Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1877 Carbine
Serial Number: 142822
Year of Manufacture: 1880
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. The rear sight is an M1884 Buffington Carbine sight fixed to the rear of the barrel, not original to the rifle.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with one spring-clip secured barrel band with relief-cut for the Buffington sight, straight grip, straight comb, sling bar with ring, and metal buttplate with a pivoting door over a storage compartment, nothing in the compartment. The stock has no visible markings. The stock has scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is evidence of sanding, but the fit to the metal may indicate a modern replacement stock. There are a few cracks and small losses around the rear of the butt. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with some light erosion under the finish. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition as refinished or replaced.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. There is a slight bulge in the bore about 2" from the muzzle. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its current metal finish. There is some scattered surface oxidation, most notable on the hammer and rear sight assembly. The barrel has a patch of erosion on the left mid-way between the forend and muzzle. There is scattered erosion under the new finish. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle is Very Good condition as refinished 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 U.S. Springfield Model 1877 Trapdoor Carbine, manufactured in 1880, is an 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 carbine has been refinished, so it looks good for its age with a stock that has been either refinished or replaced. The rear sight was updated at some point along with a matching barrel band. It otherwise retains proper features and the receiver was produced in one of the few years when more carbines were produced than infantry rifles. 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 1877 Carbine is a decent example to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
