U.S. Springfield Trapdoor 1873 Carbine 45-70 Single Shot Rifle 1880 Antique

SOLD FOR: $2,224.99

LSB#: LSB250601SP151

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1873 “Trapdoor”

Serial Number: 140291

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1880

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Single-Shot Forward Pivoting Breech-Block “Trapdoor”

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned on top of a rectangular base set on the barrel. The rear sight is a Model 1879 Carbine sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with a spring-clip secured barrel band, straight grip, straight comb, sling bar on the left below the receiver and steel carbine-style buttplate with a sliding door over a storage compartment (three-piece cleaning rod in compartment). There is a round fill behind the rear sling bar mount. There is a small loss at the rear of the receiver tang. There are some light nicks and scratches with a few more notable dings. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear, light oxidation and surface erosion in the face. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition as refinished and repaired Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: The breech-block has been Refinished, likely Arsenal refurbished. Other finish appears Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is in evenly scattered minor oxidation. The receiver’s finish has mostly muted or gone to alight patina. The breech-block has generally strong blue finish throughout. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The three-piece cleaning rod in the butt is included.

Our Assessment: The Model 1873 “Trapdoor” Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army and was one of the main service rifles of the U.S. Military until it was gradually replaced by the Springfield Model 1892 bolt-action rifle.

This Springfield Model 1873 Carbine was manufactured in 1880. The rifle is in quite nice condition given its age, retaining much of its original finish, strong mechanics, and a much better bore than we are used to seeing on Trapdoors. The stock and sights are correct for the Carbine model and the breech-block still has a bronze firing pin installed, though the block itself now has a strong blue finish, likely arsenal refurbished. If you are looking for a Trapdoor Carbine, this would be a great candidate to keep your sights on.

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud