Springfield M1873

[striker]

Just wanted to share my joy.
I just bought a Springfield M1873 45/70.
The furniture is in great condition, trapdoor and percussion works like a charm, blueing like new, it even comes with reloading dies and some 100 cartridges (primed but no powder and bullets, just the cases).
Actually was looking for something like this for a while, have a deal with the Ma'am that I can buy it, if I land myself another job with the DSS.
The final interview will be on 06/13, but I was afraid the someone would take it meanwhile. Those things are next to impossible to get here and it's in museum condition.
Actually comes from a collector, who is selling of his stuff an item a month now, not because he needs the money but because his family doesn't value his treasures and he wants them in good hands when he buys the farm.
So I just bought it for 690 Euros, and will show it to the Lady Of The House (always capitalized) once I get my new job.
There is a 3 day cooling off period in Austria, so pictures will be in the gun collection thread on Monday, when I finally pick it up.
Cooling off, my Lord, as if I would whack someone with that one, that would be cultural bolshevism.
Maybe I'll have the cartridges loaded and shoot it once just for the fun of it, but using it and have it end up in some evidence rack and ultimately a furnace. Sir, no way, Sir.
Stupid laws, thats gotta be a hell of a long weekend now. But monday she is mine.

[Hollis]

I had a 1874 model. I had a relaod for smokeless powder, but lost it. Black powder loads are great for those, You have to be really careful what you feed it. The Springfield Trap door is probably the weakest action out there. The 45/70 Governement is also call the Group 1 loads, There are two more groups. The Group III is exclusively for the Ruger No. 1. It will disassemble the a trapdoor and the shooter.

Sticking with Black powder will insure a long life. Black powder requires the cases be washed in hot soapy water after use and same for the rifle. After washing with hot soapy water, it is cleaned as any other rifle would be.

Besure to check data with a good reloading manual.

We have 1000 M shoots out here with old single shot black powder rifles.

Also you may want to check for any Internet specialty forums on that rifle. Yahoo has a BP forum.

[striker]

It will disassemble the a trapdoor and the shooter.


Thanks for the warning, Hollis, I'll heed it.
I was just curious as to how the old git would handle and group. But I think I will just give her a cozy spot on the wall. Better safe than sorry. Actually, if the dies and cartridges wouldn't have been part of the deal, I would have never dared to even think about shooting her.
But If I ever have some pro load those cartridges for me, I will pass on your info.

[Lazuris]

Maybe I'll have the cartridges loaded and shoot it once just for the fun of it, but using it and have it end up in some evidence rack and ultimately a furnace. Sir, no way, Sir.

Forgive my ingorance, but is it illegal to shoot it in Austria?

[striker]

Forgive my ingorance, but is it illegal to shoot it in Austria?
No, I was just venting about the 3 day cool off period. I bought the gun, but I can only get it from the dealer after 3 working days. It's to prevent a distraught person from doing something silly. But in this case the gun is close to 130 years old. It's a museum piece, there is no risk that anyone is robbing the bank with it. But still I have to wait for 3 days.
It's fully legal to own and shoot such a gun in Austria, no permit required.

[Hollis]

No, I was just venting about the 3 day cool off period. I bought the gun, but I can only get it from the dealer after 3 working days. It's to prevent a distraught person from doing something silly. But in this case the gun is close to 130 years old. It's a museum piece, there is no risk that anyone is robbing the bank with it. But still I have to wait for 3 days.
It's fully legal to own and shoot such a gun in Austria, no permit required.


In the states, old pieces like that can be bought with out any paper work, same with reproduction Black powder pistols and front stuffers. Gun laws are to be expected to be weird, look you writes them non gun owners.

[Mark Sman]

With a piece of this age I would probably consult a knowledgeable gunsmith for an inspection before firing.

No reason to think it will fail. If it has been maintained in good shape it should be fine.

But probably better safe than sorry.

I've never had one, but I have seen two being used at the range. Owners said they shot them as and when they felt like it with no problems.

Little known Austrian gun law:


All owners of interesting antique firearms must post pictures on MP.net within one (1) week of purchase.

[Hollis]

With a piece of this age I would probably consult a knowledgeable gunsmith for an inspection before firing.



No reason to think it will fail. If it has been maintained in good shape it should be fine.


But probably better safe than sorry.


I've never had one, but I have seen two being used at the range. Owners said they shot them as and when they felt like it with no problems.




Thanks Mark, definately worth saying again.

[martinexsquaddie]

in the uk had some wannabe gangster caught with a 120yr old loaded revolver a smith and wession so maybe the gun laws arn't that stupid :(

[Durandal]

Welcome to the trapdoor club.

I own the very gun you just purchased. Its got a fair amount of localized history. It was used/issued during the Cincinnati Courthouse Riots.

http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=488

Some of the M1873s have some nice history behind them. You try to find out how the guy you bought it from got it...what personal history there is there and then start searching for the serial number online.

More than likely you will come up with a big fat zero, but maybe not.

For the record, I NEVER shoot mine. :)

[striker]

Excuse me guys been iut for the day
Durandal: Thanks, prolly never shoot mine either. Only having the dies and stuff is tempting
Mark Sman: It comes from a well known Viennese dealer. So its inspected and good to go. If I ever shoot it I have them do the loading for the first try, then we'll see
Pictures will be up as soon as aI have it.

[striker]

Gun laws are to be expected to be weird, look you writes them non gun owners.
True dat, quoted for the truth, if there ever is one.
Everytime somebody does something weird, laws are tightened and law abiding citizens are punished