Taylors and Company Trapdoor .45-70 Single-Shot 22″
About this product
The Taylors and Company Trapdoor is a .45-70 Government single-shot rifle with a 22-inch barrel that modernizes the 1873 Springfield design with a drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics. It balances historical authenticity with practical usability through a color case-hardened receiver and adjustable iron sights. This rifle is engineered for shooters who demand mechanical clarity and regulatory simplicity in a platform that predates most modern firearm restrictions.
What is the Taylors and Company Trapdoor .45-70 Single-Shot 22″ used for?
The Taylors and Company Trapdoor is primarily used for traditional hunting, formal target shooting, and as a training tool for deliberate marksmanship. Its single-shot action enforces a slow, methodical firing cadence of about 8-10 seconds between aimed shots, ideal for teaching breath control and trigger discipline. The .45-70 Government cartridge is capable of ethically taking game up to elk at ranges under 150 yards, making it a legitimate choice for experienced hunters who appreciate constraint.
How does the Taylors and Company Trapdoor .45-70 compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Trapdoor is superior for historical training and unregulated simplicity, while the Stevens 334 is better for practical hunting and faster follow-up shots. The Trapdoor’s single-shot action is exempt from most state magazine capacity laws, whereas the Stevens 334’s detachable 4-round magazine places it under different regulatory scrutiny in restrictive jurisdictions. Mechanically, the Trapdoor requires a deliberate 4-inch upward pull on the breechblock to reload, while the Stevens 334 offers a bolt-action with a 60-degree throw for quicker cycling.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.27 pounds and measures 41.31 inches in overall length with a 22-inch barrel. The 1-in-18-inch twist rate stabilizes heavier 405-grain to 500-grain bullets optimally for sub-2 MOA accuracy with handloads. The straight-grip walnut stock has a length of pull of 13.5 inches, a dimension common to military rifles of the period, which may require an aftermarket pad for shooters over 6 feet tall.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is absolutely not for anyone seeking a defensive firearm, a high-volume plinker, or a novice uncomfortable with substantial recoil. The .45-70 Government generates over 20 ft-lbs of felt recoil in this 7.27-pound platform, which is more punishing than a 12-gauge shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. The single-shot action also makes it a poor choice for driven hunts or any scenario where a fast second shot is a safety requirement.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the firearm, one 5-round cartridge block for .45-70, and a basic owner's manual covering function and disassembly. It does not include a firearms lock, sling, or cleaning kit—you must source these separately. The manual correctly details the five-step loading and unloading procedure, a critical read to avoid the common mistake of attempting to close the breechblock on an empty chamber.
Is the Taylors and Company Trapdoor worth it at $2,203.99?
At $2,203.99, this Trapdoor is worth it for collectors, historical reenactors, and advanced shooters seeking a regulatorily simple, mechanically instructive platform. You are paying for authentic case-hardening, proper walnut inletting, and a faithful recreation that avoids the shortcuts of cheaper Italian imports. For a general-purpose hunting rifle, a modern bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers better practical value at nearly half the cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Drilled and tapped receiver—accepts modern optics without gunsmithing for a 1-hour installation.
- 1-in-18-inch twist rate—optimally stabilizes 405-500 grain bullets for consistent sub-2 MOA groups with handloads.
- Color case-hardened receiver—provides authentic period-correct finish with superior wear resistance compared to bluing.
- Straight-grip walnut stock—uses Grade B walnut with proper oil finish, not a cheap urethane coat that chips.
Trade-offs
- No sling swivels pre-installed—adding them requires drilling the walnut stock, a $75-125 gunsmithing job.
- Single-shot only—reloading requires a 4-inch upward pull on the breechblock, making it 4-5 times slower than a bolt-action.
- Heavy recoil—generates over 20 ft-lbs of felt recoil, more punishing than a 12-gauge shotgun in a similar weight class.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 839665003343 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 210176 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 1 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 11.3 |
| sights | Flip Up Rear | Blade Front |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45-70 ammunition?
- Yes, but only with standard-pressure (28,000 PSI) .45-70 Government loads, not +P or modern lever-gun-only ammunition. The breach-locking system is designed for black powder pressure curves, and using high-pressure rounds can stretch the hinge pin. Stick to factory loads from Remington, Winchester, or Federal labeled for 'all .45-70 rifles'.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, it will fit in a standard 42-inch hard rifle case with room for the 41.31-inch overall length. I recommend a Plano All-Weather 42-inch case for transport, as the color case-hardened finish is durable but should be protected from direct scraping against other firearms.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days after payment and documentation verification. All shipments require a signed copy of the FFL's license on file with Ironclad Armory before the carrier is dispatched.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, except in cases of verified manufacturing defect. We strongly recommend confirming the 13.5-inch length of pull and 7.27-pound weight with your local FFL or handling a similar rifle before purchase. Ironclad Armory does not accept returns for fit or buyer's remorse.
- Does this work with a Williams FP receiver sight?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 thread pattern that accepts the Williams FP-TK model specifically designed for Trapdoor rifles. Installation requires a basic set of gunsmithing screwdrivers and about 15 minutes of careful alignment to avoid damaging the existing finish.