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. The serial number is #508563, which indicates production in approximately March 1891, per U.S. Government records. This technically makes it a model 1888 according to some sources. This rifle has all of the gradual "updates" that were made to the original design. The stock looks to have been arsenal reconditioned at some point, which has removed the original inspection cartouche on the left side.

The metalwork on the rifle still shows the original blued finish now faded to a lovely plum patina overall, with just a bit of light peppering in areas. The case hardening on the breech block and receiver has worn away, and the color now matches the rest of the metalwork. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. There is some light wear to the lands, and a bit of past fouling near the muzzle, but nothing out of line with a rifle that saw light service. 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 stock is in very good condition, having been arsenal reconditioned at some point, so the lock plate is now at or above the level of the stock in most areas,, especially towards the rear. It looks like the grip area may have been adjusted a bit by making it slightly smaller. The rifle does not look to have seen much service since the stock was worked on, and shows only minor handling wear. It has a fantastic lovely red brown color with clear grain, only achieved after decades. There is even a good amount of flame figuring on the left side of the stock, with a bit on the right, which means with some waxing it would really "pop".

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. Unfortunately this compartment is empty, as we often 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 lock is fully functional, and the cartridge extractor is present and functional, however we cannot guarantee it will work on actual brass. The rear sight is fully intact, with the range and windage easily adjustable.

A VERY faint partial 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: a capital I on top; and a V over 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 very nice example of the United States last single shot rifle with a lovely bore and figured stock! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1891
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.