j8064
Garrett Co Hooligan #1
Folks who follow our Hooligan Shoot threads already know an original Springfield 1884 Trapdoor appeared yesterday. Since it was built in 1892 "technically" it's an antique and not C&R. But since we don't have a BPRC section, this is the best place to start.
We Hooligans enjoy shooting many modern firearms. And we have a passion for BP shooting like flintlocks, cap locks and BP cartridge guns. Learning about firearm history is great!
This trapdoor was a GB auction win. With eyes wide open I knew it needed work. And I could tell it was the right one to become my winter project. When it arrived last Saturday, the temptation to range test it with some BP loads yesterday... well - twist my arm, right?... Of course I thoroughly inspected the gun, lubed the critical areas cleaned the bore - which is now mirror bright with good rifling. After a few fired rounds yesterday we knew we had a very promising BPCR rifle. Great fun!
Any time we shoot BP, cleaning is mandatory. Since this gun needed a deep cleaning it was completely disassembled and tended to on my bench.
First steps:
Next step for this gun is to replace the "home-made" front sight blade it came with. It's loose and makes windage adjustments impossible. I'll either buy or make a new blade. That's part of the project.
Please let me know your thoughts! Comments and ideas on restoring this great rifle are welcome!
Thanks
j8064
We Hooligans enjoy shooting many modern firearms. And we have a passion for BP shooting like flintlocks, cap locks and BP cartridge guns. Learning about firearm history is great!
This trapdoor was a GB auction win. With eyes wide open I knew it needed work. And I could tell it was the right one to become my winter project. When it arrived last Saturday, the temptation to range test it with some BP loads yesterday... well - twist my arm, right?... Of course I thoroughly inspected the gun, lubed the critical areas cleaned the bore - which is now mirror bright with good rifling. After a few fired rounds yesterday we knew we had a very promising BPCR rifle. Great fun!
Any time we shoot BP, cleaning is mandatory. Since this gun needed a deep cleaning it was completely disassembled and tended to on my bench.
First steps:
- Remember - the rifle is 127 years old -> Do No Harm!
- Total disassembly - not really difficult to do.
- The stock was scrubbed with lacquer thinner and rags - several times.
- The metal was cleaned with Hoppe's #9 or lacquer thinner using 4-0 steel wool.
- Once cleaned, it's enjoying soaking up another BLO finish like it originally had.
Next step for this gun is to replace the "home-made" front sight blade it came with. It's loose and makes windage adjustments impossible. I'll either buy or make a new blade. That's part of the project.
Please let me know your thoughts! Comments and ideas on restoring this great rifle are welcome!
Thanks
j8064
Attachments
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01 Auction Pic pix131088918.jpg30.6 KB · Views: 838
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02 Range Pic j8064 Springfield TD Capture.jpg55.2 KB · Views: 749
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03 DSC02546 Mid stock before.jpg63.4 KB · Views: 781
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04 DSC02547 Stock Cleaning 02.jpg47.6 KB · Views: 797
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05 IMG_1566 Butt and Lock Cleaned.jpg60.1 KB · Views: 793
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06 IMG_1571 Action Area Cleaned.jpg63.5 KB · Views: 816
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07 IMG_1569 Muzzle Area Cleaned.jpg67.9 KB · Views: 810