This U. S. Model 1877 Springfield Trapdoor Carbine has a number or revisions to the 1873 Model including a longer comb to strengthen the stock, and a sectional ramrod stored in the buttstock. Refinished long ago, the cartouche marks are no longer visible on the stock. This rifle has some handling marks on the stock, barrel, and furniture. The lock and barrel's original blue finish have aged to a speckled patina. Internally the barrel is mostly bright with a few scattered speckles behind the muzzle, it should make a very good shooter. This rifle appears to have been made circa 1880 based on the parts used. The door appears to be a later 1884 dated replacement, and the buttstock has the revision for the longer cleaning rod that was adopted circa 1882. Official production of trapdoor rifles ended by July of 1893. Production information, and other useful trapdoor info, can be found in #BOOK-45-70-S , by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch.

The stock has been refinished at some point during its history, even so, the stock has marks and dings from many years of use. The cartouche and inspector's marks are no long visible The triggerguard has a good amount of the original blue finish with scattered brown speckles. No markings are visible on the triggerguard. This is an original carbine with the cleaning rod hole drilled in the buttstock and a sliding door, with oblong hole, on the buttplate that opens to reveal the cleaning rod cavity. The cleaning rod is missing from this carbine. The center hole has been extended to accept the longer rod and shell extractor adopted circa 1882.

The comb extension of the buttplate is stamped with U.S. below the screw, which is correct due to adding the spring for the door in the buttplate. The serial number, 139xxx is clearly marked on the breech of the rifle. The door appears to be a later replacement and is marked with the 1884 date, which wasn't worked into producion until about 1886 as they used up doors marked 1873. Currently the door itself bears the markings U.S. over MODEL over 1884.

Chambered for the .45-70 Government cartridge. The barrel is marked with the V, view proof, over P, firing proof, proof marks. Just below these marks is an upraised eagle head over P. The sight is the Model 1879 fourth version with markings to 800 yards on the side, and a ladder to 1500 yards. The sight has the correct C carbine sight marking. The front sight is the second variation with the pinned blade, which would be correct for that year. Forward, a single barrel band and its spring is in the correct position. The band has the larger "U" that was adopted in 1879. The side panel is fitted with the later strengthened sling bar and sling ring, to attach to a shoulder lanyard to prevent loss.

The lock works crisply with the three position tumbler, the trapdoor action secures correctly, and the trigger release is positive and smooth.The lock plate is marked with a forward facing eagle next to U.S. over SPRINGFIELD. The lock, along with the rest of the steel furniture has started to age to a speckled brown.

This carbine is a handy little rifle with a mostly bright shootable bore! Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.