Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely 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 # 482370, which indicates production in approximately April 1890, per U.S. Government records. It features a standard ramrod, and was not later made in the the "1888" pattern, even though it was produced after it was introduced. There are no stock cartouches present, and it does look like the stock was reconditioned at arsenal. The rifle has the "improved" Buffington sight fitted, along with the correct lower barrel band and serrated trigger. However, the stock is in the 1873 configuration, with the standard ramrod and two part trigger guard. This was made during the transitional period, so sometimes older configured trigger guards and stocks were used. Definitely some interesting history to this rifle!

The rifle has overall good metal finish and all metal proofs still present, showing a mottled plum patina in many areas from years of careful cleaning. There is a bit of rust peppering around the lock plate and some other areas, but no serious long term oxidation. The wood stock does show some wear from service, with the usual dents and small chunks missing, but no major structural cracks or other catastrophic damage. The lock plate is fully "proud" over the level of the stock, meaning that it has been worn down over the years from cleaning and being arsenal reconditioned. Since then it has seen additional use, and was personalized with the initials B T J on the right butt stock.

The bore is in very good condition, showing crisp lands and grooves with a bright finish. There is just a bit of wear and past oxidation fouling keeping the bore from being excellent, so it's really a great one. The cleaning rod is in very good condition, with most of the original finish present, and still has the correct cleaning serrations on the end for gripping a cleaning mop. The Buffington sight is complete and fully functional, with just a bit overall oxidation and some light damage to the very bottom of the leaf. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The firing pin is intact and moves freely.

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, 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.

A VERY faint 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 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 a great opportunity to pick up a very nice example of a classic U.S. issue firearm, with a great look! Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1890
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.