[Jeff Higgins]

Your rifle, if in good condition, is entirely shootable but really not very collectable. It will shoot well with the proper black powder ammunition. I see you are located in the "PNW region". So am I; Lynnwood as a matter of fact. If you would like to actualy shoot it, I can load up some of that proper ammunition. I am a very active black powder cartridge rifle shooter, competing in matches at every opportunity. Not to boast or anything, but more in an effort to state my qualifications, I have a grocery bag full of medals and a shelf full of trophies won with rifles of this era, shooting period correct black powder ammunition loaded at home. I have everything needed to make it go "bang". Just a couple of years ago a co-worker wound up in this very same situation and I wound up loading some ammunition for his old Trapdoor. We have had many enjoyable days at the range with that very rifle since. These things really are a hoot to shoot. As far as what it would take to get it running again, all the parts are pretty readily available if you know where to look. Most of the ones I've seen don't even need anything more than a good cleaning and oiling, and they are good to go. If it is all there, with no missing pieces, I would be willing to bet it can be made to shoot. Let me know if you want to try.