U.S. Springfield Armory 1884 Trapdoor Rifle

U.S. Springfield Armory 1884 Trapdoor Rifle, chambered in .45-70. Serial # 52516X.  Standard 32-5/8 inch round barrel. Good overall condition, with typical stock dings. Given its high serial number, it was likely produced in 1887 or 1888–just before introduction of the Model 1888. Has the desirable Buffington adjustable sight. The bore is far above average for a blackpowder-era rifle. The rifling is sharp and defined. The bore is not truly “shiny”– it is more “shiny-gray.” There are signs of just VERY slight pitting in the grooves –almost imperceptible. The trapdoor release lever has a slight wobble (typical), but the action is tight. The hammer click stops are all there — and crisp and solid. The trigger let-off is typical military weight, but crisp. I could only find one spot of finish pitting, and that is at the top-rear of the buttplate. There is only one significant stock ding, below the rear sight on the left side. Except for the top of the rear sight, which looks more shiny, the finish wear and patina all over this rifle is uniform, so this appears to be an unaltered rifle–although it may have gone back to the arsenal once early in its life. The cleaning rod shows little wear, so it may have been replaced or refinished. The cartouche box is visible, but faint. It seems to have been worn off in carry, rather than sanded off. All in all, this is a nice honest Trapdoor. This is a nice, original unaltered rifle that would make a good representative sample for a collection, or a practical shooter. (PEHN-184)