Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle, .45-70 Govt., 32.5 Inch Infantry Configuration (1880)
This Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle is a U.S. military infantry configuration chambered in .45-70 Government with a 32.5 inch barrel and two bands. Manufactured in 1880, it represents the standard U.S. service rifle of the Indian Wars era. It features the Allin-hinged trapdoor breech with cam latch, an external hammer lock, and a full-length walnut stock built in the service pattern.
Period-correct markings include the barrel proof "V P" over an eagle head, a "U.S. SPRINGFIELD" lockplate with U.S. eagle, and a breechblock marked "MODEL 1873" over an eagle and "U.S." Iron sights consist of a blade front on a stud near the muzzle and an 1879 pattern ladder rear sight, with a 13.5 inch length of pull for the one-piece, straight-grip stock.
The rifle retains its infantry setup with two barrel bands, a rear sling swivel on the trigger guard and a stacking swivel on the upper band; the lower/middle band sling swivel is absent on this specimen. A full-length under‑barrel cleaning/ramrod is standard for this model, but the cleaning rod is missing on this rifle. Forged steel construction for the barrel and receiver underscores the U.S. service build of the period. As an antique example from 1880, it aligns with collectors focused on Indian Wars-era U.S.
martial arms and Springfield Trapdoor development.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Bore Fouling: Moderate Fouling - Lead or copper fouling with noticeable buildup.
Bore Rifling: Poor Rifling - Rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle shows heavy wear and handling marks throughout. Cracks are present in the wood in multiple areas. The under-barrel cleaning rod is missing. The lower/middle band sling swivel is absent; the rear swivel on the trigger guard and the stacking swivel on the upper band are present. Have a qualified gunsmith inspect the rifle before any use.
What's Included
- Springfield Armory Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle chambered in .45-70 Govt. (cleaning rod not present)
The Allin-hinged trapdoor system with cam latch and external hammer reflects the U.S. Army’s single-shot service design of the period. The forged steel barrel and receiver, paired with a full-length walnut stock, were built for infantry service and are correct to the configuration noted here.
Sighting equipment includes the 1879 rifle-pattern ladder rear sight and a blade front sight mounted on a stud near the muzzle. The 32.5 inch barrel and 13.5 inch length of pull present the standard infantry dimensions associated with late-1870s to early-1880s U.S. service rifles.
Markings are consistent with U.S. Springfield production, including the "V P" over eagle head barrel proof, "U.S. SPRINGFIELD" lockplate with U.S. eagle, and breechblock legend "MODEL 1873" with eagle over "U.S." These identifiers align the rifle with 1880 manufacture at Springfield Armory in the United States.
Built in the Indian Wars era, this infantry rifle configuration with two bands, stacking swivel and rear sling swivel (lower-band sling swivel absent), and steel buttplate reflects the standard U.S. service pattern of its time. Its antique status and year of manufacture provide clear context for its place in U.S. military small arms history.