Hey guys! So over the weekend I picked up a pretty nice(to me) 1884 springfield trapdoor. It's got a date stamp of 1898 stamped onto the stock but as I've done some research some things don't add up. For one it has the 73 style cleaning rod and bayonet instead of the spike bayonet. It's also got a solid butt plate. So to me it looks like a late model 1884 on an earlier style stock. Was that a common thing or is this something that was cobbled together later? Either way the bores in great shape and I can't wait to take it out!
Questions about a Trapdoor Springfield
- Thread starter Gambit88
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- springfield trapdoor
Congrats, I just took mine out yesterday fro taget practice. Mine is in great shape and shoots very accurately with BP. Looks like you generally have a late model 1888 with some parts not original to the rifle. You can easily look up the serial number online to see that year the rifle was made and if it matches the stock.
Remington1911
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Head over to gunboards for this vintage stuff, that is where most of the folk that know about "old guns" hang out.
As to your rifle, I think you will enjoy it. Make sure you buy "trapdoor safe" rounds for it, and if you reload do a bit of reading on that subject as well. They are just great fun to shoot, so mechanical.
As to your rifle, I think you will enjoy it. Make sure you buy "trapdoor safe" rounds for it, and if you reload do a bit of reading on that subject as well. They are just great fun to shoot, so mechanical.
Second that and I forgot to mention getting Wolf's book on trapdoors if you have never owned one. Great info to get the most out of your rifle. Took me awhile to get mine into shape and figure out the best fouling control method but now she can win competitions.
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AlexanderA
Member
Springfield Armory was notoriously frugal in those days. Parts were assembled "out of order" so to speak.
I have two Trapdoors. Both have "U.S. Model 1884" marked on the breechblock.
1. Serial number 96980
-- Stock cartouche dated 1891; recess in stock for tools
-- Round rod bayonet
-- Trap-type buttplate stamped "50 N.G.P." (National Guard of Pennsylvania?)
-- Buffington rear sight
-- One-piece trigger guard
2. Serial number 424941
-- No visible stock cartouche
-- Standard cleaning rod
-- Standard buttplate
-- Buffington rear sight
-- Two-piece trigger guard (Civil War style with separate bow)
Obviously #1 is a later style than #2, but the serial number is way earlier. Were these receivers that were put in storage and assembled many years after being produced?
Coyote3855
Member
Lots of possibilities. The museum were I volunteer has a Trapdoor Model 1888 but the serial number puts it in the Model 1873 range. So maybe the breech was under a workbench for 15 years? Ours is in pristine condition so I believe all the parts are original to the gun.
The other option for your rifle. Bannerman and other resellers bought rifles, carbines, and parts. They sometimes altered the firearms or assembled a complete gun from parts.
The other option for your rifle. Bannerman and other resellers bought rifles, carbines, and parts. They sometimes altered the firearms or assembled a complete gun from parts.
