Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1884

Serial Number: 499716

Year of Manufacture: 1890

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Trapdoor Single Shot

Barrel Length: 29 1/2"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is an M1884 Buffington sight fixed to the rear of the barrel.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with metal nosecap, two barrel bands, straight grip, straight comb, steel buttplate, sling swivel and stacking swivel on the front band and another swivel on the front of the trigger guard. The forend is slotted for the included clearing rod. The stock and buttplate dimensions are correct for a Cadet rifle. The stock has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There are very minor surface losses at the rear of the receiver tang and the front of the lock. There is a very thin crack in front of the rear lock screw on the left. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear at the heel with some scattered light marks and minor oxidation. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: We believe this rifle has been Arsenal Refurbished and converted to Cadet configuration, some parts were likely replaced at this time. See Our Assessment.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7-8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is light wear at the muzzle consistent with bayonet use. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation, most notable on the breechblock. The receiver's finish is thinning on the side flats. The finish is otherwise generally strong with some scattered light marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the barrel inspection marks range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle is 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: Included is a leather sling and an M1873 socket bayonet. The bayonet has evenly scattered oxidation and erosion.

Our Assessment: This U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle, manufactured in 1890, is a very interesting example of the iconic single-shot service rifle that armed American soldiers during the latter half of the 19th century. Chambered in .45-70 Government, the Trapdoor Springfield was the standard-issue rifle of the U.S. Army from 1873 through the 1890s, seeing service during the Indian Wars, in frontier outposts, and with volunteer units through the Spanish-American War. The Model 1873 represents one of the most important transitional designs in American military small arms, bridging the gap between muzzleloaders and modern repeaters, with its hinged breechblock "trapdoor" mechanism and robust black powder chambering.

This rifle is of interest to collectors due to its current configuration as a Cadet rifle. While not originally produced as a Cadet, we have reason to believe that this isn't a fake, but rather converted at Springfield Armory. Malden Waite and Bernard Ernst note in their book that "In both 1896 and 1901, large quantities of the standard Model 1884 infantry rifle were converted to cadet pattern at Springfield Armory", with the rifles exhibiting sling and stacking swivels typical of the standard rifle. Further, Springfield Research Service notes that this rifle was acquired by Springfield Armory in 1898 from Co. C, 1st LA Volunteer Infantry, putting it in Springfield's inventory near when these conversions were performed. Produced in 1890, the breechblock is marked Model 1873, though this may have been installed at Springfield during the conversion. Included with the rifle is a leather sling and M1873 socket bayonet. As an antique firearm, this Springfield Trapdoor rifle holds tremendous appeal for collectors of U.S. military arms and enthusiasts of frontier-era weaponry. Whether for display, historical research, or careful shooting, this 1884 Trapdoor is a wonderfully interesting variant to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!