1873 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle .45-70

Shooting my original 1873 Springfield Trapdoor rifle in .45-70, made in 1887.
Our Trapdoor Carbine video: • 1873 Trapdoor Springfi...
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Hickok45 videos are filmed on my own private shooting range and property by trained professionals for educational and entertainment purposes only, with emphasis on firearms safety and responsible gun ownership. We are NOT in the business of selling firearms or performing modifications on them. Do not attempt to copy at home anything you see in our videos. Firearms can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@hickok45]

Our Trapdoor Carbine video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppXHYoKnYreasM0

[@Reinoutsguns]

Nice video Hickok

[@jerrywelch1370]

I was given one of these great rifles, that was pasted down thru the family - it was a Original &true 1873 Springfield Trap Door .45-70 ,,,, made in 1873 one of the very first production runs,,, if memory serves me right it was number 73 off the line,,,, unfortunately it was stolen before I could take possession of it after my uncle died...

[@stevea9604]

That new fangled gadget…It’ll never take off 😂🤩👍🏻

[@stevea9604]

You sir are like Gun Jesuses dad 🧐👍🏻🤩

[@stevea9604]

I think of the old machines that created those weapons…Old belt driven laths, milling machines and drills…SDI from long ago 👍🏻🤩🧐

[@CowboyGun]

Trapdoor rifles that can handle modern loads and pressures should make a comeback. Such a classic weapon platform

[@hickok45]

I think you're right, especially if they could make it almost exactly like the originals, but build in a bit more strength without much modification. That would be cool to have it available in all sorts of chamberings: .308, .44 Magnum, 500 S&W Magnum, etc.

[@deercreeksociety]

💯💯💯 That would be nice!

[@REALquinnsilver]

I completely agree. Those are awsome

[@jonesclantd]

I agree broadly, but I'll differ in saying the platform to revive should be the Rolling Block instead of the Trapdoor

[@3ducs]

@@jonesclantd Uberti makes some nice rolling block rifles in different calibers, some VERY powerful, like 50-140.

[@HughSansom]

I am in New York City (wish I wasn't). Just heard about hickok45 from Louis Rossmann's youtube channel. You guys are great. This is to let the overseers at youtube know that millions of us support the independence, advice, and responsibility of hickok45 and all like them.

[@NotableBeardCo.]

We have one of these. It was my great-great-great grandfathers! He had it when he and his brother homesteaded the farm in 1889

[@bensears7499]

That is awesome. Family heirloom.

[@aaronpingol1566]

old weapons are much more satisfying to watch than modern weapons

[@dabblersmurf4261]

Trapdoor was an ingenious invention

[@ClemonsHuntclub876]

That it was.👍

[@kevingibbs5632]

​@@ClemonsHuntclub876not according to Custer.

[@ClemonsHuntclub876]

@@kevingibbs5632 📯

[@TheSulross]

@@kevingibbs5632 Been drilling down on that some of late and don’t really think the Trapdoor Springfield was the paramount problem at Custer’s last command. There’s that famous 1961 film, Zulu, that highlight’s what a very comparable firearm to the Trapdoor (a single shot breech loader) could do when utilized with proper fire discipline as directed from the officers, and with tactics of concentrating lines of fire. Is based on an actual incident where vastly outnumbered British troops held out and prevailed (defensively) against very determined Zulu warriors. Custer’s last stand, none of that was done.

[@kevingibbs5632]

@@TheSulross the tall prairie grass was certainly a contributing factor in addition to the gun. Plus the use of horses allowed them to outmanoeuvre the pinned down Custer. Ultimately, Custer's over confidence proved his undoing.

[@davidslone9776]

So many of us enjoy your show, and have watched for years now. Likely 99.99999% of us are law abiding citizens that hunt, target shoot, plink, and collect, and peacefully use firearms. We just want to enjoy your show without hassle from anyone or thing. We enjoy knowing your sponsors, since we may want a source for some material, and we trust your recommendations. Evidently youtube/google/whoever is mostly not able to understand these things. They must have grown up in an urban environment, and not in the outdoors: hunting, fishing, etc. They seem to be like an insurance company, always modifying, or changing the rules, for no apparent reason, or common sense. We enjoy what you and John do, or at least over 7.8 million of us do. We enjoy the shooting sports, and we see the need to protect ourselves, should the need arise. I wish the people running this medium had the capacity to understand all this, and just leave us alone to enjoy your program.. Your program, and we, are no threat to anyone. We send you, and John, love, from Texas. T for Texas, T for Tennessee.

[@tyme4chaim]

Well said , but you left out one, "T" is for take me to Miami! 😂 Hickock 45 is the best hands down and KZbin is way off base!

[@user-ow6rl3bm7m]

Senator Patrick Sayjack for us senate

[@Groovey-kj6eu]

Hmm interesting that this comment was approved by the reviewers

[@embreeja]

As a young lad in the 50's and 60's, we handloaded for all my dad's guns. Krags, Enfields, Springfields (30-06), but my favorite was always the 1873 Springfield trapdoor (we would even shoot .410 shotgun shells in it). In the early 1990's I came across a gun store that had dozens of these on the rack --- and cheap. Sadly I did not pick one up. Stupid of me, because I always regret not doing so. Thanks for the show.

[@JP-el3dw]

My late father always used to tell me about hunting with his 45 caliber rifle when he was a kid in rural Texas. As they were dirt poor, and in the early 20th century trapdoor Springfield rifles sold for about $3.00 I have always assumed that was what he had. I stumbled across one in a gun store a couple of years ago. They had no idea what it was. I picked it up for a very good price and enjoy shooting cowboy loads through it. Makes me feel like I’m shooting with my dad.

[@drenk7]

I will be at Bud’s in Lexington today. And I have several holsters made by Alabama Holster.

[@hickok45]

You should be well-armed then! Say Hi to the folks at Bud's for me. I'll be up there next month on August 24 in the afternoon for a meet & greet. 1:00.

[@alfazio047]

I'm glad we can still watch you guys

[@hickok45]

Thanks. If not here, then on Rumble. As of yesterday, every video is on Rumble, as well.

[@Appowl]

such a nice rifle, rdr2 didn't bring me here, but this made me recognize my springfield rifle in the game.

[@drafgo2845]

Loved it even more in the first RDR game. Kicked like a mule, and threw the enemies backwards.

[@twitchysmith8914]

I have an 1884 model, made in 1887. It is a gift from my uncle...I gotta lotta love for that man! It is a sported carbine (shortened). I have shot it into 10, one gallon water jugs...8 feet of water! Plowed straight through. That 405 gr lead slug doesn't get distracted! What a gun...what a cartridge!

[@turboboy0]

I’m glad you are still able to make videos. America was built on firearms.keep hitting those plates and “let freedom ring”.

[@sgtmajtrapp3391]

My father in law had one that was used by I THINK the 9th NY Volunteer Infantry in the Spanish American War. He HAD an original ammo belt full of 500 grain lead Infantry ammo from that period ( he gave me a few rounds like 2 and fired a lot himself) He also had the origional bayonet and scabbard. Neat guns. I owned an replica H&R Infantry 1873. Both shot well and my father-in-Law hunted with his for wild boar on a hunt I took him on in his mid-80s

[@robertjensen1438]

I used to have a job cutting holes to make trapdoors for theatres. It was just a stage I was going through.

[@johndelconte9915]

Funny. Lol

[@jbenn43457]

Sorry, you let yourself down there

[@Craigs_Veritas_Bullet1n]

😂😂😅😅😅

[@Spec-FiveCarr]

I had heard that the bottom fell out of that profession.

[@user-vn3ti9ve7w]

I just love it when he does historical firearms

[@leonardjanda6181]

My number 1 channel ❤

[@1redneck15]

Firearms are one of the few things that after 137 years they still function flawlessly and are just as cool as they were back then. People don't realize what a revolutionary thing these were going from packing everything down the barrel in a smoke pole to being able to jam a shell in and slam the door closed with your thumb

[@deercreeksociety]

Awesome! We love Trapdoor Springfields.

[@kenfrutiger2471]

I have one that's been passed down in my family for at least 4 generations! The original loading was 45-70-405. 45 caliber, 70 grains of black powder & a 405 grain bullet! Now, the cavalry didn't think the 405 grain bullet was enough for fighting Indians, so the calvary load was 45-70-500!! Mine is an 1873 rifle!

[@MikolDaw-km7ns]

I can’t express how much I love this channel.

[@thewayofnelson]

Man these youtube bots in the comments are out of hand. Great to see you getting around the new youtube terms and services , though.

[@MrJunkman1982]

Whats up what the bots now? 1st ive seen them in the Hickok45 comment section

[@randyrandolph9709]

There popping up in alot of KZbin channels it's stupid.

[@wyattsmith4745]

Love all the bird sounds in the backround

[@draskuul]

My brother and I inherited one recently (complete with bayonet and scabbard). We only recently got appropriate loads for it, so need to get it out to the range!

[@AlejandroBraga-hl1oo]

The Traaptor is a great rifle and a great collector's item

[@DougPoulton]

That black powder charge really got that gong swinging.

[@jamesramsay8169]

Biggest regret of my life was selling mine that was carried in the war by my great grandpa and passed down to me. Watching this brakes my heart

[@williamoorejr]

love the trapdoor. mine has a side plat with a 1878 stamp and a miss stamped block with -like yours- has an 1878. lots of fun thanks, also your breech block has the " lean open more," conversion so it did not flop shut when trying to load.

[@billbaggins7355]

For the algorithm . And support for your channel. We love you.

[@ClemonsHuntclub876]

Beautiful rifle and informative video Hickok.

[@DG2244]

A beautiful rifle created out necessity. Very nice video.

[@user-du8wc6lq5y]

Anybody who has watched many Westerns has seen a lot of Trapdoors. I've always wanted one but there was always some other gun I wanted more. They are a very interesting design especially when you learn the history of how they came to be.

[@DavidRidgeway-s2v]

Yes sir Mr Hitchcock I've been watching now for about 5 years I'm happy with the way you demonstrate and show these weapons and safety I couldn't ask for anything better for a young man to watch I recommend you to all my friends I am 66 years old and I wish people and I

[@DavidRidgeway-s2v]

Thank you for the reply he is somebody to watch I recommend him constantly I've been a gun safety person myself since I was a young man we were taught to shoot guns earlier than I would expect I thought my grandchildren to shoot about the age of five they know where guns are and we just kind of if they know if they would like to shoot all they have to do is ask but they generally

[@DavidRidgeway-s2v]

V this thing keeps telling me to reply or whatever keep

[@vincewoolley6774]

I really appreciate the qualities of Alabama Holster. Thanks for posting this video.

[@marktaylor171]

That's a fine rifle. I'd love to have one of the converted muskets.

[@CyborgZeta]

Black powder rifles normally aren't my thing, but I do find the 1873 Trapdoor to be a lovely rifle.

[@fullsendabeerforme2988]

Thai isn't black powder gun. It takes 45-70 cartridges.

[@CyborgZeta]

@@fullsendabeerforme2988 .45-70 was originally a black powder cartridge.

[@fullsendabeerforme2988]

@@CyborgZeta yes, but in the video he's talking about the cartridges version of the Springfield.

[@paulself8698]

You are such a brilliant shot, you hardly ever miss the target!

[@aliceburte9278]

Thank You sir appreciate all you do 👍🇺🇸

[@keithkeitht5873]

I have one and it shoots just fine. Mine was in a New York Armory in 1903.

[@massimobargagna5641]

❤ it! Still shoots Wicked. Awesome history in hand

[@M--ri2ef]

I have always thought the trapdoor was undervalued. And it doesn't get the attention it deserves. Thank you for the video !!

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

I'll agree with that. 👍

[@J57947488]

What a beautiful rifle. Thank you for sharing with us all.

[@maxmillion4442]

This is perfect timing! I’m running a dnd historical campaign with weapons that emulate the firearms of that time period. This video is perfect for getting some more info

[@ssjwes572]

I've not seen it before thanks for sharing! I love the look of an old wood rifle

[@smwservice]

Thanks for Another Awesome Video! You helped me remember I still want a Winchester Lever 45 70. I finally aquired a 1875 Rem after wanting one for 25 years. I'm going to look for a trap door at the Gun Show here in Reno in 2 more weeks. Thank You for your Great Shows

[@paulyost6849]

I got one last year and it’s just to cool. I did look around for them at a very large gun show recently and only saw 1.

[@Reinoutsguns]

KZbin should have a problem with all of these almost naked profiles not with guns

[@geneshifter]

both are fine.

[@PartyRockerOG]

@@geneshifternah fuck the naked profiles this is youtube not the hub

[@craigthescott5074]

I have a 1865 Springfield 50-70 trapdoor that was found by my great grandfather in the early 1900’s in Fort Lowell in Tucson AZ. Story is he was exploring the Fort when it was still standing and found it hidden up in the roof rafters. Geronimo was held prisoner there.

[@lst141]

You are the grand father that any kid would love! and you shoot strait!!!

[@kenibnanak5554]

Got one, also one of the earlier Alin guns. Although both cartridges are impressive, my experience has left me with a lot of sympathy for the Infantryman that had to wear / carry them on long 10 or 15 mile marches with a full pack across the Western Plains. These things are heavy and somewhat cumbersom by modern standards. Regarding the carbines (which I also have) I think the Sharps .50-70 carbine is a better gun than the Springfield Trapdoor .45-70 carbine, but that's only an opinion based on hunting with both. Custer's last stand at Little Big Horn was the first significant combat involving the 1873. The failing of the copper cartridge rims played a role in the battle. There is continuing debate about how much of a role. Certainly mistaking a small horse pen area for the main camp of the Indians played a major role, as did disregarding the reports of his scouts. Custer's men had left their Barracks Cleaning Rod intended for use with the carbines behind at the fort and had no easy way of extracting a jammed cartridge case. In that time frame the US Army did not issue knives and Custer's cavalry troops didn't even have bayonets. There is also a lot of question as to why Custer didn't bring some of the Gatlings. Yes, the big models would have been too cumbersome, but the smaller model designed to be carried and fired from the back of a camel or a horse was at his fort and utterly ignored by him when he set out. Some soldiers may have had some personally owned knives however as cartridges with deep gouges on the rim have been recovered at the site, which implies there may have been a few tools on hand. Major Reno's men fared better because one of his Lieutenants had a privately owned Sharps rifle with a cleaning rod. Survivor accounts speak of several of Major Reno's soldiers borrowing that rod and using it to remove stuck cases. Afterwards Springfield Armory developed a case extraction tool for field use. Later of course brass cases became standard. Clouds of Black Powder smoke visible from 5 miles away (coupled with the far away sound of much gun fire) were how Major Reno realized Colonel Custer had found his Indians.

[@brianhealey5286]

Owned one! Demonstrated firing one at the military firing range. You had to see the expression on the other airmen when I fired. Loved it dearly until I had to sell it (age). You run a great site.

[@triggerhappy8872]

Beautiful rifle ur very lucky mate. I love my Marlin’s LA .45/70 great for pig shoot’n. A few months back i purchased a brand spanking new Marlin/ Remington 😳 Dark Series .45/70 & it looks great & cycles great & it’s accurate. Over here in Oz🇦🇺 we have a firearm company called NIOA & they stripped apart all the Remington made Marlins & checked & fixed any problems? Mate for $2,200 it F’n better be Good. It seems like a grouse rifle (oh grouse means the same as awesome some Oz🇦🇺 slang for ya mate LoL 😂). Anyway cheers 🍻 from Australia 🇦🇺 mate 👍👍

[@chrisgabbert658]

👍😊 even the gona echoed with 45/70.

[@jonathansongco4302]

Awesome!

[@kurttate9446]

In a book about General Crook at the Rosebud, days before the Little Bighorn, the author said that the experienced troopers would place cartridges, base first, in-between the fingers of their offhand so as to have several in hand for rapid fire. Most if not all of these troops were mounted infantry, so they were using the rifle musket.

[@Azhureus]

Oh, straight away reminds me of Hunt Showdown.

[@jeff-ew7np]

Thanks for another great video. I can watch your videos all day. Wish you all the best in life. Greetings from the Netherlands. Life is good😎👊

[@Helmutlozzi]

Beautiful gun! I've always wanted a trapdoor rifle.

[@psaub]

It’s amazing how you can hear the force of impact on target. Just a sledgehammer!

[@paulhowes5094]

I live within stone's throw almost of the Watershops pond in Springfield This was the source of waterpower for the gun works

[@pontushaggstrom6261]

Nice to see an old gun!

[@StarSwarm.]

Not just chambered in 45-70 but rather 45-70 was created specifically FOR this rifle. Love a good original 1873! 😍 P.S. I was always confused with my year stamp which looks like “1878” too. But apparently not all that uncommon with the heavily stamped final “3” looking like an 8.

[@joekrichten9208]

Such a beautiful firearm.

[@rg20322]

Love this channel!

[@3ducs]

When you flip the rear sight up and use the peep sight these become a sharpshooter's rifle. That's a helpful thing for old people who's eyes won't be able to make out the rear notch anymore.

[@karwashkenny6430]

Love the Contant keep it coming sir

[@robopoop2]

Never heard the gong ring like THAT before!Sounded like you hit it with a sledgehammer.

[@user-nz3zj2br7l]

Really happy your still making videos Hickok all of us enjoy watching what you do god bless brother life is good 😊

[@pb68slab18]

Not an 1873. Breechblocks could have any date stamped as they were reused in new rifles as well as rebuilds. The Buffington sight came much later, used on 1884 and 1888 models.

[@slyfor2]

Ive spent a lot of time around the 1842 Springfield smoothbore musket, and lemme tell you, no matter what year in the 19th Century woodstock designs you can tell that buttstock and cheek rest anywhere

[@Millermcc584]

Nice gun

[@peterv.a360]

Hello Hickok45 Very nice Rifle 👌🏼💥💥💥 Super Cool 👍🏼

[@elettib7982]

Great video :) ! I have mine, in France, a 1873 from 1878, and i reload it with an old Ideal hand tool with its 405 grains bullet mold. I reload brass with 40 grains of swiss black powder and corn ( couscous in France :) ) and it shoot great to 200 meters. Easy to clean, easy to shoot, easy to love :)

[@alphacharlietango969]

Excellent video, Mr. Hickok45

[@MeepmcarthurtheSECOND]

A legend

[@ChukChukChuckie]

They probably tested them on Little Brown Jugs back in 1873.

[@timsmith9645]

Awesome video nice 1873 Springfield trapdoor rifle thanks for sharing Hickok45

[@cristianoboschetti3882]

...one of the best looking rifle of all time, especially the carbine....IMO.

[@steveb6103]

Yes, I know Bud's . I have a couple of guns from there. Fast shipping, and good prices. I wonder just how many Buffalo's that one has dropped.

[@jasonyoung9249]

I just bought one recently. It’s serial number is 1879 production but it was reconditioned at some point with a new stock, 1884 trapdoor, and Buffington rear sight. Haven’t fired it yet due to a lack of safe ammo.

[@bhoward9378]

I have done business with many of your sponsors over the years because you recommended them. Ballistol: I have several cans in my truck for all kinds of uses. Alabama Holster: I bought 2 so far (I wish they'd make one for the G40). Bud's: 4 or 5 purchases since 2020, etc. Suggestion: maybe upload a video once a week or so that simply mentions your subscribers and nothing else. We see what's going on, and you have the support of all of us.

[@mky45lg]

Just found your rumble channel. One less reason to watch KZbin, thank you very much. I know it's a hassle.

[@marko11kram]

I have one of these, and I can honestly say every time I use it it makes me feel like I am holding a piece of innovation. OK maybe a bit of Steampunk innovation, which was not on the cutting edge foe 2 minutes, but still; I like it!

[@hawkuser604]

I have an original 1873 that was built in 1882 (by serial #) has nice original stamps on the stock and also have the bayonet for it. I have had it for years, but have not shot it yet. Very nice rifle.

[@KeithDaniel]

I have one myself! A piece of history!

[@Neonphoenixflare]

I visited buds gun shop for the first time recently, I unfortunately did not buy a firearm but still did not walk out empty handed, bought an ar15 charging handle. Never walk out of any gun store empty handed, even if its just a box of ammo.

[@donbenson5292]

I shot and is still in the family my great great grandfathers trapdoor. He fought in the civil war and acquired a government issued later in life. It was complete with bayonet and push rod. Still have some rounds left, Cleanbore Remington 405 grain. I last shot it in 1967. The bullet is still in the maple tree still standing...

[@user-cs6ep7dh6p]

Thanks for the video, those are great guns, it's good to see you smoke those pots, life is good.

[@mike-h5h8p]

From what I've read, the Trapdoor 1873 Springfield used copper cartridges that expanded and jammed in the firing chamber and since the cavalry didn't have ramrods they were stuck with a jammed rifle at the Little Big Horn and lost. Custer used a rolling block Remington himself.

[@MisterRedBlueBlur]

That's why I subscribed to this channel some years ago. It's about learning some gun history the "easy" way. The shooting is kinda bonus to me. Beautiful rifle, very good video. Thanks for sharing.

[@rachellynnsummers6273]

I almost sold my Springfield trapdoor. Same condition as yours based on the outside. I use Steinel ammo. 45-70 smokeless load. Trapdoor safe! For those who have original one and not a repo.

[@jspemberton4]

I traded for a Trapdoor carbine on the Navajo Nation - perhaps the very one used by Geronimo during the Indian Wars! A great piece of American history - and still an effective big game rifle.

[@LilLoquito]

Love those vintage ones..

[@madaxe606]

Such a cool transitional design. My favorite in RDR 2!

[@galesams4205]

The same weapon used at the battle of LITTLE BIG HORN when cusstor too on the indians with leaver actions.

[@Craigs_Veritas_Bullet1n]

15:45 "I love the smell of" 'black powder' "in the morning!"

[@potatodonkey1856]

Pretty neat rifle, definitely a unique pice of history. At first glance, I thought the carbine on the table was a Spencer carbine, until you picked it up

[@user-eg6pt8rs3l]

Filipinos drop like flies when they used this.

[@centex52]

wealth of knowledge for sure