Springfield Trapdoors, what to look out for?
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 11:03 am
In waiting for my cheque from the HO for my Offensive Weapons, I am debating what to spend a bit of it on and something I have always wanted is a Trapdoor. I am a huge fan of single shot rifles, hence my love of the Martini, Snider and Sharps.
I watched one pass me by in the Holts sealed bid auction earlier this month (sold for £511) which I had requested a condition report on and it sounded to be exactly what I was looking for. Just no free slot, my rifle hadn't been collected so no timescales on getting the money and no RFD open to receive it. - https://auctions.holtsauctioneers.com/a ... &saletype=
There is another for sale on Gunstar which appears to be much the same (an 1884 in similar condition) for £1150. - https://www.gunstar.co.uk/springfield-a ... es/1278555
My intended usage is to shoot it on occasion, bearing in mind it is an antique etc., although I am mainly looking for one to add to my collection. As such, I am interested to see what people think of:
- The 1884 vs the earlier models, such as the 1878 or 73. I tend to see the 1884 for sale more often, so that is what I am really focussing on.
- Could anyone advise on a reasonable price for one in the condition seen in the links above? I ask as if I can pick one up at auction for £500 - £700 as a regular(ish) occurrence, I will hold out for one, or is the £1,150 mark more common?
- Is there a source for these, such as an RFD specialising in them, or someone who regularly gets them?
- I am aware of the pedersoli repros, has anyone tried one or own one? I much prefer the originals, but if these are good shooters (which they seem to be) then it may be worth me investing in one for more regular shooting use.
I have done some reading and am aware that some people are not a fan of the Buffington rear sight but also read that some people prefer them.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
I watched one pass me by in the Holts sealed bid auction earlier this month (sold for £511) which I had requested a condition report on and it sounded to be exactly what I was looking for. Just no free slot, my rifle hadn't been collected so no timescales on getting the money and no RFD open to receive it. - https://auctions.holtsauctioneers.com/a ... &saletype=
There is another for sale on Gunstar which appears to be much the same (an 1884 in similar condition) for £1150. - https://www.gunstar.co.uk/springfield-a ... es/1278555
My intended usage is to shoot it on occasion, bearing in mind it is an antique etc., although I am mainly looking for one to add to my collection. As such, I am interested to see what people think of:
- The 1884 vs the earlier models, such as the 1878 or 73. I tend to see the 1884 for sale more often, so that is what I am really focussing on.
- Could anyone advise on a reasonable price for one in the condition seen in the links above? I ask as if I can pick one up at auction for £500 - £700 as a regular(ish) occurrence, I will hold out for one, or is the £1,150 mark more common?
- Is there a source for these, such as an RFD specialising in them, or someone who regularly gets them?
- I am aware of the pedersoli repros, has anyone tried one or own one? I much prefer the originals, but if these are good shooters (which they seem to be) then it may be worth me investing in one for more regular shooting use.
I have done some reading and am aware that some people are not a fan of the Buffington rear sight but also read that some people prefer them.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!