Original Item: Only One available. This is a very good example of the classic Springfield trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine, the weapon used 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:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor carbine in .45-70 government caliber, fitted with the correct Buffington rear sight. It also comes with its original Saddle Ring and Bar on the left hand side of the wood stock.

The carbine bears Serial # 412440 on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately July-August 1888, per U.S. Government records. This is definitely a carbine that saw some level of service, based on the overall condition, which unfortunately has removed the cartouches stamped into the stock. The stock is in very good original condition, with the expected wear from age and service. It is still mostly "proud" over the lock plate, indicating that it has not been arsenal reconditioned or worn down excessively.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves, though it does show past oxidation and fouling, now removed. There is a bit of a peppered look overall, with some dark areas in the grooves, so it may not have been properly cleaned at some point. The breech block moves correctly, and the extractor is still present and functional, though we have not tested it with real brass. The saddle ring bar is still present, with the correct saddle ring present. It has the correct butt stock storage compartment for the cleaning rod, which is unfortunately empty.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and the front band/guard is U marked. Metal finish is quite good, with the original blue faded to a lovely gray oxidized patina over most areas. There is some staining in areas, as well as some peppering and light pitting. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., single band, saddle-ring on sliding bar, and carbine Buffington sight. Lock is marked with an eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel, which are still mostly clear: a capital A over the chamber, as well as 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 C to indicate that the sight graduations are for a carbine and not a rifle.

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

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1888
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 41 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.