Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is very interesting 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:
U.S.
MODEL
1873
The rifle looks to have been modified into a "sharpshooter" rifle, and has been shortened from 52 inches to an overall length of 45 3/8 inches, a reduction of about 6 1/2 inches. The barrel is now 25 1/4 inches long, and the stock has been "sporterized", cut down and fitted with a brass nose cap. The top of the barrel has been fitted with an updated "Buffington" rear sight, and a new front sight was installed, with the blade higher than usual to match the shorter barrel. It also has a two notch tumbler on the lock, and a Model 1884 style serrated trigger. The trigger guard is the two part type, and looks to be a Carbine style, as it does not have any sling swivel built into it.
Offered in very good condition is this sharpshooter modified trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, marked on the receiver with Serial #214908, which indicates production in approximately July 1883, per U.S. Government records. The stock has been reshaped quite a bit, and looks great, however none of the original inspection cartouches are still retained. There is very little in the way of denting. The lock screws and escutcheons have both been replaced, or modified.
The bore is in excellent condition, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves. It shows just a bit of light wear, and was definitely well taken care of, rating probably a 9 out of 10. The extractor is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass, and the ejector in the breech is present as well. The Buffington sight works great, with both the windage and elevation easily adjustable.
The butt plate is marked U.S., however the remaining barrel band is not marked, as it was modified significantly to fit against the rear sight. The metal finish overall is worn to a nice gray steel patina, except on the Buffington sight, which is still strongly blued, as well as on the lock plate, which looks to have been refinished. Lock is marked with a Federal Eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating that it was manufactured at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. There are no sling swivels remaining anywhere on the gun.
Additional marks of interest include inspectors' and proof marks around the breech end of the barrel: a capital A on top; 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 an great opportunity to pick up a very interesting "Sharpshooter Modified" example of a Springfield Trapdoor rifle. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1883
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 26 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 45 3/8 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: United Kingdom
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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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