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 of 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 excellent lightly used condition is this trapdoor rifle in 45-70 government caliber. The serial number is #413358, which indicates production in approximately August 1888, per U.S. Government records. This technically makes it a model 1888 according to some sources. This rifle has all of the gradual "updates" that were made to the original design, except for the single piece trigger guard. This rifle was made during the transition period, so the trigger guards already on hand were used. Interestingly though, it has a smooth trigger, when the serrated trigger was introduced in 1883, so it is possible that the trigger assembly was replaced at arsenal at some point. Definitely some interesting research potential!

The metalwork on the rifle overall shows that it had suffered peppered surface oxidation on most of the exposed barrel and receiver. This has been cleaned away, but the peppery surface remains, showing a gray oxidized patina. The breech block does not show this, indicating it may have been replaced at some point. The bore on the rifle does show strong rifling with an LED bore light, however it also shows overall surface fouling and oxidation, which was not able to be cleaned away with a copper bore brush. The cleaning rod / bayonet is functional, with a slightly worn finish, and intact threads on the end. The locking mechanism by the muzzle is fully functional.

Not being susceptible to oxidation like the metalwork, the stock is actually in very nice condition, with a lovely color and lightly varnished finish. It even shows some lovely figuring in the grain around the butt stock area. It is also still mostly proud over the lock plate, indicating the stock has not been worn down or reconditioned over the years. There is just a bit of light denting and scratching from light use and storage. It has a fantastic lovely red brown color with clear grain, only achieved after decades. It has a date stamped onto the spine by the butt plate, which looks to read 11. SEP 06, probably a date from when it was moved to National Guard service. There is a 12 rack number next to this, and the right side of the butt stock is marked with 1 / M / 12, which could be regiment numbers.

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.

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 cartridge extractor is intact and functional, though we have not tested it on spent brass. The rear sight is fully functional, with both range and windage easily adjustable.

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 a P over an Eagle's head over another P on the left side just above the stock, with the other markings worn away by oxidation. 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 service used example of the United States last single shot rifle with some great history! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1888
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.