Harrington & Richardson 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Calvary Model In .45-70

SOLD FOR: $1,077.00

WOA#: WY240415EH208

Make: Harrington & Richardson

Model: Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine, Saddle ring

Serial Number: 2880

Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1970s

Caliber: .45-70

Action Type: Trapdoor, single shot

Markings: The lock plate is marked, “U.S. SPRINGFIELD” The trapdoor is marked, “Calvary Model / U.S. MODEL 1873” the receiver is marked, “H&R / S.A. 2880” The barrel is marked, “HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON, INC. / WORCESTER MASS. MADE IN U.S.A. / U.S. MODEL 1873 CAL.45-70 GOVERNMENT” The buttplate is marked, “U.S.” There is engraving throughout the metal surfaces.

Barrel Length: 21.5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable ladder V-notch sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece wood half length stock with a barrel band, straight wrist, straight comb, saddle ring bar/ring, and semi-crescent buttplate. There are pressure dents, scratches, and small scuffs throughout. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in at about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is very stubborn carbon and lead fouling.  In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7.5/10. The bore could most likely be cleaned out quite well given a thorough cleaning.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is some action wear on the trapdoor and inside the action. The barrel and receiver have small markings throughout. The saddle ring has wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock safety. 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: None

Our Assessment: The Harrington & Richardson (H&R) 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Cavalry Model is a modern reproduction of the historic Springfield Model 1873 “Trapdoor” rifle. The original Springfield Trapdoor was a single-shot rifle used by the United States Army in the late 19th century. The Springfield Model 1873 holds a significant place in history as the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the U.S. Army. It was widely used during various conflicts, including the Indian Wars. The rifle earned its “Trapdoor” moniker due to its hinged breechblock design, which allowed for easy loading and unloading of single cartridges. Chambered in .45-70 Government, a powerful cartridge suitable for both military and sporting use, the Springfield Model 1873 came in several variants, including rifles, carbines, and cadet rifles. The Cavalry Carbine model, in particular, was shorter and more compact, tailored for use by mounted troops. This rifle saw extensive service from its adoption in 1873 until the 1890s, when repeating rifles began to replace it.

Harrington & Richardson, an American firearms manufacturer renowned for producing high-quality reproductions of historic firearms, offers a faithful reproduction of the original Cavalry Carbine with their H&R 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Cavalry Model. This reproduction closely replicates the design and function of the historic rifle. Like the original, it is chambered in .45-70 Government and features the iconic trapdoor mechanism for single-shot, breech-loading action. The reproduction also includes a shorter barrel, wooden stock, and the same style of sights as the original, typically a simple rear sight and front post.

Overall, the H&R 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Cavalry Model appeals to those who appreciate historic firearms and want a functional reproduction of a classic military rifle. While original antique Springfield Trapdoor rifles are highly valued for their historical importance and unique design, H&R reproductions are prized for their craftsmanship and attention to historical detail, offering an accessible way to own and shoot a piece of history. -R.E.