A comparison of two early trapdoors

[Fred]

Hey Thanks!
I’m having trouble with the pictures, but I’ll get it ironed out.
Thanks for the feed back!

[Fred]

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[rayg]

Nice rifles Fred!

[Fred]

Thanks Ray!
For some reason, the early 1868’s that I’ve been able to observe are in really nice condition.

[Fred]

My 1868 Trapdoor #6, being a proposed design of the new 1868 rifle, has a different relief cut in the stock behind the receiver than what was used on all production trapdoor rifles made afterwards.
A simple cut was made.
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[Fred]

The shaft of the cleaning rod on #6 is noticeably thicker and stiffer than later made rods.
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[Dick Hosmer]

Different gas-escape cuts too. I'd guess the rod indicated they were going to try to use 66 rods, but it was probably easier to make them new than to weld a lump on an old rod. Welding was in its' infancy.

Does 6 have a single-shoulder and keeper at upper band, or something else?

[bruce]

These TD threads are a never ceasing source of pleasure to read and enjoy. Thank you. Sincerely. bruce.

[Dick Hosmer]

These TD threads are a never ceasing source of pleasure to read and enjoy. Thank you. Sincerely. bruce.

Thanks, it is fun!

With regard to the comment about gas escape cuts, after I'd posted I realized that Fred had compared 6 to a .45-70, NOT another 68. That would explain the major difference (location) but they still look to be much sharper and deeper than most early cuts, some of which are almost invisible.

[Fred]

The rod of #6 has one shoulder Dick

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A unique rod

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I did see a rod on a late made 1868 being sold on Gunbroker that also had a cupped end like on this rod.
How’d it get there? Qien Sabe.