Original Item: Only One available. This is a very nice example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, the weapon used by the troopers of the 7th Cavalry that met their fate at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. The replaced breech block is marked:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, fitted with a Buffington rear sight and original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock. It also includes the correct Saddle Carbine band guard, which cradles the rear sight ladder and prevents it from getting caught in the saddle bucket. Most of the carbines we see do not have these, and they are somewhat hard to find.

Carbines so equipped are considered by many to be "Model 1890" carbines, and many 1873, 1877, and 1884 carbines were altered in a similar fashion. How much modification they received would depend on the current configuration of the carbine when received back at arsenal. Earlier carbines would have the entire stock replaced, while model 1884s would mainly have the rear band replaced with the sight protector, and a front sight protector equipped as well. Details of the aforementioned modifications were referenced from the Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch publication, The .45-70 Springfield, fifth edition.

The carbine bears Serial # 187596★ on the rear of the receiver, indicating production in approximately November 1882, per U.S. Government records. The "Star" after the serial number has been a cause of debate for years, but it is generally accepted to mean that it was "made with a combination of new and salvaged parts, to be held in reserve, or issued to and/or used by groups like the National Guard." (Please See the Springfield Trapdoor FAQ at armscollector.com for more information). There is unfortunately no way to tell whether this rifle was returned to arsenal after production, or whether it was originally produced using the "salvaged" parts. The stock inspection cartouche is no longer present either, which might be able to help trace the history. The carbine most likely started life in the "Model 1877" configuration, and still has the original two part trigger guard. This differs from the original Model 1873 by the addition of the cleaning rod compartment in the butt stock. It does features a serrated trigger, however that may have been installed originally given the 1882 production date.

The stock is in good original condition, with the expected wear from age and service. It is still partly "proud" over the lock plate, with other areas worn a bit so they are below it. This indicates that the stock was reconditioned at bit in service, probably to remove dents and gouges around the wrist while in service. It still has a lovely look and a great color, showing strong grain.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is some past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away, but no major oxidation or rust, so we would probably rate this at an 8 out of 10. It definitely saw use but was relatively well cared for. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the latch keeping it securely closed. The spent cartridge extractor is present and functional, as is the ejector, though we have not tested them on actual brass. This carbine is correctly fitted with the butt stock storage compartment, where a multi-piece cleaning rod and tools would be stored. Unfortunately these are long gone, and it is empty. The carbine has also lost the front sight protector that model 1890s were equipped with.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band/guard is unmarked, as is correct. Metal finish has faded to a lovely gray patina, with some areas of the original blue maintained. The replaced breech block was blued, which is still very well retained. There is not any major oxidation or rust that we can see. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and carbine Buffington sight. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. The upper right corner of the Buffington sight leaf is marked C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a carbine and not a rifle.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1882 - updated later.
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.