Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle, .45-70 Govt, 32.6 in Barrel, Buffington Rear Sight, Antique 1889
This Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle is an antique 1889-production example in the standard infantry configuration. It features the U.S.-adopted Buffington rear sight with micrometer windage and a graduated ladder, a 32.6 inch steel barrel, and the classic trapdoor hinged-breech, single-shot action. Correct U.S. military markings are present throughout, including the U.S. MODEL 1884 breechblock stamp, U.S.
SPRINGFIELD eagle lockplate, VP [eagle head] P barrel proofs, SWP/1889 stock cartouche, and U.S. on the buttplate tang.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle is in good shape for its age. Surface rusting is present throughout, with scratches and handling marks visible on metal and wood. There is rust present in the bore, though it remains in decent shape. The under-barrel cleaning rod is missing and not included.
What's Included
- Leather rifle sling (installed)
- Cleaning rod not included
Chambered in .45-70 Govt, the Model 1888 rod-bayonet rifle represented the final U.S. .45-70 service rifle pattern before adoption of the Krag–Jørgensen. This rifle's trapdoor hinged-breech with a camming extractor and external hammer delivers the hallmark operation associated with late 19th-century U.S. service rifles.
The Buffington rear sight stands out with a micrometer windage knob and a graduated elevation ladder, paired with a fixed blade front sight. This sighting system was the period’s precision upgrade and is correct for the Model 1884.
Construction is steel throughout, with color case-hardened breechblock and lockwork. The 32.6 inch barrel, single-shot capacity, and 13.0 inch length of pull reflect the standard infantry rifle layout of the era.
The one-piece, straight-wrist walnut stock has an oil finish, steel buttplate, and sling swivels. Military inspection and proof markings include U.S. MODEL 1884 on the breechblock, the U.S. SPRINGFIELD eagle on the lockplate, VP [eagle head] P barrel proofs, the SWP/1889 stock cartouche, and U.S. on the buttplate tang.