Original Item: Only One available. This is a lovely honest used 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:

Offered in very good condition is this trapdoor rifle in .45-70 government caliber, with Serial #153930 stamped on the rear of the receiver, which indicates production in approximately May 1881, per U.S. Government records. The stock does show a good amount of wear, so unfortunately the original dated inspection cartouche is completely missing. It shows an overall worn metal finish with most metal proofs still present, showing wear from use and cleaning over the years.

The stock is in very good condition, and looks to possibly have been arsenal reconditioned in the past, as the lock plate is completely proud over the level of the stock. This means that some wood has definitely been removed over the years, especially around the wrist area. Since that point the rifle saw additional service, and shows scratches and other surface damage consistent with service. It does have a lovely dark red brown color to it, and has a great service used look.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is some wear to the lands, and the grooves show past fouling and oxidation. now mostly cleaned away. This is definitely a rifle that saw a good amount of use while in service, but was cleaned properly. We would probably rate the bore about a 7-8 out of 10. The extractor is present, and functions correctly, though we have not tested it with real brass, and the ejector on the bottom of the breech is present as well. The model 1879 rear sight works well, and has all the internal springs present as far as we can see. The cleaning rod is present, showing some wear and oxidation, and still retains the cleaning jag portion on the end.

The butt plate is marked U.S. and both barrel bands are U marked. The metal finish is just lovely, showing an aged worn patina consistent with long use, but not abuse. The lower barrel band does look like it was replaced at arsenal at some point, as it has much more of the bluing present. Center fire breechloader, .45 cal., two bands, two sling swivels with stacking swivel, standard model 1879 sliding sight, and standard ramrod. 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.

The 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 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 standard M1879 sliding sight leaf and the left side of the ramp are marked R to indicate that the sight graduations are for a rifle and not a carbine.

This is a great opportunity to pick up a lovely example of a classic U.S. issue firearm with a great service used patina. Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1881
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.