Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle, .45-70 Govt, Antique Single-Shot
This Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle is an antique, first-year production example of the final single-shot infantry arm adopted by the U.S. Army. Chambered in the original .45-70 Government cartridge and equipped with the landmark Buffington windage-adjustable rear sight, it represents the peak of the Allin trapdoor system that served from the Civil War through the late 19th century.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Poor – noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Rifling: Poor – rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
The metal surfaces exhibit widespread rust and pitting, and the walnut stock shows numerous scratches and blemishes consistent with hard field use. Despite the exterior wear, the breechblock action still locks and releases correctly.
What’s Included
- Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle (.45-70 Govt)
Serial number 256xxx places this rifle in late-1884 production, giving it added interest for collectors focused on early Buffington-sighted examples.
The 32.5-inch carbon-steel barrel, paired with the long sight radius and the Buffington ladder, was designed to maximize accuracy with standard .45-70 service loads.
An external hammer and hinged breechblock provide simple, single-shot operation. This action type was valued for reliability and ease of maintenance during frontier service.
The oil-finished walnut stock and full-length handguard retain the classic Springfield military profile and are compatible with the M1873 socket bayonet (not included).
Approximately 265,000 Model 1884 rifles were built between 1884 and 1890, marking the end of U.S. Army single-shot rifle production before the shift to repeating arms.