Springfield Trapdoor 1884 Line Throwing Carbine .45-70 Gov't Single Shot Rifle 1889 ANTIQUEOur Assessment: The Model 1873 "Trapdoor" Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army. Model 1873, Model 1884, and Model 1888 Trapdoors were the main service rifles of the U.S. Military until they were gradually replaced by the Springfield 1892 Krag Rifle. George Custer's troops were armed with Trapdoors at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and they were still used by secondary units during the Spanish-American war in 1898.This Springfield Trapdoor started life as a standard Model 1884 Rifle back in 1889. It has been converted to mimic a line throwing Carbine. The barrel has been cut down to 19.25 inches and has been counterbored to about the midpoint in order to fire the brass-tipped line dart.
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1884 Trapdoor. It has been converted to mimic a Line Throwing Carbine.
Serial Number: 467395
Year of Manufacture: 1889
Caliber: .45-70 Gov't
Action Type: Single Shot, Forward Pivoting Breech Block "Trapdoor"
Barrel Length: Approximately 19.25 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an oversized post. The rear sight is a Buffington sight marked "C" for Carbine.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a straight grip, nose cap, 2 barrel bands, stacking loop, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows oxidation and wear. The wood shows scrapes & scratches. The LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as a refurbished ANTIQUE.
Type of Finish: Blue. Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original to Conversion
Bore Condition: The barrel has been counterbored to about the midpoint. The front half of the bore is gray and mostly smooth. The remaining grooves are gray. The rear of the bore has deep rifling. There is erosion in the bore.In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 4 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads show use. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as a refurbished ANTIQUE.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic's check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a brass-tipped line dart.
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified ANTIQUE
RIFLE