Original Item: Only One available. Here we have what is a very interesting example of a Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, which actually started its life as a Model 1884 RIFLE! It was later modified by having the barrel cut down to carbine length and re-crowned, while the stock was cut down and re-profiled the carbine style, and even had a saddle ring bar added to the left-hand side of the rifle. The crowning on the end of the barrel and the skill with which the cleaning rod channel is plugged leads us to believe this could have been an arsenal level modification, possibly for a rifle that suffered damage to the end of the barrel. Definitely some interesting research possibilities for this carbine!

The Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine was 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 was is marked:

As this is a very early production Model 1884, it is possible that Springfield was still using up Model 1873 marked Breech blocks, which by that point were identical to the M1884 except for markings. It also may have been swapped when the rifle was converted.

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor converted carbine in .45-70 government caliber, fitted with the correct carbine graduated Buffington adjustable rear sight. It also comes with the retrofitted Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock.

The carbine bears Serial # 248483 on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately October 1884, per U.S. Government records. This is definitely a weapon that saw a good amount of service, based on the overall condition. The stock is now completely below the level of the lock plate, especially at the rear, which would get worn more from handling and use. There are the expected dents, dings, and and other wear from service, however there is also staining and cracking against the butt plate, a sure sign of moisture exposure. The filled cleaning rod channel can still be seen on the front of the stock.

The bore on the carbine is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some past fouling and oxidation present in the grooves, now mostly cleaned away, but the lands are still crisp. We would probably rate this at a 8 out of 10. The breech block moves correctly, and the firing pin and spring are still intact. The extractor is still present and functional along with the ejector on the floor of the breech, though we have not tested them with real brass. The saddle ring bar is still present, with a saddle ring, and shows a good amount of wear. There is no storage compartment on the butt plate, as it is definitely from a rifle.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band is U marked. The metalwork is in really nice condition, without any major oxidation issues, showing a lovely light gray patina from decades of cleaning. It has a lovely honest worn look to it, with an oxidized gray patina on the lock, receiver, and breech block. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and carbine Buffington sight, which easily adjusts for range and windage. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in 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, which are still mostly clear: a faint R over the chamber, and 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 interesting converted example of a legendary U.S. issue firearm with some great history. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1884
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.