Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1884 rifle in .45-70 Government, serial number 442377, with a number of later or mismatched components that document a long service and repair history. It is fitted with a replaced U.S. Model 1873 breech block, a Model 1879 rifle rear sight, an 1887 dated SWP inspected stock, and a standard cleaning rod rather than a round rod bayonet. Most unusually, the bore has been substantially altered from standard Springfield rifling and now displays a single tight spiral groove pattern of unknown purpose.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Springfield Trapdoor family served as the principal U.S. military breech loading rifle system during much of the late 19th century. The familiar single shot .45-70 action evolved through several model changes and saw widespread military service before ultimately being superseded by the .30-40 Krag bolt action rifle during the 1890s.

This rifle bears serial number:

442377

which the supplied serial information places in approximately April-May 1889 production.

The breech block is a replacement and is marked:

U.S.
MODEL
1873

This is not the expected breech block for an otherwise Model 1884 configuration and is one of several indications that parts were exchanged during the rifle’s service or later history.

The rifle is fitted with the Model 1884 style serrated trigger but retains a Model 1879 ladder rear sight rather than the later Buffington sight normally associated with Model 1884 rifles. It is also setup for use with a conventional cleaning rod rather than a round rod bayonet system.

The Model 1879 rear sight remains complete and adjustable for elevation and windage, though one of the sight springs appears to be displaced or out of position. The upper right corner of the sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked:

R

indicating rifle rather than carbine graduations.

The most unusual feature of this rifle is its bore. Instead of the normal Springfield rifling pattern, the bore appears to have been intentionally modified to a single spiral groove running from muzzle to breech with an unusually tight rate of twist. The bore currently measures approximately .46" at the muzzle. The reason for this alteration is unknown, and no attempt has been made to identify its intended purpose.

Because the bore has been substantially altered from the standard military configuration, this rifle should be regarded strictly as a historical collector’s arm. The unusual bore configuration is one of the most important condition and originality issues on the rifle.

The exterior metalwork remains in good service used condition and displays a mature mixture of finishes and patinas. The barrel has faded toward a plum brown tone, while the receiver and lock plate show mottled gray surfaces. The replacement breech block shows evidence of older peppering that has subsequently been cleaned.

The breech block opens and closes through its normal range and locks when returned to battery. The firing pin is present and moves freely. The extractor and ejector are also present and move when operated by hand, though they have not been tested with cartridge cases.

The lock plate is marked with a Federal eagle beside:

U.S.
SPRINGFIELD

identifying manufacture at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The breech end of the barrel retains several inspection and proof markings. These include a capital A on the top and, on the left side above the stock line:

V
P
Eagle Head
P

Both barrel bands are marked:

U

and the buttplate tang carries the expected:

U.S.

The American walnut stock has developed an attractive red brown color from age and oiling and shows the expected dents, dings, scratches, and handling wear of a long serving military rifle. The wood has worn approximately even with the lock plate in places, indicating considerable use and past cleaning.

The stock has been split through the wrist in the past and was repaired long ago with wooden dowels and filler. The repair remains clearly visible and is an important condition issue.

The left side of the stock carries a boxed inspector cartouche:

SWP
1887

The script initials are those associated with Springfield Armory inspector Samuel W. Porter. A stylized P in a circle is also present beneath the wrist as a proof marking.

The 1887 stock inspection date does not correspond with the supplied approximately 1889 production date for serial number 442377. Together with the Model 1873 breech block, Model 1879 sight, and other mismatched features, this strongly suggests that the rifle was assembled or repaired using components from more than one arm.

Both sling swivels and the stacking swivel have been removed. A cleaning rod is present in the stock channel, but it is not the correct rod for this rifle.

With its serial number 442377 receiver, Model 1884 serrated trigger, replaced Model 1873 breech block, 1887 SWP inspected stock, M1879 rifle rear sight, Springfield lock markings, surviving military proofs, and highly unusual modified single spiral groove bore, this is a particularly interesting Springfield Trapdoor for a collector who appreciates service modifications and nonstandard examples. The altered bore, mismatched stock and breech block, incorrect cleaning rod, removed swivels, displaced sight spring, cleaned oxidation, and old wrist repair are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Springfield Trapdoor, U.S. Indian Wars era arms, arsenal rebuilt rifle, or advanced late 19th century U.S. military firearms collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1889
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 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. 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.