Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic trapdoor single-shot rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Springfield Armory U.S. Model 1873!
Rifles produced in the later years often utilized existing parts from earlier runs, which was a common practice to maintain consistency and reduce costs. In fact, many Springfield Trapdoor rifles featured a mix of parts from different models and production periods—components such as breechblocks, stocks, lockplates, and especially sights were frequently interchanged. This was particularly true during arsenal refurbishments, where rifles were updated or repaired with whatever compatible parts were available. As a result, it is common to find Model 1873 rifles with later features like Buffington rear sights or rod bayonets from the Model 1884, reflecting the Army's efforts to keep older rifles in serviceable condition.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Model: U.S. Model 1873
Serial: 328054
Date of Manufacture: 1886
Caliber: .45-70
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 32 5/8" with Cleaning Rod Bayonet
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Buffington Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: TrapDoor / Single-Shot
Markings: Standard / The top of the breech block is stamped “U.S. Model 1873”. The right side of the lockplate is stamped “Springfield Armory”. The top of the buttplate is stamped “U.S.". The barrel bands are stamped with the letter “U”. The left side of the stock is stamped with the “SWP/1891” cartouche.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Springfield Model 1873, commonly known as the "Trapdoor Springfield," was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army, marking a pivotal advancement from earlier muzzle-loading firearms. Designed by Erskine S. Allin, the rifle featured a hinged breechblock or "trapdoor" mechanism that allowed for faster and more efficient loading. Chambered in the powerful new .45-70 Government cartridge, the Model 1873 was produced in both full-length infantry rifle and shorter cavalry carbine versions, with barrel lengths of 32 5/8-inches and 22 inches, respectively. Its robust design, solid accuracy, and effective range up to 500 yards made it well-suited for the varied and often harsh conditions of frontier service during the Indian Wars.
Model: U.S. Model 1873
Serial: 328054
Date of Manufacture: 1886
Caliber: .45-70
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 32 5/8" with Cleaning Rod Bayonet
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Buffington Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: TrapDoor / Single-Shot
Markings: Standard / The top of the breech block is stamped “U.S. Model 1873”. The right side of the lockplate is stamped “Springfield Armory”. The top of the buttplate is stamped “U.S.". The barrel bands are stamped with the letter “U”. The left side of the stock is stamped with the “SWP/1891” cartouche.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Springfield Model 1873, commonly known as the "Trapdoor Springfield," was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army, marking a pivotal advancement from earlier muzzle-loading firearms. Designed by Erskine S. Allin, the rifle featured a hinged breechblock or "trapdoor" mechanism that allowed for faster and more efficient loading. Chambered in the powerful new .45-70 Government cartridge, the Model 1873 was produced in both full-length infantry rifle and shorter cavalry carbine versions, with barrel lengths of 32 5/8-inches and 22 inches, respectively. Its robust design, solid accuracy, and effective range up to 500 yards made it well-suited for the varied and often harsh conditions of frontier service during the Indian Wars.
Over 700,000 units were manufactured between 1873 and as late as 1886, reflecting continued demand and use even after newer models were introduced. Rifles produced in these later years often utilized existing parts from earlier runs, which was a common practice to maintain consistency and reduce costs. In fact, many Springfield Trapdoor rifles featured a mix of parts from different models and production periods—components such as breechblocks, stocks, lockplates, and especially sights were frequently interchanged. This was particularly true during arsenal refurbishments, where rifles were updated or repaired with whatever compatible parts were available.
As a result, it is common to find Model 1873 rifles with later features like Buffington rear sights or rod bayonets from the Model 1884, reflecting the Army's efforts to keep older rifles in serviceable condition. The Model 1873 served in key battles such as the Battle of the Little Bighorn and remains an iconic symbol of the U.S. Army's transition to breech-loading rifles in the late 19th century.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
