I have just aquired a 1871 38/55 ser.# HV 237xxx. That would make it a 04,05?......Is there still the differences in the chamber/bore on these models, or did they cure it on later years? It has a plastic trigger guard......I would like to change it, is there a part # or...? What have those that own these rifles been using/happy with as far as ladder sights are concerned? I looked at the faq's, just wondering what folks are happy with.. and, since I havn't reloaded for years, what loads,primers are you guys using. The rifle came with 400 .379 r nfp 245gr Valiant bullets, and all the Lee dies. I wasn't looking for one of these but, It was a offer I couldn't refuse..Thanks ,RJ