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 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 serial # 142112 on the rear of the receiver indicates production in approximately November-December 1880, per U.S. Government records. The stock is in good original condition, with the expected wear from age and service. This carbine definitely started life in the "Model 1877" configuration, and still has the original two part trigger guard, as well as an early style dated lock plate. This differs from the original Model 1873 by the addition of the cleaning rod compartment in the butt stock. The Buffington Sight fitted also appears to be the rifle version, with R marked on the sight leaf, which looks to have been on the carbine for some time now.

The stock is in good original condition, with the expected wear from age and service. It is at or below the level of the lock plate, so this carbine has definitely been worn down a bit due to cleaning and arsenal service. However it has a lovely look, and shows no major damage or other issues, just the usual light denting from service and use.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves, and a mostly bright finish. There is a bit of wear and oxidation in the grooves, so this is definitely a carbine that saw some level service. The spent cartridge ejector is present and functional, though we have not tested it 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 polished peppered patina, with some areas of the original blue maintained. 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 an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.

The very faint stylized P in a circle under the wrist of the stock indicates that the rifle passed all of its overpressure proof testing. Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital R on top; and a V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock.

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: 1880 - 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.