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 fantastic condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #505916, which indicates production in approximately February 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 left side of the stock bears a crisp "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1890 cartouche, indicating stock inspection in the previous year. The metalwork on the rifle has a great aged patina, still showing areas where the original bluing is well retained, with the balance how faded to plum. The underside of the breech block even still has much of the original case colored finish! We did notice that there is some past peppering closer to the muzzle area, which looks to have suffered a bit more weathering than the rest of the rifle.

As a great bonus, this example still retains the front sight hood, which is almost always missing. Additionally, he rifle has also been fitted with a very nice metal "pistol grip" at the bottom of the trigger guard, a definite plus for increased accuracy and comfort. We have heard that these were usually issued to sharpshooters, but we have not been able to find any reliable references material on this.

The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. It looks to have seen very little use during its time in service, and was definitely well cared for. We would rate this a 9.5 out of 10, just shy of being mint! 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 stock is in very good condition, and is still fully proud over the level of the lock plate, showing that it has not been refurbished or majorly cleaned over the years. It has a fantastic red-brown color, and we noticed that it is made almost entirely of highly attractive FIGURED WALNUT! Military issue rifles did not use any type of "selection" for "fancy wood", so getting a stock like this was entirely luck of the draw! It shows only light wear, and a high level of chatoyancy, making it one of the best looking examples we have seen in some time! 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, both of which are still present!

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.

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. A 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 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 beautiful example of the United States last single shot rifle with some great hard to find features! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1892
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.