Springfield Armory Model 1884 Cadet Rifle .45-70 Gov't, 29.5 in Barrel, Buffington Rear Sight, Antique (1890)
This Springfield Armory Model 1884 Cadet Rifle is an 1890 U.S.-made, single-shot .45-70 Government rifle built in the cadet configuration for military schools and training. It features the shorter 29.5 inch barrel, a full-length two-band stock, and the Buffington-pattern rear sight with windage and elevation adjustments. Government barrel proofs and a U.S.-marked steel buttplate are present, and the stock bears a painted rack number "779."
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Poor Rifling - Rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle remains structurally sound for its age and service background. Scratches and blemishes are visible across the metal and wood, with an overall patina to the original blued and casehardened finishes. The rifling is very worn, approaching smooth, and the bore shows areas of blemishing.
What's Included
- Springfield Armory Model 1884 Cadet Rifle (.45-70 Govt.)
The cadet configuration sets this example apart with its 29.5 inch barrel and full-length, two-band stock designed for training use. Produced in 1890, it is an antique U.S. military pattern arm that reflects the period’s standardized features for school and cadet issue.
The action is the classic trapdoor system with a hinged breechblock, cam-latch, and an integral extractor/ejector. It uses an external hammer and a beveled lockplate marked with the U.S. Springfield legend. The receiver is forged steel, consistent with service-grade construction of the era.
Sighting equipment includes a Buffington-pattern ladder rear sight with windage and elevation adjustments, paired with a block-mounted front blade. The steel buttplate is stamped "U.S.," and sling swivels are mounted on the trigger guard and the forward barrel band. Length of pull measures 13.5 inches.
Markings and details include V P over eagle head P barrel proofs and "U.S." on the buttplate tang. The stock is oil-finished black walnut and retains a painted rack or inventory number "779," adding useful unit or institutional context to the rifle’s service background.