Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely honest used example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, complete with an original bayonet in a U.S. scabbard with a fully intact belt frog. This was 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. The breech block is marked:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, with Serial #115220 stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately October 1879, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock has traces of the original "boxed" inspection cartouche, but it is completely illegible. It shows an overall good metal finish with all proofs metal still present, though it does look to have seen arsenal refinished at some point, making the proofs a bit faint.

The stock is in very good condition, and looks to possibly have been arsenal reconditioned along with the metalwork. The lock plate is completely proud over the level of the stock, so some wood has definitely been removed over the years. Since that point the rifle saw additional service, and shows scratches and other surface damage consistent with service. It does have a lovely red brown color to it, and really looks nice.

The bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear, making this one of the better bores on a Trapdoor that we have seen recently. Rates a 9 out of 10, and would be very hard to improve upon. The ejector is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass. The model 1879 rear sight works well, and has all the internal springs present as far as we can see, though it is a bit loose at present.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. The metal finish is just lovely, showing the arsenal rebluing faded to a lovely worn plum patina in some areas. The breech block looks to have been reblued, while the receiver and lock show a mottled patina. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard model 1879 sliding sight, and standard ramrod. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating that it was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Additional marks of interest include somewhat faint inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital R on top; 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 standard M1879 sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

The included bayonet is the classic 1873 style triangular socket bayonet marked U.S., which is in very good service used condition, showing some overall light past peppering, especially on the socket. The lock ring looks to have been replaced at some point as well, probably due to oxidation of the original. It comes with an original scabbard shell, however the frog has been replaced with a custom handmade one, and does not have the usual swivel seen.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a great example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with a great bore, complete with its original bayonet and scabbard. Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1879
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 52 Inches
Action type: Hinged Breechblock with side action lock.
Feed System: Single Shot

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 18"
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall length: 21“
Scabbard Length: 18 3/8"

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 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, 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 almost any deliverable address across the globe. 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.