Help please on a new trapdoor owner

[rlanicek]

I just inherited this rifle from my dad and I don't know anything about it. Started doing some research but it seems there is so much to know! "1884" stamped on the breech block, SN 382726.

Sorry for the lousy cell phone pics, but I was wondering if anyone here could tell me what I have?

Thanks!

[Dan Shapiro]

You have a Springfield Model 1884 "Trapdoor" rifle. 45-70 Gov't caliber. It has the Buffington rear sight - adjustable for the first time in both windage and elevation. Don't be surprised if the windage knob does not move the rear sight right or left. Seeing as this was the newest "gee-gaw", unit commanders could direct that their rifles be delivered with the windage feature 'pinned' so that it could not be used.

[rlanicek]

Thanks. Any clue what the value might be?

[musculus]

your pictures make valuation more difficult. Assuming a very good to excellent barrel and tight mechanicals, 900-1200 dollars would be a fair estimate.

[wstrayer]

If there is a visable cartouce on the left side of the stock just forward of the wrist. Find yourself some ammo for it and enjoy shooting it. Use lead bullet loads as the jacketed stuff is hard on the soft steel rifling. Don't be surprised if it shoots about 9" high at 100 yards.

[Dick Hosmer]

Which can easily be fixed by installing a higher sight blade, or stacking targets.

[John Sukey]

Just a note. when buying commercial ammunition, NOTE there are TWO kiinds. One is for Winchester lever actions which is too hot for trapdoors and the boxes are marked as such. Might be a good idea to mention what you will be using the ammo for to the guy at the counter .

This is a BLACK POWDER rifle and the commercial smokeless powder loads for trapdoors are therefore less.

[musculus]

Just a note. when buying commercial ammunition, NOTE there are TWO kiinds. One is for Winchester lever actions which is too hot for trapdoors and the boxes are marked as such. Might be a good idea to mention what you will be using the ammo for to the guy at the counter .

This is a BLACK POWDER rifle and the commercial smokeless powder loads for trapdoors are therefore less.

you are (approximately) half right (and most of the "counter people" who are making 8 bucks per hour at Walmart or Cabela's done have a CLUE about anything beyond their fourth point of contact).

There is NO "standard" 45-70 commercial ammunition that is loaded higher than around 30,000 psi. This is EXACTLY because there are so many TD rifles out there. So, just about anything at wALMart is OK (double check of course the box). Frankly, I haven't researched it yet, but I SUSPECT that even the "Leverevloution" stuff MAY be OK (light bullet, very slow powder).

The "warning" that is given for GRIZZLY and BUFFALO BORE ammo (besides the "+P" on the box) is (basically) as follows:


Intended for use in Marlin 1895 made since 1972, Browning 1885, 1886, New England Arms Handi-Rifle, Ruger #1, #3, T/C Encore, Shiloh, Christian, Petersoli Sharps, New Production Winchester 1886.

[older than dirt]

45-70 from Win or Rem is just fine.

[torpedoman]

seems he is more interested in selling than shooting list it in the for sale or trade sections of mast any forum at 12,00 or best offer and you'll most likely sell it in a few days.