Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor .45-70 Govt. Antique Custom Sporterized Rifle (1883) — 26.5 in Barrel, Brass Furniture, Vernier Tang Peep
This 1883 Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor is an antique, custom-sporterized .45-70 Govt. rifle with a cut-down 26.5-inch barrel and distinctive brass furniture. It retains its U.S. military lineage with correct markings while featuring a period-style vernier tang peep, a globe-style front sight on a ramp, and an 1879-pattern rifle rear ladder sight marked with an "R." The bore is excellent, and the configuration showcases a unique, thoughtfully executed sporting conversion.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling: Good - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The solder securing the replacement front sight has failed. The trigger guard shows evidence of attempted repairs; the custom double-loop brass guard is damaged, and the brazing exhibits very deep pitting and porosity.
What’s Included
- Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor single-shot rifle, .45-70 Govt.
- Aftermarket vernier tang peep sight on brass escutcheon
- 1879-pattern rifle rear ladder sight ("R" marked)
- Replacement globe-style front sight on ramp
- Wooden under-barrel rod
Built in 1883, this Springfield Trapdoor presents a desirable combination of U.S. military heritage and period sporting customization. The lockplate is marked "U.S. SPRINGFIELD" with the eagle, and the breechblock is marked "U.S. MODEL 1873," underscoring its correct lineage.
Barrel proofs include "V P" over an eagle head with a small "P," along with a small "R" near the proofs.
The rifle has been sporterized with a 26.5-inch cut-down barrel and a suite of brass appointments: a custom brass double-loop trigger guard, brass fore-end cap and under-rib plates, two brass pipes retaining a wooden under-barrel rod, and a brass buttplate. The stock is full-length walnut with a single steel barrel band, maintaining a classic profile with a 13.5-inch length of pull.
Sighting equipment is a notable highlight. It wears an 1879-pattern rifle rear ladder sight marked with an "R," paired with an aftermarket vernier tang peep mounted on a brass escutcheon for fine elevation adjustments. Up front is a replacement globe-style sight on a ramp. Together, the system offers a refined sight picture aligned with period sporting practice.
The trapdoor hinged-breech action features a cam latch and integral ejector/extractor, with an external hammer consistent with the Model 1873 pattern. Additional detail markings include "28" stamped on the breechblock and butt toe. The blued finish and walnut stock complete a historically grounded, custom sporting configuration in a classic .45-70 platform.