Springfield Armory Model 1884 Cavalry Carbine .45-70 Govt., 22-Inch Barrel (mfg. 1886)
Built in 1886, this Springfield Armory Model 1884 Cavalry Carbine represents the last U.S. mounted-troop long arm to use the famed trapdoor action. A 22-inch barrel, single barrel band, and saddle-ring bar set it apart from the infantry rifles, while the Buffington “C”-base rear sight marks the final refinement of the Allin system. Collectors will appreciate its antique status, matching period finish, and clear “P” proof on the breech flat.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling Condition: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The carbine remains in great shape overall considering its age, with an even blued/brown patina and sound walnut stock.
What’s Included
- Springfield Armory Model 1884 Cavalry Carbine (.45-70 Govt.)
The serial number range (340***), combined with late-production features, places this carbine’s assembly between October and December 1886. Those months saw limited cavalry output, adding scarcity to its appeal.
The hinged-breech trapdoor action operates with the classic external hammer, delivering single-shot reliability in the robust .45-70 Government cartridge. This mechanism, refined over two decades, culminated in the 1884 pattern before the Army moved to repeaters.
Its Buffington rear sight offers adjustable elevation and windage—an advanced feature for the era—while the pinned blade front sight keeps the sight picture simple and durable in the field.
The walnut stock retains an attractive oil finish and houses a trapdoor buttplate cavity designed for the jointed cleaning rod and ruptured-case extractor (not included). A saddle-ring bar on the left side shows the carbine’s intended use with a cavalry sling.
Steel construction throughout, paired with a 1:22 right-hand twist, ensures the barrel’s stability with standard government loads. The ‘P’ proof stamp on the breech flat confirms it passed Springfield’s acceptance testing.