Springfield Trapdoor Information

[pjohn]

I recently purchased a trapdoor and was hoping someone could provide me with information on what model it is, a brief history or where I can find more information. At this point I don't know what to look under or where to look. The rifle is 51.75" long and the barrel is 31" long, caliber 45-70.

Information

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[butlersrangers]

'pjohn':

A good basic book on 'Trapdoor' Springfields is: "The .45-70 Springfield", by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch (North Cape Publications - Paperback - about $20). It will answer many questions.

I believe your rifle, #320,08X, was made around 1886. It has the model 1884 'Buffington' rear sight. It has a 'Rod-Bayonet'.

At first I thought your Springfield was a Model 1888 - Rod Bayonet rifle, but, they did not start making those until the 1890s and they normally have a 'one-piece' trigger-guard. There was an earlier model 1884 (experimental) Rod Bayonet rifle of which 1,000 were built in 1885 and 1886. Possibly, your rifle is one of these, that was later updated and re-issued?

I would suggest that you post clearer detailed pictures on the 'Trapdoor' forums on "Culver's Shooting Pages" or the "Gunboards Forums" with your questions. There are some more advanced Trapdoor Authorities that participate there.

BTW - Nice looking Trapdoor!

[Patrick Chadwick]

According to "The .45-70 Springfield" by Frasca and Hill (expensive, but authoritative) the trapdoor serial numbers reached 306006 at the end of 1885, and 346727 at the end of 1886. So the number on the receiver puts it clearly in the middle of 1886.

As to the other components, doubtless someone will give it a detailed analysis. You may expect to receive some comments on the lines of "that's not the right part for that month in that year". That wouldn't bother me if I had such a good-looking rifle. Real rifles are issued, used, maintained, and even upgraded. For instance, large numbers were renovated and re-issued by Rock Island Arsenal (Frasca and Hill, P.196). That many (most?) are no longer in the identical configuration in which they once left the factory is to be expected. Don't worry about that, just get out and shoot it. Trapdoors in good condition with Buffington sights are just about the most accurate BP military rifles you can get, and easy to load for.

[13Echo]

The rod bayonet and latch arrangement on the forend is from a Model 1888 rifle. It is not from the earlier so called "flat latch" model of which very very few were made. The trigger guard is from an 1884 model or earlier and does not match the rod bayonet . The serial number puts in the 1886 production year. This would appear to be a mixture of parts, possibly a Bannerman rifle. It, however, appears to be a perfectly sound and shootable rifle

[butlersrangers]

I don't accept that everything unusual in U. S. Military arms was the product of Bannerman's or W. Stokes Kirk. Some peculiar 'Trapdoor' rifles may reflect rebuilding at Springfield.

We all agree the receiver is from 1886 and the OP's rifle shows an odd mixture of parts from 1884 and 1888 models.

Something did happen to most of the (1,000) 1884 'Trial Model Rod-Bayonet' Springfields (that were made in 1885-1886). Very few of the 1,000 exist. It is possible some were 'updated' to the 1888 Rod-Bayonet & catch mechanism.

It would be nice to see detail pictures of the OP's breech-block and Stock 'cartouche'. Because it is an unorthodox Springfield (but, obviously not a 'Bubba job'), I advise it get a good look from a knowledgeable and experienced Trapdoor collector.

[butlersrangers]

Is it just me?

Three guys took time and tried to give John Parke of Md. a bit of insight and direction on his 'Trapdoor' Springfield questions.

Simply 'clicking' on the "Thanks Button" would let the responders know their efforts were read and appreciated.

(It's the only 'pay' we get).

[Patrick Chadwick]

Hear! Hear!


Sometimes I think I'm sending information into a black hole.

[butlersrangers]

I enjoy your posts. Thanks Patrick!

[13Echo]

Butler, that is a distinct possibility. If the cartouche on the stock is correct for 1886 this may be one of the very rare experimental round rod bayonet 1884 rifles. The front latch is still an 1888 but, according to Frasca, at least some of the rifles were later converted to the 88 latch.

If so this is a valuable rifle.

Jerry Liles

[butlersrangers]

Original Poster has not responded. We will probably never know, if there is something rare about his 'Trapdoor'. Too bad, because we all learn from the unusual.