Make: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield

Model: Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle

Serial Number: 474037

Year of Manufacture: 1889 / ATF Classification: Antique

Caliber/Gauge: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Trapdoor, single shot

Barrel Length: 32.5"

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

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished 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. There is an SWP 1889 cartouche on the left with a faint P behind the guard. There are moderate handling marks with pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches scattered 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 overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is worn. There is moderate erosion throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its nonoriginal metal finish. There are scratches, rub marks, and occasional light pitting scattered throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled and retain strong slots with the exception of the rear sight screws, which are heavily marred. The markings are a little faded, but complete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

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: M1873 bayonet and frog scabbard.

Our Assessment: This rifle presents as a later production Trapdoor, retaining approximately 80% of its original finish on the metal surfaces. The stock has been refinished and shows correct cartouche with a tidy, attractive appearance appropriate to a vintage military rifle.

Mechanically, the rifle is sound. The bore rates 7.5 out of 10, showing moderate wear with usable rifling for its age. The trapdoor action functions correctly, opening and closing smoothly with proper lockup. The full length 32.6" barrel provides the extended sight radius and balance typical of infantry Trapdoor rifles from the late nineteenth century.

The inclusion of an M1873 bayonet and frog scabbard adds meaningful historical context and display value, completing a representative infantry set from the period. These accessories were standard issue with Trapdoor rifles and enhance the overall presentation and collector appeal.

Historically, the Model 1884 represents the final refinement of the Trapdoor system, incorporating improvements developed during decades of frontier service. An 1889 production example sits near the end of Trapdoor manufacture, just prior to the U.S. Army's transition to repeating rifles. While the stock has refinished, this rifle remains a mechanically correct and visually compelling example of late Trapdoor production, further elevated by the inclusion of correct period accoutrements.