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 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. The serial number is #279545, which indicates production in approximately May 1885, per U.S. Government records. However, this rifle has all of the gradual "updates" that were made to the original design, which technically makes it a model 1888 according to some sources, though it was produced before some of these were introduced. That means it was most likely returned to arsenal at some time, and was upgraded to have the round rod bayonet as well as a front sight hood. We did not see any inspection cartouche on the left side of the stock, though the area is a bit rough, so it may have been removed, just like the rack numbers that were on the right side of the butt stock.

The stock is in very good service used condition, and is still mostly proud over the lock plate, indicating that it has not been arsenal reconditioned over the years, though it definitely looks to have been cleaned, and as mentioned some areas were smoothed down to remove markings. It displays the lovely red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut, only achieved after decades, and shows some lovely grain. Another nice feature on this example is the butt stock tool compartment, which is covered by a rotating door on the butt plate. This was used to store the take down tool and stuck cartridge extractor, which are actually included with this rifle!

The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear to the lands, meaning it saw service but was well cared for, being cleaned to remove corrosive residue after use. We would probably rate this a 9 out of 10. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The breech block opens correctly, locking closed when shut, and the cartridge extractor and ejector are present and fully functional, however we cannot guarantee they will work on actual brass. The cleaning rod / bayonet is functional, with a worn finish and intact threads on the end, and the locking mechanism by the muzzle is fully functional.

The metalwork is in very good condition, showing wear to the bluing on the barrel from use and cleaning, however there is no major oxidation or past peppering that we can see. It looks like a rifle that saw long service and was well cared for over the years. There is even still much of the original case coloring on the underside of the breech block, which is very rare to see. The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp. 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 at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Buffington rear sight is present and intact, with fully functional windage and range adjustments, which are just a bit stiff.

Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A on top; 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 R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

A great chance to pickup a great updated example of the United States last single shot rifle, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1885
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.