Found a 1873 Springfield Trapdoor. Tell me what you know

So I know a guy that has a 1873 Springfield Trapdoor in 45-70. He’s looking at selling it. I haven’t put my eyes on it other than the photos that he has sent to me. From the serial numbers, it appears to be from around 1886. He says that it has a 33” barrel, but that just doesn’t seem right. Am I correct in this thinking? If so, could it be 32”? It has a Buffington rear sight and the cleaning rod. I don’t know if he has actually shot the gun or not, but that is fixing to be asked. Not sure if anything has been refinished on it or not, but I’m not concerned about that as it will be a shooter when I take it out. All I’d ever shoot through it is handloads with BP and not Smokeless. Let me know what you think and I’m going to plan to make a trip and put my eyes on it in the very near future. Also, how many grooves would this barrel have? My 1873 Winchester has a 5 groove barrel.

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I think that serial number would make it a model 1884.

It is a three groove. This rifle has an after market add on pistol grip which may be nice or a bubba job[ you will just have to see in person. Overall the rifle looks like it could be a good shooter.

If this rifle is mostly unmessed with, it should be a good and accurate rifle. Sometimes the old 1884 Springfield gets poo-pooed and under-rated. However - They can be very good rifles and accurate beyond what you might guess. If the price is in you budget - go for it.

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Originally Posted by LIMPINGJ

I think that serial number would make it a model 1884.

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He says that it’s a 1873, but I really don’t know just yet. That’s why I’m researching it. Looks like the barrel though is 32 and 5/8 Long though which makes it a infantry model so far. I’m still learning things about it. If anyone can validate if it’s a 1873 or 1884, that would be great.


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Originally Posted by Chill Wills

It is a three groove. This rifle has an after market add on pistol grip which may be nice or a bubba job[ you will just have to see in person. Overall the rifle looks like it could be a good shooter.

If this rifle is mostly unmessed with, it should be a good and accurate rifle. Sometimes the old 1884 Springfield gets poo-pooed and under-rated. However - They can be very good rifles and accurate beyond what you might guess. If the price is in you budget - go for it.

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I noticed something about the grip, but couldn’t make out what it was. I’ll be able to tell more when I can see it in person.


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Originally Posted by LIMPINGJ

I think that serial number would make it a model 1884.

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Ok, I’m seeing that it most likely a 1884 now and not a 1873 as I was told from the owner.


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http://trapdoorcollector.com/

http://trapdoorcollector.com/m73.html

http://trapdoorcollector.com/m84.html

'73 or '84 matters little. It looks like a good one. Go for it. With the Buffington sight and serrated trigger it appears to be a standard 1884 model. Unless the stock has been sanded it should have the inspector cartouche on the left side opposite the lock along with the date. If no date or cartouche, don't worry, it could have been restocked outside of the armory. It looks like a good bore and it should be a good shooter. Bear in mind that with the sight in the down position that is the battle position and will be sighted in for about 350 yards. You must raise the sight and set it for shooting closer or farther.

You got great information above . The stock looks original and not bubba’ed. There are quite a few on GB to compare prices . Definitely an 1884. I just got one in very similar condition in a trade and look forward to shooting it. Yours was made in 1886.
https://gun-data.com/springfield_trapdoors.html

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Originally Posted by Deadeye Bly

'73 or '84 matters little. It looks like a good one. Go for it. With the Buffington sight and serrated trigger it appears to be a standard 1884 model. Unless the stock has been sanded it should have the inspector cartouche on the left side opposite the lock along with the date. If no date or cartouche, don't worry, it could have been restocked outside of the armory. It looks like a good bore and it should be a good shooter. Bear in mind that with the sight in the down position that is the battle position and will be sighted in for about 350 yards. You must raise the sight and set it for shooting closer or farther.

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It's common for TD shooters to replace the front sight blade with a taller one that can be filed down to you desired zero. It's also important to slug your bore for groove size. Most TDs are over .458. If you don't have access to a machinist who can measure your 3 groove slug, look up Texas Mac on this sight. He's done several for me. My '88 shoots best with a .460 500 gr. 1884 Government out of a Saeco mould. You can buy them cast from Buffalo Arms. Have fun.

Springfield did make a add on pistol grip for the latter 84 models for sharpshooters.

My TD is stamped 1884 on the action. It is an all original not `BUBBA`ED` rifle with the ramrod bayonet instead of a standard ramrod. It however has an polished lock plate and hammer. Was told by the seller that her Grandfather bought it from his VFW when they changed over to `03 Springfields for their honors guard, tells you how long back that happened.Robert

The Buffington site Is Model 1884. Most if not all Trapdoors have been Reworked, repaired and updated . there are many that are somewhat complete and original.
a serial # Check will give You a general date. . All in all It is a Great looking rifle. You can't beat a trapdoor. If you like them you love them . if your not once you Get one You will be
Great looking Piece of hostory
Sal

the rod bayonet model was called the 1888 model even though the parts have 1884 dates. I have a 73 and a 88 model.

Depending on price I"d take it

tdoor, what would you estimate it’s value ?

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Originally Posted by varsity07840

It's common for TD shooters to replace the front sight blade with a taller one that can be filed down to you desired zero. It's also important to slug your bore for groove size. Most TDs are over .458. If you don't have access to a machinist who can measure your 3 groove slug, look up Texas Mac on this sight. He's done several for me. My '88 shoots best with a .460 500 gr. 1884 Government out of a Saeco mould. You can buy them cast from Buffalo Arms. Have fun.

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Varsity, luckily I got some experience measuring my 5 groove barrel on my Winchester 1873. Took me a bit, but I got the hang of it.


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Thanks for the help everyone. I’m thinking I’ll probably get this rifle when go and look at it. He’s asking $650 and has three original copper cased 45-70 rounds.


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At the price of $650. I would have to pass it up , billfold would not allow that much to go out.

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Originally Posted by Babbott213

Varsity, luckily I got some experience measuring my 5 groove barrel on my Winchester 1873. Took me a bit, but I got the hang of it.


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$650 is in the "about right" price range for that rifle. Not a steal and not over priced either.
If you don't mind me asking, what is getting "the hang of it" look like when you have a micrometer in hand? Odd numbers of lands and grooves are not something you can measure across - with out a "V" block or using other tricks. I'm looking to learn. Thanks!

Springfield's add on pistol grip adapters were checkered steel, not wood. So this appears to be a home gunsmithed add on. But that wouldn't deter me from buying it. Just factor that into the asking price, or offer.

I just paid $625 for an 1884 in similar condition, but with a slightly better bore and no stock bubba-ing. Looked at quite a few before I decided. Missed out on a nice Cadet model that went for $700.

I just looked it up . a uberti repro. is $1800.

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Originally Posted by marlinman93

Springfield's add on pistol grip adapters were checkered steel, not wood. So this appears to be a home gunsmithed add on. But that wouldn't deter me from buying it. Just factor that into the asking price, or offer.

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The first variation PG were walnut available sometime in the late 1870's. After sometime in 1880 or 1881 the 2nd variation were produced in metal.

Babbot213

If you get that nice looking TD and load for it this might help you;

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...-and-Equipment

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Originally Posted by bob208

I just looked it up . a uberti repro. is $1800.

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I`m almost ashamed to say that my near perfect Honor Guards TD 1884/88 model only cost me $200, they set the price not me.Robert

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Originally Posted by Larry Gibson

Babbot213

If you get that nice looking TD and load for it this might help you;

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...-and-Equipment

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Thanks or posting that. I have a trapdoor I've wanted to shoot but haven't.

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Originally Posted by Chill Wills

The first variation PG were walnut available sometime in the late 1870's. After sometime in 1880 or 1881 the 2nd variation were produced in metal.

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One way to find out if the added pistol grip was a add on, is check to see where the circled P inspection mark is located. Normally, it'll be directly behind the bottom trigger plate. If the inspection mark is behind the grip, it's a true arsenal production rifle. No checkering on the wood ones. Springfield Armory in 1880/1881 produced both wood and metal grips. Most all of the officer's models had wood grips of several variations. S & S offered original metal ones up to 1980. Reproductions of both started showing up when more shooters started using them.