Original Item: Only One available. This is an interesting honest used example of the classic Springfield trapdoor rifle, 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 #321733 stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately June 1886, per U.S. Government records. This is a bit late for a model 1873, as the Model 1884 was already well into production. There is a VERY faint "boxed" SWP cartouche on the left side of the stock, and forward of this is a JSA / 1898 cartouche, which indicates that the rifle was sent back and serviced at Springfield Arsenal. It was apparently put into model 1873 configuration, with the M1879 rear sight, though the serrated trigger was left in place. This was often done before these were sent to state militia units, and the MASS stamped on the top of the receiver indicates this was sent to Massachusetts. Definitely some interesting research potential here!

The rifle shows an overall worn metal finish, with all the metal proofs still present. The stock is in very good condition, and is still fully 'proud' over the level of the lock plate, so it was not refinished or cleaned excessively when it was serviced at arsenal. It shows the lovely red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut, and the expected dents and dings from long service. Really a nice honest used stock.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There are a few traces of past oxidation and some wear overall, but nothing major, and we would rate this a 8 out of 10. The ejector is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass. The breech block axis pin has had the extension that holds it in place under the stock break off. 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 stiff at present.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. The metal finish is just lovely, showing an aged mottled patina, with no signs of having been refinished over the years. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels, 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.

The faint 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. The JSA inspection marking is for J. Sumner Adams, who was chief inspector after Porter, who inspected virtually all Krag–Jørgensen rifles. His marking is only seen on Trapdoors that were factory serviced late in the 19th century.

The 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 somewhat faint inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A 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.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very interesting example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with some great markings, and an interesting history. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1886
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

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.