Michael,
I wish you would tell us the results of the Trapdoor experiments. I have two of the old soldiers and I really suspect they have a bum wrap for strength. The block is massive and well supported at the rear with thick sidewalls on the receivers. They were strong enough for the armory to use them in developing the 30-40 cartridge. The hinge is a bit flimsy but it doesn't take any of the stress of firing and the cam is only there to keep the block from opening. If the steel is good and the headspace not excessive I suspect the action can take a lot.
Jerry Liles
