Thanks for the replies.

I have had some collectors refer to me as a "accumulator" rather than a collector.  I see firearms, particularly military firearms, as pieces of living history, so I have built my collection in that direction.

So when I am looking for a firearm, these are the principles I generally try and follow:

1.  A good representation of 'type' - in this case, a "Trapdoor Springfield", preferably one that was made later in the production run  (Mod 1884 etc).

2.  Prefer one that is 'correct' - meaning it has all of the correct parts installed for that year/model.  If it doesn't, it won't need to pay the value of another rifle to make it correct.

3.  I am not looking for a museum quality piece.  They are pieces of living history to me.  I take great pleasure in being able to take them to the range and punch some holes in paper with them.  The end result of this is that I now reload for about 15 odd calibers.

Here is a link for one I was looking at - thoughts and feedback are welcomed.

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