Guns International #: 101149082
Seller's Inventory #: BP18-220

Category - Springfield Rifles - Trapdoor - Military Rifles - Antique

Category
Springfield Rifles - Trapdoor
Military Rifles - Antique

1884 U.S. Springfield Trapdoor .45-70 w/ Original U.S. Socket Bayonet

Description:
The Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle is one version of one of the most historically important U.S. Military arms designs in U.S. history as the first true cartridge rifle accepted by the military.  The Trapdoor design started life as a breech loading cartridge conversion of the Civil War muskets of which there was a large supply at the end of the war.  It was a cost saving measure that would utilize arms already in inventory instead of replacing them wholesale.  By 1873 Springfield started manufacturing the Trapdoor as a newly manufactured complete rifle for the U.S. Government.  The Model 1873 was used until 1886 when the Model 1884 Trapdoor was formally adopted.  The Model 1884 is an improved version of the Model 1873, with the most noticable change on the Model 1884 being the rear sight.  The Model 1884 featured a fully adjustable rear sight designed by Colonel Buffington of the U.S. Ordnance Dept. that had a rack and pinion style windage adjustment and graduations on the raised leaf from 200 to 1400 yards.  The sight was designed to be used in the folded flat position only at point blank ranges.  The sight allowed for very precise shooting and was particularly well liked by marksmen.  The Trapdoor rifle was used over 20 years and was the primary long arm and carbine used in the American Indian Wars and the westward expansion of the United States.  It was also used extensively in Buffalo hunting and the quick reloading capability of the Trapdoor was a factor in how quickly they were hunted to the brink of extinction.  While the Krag rifle was adopted before the Spanish American War and was the U.S. Military's primary shoulder arm for this conflict, the Model 1884 Trapdoor did see some use in that conflict as well.  This particular example is a nice piece and appears to be all original.  The factory blue finish is still visible on the metal parts with some areas showing more wear than others.  Overall it has a pleasing appearance and nice even patina.  The bore is very good in this Model 1884 overall.  The rifling still looks strong and the majority of the bore is bright and clean, with only a few small spots of light pitting that would have no effect on firing this weapon.  The Buffington rear sight is in perfect working order with all the adjustments working like it left the factory last week.  The trapdoor action works perfectly and locks into battery securely.  The hammer still has all 3 positions (safe position, loading position, full cock) and the trigger is quite good.  The original stock is in great shape overall.  It is free from cracks or repairs and only shows minor handling/storage marks.  It has been lightly sanded long ago which obscured the U.S. cartouche but all of the stock hardware is intact and tight to the wood.  This Model 1884 Trapdoor comes with the original cleaning rod in place and an original socket-type bayonet.  The bayonet fits nicely on the Springfield and locks into place as it was designed to.  The bayonet shows some original blue finish but has a mostly brown/blue look to it.  The "U.S." over a small "s" stamp is still visible at the base of the triangular blade.  If you have been looking for a nice original Trapdoor Springfield for your collection that looks like it saw some action this example would be a good choice.  These rifles display well as an investment and can be enjoyed at the range as well with proper .45-70 ammunition.         

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Springfield
Model: 1884 Trapdoor Rifle
Serial Number: 501603
Caliber Info: .45-70
Bore: Very Good
Extras: Original U.S. Socket Bayonet