Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle, .45-70 Govt, 32.6 in Barrel, Buffington Sight, Antique U.S. Service Rifle
This Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle is a classic .45-70 Govt infantry configuration with a 32.6 in barrel, Buffington rear sight, and full-length walnut stock. It is an antique, with serial range aligning to early 1891 production, and carries clear U.S. military markings throughout. As the last single-shot U.S. service rifle, it offers strong historical appeal and comes with a leather sling and the correct steel cleaning rod installed.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
There are minor scratches and blemishes present on the metal and stock. The rifling shows consistent blemishing throughout while remaining defined. The rifle presents well for its vintage.
What's Included
- Leather sling (installed)
- Steel cleaning rod (installed)
Built at Springfield Armory in the 1890s, this Model 1884 reflects the standard infantry rifle pattern with a 32.6 in barrel and a correct steel cleaning rod. It is not the later rod-bayonet variant and maintains the classic single-shot trapdoor action in .45-70 Govt.
The Buffington-pattern rear sight provides precise windage via a rack-and-pinion knob and a long graduated ladder for elevation, offering both a peep and an open notch. A pinned blade front sight completes the iron sight picture.
The full-length walnut stock retains military features including sling attachment points and a steel buttplate with a trapdoor compartment. Length of pull measures 13.0 inches, and steel hardware complements the period-correct configuration.
Military markings are present and legible: the breechblock is stamped "U.S. MODEL 1884"; the lockplate bears the spread-wing eagle and "U.S. SPRINGFIELD"; the barrel shows "V P [eagle head] P" proofs at the left breech; the buttplate tang is stamped "U.S 49 G 14"; and a boxed inspector/acceptance cartouche is visible on the left wrist. The serial range aligns with early 1891 production per the NPS Trapdoor list, adding useful context for dating.
As the last single-shot U.S. service rifle, the Model 1884 holds an enduring place in American arms history. This example brings together correct configuration, clear markings, and functional period sights in an antique package ready for display or study.