M1873 carbine verification help

Hi everyone,

Im looking for some information about a carbine that I recently picked up. I suspected it was a cut down rifle due to the price tag of $450 so I went ahead and bought it. After researching it I am now very confused. The serial number is 137291. Of all the issues I have seen to look for the only one I have found was that it does have an R marked rear sight. The stock does not look cut to me, it has the correct cleaning rod cuts, etc. Could anyone shed some light on whether or not this is a correct carbine or if it was indeed a rifle at one time. Thank you.

Additional picture of the barrel length.

The "R" at top right on the sight leaf denotes a RIFLE sight. A Carbine would be marked "C" in this position. See Frasca & Hill "The .45-70 Springfield" Chap. 14-2 P.158. The serial number is from 1880 (Appendix F-2, P378).

I am not a Trapdoor expert, but the two facts listed above are enough to give me the very strong suspicion that this is a "bitsa". Notoriously, Bannermann et al. bought up remaindered components (apparently including rejected parts) and put together a considerable number of bitsas with the spoils.

Others who really know their .45-70s will doubtless comment, but for me this is a very "iffy" item.

just my 2c, natch!

Patrick

Thank you for the information. I bought it knowing the odds were against it. My main concern is that the rear sight is the only indication of a rifle. A piece that is only held on by 2 screws and is easily damaged in the field. Is it not possible it was replaced at some time?
I posted the same question on another forum and got this.

"137291 was made in the 4th quarter of 1880. That quarter they made 715 (seven hundred fifteen) rifles and 7,258 carbines.

I think there's a very good chance your's is an original carbine, although the rear sight is likely a replacement (those sights didn't come out until 1884 so they may have been out on during an armory refurbishment)."

Again thanks for taking the time to respond to my ignorance.

While SRS does not list yor serial number it is among carbines it that range. The trigger is also post 1883 swept style and the sight could have been replaced by someone who shot it thinking the Buffington was better that the fine M-1879 original sight. The pictures look good and the muzzle diameter is spot on. For the price listed it was a steal.

nice rifle. I never get tired of seeing that eagle!

Thank you. I took it out to shoot today as well and it performed admirably with handloaded Black powder rounds. It's a fun rifle.

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Thank you for the information. I will be purchasing an original rear sight for it shortly. It shoots very well with the buffington though.