Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1888 Ramrod Bayonet Rifle
Serial Number: 525127
Year of Manufacture: 1891
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Trapdoor Single Shot
Barrel Length: 32 1/2"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel with an M1883 Buffington front sight cover installed. The rear sight is an M1884 Buffington Rifle sight fixed to the rear of the barrel.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with metal nosecap, two spring-clip secured barrel bands, straight grip, straight comb, slot for the included ramrod bayonet, sling and stacking swivels on the front band, swivel in the front of the guard, and metal buttplate with pivoting door over a storage compartment. The 1891 dated SWP and circle-P markings are clear. The stock has scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few scattered minor losses around edges. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with scattered light oxidation and minor erosion. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion, stubborn dried grease, and infrequent minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7-8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. Most surfaces have residue from the stock's new finish, mottled with some scattered light oxidation and infrequent erosion. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. 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, M1879 combination tool and M1882 headless shell extractor, tools stored in the buttstock.
Our Assessment: This U.S. Springfield Model 1888 Ramrod Bayonet Rifle, manufactured in 1891, is a nice example of the final iteration 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 has all the improvements of the Model 1884 with the ramrod bayonet mechanism and one-piece trigger guard being the last improvements made to the design that started with Erskine Allin all the way back in 1865. The rifle shows light wear given its age and service, retaining a good bore, strong mechanics, and correct features and markings for its production. Better still, it has period multitool and headless case extractor stored under the pivoting door on the buttplate. 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 1888 Ramrod Bayonet rifle is a nice opportunity to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
