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 very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #330222, which indicates production in approximately May 1886, per U.S. Government records. The stock is in love condition, with a nice oiled finish, and it retains the original "boxed" inspection cartouche reading SWP 1891, which we believe indicates it was sent back to Springfield arsenal and was updated to what is considered by many to be a Model 1888 Rifle. This means that it now has all of the gradual "updates" that were made to the original design.

The metalwork on the rifle still shows the original blued finish now faded to a lovely plum patina on the barrel, while some other parts such as the sight, trigger guard, and butt plate show past peppering and cleaning from oxidation. This is definitely a rifle that has had a long and interesting history! The bore is in good condition, showing still-clear lands and grooves and a partially bright finish. There is some light wear to the lands, and a bit of past fouling near the muzzle, but nothing out of line with a rifle that saw some real use service. We would consider this to be rated at an 8 out of 10.

The breech block opens correctly, locking closed securely. The cartridge extractor is intact and "snaps" back correctly, though we have not tested it on actual brass. The cleaning rod / bayonet is functional, with a nice finish and intact threads on the end, and the locking mechanism by the muzzle is fully functional. 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. Unfortunately this compartment is empty, as we often see.

The stock is in very good condition, and it is still mostly proud over the lock plate, indicating that it has not been majorly worn or reconditioned at arsenal. The stock cartouches are still clear, and the wood has the lovely red brown color of aged walnut, which is just fantastic. There are some dents and dings from use, but nothing out of line with the standard wear from service. There is also what looks like a last name scratched into the right side of the butt stock.

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 rear sight is present, and it is the correct Buffington sight, however the control for the windage is snapped off. The range adjustment is still intact and works well, though due to past oxidation the markings are difficult to read.

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 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 faintly marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

A great chance to pickup a very nice example of the United States last single shot rifle with an interesting history, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1886 - 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.