Anybody shooting one of these old things? I've got an trapdoor 45-70 already but wanted an historical 63' Allin conversion for history sake and some recreation. Found one locally but wood is refinished but mechanically it is pretty good. Barrel is what one would expect of that vintage and blackpowder. Comes with 50-70 lyman dies and mould. They're asking $750 I think I can get it for somewhat less but it's mostly an history piece in my eyes.

So are these worth it or should I stick with my 1888 trapdoor and my sharps and forget the 1863 conversion?

Had one for a while, was a fun shooter. It was a 1st Conversion 58 Caliber Rimfire. Had Bob Haley make some rimfire cases for it, and other than being somewhat a PITA to reload, they worked fine. Dies and mould are a bonus, Starline makes CF brass.

More info:

https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/origins-of-the-trapdoor-springfield-the-allin-conversions/#:~:text=Allin%20was%20granted%20U.S.%20Patent,utilized%20without%20modification%20or%20replacement.

I have a .50-70 conversion Springfield, and it's a "fun gun" to shoot, although the rather primitive issued sights are better suited to the original muzzleloader barrel. Many of these rifles were used by early buffalo hunters, and recoil is mild. Other than their awkward length, they make great hunting rifles at reasonable distances. Slug the bore, and try to match your cast bullets to its bore size, but black powder loads will "bump up" the diameter slightly. Mine gives me 3-inch groups at 50 yards, but the crude sights are more responsible than anything else. I have a couple of .50-70 Shiloh Sharps rifles, and they shoot 3-inch groups at 100 yards, due to their better sights.

oldpinecricker,

I sent ya a PM

I have a pretty nice 1866 Allin. Haven't shot it but have new brass, dies and bullets. Too many projects.