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.

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."

Model 1884 rifles saw service in the Spanish American War. The regular army was issued the new Springfield Krag–Jørgensen 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. The serial number is #96470, which indicates production in approximately July-August 1878, per U.S. Government records. The left side of the stock however bears a clear "boxed" government inspector SWP / 1891 cartouche, indicating that it was sent back to Springfield for servicing and updating to the most recent pattern of Springfield. Often after long service the rifles had seen little use, but much wear to the hardware and stocks. They were then usually sent to National Guard and Militia units in the states, as the army was about to be equipped with the new Krag rifles.

The rifle was stripped down to a barreled receiver, or possibly just the receiver, and has had almost all of the original parts replaced. It was fitted with a Buffington rear adjustable sight, ramrod bayonet, single piece trigger guard, updated breech block, serrated trigger, and all of the other updated components. This technically makes it a model 1888 according to some sources.

The metalwork on the rifle is still in very good shape, with much of the original bluing retained on the barrel and hardware, while the breech block still shows the original case hardening, especially on the bottom. We assume it was completely refinished when converted at arsenal. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear on the lands, and no oxidation or fouling we can see, making this a really fantastic bore. 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 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 stock is in very good condition, and is still fully proud over the lock plate, indicating the stock has not been worn down or reconditioned after it was updated. There is some overall wear and scattered denting from service, as expected on a rifle that did see actual use in service. It has a fantastic red brown color with clear grain, only achieved after decades. It also has the initials A.C. scratched in under the lock plate. 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. This example is unfortunately empty, and somewhat difficult to open.

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 lock is fully functional, and the Buffington rear sight is complete and fully functional, with the windage easily adjustable, while the range is sticks a bit, probably due to dried grease in the channel.

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 A 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 lovely example of the United States last single shot rifle, upgraded to the latest pattern, and most likely sent to a National Guard unit. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1878 - updated 1891
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.