Original Item: Only One available. The U.S. breech loading Springfield "trapdoor" rifle was introduced in 1873 in .45-70 caliber. Basically it was the rifle the U.S. Army used to open the West and Springfield trapdoor carbines were used by Custer's Cavalry at the massacre at The Little Big Horn. This example has the breech block marking:

In 1884 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was introduced, which could double as a cleaning rod, a development that met with very limited success. It was finally replaced in 1892 with the .30-40 caliber Krag bolt action magazine rifle.

Model 1884 rifles saw service in the Spanish American War. The regular army was issued the new Krag rifles and the guard units received the trapdoor. There are a number of stereopticon pictures that show guard units armed with of 1884 rifles.

The Model 1884 round rod bayonet rifle was Springfield's third attempt at a rod bayonet system on a trapdoor rifle. They had used the triangular rod system on the Model 1880 and some Model 1882 rifles. The Model 1884 RRB rifle utilized a different, but no more reliable mechanism for retaining the rod. Because the small locking "fingers" are not clearly visible, the gun has been nicknamed "flatlatch."

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. Bore is in excellent condition with a bright finish and sharp lands and grooves, complete with a wooden barrel plug to keep out dirt. Serial #125461 indicates manufacture in 1880, however the rifle is definitely in full model 1884 configuration. This rifle most likely suffered a broken stock around 1889-1890, and was returned to arsenal for repair. While there they updated it to the 1884 standard, replacing the breech block and all fittings. This explains how a rifle made in 1880 according to the serial number has 1884 fittings.

The rifle features original metal finish with all proofs still present. The butt plate is marked U.S. (faded) and both barrel bands are U marked. Hardware is in excellent condition, with a very nice dark blue finish. It may have been refinished when it was returned to arsenal for service. Another excellent and rarely seen feature on this example is the butt stock tool compartment, which is covered by a rotating door on the butt plate. We have had many Springfield Trapdoor rifles, but only a few have had this feature. 

The rifle features an nice stock with some of the edges still mostly proud over the lock plate. It appears to have been sanded a bit, so the markings have been removed, however it has a great red/brown color, and is very attractive, with just a few dents and minor scratches.

Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, sliding ramrod bayonet. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts. The top tension screw on the sight has unfortunately broken off in the channel, but could probably be replaced.

Additional marks of interest include 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 Buffington sight leaf is marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

Model 1884 and Model 1888 rifles saw service in the Spanish American War. The regular army was issued the new Krag rifles and the guard units received the trapdoor. There are a number of stereopticon pictures that show guard units armed with a mix of 1884 and 1888 rifles.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1880 - updated later
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 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 posses, 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.