U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Cadet Rifle, .45-70 Govt., 29.5 Inch Barrel, Antique 1893, Buffington Sight, Blued/Walnut
This late-pattern Model 1884 Trapdoor Cadet Rifle stands out with its documented 1893 production range, classic Buffington rear sight, and correct U.S. military markings. Chambered in .45-70 Government with a 29.5-inch barrel, it retains the cadet configuration features collectors look for and includes a separate socket bayonet consistent with this pattern.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Details: Given the rifle's age, there are numerous exterior blemishes. The chamber is very clean, and the rifling is bright and shiny.
What’s Included
- Socket bayonet with triangular blade (approx. 20.5 inches)
This cadet-configuration Trapdoor is a U.S. Springfield Armory single-shot rifle in .45-70 Government with a 29.5-inch barrel and a 13.5-inch length of pull. It is the late-pattern cadet layout, a desirable variant for collectors of U.S. military long arms.
The rifle is equipped with the Buffington rear sight featuring an elevation ladder and windage knob, paired with a pinned blade front sight. It wears a blued finish over metal components and a full-length walnut stock with a straight wrist and two-band arrangement.
Correct military hardware and markings are present, including two U-marked barrel bands, a stacking swivel at the forward band, and sling swivels at the forward band and at the trigger guard. The breechblock is marked "U.S. / MODEL / 1884," the right-side lock plate carries the eagle over "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD," and the left breech shows "V P / eagle head / P" proofs.
Production details place this rifle's serial within the documented 1893 range, and it was manufactured in the United States by Springfield Armory. As a Model 1884 cadet, it uses a separate socket bayonet rather than the later rod-bayonet system; a compatible socket bayonet with triangular blade is included.