{"product_id":"original-u-s-rare-springfield-trapdoor-model-1881-forager-20-gauge-shotgun-serial-274","title":"Original U.S. Rare Springfield Trapdoor Model 1881 \"Forager\" 20 Gauge Shotgun - Serial 274","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One available. Here is something that we have not had before! A rare Springfield Model 1881 \"Forager\", a 20 gauge shotgun version of the weapon used, in its carbine form, by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the suggestion of Colonel J.C. Kelton (Assistant Adjutant-General, Military Division of the Pacific and Department of California), the US Army adopted a 20ga shotgun version of the Trapdoor Springfield in 1881. Built at a truly minimal cost using reconditioned 1873 actions and condemned .58 caliber barrels bored out to .635 inch (20 gauge), these Model 1881 shotguns had only three new parts (extractor, front sight bead, and screw lug attached to the barrel). A total of 1,376 were made by 1884, and two were issued to each infantry company stationed west of the Mississippi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe purpose was to give soldiers some recreation and also a way to add some fresh game to the rather stagnant rations of barracks life in the post-Civil-War western Army. They were very well liked, and remained in posts until at least 1900. They were often used to destruction and\/or disposed of when taken out of service, so they are definitely rare on the market. Compared to the other Models, these are minimally marked, with just an \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1881\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e on the top of the breech block in addition to the lock and receiver markings. In this case, the receiver is marked faintly with 274, but we assume this is a new marking, and not the original serial number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design does not feature any barrel bands, with the stock secured with a screw to the barrel, going through where the cleaning rod channel used to be. Metal finish is a nice worn gray patina, with very minor peppering in places. The front of the barrel is equipped with a brass bead sight, and a groove was added to the top of the breech block and receiver for sighting. Lock is marked with an \u003cstrong\u003eEagle\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD \/ 1873\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured at the \u003cem\u003eUnited States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield\u003c\/em\u003e, in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is a first pattern lock plate with the early markings, and it still retains the early \"Two Notch\" tumbler! The stock is in very good shape, and still shows evidence of the filled cleaning rod channel. It shows evidence of long service, but no major damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great chance to pick up a rare Springfield Trapdoor Model 1881 Shotgun, the first that we have ever had! Ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: circa 1873 - converted 1880s\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 20 Gauge\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 26 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 45 1\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43954523078725,"sku":"ONJR25OCGA075","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25OCGA075MAIN_e78de3b8-72ff-47fa-a601-3d5bb2b11de6.jpg?v=1762549609","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-rare-springfield-trapdoor-model-1881-forager-20-gauge-shotgun-serial-274","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}