pass. Different strokes for different folks. But, I will not patronize that firm, nor can I, in good conscience, recommend it to others.

[Sportsdad60]

Interesting. Thanks for updating me!