Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1877 Carbine
Serial Number: 186839
Year of Manufacture: The receiver was originally produced 1873-1875 and was reworked and reserialized in 1882.
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Trapdoor Single Shot
Barrel Length: 22"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel with an M1883 Buffington sight cover installed. The rear sight is a "C"-marked 4th form M1879 sight fixed to the rear of the barrel.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with spring-clip secured barrel band, sling bar on the left, straight grip, straight comb, steel buttplate with pivoting door over a storage compartment. The stock shows minor wear with a few scattered light marks. There is one slightly more notable nick on the left edge of the comb toward the rear. There are no chips or cracks. The cartouches and inspection marks are clear. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has generally strong finish with scattered nicks and some light wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stock is in Excellent condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original to Armory rebuild.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7+/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong with most notable wear on the hammer and lock. There is a little minor wear on the receiver. There are infrequent light marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear. Most barrel inspection marks are shallow or incomplete with one deep, crisp "P". Overall, this Rifle is in Excellent 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: This rifle comes with a three-piece cleaning rod and ruptured case removal tool stored in the buttstock.
Our Assessment: This U.S. Springfield Model 1877 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine is a rare and desirable example of a U.S. cavalry firearm. Chambered in .45-70 Government, these carbines were widely used by mounted troops during the Indian Wars and represent one of the most iconic American military arms of the late 19th century. Lighter and shorter than the full-length rifle, the 22" barrel and saddle ring bar made it more manageable for cavalry use on horseback. The original 1873 design was updated in 1877 to address the issues of stocks breaking and case-head separation, featuring a notably thicker wrist and storage in the buttstock for a three-piece cleaning rod and ruptured case removal tool.
This particular example is a "starred receiver", marked with a star where an early production receiver was reworked with newer-style parts and reserialized. The rifle appears to have had a very gentle life after this rework, retaining the vast majority of its metal finish, minor wear in the stock, a strong bore and good mechanics. It retains proper features and markings, even including a front sight cover. Perhaps best for collectors is that the cleaning rod and case removal tool are present in the buttstock. Also of note to collectors is that there is no record of Carbine production in 1882. It isn't clear whether the production figures include the reworked starred receiver guns. Apart from this discrepancy, there is nothing to indicate that the rifle is not genuine.
For collectors of U.S. cavalry arms, Indian Wars-era weapons, or Springfield Armory firearms, this 1877 Trapdoor Carbine offers strong historical value and authentic military character. Its antique status adds to its accessibility and appeal to historians and enthusiasts alike. Please see our photos and good luck!
