Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle, .45-70 Govt., 32.6 in Barrel, 1888 Production, Buffington Sight
This antique U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle is chambered in .45-70 Government and was manufactured in 1888. It follows the infantry configuration with a 32.6-inch carbon-steel barrel, Buffington-pattern rear sight with micrometer windage, and a full-length oil-finished black walnut stock. The lockplate is marked U.S. SPRINGFIELD with eagle, and the barrel carries the V P [eagle head] P proofs.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Fouling: Mild Fouling - Light buildup of fouling or dirt.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: Surfaces show handling and use marks on metal and wood. The bore is not shiny and shows areas of pitting and fouling. See photos for detailed views of surfaces and markings.
What’s Included
- Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle (.45-70 Govt.)
The Model 1884 uses a single-shot hinged breechblock trapdoor system with a right-side cam latch and an external hammer. It is chambered in .45-70 Government with a 1-round capacity, as issued for infantry use in the 1880s.
The rifle is fitted with iron sights, including the Buffington-pattern rear ladder sight with micrometer windage adjustment and a fixed front blade. This sighting setup is correct for the Model 1884 and is a key feature of the pattern.
The full-length, straight-wrist stock is oil-finished black walnut. Hardware includes two barrel bands; at the front/upper band there is a double-loop stacking swivel and a single-loop sling swivel mounted underneath, the rear/middle band is plain with no sling swivel, and there is an additional sling swivel on the trigger guard bow. Length of pull measures 13.25 inches.
Markings include U.S. SPRINGFIELD with eagle on the lockplate and V P [eagle head] P proofs on the barrel. The rifle was manufactured in the United States in 1888, and the serial number is stamped on the top of the receiver just behind the breechblock (forward of the hammer).