1884 Springfield Trapdoor

Tidewater_Kid · March 21, 2016, 08:08 PM

Purchased a larger gun safe this week and so, need something else.

I found this at a show this weekend. Missing the mainspring, cleaning rod and the top band is missing the sling and stacking swivels.

Bore is in excellent conditional and I already replaced the mainspring and found a nice original cleaning rod. I paid $450 for the rifle and I was VERY pleased. Can't wait to shoot it. Black Powder rounds for me!

Here are some pictures.

tahunua001 · March 21, 2016, 08:14 PM

nice. there aren't many trapdoors here, and usually anything older than 1900 is priced above $1000 no matter how crappy the condition.

Tidewater_Kid · March 21, 2016, 08:28 PM

Here a few more pictures.

Tidewater_Kid · March 21, 2016, 08:31 PM

Thanks. I was very surprised at the price. He had two more that were priced much higher. Because the mainspring was broken is the reason he gave for this one being priced at $495. I offered $450 and left with it.

TK

Tidewater_Kid · March 21, 2016, 08:32 PM

One more picture of the lock.

RiponP90 · March 21, 2016, 09:04 PM

I have one of these! They are so cool, it is like holding a piece of history...because you are haha. Yours is in much better shape in terms of the finish. Mine has become extremely dark over the years. I haven't fired it, a bit scared. I was talking to a local guy that said I should probably make my own loads for it. Some other people said as long as it is not smokeless powder I should be ok. Alas, I don't want my face blown off so it will probably remain on the mantle for the remainder of my life.

Kreyzhorse · March 21, 2016, 09:05 PM

Wow. That is a nice looking gun. Looks in great shape of its age. Look forward to reading about you shooting it.

kilimanjaro · March 21, 2016, 10:27 PM

You certainly won the prize for best deal of the day!

l.cutler · March 22, 2016, 04:15 AM

Great deal! Yours is a cadet model, even though they are rarer than the regular infantry rifle they often sell for less. I guess because of the "stigma" that it isn't a combat rifle.

Hunter Customs · March 22, 2016, 08:29 AM

I have one, it's complete with everything including the bayonet.
I shot it a couple of times, heck of a good old rifle.
I have an extra bayonet for one.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter

Tidewater_Kid · March 22, 2016, 08:17 PM

Thanks guys. I don't think it's a cadet model as the barrel is the correct length for the rifle and the stock does not have the long wrist of the cadet. What am I missing?

TK

l.cutler · March 23, 2016, 04:22 AM

Sorry, I was thinking that an infantry rifle of that serial number would be one of the sliding rod bayonet rifles, but yours must be one of the very latest produced without. You can post over on trapdoorcollector.com, they are the gurus on trapdoors. I'd say you paid about half price!

Tidewater_Kid · March 23, 2016, 12:10 PM

l.cutler,

From what my book says, this one was made in 1890 and that was a transition year to the rod bayonet 1888 model.

I'm very pleased with the rifle for what I paid for it. I never sell my collection, so I just saved myself some money!

TK

SIGSHR · March 23, 2016, 03:06 PM

An excellent find ! And a Cadet Rifle in original configuration is 100% correct.

Dragonflydf · March 23, 2016, 10:24 PM

RiponP90
You are missing out on something if all you do is leave it hanging on the wall. get some dies and load up some blackpowder loads, go to the range and let that Trapdoor roar. Nothing like lots of smoke to put a smile on a face.

James K · March 24, 2016, 08:36 PM

That rifle has the sling swivel on the trigger guard; cadet models up to the Model 1888 had no sling swivels at all, since (don't ask me why) cadets were not allowed to sling their rifles. That changed with the Model 1888 cadet rifle, which had sling swivels in both locations, but I don't know if the cadets were allowed to use them. The barrel length is easily checked; the cadet rifle has a 29 1/2" barrel; the standard rifle has a 32 5/8 inch barrel.

The change to the Model 1888 (round rod bayonet) took place in mid-1890, probably about mid-August, since some 5000 of the Model 1884 were made in FY 1891 and production ran about 3000 per month.

One point of interest. The books break down production by fiscal year because that is the way Ordnance Reports were made. The FY ran six months ahead of the calendar year (CY), (the 1890 FY ran from July 1, 1889 to June 30, 1890), but the inspection cartouche date was the CY.

Jim

highpower3006 · March 25, 2016, 08:04 AM

That is a very nice Trapdoor. I have it's brother made in the same year and about 5000 units earlier. Mine was issued to the New Jersey Militia at some point in it's life.

Tidewater_Kid · March 25, 2016, 04:36 PM

Nice looking rifle highpower3006!

This one has a 15 Rack number by the butt plate and a G and an 1 behind the tang.

Not sure of the meaning on the G and 1.

James K · March 25, 2016, 09:03 PM

The rack number and the G/1 are not factory markings, and stamping rack numbers on rifles was generally banned in U.S. service (they could be painted on). I suspect those markings were put on by some military academy.

Jim

Tidewater_Kid · March 26, 2016, 01:17 PM

Some pictures with the cleaning rod and replacement front band installed. The rifle is exactly the same length as my other 1884.

Maj Dad · April 4, 2016, 03:51 PM

Very nice, and a heckuva good price! I had an 84 that had been bubba'd real badly - buddy gave it to me at Ft Bragg in '74. That sucker shot something like 2+ feet high at either 50 or 100 yds, whatever the range at McKeller's Lodge was. I have a '73, and shot 405 gr lead slugs that were very accurate & on target, but found out the 84 sights were calibrated for 500 gr slugs. I finally sold or traded it off and kept the 73, which was used during the Spanish American war according to Springfield Research Service. You might consider checking with them to see where it might have been...

RiponP90: I shot both of mine with black powder & had a blast (haha), but got tired of the cleaning hassle, and switched to very modest smokeless powder loads. Unique, 2400, Red Dot, stuff like that is safe provided your rifle is in good condition. Lyman & other manuals list loads, and I never go max, rarely much above starting. I have modern rifles for fast bullets; this is for fun

I shoot the Lee 405 RNFP lead sized to 458 or 459 - don't remember - and on rare occasions a 300 gr JFP/JHP. I was advised to minimize jacketed bullet use to be kind to the mild steel in the barrel, so I usually do. I haven't shot 50 jacketed bullets in it in over 40 years! But, by all means, shoot it - they are loads of fun, and you'll have a crowd watching if you use a public range. But, it is best to let a gunsmith lay an eye on it if you're not comfortable assessing it yourself. Good luck!
George J.

Doc Hoy · April 10, 2016, 04:13 PM

I have a warm spot in my heart for Trapdoors and I like .45-70 in BP

Tidewater_Kid · April 11, 2016, 06:59 PM

Thanks Doc,

I am still enjoying the Trapdoors and I have you and your posts to thank!

TK

Doc Hoy · April 12, 2016, 02:30 PM

.....was a cadet model. It was in bad cosmetic shape but the action and bore were quite good.

Dragonflydf · April 16, 2016, 06:52 PM

Here is my pair of Trapdoors, and yes, that is a original 1873 Carbine.

March 21, 2016, 08:14 PM	#2
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	nice. there aren't many trapdoors here, and usually anything older than 1900 is priced above $1000 no matter how crappy the condition. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin

March 21, 2016, 09:04 PM	#6
RiponP90 Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2016 Posts: 190	I have one of these! They are so cool, it is like holding a piece of history...because you are haha. Yours is in much better shape in terms of the finish. Mine has become extremely dark over the years. I haven't fired it, a bit scared. I was talking to a local guy that said I should probably make my own loads for it. Some other people said as long as it is not smokeless powder I should be ok. Alas, I don't want my face blown off so it will probably remain on the mantle for the remainder of my life. __________________ Proud PS90 SBR and SPAS 12 Owner www.plinkersclub.com Your source for target, hunting and self defense ammunition.

March 21, 2016, 09:05 PM	#7
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Wow. That is a nice looking gun. Looks in great shape of its age. Look forward to reading about you shooting it. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

March 22, 2016, 04:15 AM	#9
l.cutler Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2005 Posts: 275	Great deal! Yours is a cadet model, even though they are rarer than the regular infantry rifle they often sell for less. I guess because of the "stigma" that it isn't a combat rifle. Last edited by l.cutler; March 22, 2016 at 05:16 AM.

March 23, 2016, 04:22 AM	#12
l.cutler Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2005 Posts: 275	Sorry, I was thinking that an infantry rifle of that serial number would be one of the sliding rod bayonet rifles, but yours must be one of the very latest produced without. You can post over on trapdoorcollector.com, they are the gurus on trapdoors. I'd say you paid about half price! Last edited by l.cutler; March 23, 2016 at 04:34 AM.

March 21, 2016, 08:28 PM	#3
Tidewater_Kid Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 925	Here a few more pictures.

March 21, 2016, 08:31 PM	#4
Tidewater_Kid Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 925	Thanks. I was very surprised at the price. He had two more that were priced much higher. Because the mainspring was broken is the reason he gave for this one being priced at $495. I offered $450 and left with it. TK

March 21, 2016, 08:32 PM	#5
Tidewater_Kid Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 925	One more picture of the lock.

March 21, 2016, 10:27 PM	#8
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	You certainly won the prize for best deal of the day!

March 22, 2016, 08:29 AM	#10
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	I have one, it's complete with everything including the bayonet. I shot it a couple of times, heck of a good old rifle. I have an extra bayonet for one. Best Regards Bob Hunter

March 22, 2016, 08:17 PM	#11
Tidewater_Kid Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 925	Thanks guys. I don't think it's a cadet model as the barrel is the correct length for the rifle and the stock does not have the long wrist of the cadet. What am I missing? TK

March 23, 2016, 12:10 PM	#13
Tidewater_Kid Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 925	l.cutler, From what my book says, this one was made in 1890 and that was a transition year to the rod bayonet 1888 model. I'm very pleased with the rifle for what I paid for it. I never sell my collection, so I just saved myself some money! TK

March 23, 2016, 03:06 PM	#14
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	An excellent find ! And a Cadet Rifle in original configuration is 100% correct.

March 23, 2016, 10:24 PM	#15
Dragonflydf Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2014 Posts: 217	RiponP90 You are missing out on something if all you do is leave it hanging on the wall. get some dies and load up some blackpowder loads, go to the range and let that Trapdoor roar. Nothing like lots of smoke to put a smile on a face. __________________ Jack, You have Debauched my sloth !!!!!! https://www.facebook.com/shoot.the.guns.of.history

March 24, 2016, 08:36 PM	#16
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	That rifle has the sling swivel on the trigger guard; cadet models up to the Model 1888 had no sling swivels at all, since (don't ask me why) cadets were not allowed to sling their rifles. That changed with the Model 1888 cadet rifle, which had sling swivels in both locations, but I don't know if the cadets were allowed to use them. The barrel length is easily checked; the cadet rifle has a 29 1/2" barrel; the standard rifle has a 32 5/8 inch barrel. The change to the Model 1888 (round rod bayonet) took place in mid-1890, probably about mid-August, since some 5000 of the Model 1884 were made in FY 1891 and production ran about 3000 per month. One point of interest. The books break down production by fiscal year because that is the way Ordnance Reports were made. The FY ran six months ahead of the calendar year (CY), (the 1890 FY ran from July 1, 1889 to June 30, 1890), but the inspection cartouche date was the CY. Jim

March 25, 2016, 08:04 AM	#17
highpower3006 Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2011 Location: Savannah TN Posts: 1,220	That is a very nice Trapdoor. I have it's brother made in the same year and about 5000 units earlier. Mine was issued to the New Jersey Militia at some point in it's life.

March 25, 2016, 09:03 PM	#19
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The rack number and the G/1 are not factory markings, and stamping rack numbers on rifles was generally banned in U.S. service (they could be painted on). I suspect those markings were put on by some military academy. Jim

March 26, 2016, 01:17 PM	#20
Tidewater_Kid Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 925	Some pictures with the cleaning rod and replacement front band installed. The rifle is exactly the same length as my other 1884.

April 4, 2016, 03:51 PM	#21
Maj Dad Junior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Location: Sumter, SC Posts: 6	Very nice, and a heckuva good price! I had an 84 that had been bubba'd real badly - buddy gave it to me at Ft Bragg in '74. That sucker shot something like 2+ feet high at either 50 or 100 yds, whatever the range at McKeller's Lodge was. I have a '73, and shot 405 gr lead slugs that were very accurate & on target, but found out the 84 sights were calibrated for 500 gr slugs. I finally sold or traded it off and kept the 73, which was used during the Spanish American war according to Springfield Research Service. You might consider checking with them to see where it might have been... RiponP90: I shot both of mine with black powder & had a blast (haha), but got tired of the cleaning hassle, and switched to very modest smokeless powder loads. Unique, 2400, Red Dot, stuff like that is safe provided your rifle is in good condition. Lyman & other manuals list loads, and I never go max, rarely much above starting. I have modern rifles for fast bullets; this is for fun I shoot the Lee 405 RNFP lead sized to 458 or 459 - don't remember - and on rare occasions a 300 gr JFP/JHP. I was advised to minimize jacketed bullet use to be kind to the mild steel in the barrel, so I usually do. I haven't shot 50 jacketed bullets in it in over 40 years! But, by all means, shoot it - they are loads of fun, and you'll have a crowd watching if you use a public range. But, it is best to let a gunsmith lay an eye on it if you're not comfortable assessing it yourself. Good luck! George J. __________________ Maj, USAF, ret. Life Member DAV, MOAA, SCV, TSRA, and VFW Benefactor Member, NRA

April 10, 2016, 04:13 PM	#22
Doc Hoy Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 5,440	Nice find, TK I have a warm spot in my heart for Trapdoors and I like .45-70 in BP __________________ Seek truth. Relax. Take a breath.

April 11, 2016, 06:59 PM	#23
Tidewater_Kid Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 925	Thanks Doc, I am still enjoying the Trapdoors and I have you and your posts to thank! TK

April 12, 2016, 02:30 PM	#24
Doc Hoy Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 5,440	My first trapdoor.... .....was a cadet model. It was in bad cosmetic shape but the action and bore were quite good. __________________ Seek truth. Relax. Take a breath.

April 16, 2016, 06:52 PM	#25
Dragonflydf Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2014 Posts: 217	Here is my pair of Trapdoors, and yes, that is a original 1873 Carbine. __________________ Jack, You have Debauched my sloth !!!!!! https://www.facebook.com/shoot.the.guns.of.history