Original Item: Only One available. This is a fantastic 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:

In 1884 the integral Round Rod Bayonet was designed, which could double as a cleaning rod, a development that met with very limited success. However, it was not fitted to all rifles, and not usually seen until at least 1886. 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.

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, Serial # 362787, which indicates production in approximately May 1887, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock bears a clear "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1886 cartouche, for inspection during the previous year. It features a standard ramrod, and was not later updated to the "1888" pattern. The rifle has the model 1884 serrated trigger and "improved" Buffington sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band. However, the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod and two part trigger guard, which is correct for this period.

The rifle has overall good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, looking to have had the finish touched up at arsenal long ago, which is now somewhat faded again. The barrel still shows strong bluing, and there is even a good amount of the original case hardening remaining on the underside of the breech block. There is a bit of light peppering in areas, but no major rust, just wear from long service. The stock is lovely, showing the lovely red-brown color of aged and oiled walnut, and shows the usual dents, dings, and scratches from service. The wood is still fully proud over the level of the lock plate, indicating that it was not arsenal reconditioned or worn down excessively at any time. The stock cartouches are still present, and there are no repairs or past major structural damage we can see any evidence of.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is definitely wear and past oxidation and fouling, now removed, so we would rate this at about a 6-7 out of 10. The breech block has an intact freely moving firing pin and moves correctly, with the extractor still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The ejector in the bottom of the breech is present as well. The rear sight is present and fully intact, with the range adjustable easily, however the windage is currently frozen. The original cleaning rod shows some wear, but is still complete with the cleaning jag on the end.

The both barrel bands are U marked, and the butt plate tang is marked with the correct U.S. stamp, along with what may be some regiment markings. Metal finish is quite lovely, still showing a lot of the blued finish but also showing a great patina of age. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, Buffington sight, with standard ramrod. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle to the left of U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating that it was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The elegant 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. 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.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1887
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.