Make: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield

Model: 1884 Trapdoor Rifle

Serial Number: 389739

Year of Manufacture: 1888 / ATF Classification: Antique

Caliber/Gauge: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Trapdoor, single shot

Barrel Length: 32.5"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade pinned to a rectangular base set on the barrel. The rear sight is a Buffington ladder sight.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece walnut with a forend cap, two barrel bands, two through bolts, sling loops, straight wrist, straight comb, and a smooth steel buttplate. The left of the stock has an SWP 1888 cartouche, there is a faint P mark behind the guard. There are moderate handling marks throughout with pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches throughout. There are no cracks or major chips. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good-plus overall condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is fairly sharp. There is light erosion and pitting throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are scratches, rub marks, and occasional freckling scattered throughout. The screw heads range from light to moderately tooled and retain strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This rifle presents as a later production Trapdoor that retains approximately 75% of its finish on the metal surfaces. The finish presents cleanly, giving the rifle a well kept appearance. The stock has been refinished, but still shows correct contours and cartouche with a tidy, attractive presentation.

Mechanically, the rifle remains sound. The bore rates 7 out of 10, showing moderate wear consistent with age but retaining usable rifling. The trapdoor action functions correctly, opening and closing smoothly with proper lockup. The long 32.5" barrel provides the extended sight radius and balance characteristic of full length Trapdoor rifles.

Historically, the Model 1884 represents the final major refinement of the Trapdoor system, incorporating lessons learned during decades of frontier service. An 1888 production example reflects the mature phase of Springfield's single shot service rifle program, produced just before the transition toward repeating arms. While this rifle's wood has been refinished, it remains a mechanically correct and visually appealing example that captures the form and function of the late Trapdoor era.