This U. S. Model 1884 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle has a replacement forend. The splice is hidden by the rear barrel band and the forend is not drilled for a cleaning rod. The forend, nose cap, and forward barrel band are replacements. The Director of Civilian Marksmanship offered Trapdoor rifles to NRA members at low cost, and such famous mail order merchants as Sears and Roebuck listed such guns in their early catalogs. They were often sporterized when they were sold to the public. The bore is dark and heavily pitted. The walnut stock has been refinished and all of the cartouche marks were removed. The Model 1884 was in production until late 1890 when manufacture turned to the 1888 rod bayonet model, production of which continued into 1893. Trigger reach is 13-1/4" and the weight is 8.8 pounds.
Chambered for the .45-70 Government cartridge. The barrel has developed a textured brown patina. The bore is dark, rough, and shreds a cleaning patch. The barrel is marked with the V, over P, proof marks. Just below these marks is an upraised eagle head over P. The top of the tapered round barrel is marked with a stamped letter I, an individual inspector's mark. The Buffington rear sight is marked up to 2,000 yards, unfortunately the screw adjustments for windage and elevation do not work. The sight base is loose on the barrel and the sight has play in all directions. A blade front sight is mounted behind the muzzle.
The stock has many dings and marks from over a century of handling. The nose cap and forend were never drilled for the cleaning rod when they were replaced. We note a crack running from the upper lock bolt forward to the barrel channel. There is a 3/4" long crack extending back from the tail of the lock. The cartouche marks were removed during the refinishing process. The iron furniture has aged to a textured brown patina. The buttplate is heavily textured and stands proud of the stock. The comb extension of the buttplate is stamped with U.S.. The serial number, 495XXX, is clearly marked on the breech of the rifle. The door itself bears the markings U.S. over MODEL over 1884.
The trigger guard is heavily textured and a rear sling swivel is mounted at the front of the bow. The rear barrel band and its spring are in the correct position. The band is marked with the letter U, the open end of which faces forward on the right side of the rifle. This barrel band covers the splice from when the forend was replaced. The forward barrel band is a replacement and is stamped with a large forward facing U. This is a modern stamp and does not match the period one found on the rear band. A sling swivel and stacking ring are attached to this band. This band is located about 3/4" forward of the original band's location, and a bright spot can be seen on the barrel where the original band once covered it. The replacement barrel band and nose cap do not match the textured brown patina found on the rest of the rifle.
The lock works crisply, and the trigger release is positive at only 2 to 3 pounds pressure. The grooved face target style trigger feels very nice, with a smooth release. The trapdoor action is solid, and the firing pin moves smoothly within the breech block, as it should. The extractor moves, but is weak and does not have that distinct 'click' sound when the door is opened. The lock plate is marked with a forward facing eagle next to U.S. over SPRINGFIELD. The lock works crisply, and the trigger release is positive and smooth.
This rifle would make a great display piece for decorator use. The bore is dark and heavily pitted. It will look great hanging on the wall of your cabin and is sure to be a conversation starter. 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.
Chambered for the .45-70 Government cartridge. The barrel has developed a textured brown patina. The bore is dark, rough, and shreds a cleaning patch. The barrel is marked with the V, over P, proof marks. Just below these marks is an upraised eagle head over P. The top of the tapered round barrel is marked with a stamped letter I, an individual inspector's mark. The Buffington rear sight is marked up to 2,000 yards, unfortunately the screw adjustments for windage and elevation do not work. The sight base is loose on the barrel and the sight has play in all directions. A blade front sight is mounted behind the muzzle.
The stock has many dings and marks from over a century of handling. The nose cap and forend were never drilled for the cleaning rod when they were replaced. We note a crack running from the upper lock bolt forward to the barrel channel. There is a 3/4" long crack extending back from the tail of the lock. The cartouche marks were removed during the refinishing process. The iron furniture has aged to a textured brown patina. The buttplate is heavily textured and stands proud of the stock. The comb extension of the buttplate is stamped with U.S.. The serial number, 495XXX, is clearly marked on the breech of the rifle. The door itself bears the markings U.S. over MODEL over 1884.
The trigger guard is heavily textured and a rear sling swivel is mounted at the front of the bow. The rear barrel band and its spring are in the correct position. The band is marked with the letter U, the open end of which faces forward on the right side of the rifle. This barrel band covers the splice from when the forend was replaced. The forward barrel band is a replacement and is stamped with a large forward facing U. This is a modern stamp and does not match the period one found on the rear band. A sling swivel and stacking ring are attached to this band. This band is located about 3/4" forward of the original band's location, and a bright spot can be seen on the barrel where the original band once covered it. The replacement barrel band and nose cap do not match the textured brown patina found on the rest of the rifle.
The lock works crisply, and the trigger release is positive at only 2 to 3 pounds pressure. The grooved face target style trigger feels very nice, with a smooth release. The trapdoor action is solid, and the firing pin moves smoothly within the breech block, as it should. The extractor moves, but is weak and does not have that distinct 'click' sound when the door is opened. The lock plate is marked with a forward facing eagle next to U.S. over SPRINGFIELD. The lock works crisply, and the trigger release is positive and smooth.
This rifle would make a great display piece for decorator use. The bore is dark and heavily pitted. It will look great hanging on the wall of your cabin and is sure to be a conversation starter. 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.
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