And yet another 1868 dated 1868 Springfield...

Fred,

That's a beautiful rifle. thanks for documenting it so well. I also like the yellow H3 Hummer in the background! I drive a H3 myself!

I'm glad that you've enjoyed the photos Tkacook!
Yep, the 5 Chylinder H3 is a good one around here for the winter. We liked it so much that we bought a copper colored one of the same year, 2007.
Both were on Sale at a good price and they only had 5,000 miles on each of them. We depend on them not getting stuck in the mud and snow and they've not disappointed us. Out here they're Licensed as Farm Trucks.
What color is your H3?

My 2007 is white.We had a bad ice/snow storm here a couple of years ago and it proved itself over and over!

Aren't they great?! Good mileage too, about 20 mpg on the highway.
Roads with 2 feet of snow on them don't stop it either if one has the good tires

Here are some photos of the breech blocks of two different 1868 Springfields. Serial numbers 6 and 127.
Rifle number 6 has a breech block and firing pin and thumb latch that are different from those same parts on rifle number 127. Having dismantled and assembled both breech blocks, I think the later design was more practical in that it allowed for easier disassembly and assembly.

Attachment 40246

Attachment 40247

Here is the design finaly adopted.

Attachment 40248