Springfield Model 1884 Cadet rifle

[Jack16]

New toy added to the collection. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor. Chambered in 45-70.  Manufactured in 1893(The very last year because the army officially adopted the Krag in 1892). This is a Cadet model. Specifically designed for a military school. It's the same as the standard army version, but the barrel is just a few inches shorter. Shorter barrel meant lighter gun/not as much recoil for teenagers. Sadly, I don't know which school it came from. There isn't any info on the serial# in the SRS. It's missing the cleaning rod. The "circled P" proof stamp is visible, but very worn and the inspector stamps aren't visible. Maybe the stock was sanded down at some point?
It looks like the cadet lightly scratched his initials in the stock. It's a shame I don't know which school it came from. I could have maybe found out who he was.

 

 

 

 

 

[Brooke]

Neat! 

[Ripsnort]

Congrats!
Is it in shootable condition? If you're not sure, take it to a gunsmith and have the barrel slugged/inspected and the head space checked. These rifles are a hoot to shoot!

I have been getting my shells from Powder River in the low pressure loads (Don't shoot the more modern .45-70 Gov't ammo) but now that I am reloading I plan to buy the .45-70 die sets and reload my own.

Springfield Trapdoors were very popular in the late 80's and 90's, their values went way up, but now they've dropped again. Base on your photos, I would make an educated guess and say that yours is somewhere in the $400-$700 range, depending on how motivated the buyer is. These can be very hard to sell anymore on gunbroker.com.

Photos of my trapdoor, with 1879 improvements, cartouche is 1883, delivered to the Oregon Army Reserve in around 1890, and purchased by my friends father in 1950. When my friend moved to Oz he sold the rifle to me.
https://sportsdad60.smugmug.com/1873-Springfield-Trapdoor-45/n-gxR9F/

My son shooting the Trapdoor.

[zack1234]

Awesome

[Jack16]

Congrats!
Is it in shootable condition? If you're not sure, take it to a gunsmith and have the barrel slugged/inspected and the head space checked. These rifles are a hoot to shoot!

I have been getting my shells from Powder River in the low pressure loads (Don't shoot the more modern .45-70 Gov't ammo) but now that I am reloading I plan to buy the .45-70 die sets and reload my own.

Springfield Trapdoors were very popular in the late 80's and 90's, their values went way up, but now they've dropped again. Base on your photos, I would make an educated guess and say that yours is somewhere in the $400-$700 range, depending on how motivated the buyer is. These can be very hard to sell anymore on gunbroker.com.

Your rifle is in beautiful condition.

It was slightly higher on your price range. $750.

I ordered ammo from Buffalo Arms. 405gr. black powder rounds. Should be here by Saturday. So excited!
http://www.buffaloarms.com/45_70_Government_Black_Powder_Ammunition%20_it-175420.aspx?CAT=4443
 
I took your advice and did take it to a gunsmith. They visually inspected it. They said it looked to be in pretty good shape over all, the rifling looks good and the barrel has a very tiny amount of pitting, but that is to be expected on a 123 yr. old rifle. They did not slug the barrel or do a head space check. They are 15 weeks behind and told me it would take about month..... I said no way. I'm not waiting that long for something that should only take a couple of minutes.  They didn't even have the proper head space gauge to begin with so they have to order one and they'll call me when they get it.
I think it's safe to say there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. It is a cadet's rifle and more than likely spent most of the time in an armory except for when they were practicing their drills.

[Ripsnort]

Sounds great. Good ammo you bought there too.
Inspect the first case after you shoot it. If it's not deformed at the base your head space should be okay.
And yes, some pitting is normal wear and tear on this 'tater guns.
Remember, it will shoot high at 100 yards with the buffington sight in the down position, assuming it has the original Type 4 front blade sight. Aim a little low of target at 100 yards and you should be golden.

[Jack16]

I'm not familiar with the different sight blade variations, but judging from a picture I saw, I'm going to say it is a type 4 .