Original Item: Only One available. This is an excellent 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, which was retrofitted with the correct Buffington rear sight. It also includes the correct Saddle Carbine band guard, which prevent the sights getting caught in the saddle bucket. Most of the carbines we see do not have these, and they seem to be quite rare. It also comes with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock.

It bears serial # 188081 with overall good metal finish with all proofs still present. There is also a worn government inspector SWP cartouche, but the date cannot be read. The serial number indicates production in 1882, and the stock is in good original condition with a great color. It has the usual dents and wear from use and age, and has been sanded down, so it is below the level of the lock plate. There is some cracking on either side of the receiver, as shown. The bore shows lands and grooves, but it is overall lead and powder fouled.

This example appears to have been returned to arsenal for some Model 1884 updates, which is why it is equipped with a rear Buffington adjustable sight and butt trap storage compartment, though it is empty. The lock was also replaced with a spare very early lock.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the metal finish is a very nice, with a great faded blued pat8ina. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and Buffington sight. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873 manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts.

The elegant script SWP belongs to Samuel W. Porter, who was the Master Armorer and Chief Inspector of Springfield Armory from 15 September 1879 to 18 June 1894. A stylized partial 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 V over a P over an eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock. There is also a C on the sight ladder, indicating that it is for a Carbine and not a rifle.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of the rare Springfield Trapdoor Carbine. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1882
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 21.5 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 no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no 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 all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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 almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.