doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com OT: I need a compass for my Kirkwood.

My Kirkwood Bros. 1903 Springfield Sporter made in Boston circa 1915 has a silver trapdoor grip cap attached with brass screws. I have always speculated that it was made of silver because it had held a compass. I’ve looked but never seem to locate what I feel is the proper compass for this rifle. The hole is .720” in diameter but a compass smaller would work fine I could turn out a brass bushing and it would look right. I realize that this is not something easy to find but was working taking some pictures so thought I would ask. I’m not in a rush; I’ve had this rifle for years and plan to keep it for a little while longer. I check Ebay from time to time but seem most of the right size ones are modern made of plastic. Any Ideas?

Hi Michael,
My guess is that that was intended as a cartridge trap and the wood was never drilled out.

I too think the grip cap is the type intended for bullet trap but if you think it is for a compass why not make one? Modify one of the brass Marble pin on compasses which are from the rifles era or machine a proper sized case with the Marble's internal parts. I doubt the compass will work well as it is too close to the steel of the action, trigger guard to be accurate and reliable. But you can check that out easily for yourself.

Might the trapdoor compartment not be meant for a spare foresight, or even to hold a target aperture disc for the bolt receiver sight? The usual pistol-grip cap trapdoor arrangements on such custom rifles are for spare foresights, wheras cartridge compartments, usually for multiple rounds,are in the stock further down toward the toe of the butt, or in the buttplate itself.

I wouldn't venture a guess about the grip cap trap; but I love the way the maker extended the trigger guard into the pistol grip

Jim

The compass that might fit it would be found in the handle of a Randall survival knife...I sold mine or I could measure it for you. It's brass....I recall it being about 1/2" across it's alot smaller than any Marble Compass I've ever owned.

I'm sure you could purchase one from Randall Knives.

Ah, a secret compartment drilled out 'specially to carry one of the replaceable striker tips that Springfields are notorious for breaking. Beautiful rifle!

Yup, I love the trigger guard.

Thanks for all the good leads, I should be able to find what I need now. Most of the grip caps with trapdoors I have see were made of steel and have a strong spring to keep it closed. This one, made of silver, is held close by friction and not meant,IMO, to hold anything but to have something mounted under there. I have tried several compasses held on the grip cap and they work fine.

Michael,

If the above suggestions don't pan out, let me know, you have my email address I believe. My next door neighbor and very close friend/mentor is a nautical collector and ship builder, he may have something that works or maybe has some suggestions.

A beautiful rifle, as always. Thanks for sharing.

Alex