This Springfield sporting rifle was modeled after a example by S. L Hart of Tombstone, Arizona. The rifle is stocked in walnut and trimmed in brass furniture with an antique Trapdoor Springfield action fitted with a Green Mountain barrel chambered for the .40-65 WCF cartridge. It was not unusual in the late 1800's to find gunsmith conversions of military rifles into sporting arms. The barrel and antique action should only be used with black powder pressure loads. Weighing in at 10.7 pounds the rifle has a trigger reach of 14" and appears to be shaped for tall shooter.

The 31-1/2" long tapered octagon Green Mountain barrel has been fit to the antique action. The breech end of the barrel has been engraved with the caliber .40-65 and a MK maker's mark. The bore is bright and has been well maintained. The barrel is fitted with a ladder rear sight and nickel silver blade sight with steel base. The barrel is decorated with brass bands at the muzzle and breech, just ahead of the action.

The stock of the rifle has a gloss finish. Made of fairly straight grained walnut, the stock was picked for strength and durability. The wrist and forearm are checkered with a wide flat top checkering. The architecture of the stock has a Plains rifle, or Ohio rifle influence than a military rifle that with used with the Trapdoor action. The buttplate has crescent shape that engages the shoulder. The triggerguard has a finger spur, and offset grip rail with a fish lip design. A single wedge key with nickel silver escutcheon plate secures the forend to the barrel. A poured pewter forend cap protects the end grain of the stock and acts ad the entry pipe for the cleaning rod mounted below the barrel. The lock bolts are supported by nickel silver side plates and engage the lock. The stock is shaped with a beaver tail cheek piece.

The trapdoor action of the rifle is marked with a 1873 date and has been color case hardened with dark blues and purples. The antique lock has all the period markings removed. The hammer has been neatly reshaped to match the antique with the raised spur on the nose. The action of the lock is solid and crisp, it works smoothly and locks up properly. A heavy mainspring ensures fast lock time.

This attractive Springfield sporting rifle is very example of a gunsmith conversion of a military rifle into a sporting arm. Built around an original antique action, the rifle does not require transfer to an FFL dealer. Chambered in the popular .40-65 WCF cartridge, it is intended for black powder cartridges.