My dad picked up a 1873 infantry trapdoor back when he was young, thinking he would use it for hunting. Got it at a pawn shop and rode with it home on the street car. Nobody batted an eye. Doubt you could do that again today. I still have it today.
I have my great grandfather's Winchester model 12 stamped 1928 when he bought it. He had that shotgun all through the depression into to 70s when my father had it. Taken so much game and still kicking. Snowshoes, fat Grey's grouse, it's all about taking care of your gun.
I had an original trapdoor carbine, a wedding gift from my wife (in 1971), but a burglar took it a couple years later. I later bought a replica that shoots very accurately. One of my favorites.
As a kid living on the Pine Ridge reservation, I hunted with an 1873 TD carbine that was taken from the field. My great uncle said it was from a trooper in the fight at the Greasy Grass. It had belonged to his father. I brought in alot of game with it. Kept the range within a hundred yards, as the loads were built with an old Ideal tong tool, with cast bullets and black powder. We used 55gr. and cornmeal filler. At 12 years old, that was a good load that didn't knock me silly when fired.😲 That carbine was later given to an older cousin, as was tradition.
@@ArizonaGhostriders Oh it is. Lakota pass things down within the family. My great uncle let me use the weapon to hunt as he knew I'd bring back meat. And when I got a 1903A3 Springfield in 30'06, I'd be reaching out to bringing in pronghorn antelope. Then, with a better weapon to hunt with, the trapdoor was passed down to the eldest of the cousins. It was "on loan" to me because I could shoot well and was good at hunting.
I remember this gun well cause I learned about it from the old show Wild West Tech, faults and all it's still one of the more successful conversions in firearms history. Also, it's worth pointing out another and bigger reason for the Army not adopting a lever-action was due to, as usual, money as he guns cost a pretty penny in the day. But a very forgotten issue was ammo as Henrys of the time weren't ammo compatible so new ammo would need to be made and shipped en masse. Now imagine trying to supply outposts and forts in potentially hostile territory to complicate things further. I would recommend peeking at InRange TV for a interesting what-if idea of Henrys getting issued in a very well-thought out way, it also expands on more reasons the gun never got adopted.
Santee, *you and your comrades entertain and inform many of us, through so many diverse ways, week after week. I don't know how you do it, but I'm so grateful you do. THANK YOU 👏🤠👏 top-notch as ALWAYS
Glad you mentioned the failings of the copper cartridges. Also glad to see some clips of Son of the Morning Star. I watched it when it aired. Had to negotiate a later bedtime to do it.
@ArizonaGhostriders When I mentioned the Spencer and the Henry is in period after the Civil War because there a picture taken in 1880s in New Mexico that is plain visible soldiers of US cavellary with Hotchkiss carbines !
The Army in 19th century Idaho passed out hundreds if not over a thousand Trapdoor Springfield to civilians and militias.Along with cases of ammo for them
@@ArizonaGhostriders .. I’ll check. This was directly because of the Indian Wars. I don’t think was limited to Idaho. The army at Fort Boise had to deal with a lot of trouble on very limited manpower. Renegade Indian problems, the Oregon Trail was active with travelers, assorted bandits, anti-Chinese riots, and mining interests all willing to go to war with each other over claims. Especially in Silver City.
Have a firing repro and a non firing repro and love em both especially the sights,and how substantial it feels in my hands. Have never fired enuf rounds at one time to have jaming problem that plagued troopers.
I finally got my original Trapdoor out a few weeks ago (I have owned it for 20 years and never fired) and loaded it with wax bullets and a .380 case load of 3f BP and it was a lot of fun to shoot!
Can also make shot loads by mixing wax and birdshot and pouring it over some 3f bp and an over powder card till the case is full .. it'll take out vermin around the farm without damaging equipment buildings etc. Flies like balled shot and easy to clean it afterwards
As a political science major, I remember them saying that the biggest advancement in rifle was during the time of the pioneer times. Most of the mechanisms are still the same of similar. Very cool story Santee. 👍👍👍
The biggest advancements came when someone came up with the ability to measure SMALL measurements. If you can go to 1000th of an inch, you can duplicate parts over and over. That’s what spurred the Industrial Revolution.
I have an original 1873, Trapdoor in 45- 70. It still shoots like a charm almost as well as my Remington Rolling Block given the difference between the military and vernier sites. I use a 405gr bullet, lubed with tallow mix 70 grns Bp with a wad of cardboard and a thin grease wad. A wonderful old rifle
@@dennis56 well you can use bonded paper, I live in the South and sometimes a box is out long enough to soften. I have had problems in matches in PA, so o The cardboard allows better compression and absorbs melted lube and protects the powder.
I’ve got a 1865 Springfield 50-70 trapdoor rifle from my great grandfather who found it hidden up in the roof rafters of Fort Lowell in Tucson AZ in the early 1900’s. It was missing the cleaning rod and bayonet so I found originals for it. I will pass it down to my son.
General Custer with all the single shot trapdoors we're out numbered and outgunned at the battle of the greasy grass. Most of the native Americans had repeaters like the Henry and 1866 Winchester. Those Gatling guns that Custer left behind may have helped a little. Looking forward to the video of the 1873's being fired. Great video Santee thank you for your hard work and time Sir!🤠
Excellent video Santee. I used to have a Model 1888 with the ramrod bayonet. Sadly, it was stolen. I loved shooting it. I need to get another. Have a great weekend! Cheers!
One of the first times the Trapdoor distinguished itself in an engagement occurred just a couple miles from where I live. A little backstory: In 1866, a woodcutting party from Fort Phil Kearney (established to protect the Bozeman Trail) near present-day Story, Wyoming, was ambushed by a group of warriors who included Red Cloud. All 81 of the men under Captain Fetterman were killed. They were armed with muzzleloaders, and the Lakota and their allies were primarily armed with bows. Fast forward to the next year. A party of 26 soldiers and 6 civilians were cutting wood just a couple miles from where the Fetterman massacre occurred, when they were attacked by several hundred (estimates run to over 1,000) Lakota and affiliated tribes' warriors. The woodcutting detail pulled the boxes off the chassis of their freight wagons to act as barricades, and began returning fire on the braves. This time, however, instead of muzzleloaders, they had the new Trapdoors, and even a couple Yellow Boys. The small force of soldiers and civilians successfully held off the much larger force of attackers for six hours until they were reinforced from the fort. Only three defenders died, while the Indian losses were in the hundreds (according to a surviving Oglala Sioux who was involved). Trapdoors were a genuine game changer for a few years.
In case anyone is thinking about getting one. An original 1873 springfield rifle in sound mechanical firing condition can be had for half the cost of a repro. That may not be the case forever though. For the most part, the government didn't surpluss these out until the 1950s. A ton of these suckers were mand so there are some very nice originals in great condition out there.
those originals can only be safely fired with black powder pressure level ammo, tho. part of why the repros are pricier is the ability to safely fire stiff, modern cartridges.
Glad you enjoyed it. I misplaced the battle of LIttle Bighorn in a neighboring state. I looked over my narration and I actually wrote "Montana" but somehow said S. Dakota and never corrected it.
Thanks again Santee & Co. I'm an ammunition reloader . In my ammunition reloading manual there are three chapters on loading 45-70 for 1873 Springfield rifles . Chapter 1 is about loading for antique guns , and how they should be loaded with black powder for safety . Chapter 2 is about reloading for modern replicas with better metallurgy . And chapter 3 is about loading for modern rifles chambered in 45-70 with modern powders and components . I'd hate to hear about someone blowing up their gun and possibly harming themselves with incorrect ammo . Let's be safe so we can see each other down on the range sometime .
As a 15 year old in the summer of 1970 I worked for Bob Weatherly on his ranch outside of Asotin, Washington. Mr. Weatherly was a WW2 Naval Officer, Historian and author who by the time I worked on his ranch had written several books on the history of the Washington State area. He had in his possession a Trapdoor Springfield that had belonged to Chief Looking Glass that he carried on the Nez Pierce Trail of Tears. Mr. Weatherly had solid documentation on the weapon. Around this time back home in Idaho I also knew an old retired Veterinarian also a WW2 combat veteran who had a number of original manufacture late 1800's weapons including Colt SAA and a couple of Trapdoor Springfields one of which was a 50 - 90 that my brother and I got to shoot on a number of occasions. All blackpowder cartridges of course. Yup I had a great childhood.
On my wall hangs a model 1873 carbine. My grandpa bought it for hunting around 1940. He gave it to me dad in the 80's and my dad passed it on to me a couple years ago. It still shoots straight.
3:06 .... "Custer met defeat in South Dakota" ...... Hmmm, I'm thinking maybe the Montana Board of Tourism may want to have a word with you, Santee. Might want to wear your arrow proof vest for that meeting 😁
We had a 50/70 trapdoor come in for a friend of mine with buckshot in the stock. Kind of grisly but it's easy to see where the rifle's owner was holding it when he became perforated. Thanks for the awesome video guys!
Great episode Santee thanks again for sharing. Love the Sherman tank reenactments that would have been interesting to see in that war there would have been no way anyone would have one except us. Thanks again for sharing have a great day.
That was absolutely awesome Santee!!! I love learning about the ol west firearms, as well as the ol west in general! Thanks again for all that yall do at Arizona Ghostriders to keep the spirit of the western days alive and kicking!!!! See ya on down the trail buddy!
Now say the longer version of that rifle's name ten times ... fast. What a mouthful. I watched another video last night, listing the top five guns used in the Wild West. The Springfield trap door was one of them. It mentioned that the copper bullet casings could melt thus causing the gun to jam. Some of them, heck you'd of been better off with a sling shot, than all the fiddling one had to do to just to load it. That certainly would of inspired making model improvements and did so.
In the Hudson river near Beacon, New York is Bannerman's Island which still has the ruins of Bannerman's Castle. It's close to the Eastern bank of the river.
Another great episode Santee! Number of great books on the Trapdoor rifles, to wit I was able to track mine down to a unit in Texas for it's initial issue! (Unfortunately, someone buggered the finish up, and the bore has seen better days) Still shoots pretty good, but I stoke it with a mild load to keep from damaging it. Hope you have a great time shooting! Thanks again!
Hey y'all, love the channel! I'd be interested in some talk on the various prairie belts that were used in the wake of the Little Big Horn battle. Keep up the good work!!
The Little Big Horn tank was that a reference to that Twilight Zone episode? Anyway, great episode, love the bit on the conversion. Got me thinking awhile back that the US military had a contest for a new rifle and caliber, but i can't help but think they'll just tool around with it for a decade and stick with the M4 due to production of scale for the guns and ammo. Which brings me to the idea that the US military will probably use the M4 until thry make a laser conversion kit for it. Kind of a joke thought experiment though.
Oh heck yeah, I've been waiting for you to cover this one! Got an original-production Trapdoor 1873 for Christmas last year, serial number said made in 1877. Haven't had the chance to shoot it yet but I'm definitely rearing to. Feels really nice in the hands!
I have an 1870 model of trapdoor, the 1868 model and 1870 didn’t use an old barrel but a purpose built barrel, only the 66 had the 58 barrel with the .50 sleeve brazed inside.
I have both models as well and the 1868 models made in 1869 still had the lined barrel the 1868s in 1870 have new barrels my sources are the books by Richard Homsmere and the the springfield trapdoor book 2 by Al Frasca
Great video on this great rifle / carbine. I have original rifle and carbine both manufactured in the 1880s. Also have a H&R reproduction carbine manufactured in the 1970s. All great shooters. Now you have me ready for your video on the Colt 1860 Army 😎
Awesome video! Such a cool rifle and it definitely served its country for a while. And I always did wonder why the military didn’t adopt the Spencer rifles/carbines or the Henry rifles more than the trapdoor rifle. But your video answered that question so thanks! And for the few trapdoors that were used during the Spanish American war. Wonder how the solider who had one felt when he found out he was fighting against fellas with bolt action rifles who could fire off five rounds before having to reload. Bet he was probably not happy lol Keep up the awesome work!
A few months ago I watched ol yeller after years and noticed the kid had what appeared to be a trap door. I wondered if it was one of the early conversions. I assumed but didn't know these were sold surplus like most of the military guns back then
I love the trapdoor I have a cavalry model that was made in 1887 according to the serial number and has the US military proof markings, still fires great too!
I'd love to see a four-way contest between the Trapdoor, the 1874 Sharps infantry rifle, the Remington M1867 and the Martini Henry .577/450 one day. All four military single-shot Big Boys in the ring together 😁
I love the trapdoor action. It's impressive that the Italian replicas from Uberti/Pedersoli are proofed (as required by Italian law) to modern smokeless loads of .45-70. I have even heard rumors that the proof test cartridge used by Italian proofing houses is based on what we would call "Marlin loads", or 40,000 CUP pressures (vs 25,000 CUP for "trapdoor" smokeless loads that are closer to BP pressures). Either way, the modern Italian-made replicas are pretty darn durable firearms considering the age of the design. I'd love to own one someday but the cost for the Italian replicas is pretty high, $1,800 to $2,100 depending on model.
An old family story about the Trapdoor. My Great Grandfather told a story of when his older brother came back from the Army after the Spanish American war he bought his issued rifle, an 1873 Springfield, from the Army as he mustered out. When he got home, he and my Great Grandfather, who was 12 at the time, went out shooting bc my G Grandfather was really interested in it. They went out to the back field where they grew corn and fired at a corner fence post that was about 100 yards away and was about 10 inches in diameter. They figured there was no way a bullet could go through it and didnt worry about the cattle in the adjacent field. Well, they shot it and he said it almost knocked him over and suddenly a big prized bull that was way on the other side of the field about 500 yards away let out a great big bellow and gell over. They ran to the fence post sure it couldnt have been them, and found a nice hole in theirbside and a big chunk of wood missing on the oppiste side. They ran to the bull and found a ragged hole in its chest and an hole big enough to put your fist in on the other side of it. Needless to say, he remmebered the whipping his father gave him and his brother, even though his brother was 20 at the time. He said that, that rifle was just too powerful for him to ever have a need to shoot it ever again. The rifle ended up being passed down to my fathers second cousin and she left it to him when she passed away when my day was around 15. He kept it at his mothers house until it disappeared after a renter she had let a room out to left, along with his 4 digit serial numbered Springfield 1903 and an original Singer 1911 handgun back around 1975. He tried tracking the thief down but he had skipped town and wasnt heard from again.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
***Correction: Little Bighorn Battle was in Montana, not S. Dakota.****
Happy international cowboy day
Yes sir. Right off I-90 in Crow Agency, MT on the Crow Indian Reservation.
I'm sorry you got that wrong and making a correction here won't fix it. You'll have to spend time in Purgatory (Colorado) for that 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@kmorris180 Purgatory is in Colorado??? I thought it was in the Sonoran Desert! Damn. Shouldn't have taken that left turn at Albuquerque.
@@bradywells6447 Thank You!
My dad picked up a 1873 infantry trapdoor back when he was young, thinking he would use it for hunting. Got it at a pawn shop and rode with it home on the street car. Nobody batted an eye. Doubt you could do that again today. I still have it today.
I bet it's accurate.
Way less streetcars now, which imho is a shame.
He KNEW he could use it for hunting lol
I have my great grandfather's Winchester model 12 stamped 1928 when he bought it. He had that shotgun all through the depression into to 70s when my father had it. Taken so much game and still kicking. Snowshoes, fat Grey's grouse, it's all about taking care of your gun.
Don't get me about the winny 94 that my grandpa found in a basement moving into his apartment in Albany NY in 1957🤣
I had an original trapdoor carbine, a wedding gift from my wife (in 1971), but a burglar took it a couple years later. I later bought a replica that shoots very accurately. One of my favorites.
Oh wow!
Thank you all for all the hard work you put into these. It literally makes me Saturday’s
Glad you enjoy it!
I found one in a gun shop for $400 a few years ago. According to the serial number, I believe it was manufactured in 1973. Quite happy with the find.
So, a reproduction model. I hope you picked it up!
Cool
Should have read 1873.
Little Bighorn was like the Civil War for these things, brother against brother, sister against sister.
🤠
Another great history lesson from Santee & Co.
Glad you enjoyed it
As a kid living on the Pine Ridge reservation, I hunted with an 1873 TD carbine that was taken from the field. My great uncle said it was from a trooper in the fight at the Greasy Grass. It had belonged to his father.
I brought in alot of game with it. Kept the range within a hundred yards, as the loads were built with an old Ideal tong tool, with cast bullets and black powder. We used 55gr. and cornmeal filler. At 12 years old, that was a good load that didn't knock me silly when fired.😲
That carbine was later given to an older cousin, as was tradition.
I hope it's still in the family.
@@ArizonaGhostriders Oh it is. Lakota pass things down within the family. My great uncle let me use the weapon to hunt as he knew I'd bring back meat. And when I got a 1903A3 Springfield in 30'06, I'd be reaching out to bringing in pronghorn antelope. Then, with a better weapon to hunt with, the trapdoor was passed down to the eldest of the cousins. It was "on loan" to me because I could shoot well and was good at hunting.
I remember this gun well cause I learned about it from the old show Wild West Tech, faults and all it's still one of the more successful conversions in firearms history. Also, it's worth pointing out another and bigger reason for the Army not adopting a lever-action was due to, as usual, money as he guns cost a pretty penny in the day. But a very forgotten issue was ammo as Henrys of the time weren't ammo compatible so new ammo would need to be made and shipped en masse. Now imagine trying to supply outposts and forts in potentially hostile territory to complicate things further. I would recommend peeking at InRange TV for a interesting what-if idea of Henrys getting issued in a very well-thought out way, it also expands on more reasons the gun never got adopted.
Not to mention the relatively complicated mechanisms in the repeaters of the time, as opposed to the simple ones on the Springfield.
Great firearm. Action is sweet
Santee, *you and your comrades entertain and inform many of us, through so many diverse ways, week after week. I don't know how you do it, but I'm so grateful you do.
THANK YOU 👏🤠👏 top-notch as ALWAYS
Wow, thank you
Another great video. Thank you very much. Have a blessed weekend.
Thank you! You too!
Glad you mentioned the failings of the copper cartridges.
Also glad to see some clips of Son of the Morning Star. I watched it when it aired. Had to negotiate a later bedtime to do it.
Thank You!
I never understood why not continue with Spencer carbine not to mention the Henry! Keep up amigo has always see ya down the trail
Hi Marco, amigo!!!!
Right on
@ArizonaGhostriders When I mentioned the Spencer and the Henry is in period after the Civil War because there a picture taken in 1880s in New Mexico that is plain visible soldiers of US cavellary with Hotchkiss carbines !
@@AdaM48state I amigo Adam!
The Army in 19th century Idaho passed out hundreds if not over a thousand Trapdoor Springfield to civilians and militias.Along with cases of ammo for them
I'd like to read more on that. Do you have a source for the info?
@@ArizonaGhostriders ..
I’ll check. This was directly because of the Indian Wars. I don’t think was limited to Idaho. The army at Fort Boise had to deal with a lot of trouble on very limited manpower. Renegade Indian problems, the Oregon Trail was active with travelers, assorted bandits, anti-Chinese riots, and mining interests all willing to go to war with each other over claims. Especially in Silver City.
Have a firing repro and a non firing repro and love em both especially the sights,and how substantial it feels in my hands. Have never fired enuf rounds at one time to have jaming problem that plagued troopers.
Thank You!
fun stuff
I finally got my original Trapdoor out a few weeks ago (I have owned it for 20 years and never fired) and loaded it with wax bullets and a .380 case load of 3f BP and it was a lot of fun to shoot!
Wow!
Can also make shot loads by mixing wax and birdshot and pouring it over some 3f bp and an over powder card till the case is full .. it'll take out vermin around the farm without damaging equipment buildings etc. Flies like balled shot and easy to clean it afterwards
Wow, Bill and Rex both look like they're good shots after all these years!
Oh yeah!
nice one Santee, thank you.
My pleasure!
As a political science major, I remember them saying that the biggest advancement in rifle was during the time of the pioneer times. Most of the mechanisms are still the same of similar. Very cool story Santee. 👍👍👍
Thanks, and the industrial age was quite impressive!
The biggest advancements came when someone came up with the ability to measure SMALL measurements. If you can go to 1000th of an inch, you can duplicate parts over and over. That’s what spurred the Industrial Revolution.
The Springfield trapdoor is one of my absolute favorite rifles from that era. It's such an iconic firearm. Thanks for posting this.
You're welcome.
I have an original 1873, Trapdoor in 45- 70. It still shoots like a charm almost as well as my Remington Rolling Block given the difference between the military and vernier sites. I use a 405gr bullet, lubed with tallow mix 70 grns Bp with a wad of cardboard and a thin grease wad. A wonderful old rifle
Cool
Why the cardboard wad ?
I don't use one in mine.
@@dennis56 well you can use bonded paper, I live in the South and sometimes a box is out long enough to soften. I have had problems in matches in PA, so o
The cardboard allows better compression and absorbs melted lube and protects the powder.
I’ve got a 1865 Springfield 50-70 trapdoor rifle from my great grandfather who found it hidden up in the roof rafters of Fort Lowell in Tucson AZ in the early 1900’s. It was missing the cleaning rod and bayonet so I found originals for it. I will pass it down to my son.
That's amazing. 11BangBang (the guy shooting in blue) has one of those.
A little history. A little humor. Always enjoy these.
Thank You!
Very cool old rifle Santee! Very informative video too!
Thank You!
General Custer with all the single shot trapdoors we're out numbered and outgunned at the battle of the greasy grass. Most of the native Americans had repeaters like the Henry and 1866 Winchester. Those Gatling guns that Custer left behind may have helped a little. Looking forward to the video of the 1873's being fired. Great video Santee thank you for your hard work and time Sir!🤠
You're welcome!
Excellent video Santee. I used to have a Model 1888 with the ramrod bayonet. Sadly, it was stolen. I loved shooting it. I need to get another. Have a great weekend! Cheers!
Thank You!
I have a 1884 trapdoor rifle Shot 20 rounds through it 40 years ago.Maybe I'll shoot it again one day. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Santee, fantastic episode!!!
Thank You!
One of the first times the Trapdoor distinguished itself in an engagement occurred just a couple miles from where I live. A little backstory: In 1866, a woodcutting party from Fort Phil Kearney (established to protect the Bozeman Trail) near present-day Story, Wyoming, was ambushed by a group of warriors who included Red Cloud. All 81 of the men under Captain Fetterman were killed. They were armed with muzzleloaders, and the Lakota and their allies were primarily armed with bows. Fast forward to the next year. A party of 26 soldiers and 6 civilians were cutting wood just a couple miles from where the Fetterman massacre occurred, when they were attacked by several hundred (estimates run to over 1,000) Lakota and affiliated tribes' warriors. The woodcutting detail pulled the boxes off the chassis of their freight wagons to act as barricades, and began returning fire on the braves. This time, however, instead of muzzleloaders, they had the new Trapdoors, and even a couple Yellow Boys. The small force of soldiers and civilians successfully held off the much larger force of attackers for six hours until they were reinforced from the fort. Only three defenders died, while the Indian losses were in the hundreds (according to a surviving Oglala Sioux who was involved). Trapdoors were a genuine game changer for a few years.
Interesting
I can't add a thing. You did an excellent job 👍
Thank you so much 😊
Misspoke the territory of Little Bighorn. Already corrected though.
In case anyone is thinking about getting one. An original 1873 springfield rifle in sound mechanical firing condition can be had for half the cost of a repro. That may not be the case forever though. For the most part, the government didn't surpluss these out until the 1950s. A ton of these suckers were mand so there are some very nice originals in great condition out there.
They did make a lot of 'em.
those originals can only be safely fired with black powder pressure level ammo, tho. part of why the repros are pricier is the ability to safely fire stiff, modern cartridges.
I'm looking forward to that shooting video, santee . Happy International Day of the Cowboy
Thank You!
Very good video santee that was fun
It was good seeing your AI clone getting some air time 😁
@@oregonoutback7779 lol yup
Glad you enjoyed it. I misplaced the battle of LIttle Bighorn in a neighboring state. I looked over my narration and I actually wrote "Montana" but somehow said S. Dakota and never corrected it.
Thanks again Santee & Co. I'm an ammunition reloader . In my ammunition reloading manual there are three chapters on loading 45-70 for 1873 Springfield rifles . Chapter 1 is about loading for antique guns , and how they should be loaded with black powder for safety . Chapter 2 is about reloading for modern replicas with better metallurgy . And chapter 3 is about loading for modern rifles chambered in 45-70 with modern powders and components . I'd hate to hear about someone blowing up their gun and possibly harming themselves with incorrect ammo . Let's be safe so we can see each other down on the range sometime .
The only .45-70 we shoot is from a person who loads to original specs. When we do another shooting video we will mention it again.
Great video Santee. I had my 1884 out this week on the range. Fun to shoot! Working on some various loads for it now.
Cool
As always top shelf bit of history. Thanks for sharing
You are welcome
Thank you Santee, fine episode!! Have a great week
Thanks, you too!
As a 15 year old in the summer of 1970 I worked for Bob Weatherly on his ranch outside of Asotin, Washington. Mr. Weatherly was a WW2 Naval Officer, Historian and author who by the time I worked on his ranch had written several books on the history of the Washington State area. He had in his possession a Trapdoor Springfield that had belonged to Chief Looking Glass that he carried on the Nez Pierce Trail of Tears. Mr. Weatherly had solid documentation on the weapon.
Around this time back home in Idaho I also knew an old retired Veterinarian also a WW2 combat veteran who had a number of original manufacture late 1800's weapons including Colt SAA and a couple of Trapdoor Springfields one of which was a 50 - 90 that my brother and I got to shoot on a number of occasions. All blackpowder cartridges of course. Yup I had a great childhood.
Very cool!
@@ArizonaGhostriders It put a smile on face.
Another fantastic video! Happy birthday to you and Dan. Hope yall had a fantastic day.
Thank You!
Another very informative video. Thank you so much 🤠
You're welcome
Thanks for the video. Great information as always Santee.
Thank You!
On my wall hangs a model 1873 carbine. My grandpa bought it for hunting around 1940. He gave it to me dad in the 80's and my dad passed it on to me a couple years ago. It still shoots straight.
Great!
3:06 .... "Custer met defeat in South Dakota" ...... Hmmm, I'm thinking maybe the Montana Board of Tourism may want to have a word with you, Santee. Might want to wear your arrow proof vest for that meeting 😁
Yeah, already corrected that in the comments and description field. I had the wrong region in my mind when I was typing.
We had a 50/70 trapdoor come in for a friend of mine with buckshot in the stock. Kind of grisly but it's easy to see where the rifle's owner was holding it when he became perforated. Thanks for the awesome video guys!
Wow!! That's a story alright
Interesting history and progression. That will be cool when you shoot that rifle, I can't wait for that video Cheers my friend.
Thank You!
Great topic. Great episode. Thanks for sharing this info.
You're welcome
Great job ,Santee , I learned a lot , Keep up the good work and stay cool ...
Thanks, will do!
Another great episode! Thanks Santee
You are welcome
Great episode Santee thanks again for sharing. Love the Sherman tank reenactments that would have been interesting to see in that war there would have been no way anyone would have one except us. Thanks again for sharing have a great day.
Yes right?
That was absolutely awesome Santee!!! I love learning about the ol west firearms, as well as the ol west in general! Thanks again for all that yall do at Arizona Ghostriders to keep the spirit of the western days alive and kicking!!!! See ya on down the trail buddy!
Thank You!
@@ArizonaGhostriders you're very welcome!!🤠
Now say the longer version of that rifle's name ten times ... fast. What a mouthful.
I watched another video last night, listing the top five guns used in the Wild West.
The Springfield trap door was one of them. It mentioned that the copper bullet casings could melt thus causing the gun to jam. Some of them, heck you'd of been better off with a sling shot, than all the fiddling one had to do to just to load it. That certainly would of inspired making model improvements and did so.
Interesting and accurate firearm
Great video!
Thank You!
In the Hudson river near Beacon, New York is Bannerman's Island which still has the ruins of Bannerman's Castle. It's close to the Eastern bank of the river.
I've seen it from a distance!
Another great video! Thank you Santee for "Keeping The West Alive!"
You are welcome
Nice ode to "The Twilight Zone" with the tank at Little Big Horn!🤣
I thought about that episode as well. One of the best TLZs.
😁
Another great episode Santee! Number of great books on the Trapdoor rifles, to wit I was able to track mine down to a unit in Texas for it's initial issue! (Unfortunately, someone buggered the finish up, and the bore has seen better days) Still shoots pretty good, but I stoke it with a mild load to keep from damaging it. Hope you have a great time shooting! Thanks again!
Thank You!
Glad to see you guys and gals back.
Back? We haven't left since 2006...
awsome sir thank you
You're welcome
Son of the morning star AND Rough Riders making appearances in the same video! Two of my favorites!
Woohoo!
Thanks again for another great video. Definitely looking forward to you shooting some old west era firearms.
Thank You!
Real good info. Never knew much about them.
Thank You!
Hey y'all, love the channel! I'd be interested in some talk on the various prairie belts that were used in the wake of the Little Big Horn battle. Keep up the good work!!
Great suggestion!
Fab Video as always :)
Thanks again!
Santee my friend, you always educate and entertain.
I have learned more from you and your channel then anywhere else 🥃🥃
Thank You!
The Little Big Horn tank was that a reference to that Twilight Zone episode? Anyway, great episode, love the bit on the conversion. Got me thinking awhile back that the US military had a contest for a new rifle and caliber, but i can't help but think they'll just tool around with it for a decade and stick with the M4 due to production of scale for the guns and ammo. Which brings me to the idea that the US military will probably use the M4 until thry make a laser conversion kit for it.
Kind of a joke thought experiment though.
I never saw the Twilight Zone episode. Thought I had an original gag there. Oh well!
Laser conversion might be cool!
@@ArizonaGhostriders The episode is 'The 7th is made up of Phantoms' if you ever want to track it down.
Oh heck yeah, I've been waiting for you to cover this one!
Got an original-production Trapdoor 1873 for Christmas last year, serial number said made in 1877. Haven't had the chance to shoot it yet but I'm definitely rearing to. Feels really nice in the hands!
Probably like this one I showed
Excellent trapfield video
Thank You!
Thank you !
You're welcome!
I have an 1870 model of trapdoor, the 1868 model and 1870 didn’t use an old barrel but a purpose built barrel, only the 66 had the 58 barrel with the .50 sleeve brazed inside.
I have both models as well and the 1868 models made in 1869 still had the lined barrel the 1868s in 1870 have new barrels my sources are the books by Richard Homsmere and the the springfield trapdoor book 2 by Al Frasca
So many versions...
I loved this one, brother! But of course you already know that!
yes!
Looking forward to the old west guns, video! Always interesting history.
Thank You!
Thanks for the content, it's always entertaining and educational.
Glad you enjoy it!
YUP ALWAYS FUN SANTEE
Thank You!
Great video on this great rifle / carbine. I have original rifle and carbine both manufactured in the 1880s. Also have a H&R reproduction carbine manufactured in the 1970s. All great shooters. Now you have me ready for your video on the Colt 1860 Army 😎
OK!
I was thinking to myself "Hmmm, Santee should do a video on the 1873 Springfield rifle" Well low and behold... Thanks for the video, enjoyed it.
You're welcome!
Awesome video! Such a cool rifle and it definitely served its country for a while. And I always did wonder why the military didn’t adopt the Spencer rifles/carbines or the Henry rifles more than the trapdoor rifle. But your video answered that question so thanks! And for the few trapdoors that were used during the Spanish American war. Wonder how the solider who had one felt when he found out he was fighting against fellas with bolt action rifles who could fire off five rounds before having to reload. Bet he was probably not happy lol
Keep up the awesome work!
Thank You!
Great video Santee
Glad you enjoyed it
Great Show !
🥃🥃
A few months ago I watched ol yeller after years and noticed the kid had what appeared to be a trap door. I wondered if it was one of the early conversions. I assumed but didn't know these were sold surplus like most of the military guns back then
Maybe!
This couldn't have been more timely. I'm researching Springfields currently!
There's a lot to research! This is just the tip of the iceberg.
There is a trapdoor rifle with the ramrod bayonet in a shop downtown. There was also a "trowel" bayonet for the trapdoor. 👍🙂
I bet that's cool
I love the trapdoor I have a cavalry model that was made in 1887 according to the serial number and has the US military proof markings, still fires great too!
Cool!
Good evening. It's Ted from San Antonio Texas. I have one of those Springfield trapdoor. Definitely a cool gun. Stay safe and cool
Thank You!
It’s definitely an interesting rifle and I’ll keep my sights on the future about it.
OK! It's a barrel of laughs
I'd love to see a four-way contest between the Trapdoor, the 1874 Sharps infantry rifle, the Remington M1867 and the Martini Henry .577/450 one day.
All four military single-shot Big Boys in the ring together 😁
Me to
Interesting
Add the 577 Snyder in there.
@@jackiewindham8199 five for fighting it is!
Looking forward to seeing you shoot it!
Me too. I love a .45-70
The Springfield Trapdoor Rifle was actually used as late as World War 1 in a very limited capacity with the National guard
No doubt!
I love the trapdoor action. It's impressive that the Italian replicas from Uberti/Pedersoli are proofed (as required by Italian law) to modern smokeless loads of .45-70. I have even heard rumors that the proof test cartridge used by Italian proofing houses is based on what we would call "Marlin loads", or 40,000 CUP pressures (vs 25,000 CUP for "trapdoor" smokeless loads that are closer to BP pressures). Either way, the modern Italian-made replicas are pretty darn durable firearms considering the age of the design. I'd love to own one someday but the cost for the Italian replicas is pretty high, $1,800 to $2,100 depending on model.
Glad they reproduce them.
The trapdoor and the krag can be used in red dead redemption 2! Not that we're planning a red dead online war or anything
HAH!
Another great video Santee!
Thanks again!
Ah now my Saturday is off to a good start, coffee and Santee
Thank You!
Another awesome episode, Santee! Love your gun episodes.
I hope to see you in Tombstone next weekend for Red Dead Redemption event!
I'm planning on going Sunday.
Actually planning on getting into Indian War reenacting myself. This video helped a lot, thanks Santee!
You are welcome
There was a "Twilight Zone" episode where a 1950s tank crew went in the battle. They died
So I hear.
Very cool Santee thank you.
You bet
I have both the rifle and carbine models of the Trapdoor, but I prefer shooting my Krag. Great video, keep em' coming.
Thank You!
An old family story about the Trapdoor. My Great Grandfather told a story of when his older brother came back from the Army after the Spanish American war he bought his issued rifle, an 1873 Springfield, from the Army as he mustered out. When he got home, he and my Great Grandfather, who was 12 at the time, went out shooting bc my G Grandfather was really interested in it. They went out to the back field where they grew corn and fired at a corner fence post that was about 100 yards away and was about 10 inches in diameter. They figured there was no way a bullet could go through it and didnt worry about the cattle in the adjacent field. Well, they shot it and he said it almost knocked him over and suddenly a big prized bull that was way on the other side of the field about 500 yards away let out a great big bellow and gell over. They ran to the fence post sure it couldnt have been them, and found a nice hole in theirbside and a big chunk of wood missing on the oppiste side. They ran to the bull and found a ragged hole in its chest and an hole big enough to put your fist in on the other side of it. Needless to say, he remmebered the whipping his father gave him and his brother, even though his brother was 20 at the time. He said that, that rifle was just too powerful for him to ever have a need to shoot it ever again. The rifle ended up being passed down to my fathers second cousin and she left it to him when she passed away when my day was around 15. He kept it at his mothers house until it disappeared after a renter she had let a room out to left, along with his 4 digit serial numbered Springfield 1903 and an original Singer 1911 handgun back around 1975. He tried tracking the thief down but he had skipped town and wasnt heard from again.
Sorry about the loss of such great items. I despise thieves...
That might be the last time a military retrofit actually turned out well. Best of Days to All the Ghostriders.
Thank You!
Great episode. Love the trapdoors. Did not know Rex was in the Cavalry. You look younger, like you are 23 again. 😂😂
😁
Such an iconic rifle. And I own a Krag Carbine rifle. And proud of it. But I'd like to have one of these rifles.
Cool!
Nice! Can’t wait for the pew pew episode!
Thank You!