Springfield Trapdoor Model 1888 Rifle with Ram Rod Bayonet in 45-70

Springfield Trapdoor Model 1888 Rifle with Ram Rod Bayonet in 45-70 
This is a Model 1888 Springfield Trapdoor rifle equipped with a ram rod bayonet. It has 32 5/8” barrel, Buffington rear sight  front sight hood, full walnut stock with two barrel bands, metal butt plate and sling swivels. It comes with a US style leather rifle sling.

Condition:
This Model 1888 Springfield Trapdoor  is a really nice example of the last fielded iteration of the Trapdoor Springfield in excellent overall condition. The barrel of this 1891-vintage rifle  retains about 80% original thinning blue with some scattered light handling marks and high edge wear with a bright excellent bore, The upper band, bayonet assembly, and front sight hood retaining stronger bright blue for about 95% with scattered handling marks toning lightly brown. The lower band and trigger guard retain about 75-80% original bright blue with areas of flaking to gunmetal. The breech displays an excellent smoky case-hardened patina with some mild toning to a lighter gray along the high edges, the hammer and lock plate showing a bit more wear with light flaking to brown, and the breech block exhibits vibrant case-hardened colors throughout with some scattered freckling. The walnut stock is in excellent condition with scattered light dings and handling marks, fewer than expected for a rifle of its age, and the U.S.-marked steel butt plate has largely toned to gunmetal gray. The stock is marked with a strong boxed “SWP / 1891” cartouche on the left and a circled “P” behind the trigger guard tang, with a circled hole from a now-absent adornment just behind the tang. The proof marks on the barrel and the “U.S. / MODEL / 1884” on the breech block remain crisp, the “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD” on the lock plate only slightly marred with the Federal Eagle remaining strong, and the Buffington rear sight is properly “R” marked; a few of the screws show light slot wear. The standard sights and swivels are intact, the bayonet locks up tight in both positions, and the three position lock and tumbler is strong and crisp. Included is a Model 1879 multi tool, broken case extractor, and screw-on cleaning tip for the ramrod bayonet. This is an excellent example of the last fielded Trapdoor Springfield rifle.

The first rifle I ever reloaded for was a 45-70 Springfield Trapdoor back in the late 1970’s. It was harder back then to accumulate the material to reload black powder cartridges. But that is not the case now and at least in my opinion, 45-70 is the perfect round to begin reloading since you can reload either black powder or smokeless. There are plenty of sources for information, choices of bullets, molds, and even cases. With simple tools it is possible to reload cases in the field thumb pressing bullets in the cases. These are fun rifles to shoot and own. Shipping is included with the price of the rifle

Serial Number: 527671
Antique

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Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .45-70 Government
Manufacturer: Springfield
Model: Trapdoor
Serial Number: 527671
Barrel Length: 32
Bore Info: 45-70
Condition: fine to excellent
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: excellent
Bore Condition: excellent bright
Barrel Type: Round
Action: Trapdoor single shot
Triggers: single
Stock: standard walnut
Finish: blue
Sights: Buffington rear sight  front sight hood
Manufacture Date: 1891
Extras: Leather sling

Price: $1,995.00