Help Me Identify 1884 Trapdoor

[TomAffholter]

Greetings!

I have owned a Springfield model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle for twenty years. The rifle was passed down through the family since at the latest 1900. My wife’s great-grandfather was a guard at the Montana Penitentiary for many years during that time. I am unaware of how the rifle came into the family's possession but I suspect granddad was a member of the Montana Guard.

The rifle has a Springfield mark, a U.S Gov mark, 1884, and is in excellent condition. However, I am unable to match the serial number to any 1884 serial number.
132589
The number would match an 1880 Model. Is my rifle a refurbished 1884 Model from 1880?

Thank you very much.

Tom Affholter
Colbert, WA

[John S.]

Welcome!
Is the 1884 on the lockplate or on the trapdoor which opens the breech for loading?

There is no documented usage history for serial number 132589 to help solve any mysteries.

[TomAffholter]

Thanks John.

The serial number is on the trap. I have attached some photos of the serial number and identifying marks. Please take note of the unusual square blemish pattern at the upper right side of the serial number. I have found no reference to this serial number in the 1884 ranges.

Take care.
Tom

[TomAffholter]

Howdy,

I am hoping to resurrect this post. This rifle's origin has stumped me. As you can see, I fat-fingered the original serial number. It should be 132586. The numbers appear individually hand stamped - thoughts? Also, notice the rectangle blemish to the upper right of the serial number.

Thanks again,

Tom

[Jim]

Your receiver was struck in the third quarter of 1880. (July-September)

[Dick Hosmer]

The 1884-dated breechblock is apparently a replacement. The s/n stamping looks perfectly normal to me, and the 'blemish' is from someone snapping the hammer at least once, while the block was open - I've seen MUCH worse.

[Texcl2]

That gun would probably make a good shooter, replaced blocks are pretty common, honestly there are a lot of mix master guns out there especially with old surplus guns, some parts replacements were done by the military many more were done by civilians to keep the guns running. It is what it is. Still a cool gun.

[LordTimothyDexter]

Hey, my curiosity is piqued. I am working on a rifle of similar background. It is an 1884 as well that came from my Grandfathers gun closet after he passed. I have been carrying it around in a case for over a decade with the assumption that i would eventually make it look a little nicer and put it on a wall. However upon inspection it may be a viable option to restore and shoot. The serial is 89995. If you would like to compare it against yours i have a video of the disassembly of my 1884.

The curious thing is mine has an 1887 signature on the stock and ia stamped 1884 on the trap. So i am thinking it came from a similar background. Mine also came from Montana, it is a very similar build. It is missing what i beleieve should have been a Buffinton rear sight.

Included is a link to the video of my Springfield 1884 disassembly. If anyone is interested in further inquiry i am able to provide more pictures, video or measurements but will require time to produce them.

https://youtu.be/ZSPCOt7QtqA?si=OxzZp2_CSaQp_Uvt

[Dick Hosmer]

Sorry to say it, but that video was painful to watch - using obvious force with a tiny screwdriver on the large tang screw (which it appeared you did not realize had to be removed to get the guard off). The rifle is made up of non-compatible parts - an 1884-dated block would NEVER be seen (even as replacement) below 96300 as there was a width change at that number - you will note that your block laps over slightly at both side. The 1887-stamped stock in also incorrect for that number. No way to know who put the parts together, but it would NOT have been a government facility.

Was there no glue at the break? Some good epoxy and pins should make it OK to handle, and probably even shoot. If the bore is good, should be fun.

Good luck and best wishes.

FWIW, I happen to own 89998, which is a carbine!

[LordTimothyDexter]

I am not exactly a professional, so please forgive my less than stellar preformance in filming. Being frank, I went into the disassembly pretty much blind. I could have done more research into that aspect, but I was impatient so I just went in.

When you say "non-compatible" parts how exactly do you mean that? From your assessment I am beginning to suspect it was a rifle my grandfather slapped together rather than being in service.

There was no glue on the break at all. Considering I kinda want to stick with the history of this rifle (i.e. already being something of a frankenstein) and desire to make it into a shooter, would it be worth trying to save the stock or would it be reasonable to fabricate a new one? Are there any problems you forsee as far as the longevity of the current stock refurbished?

I could not get good pictures of the bore but the rifling looked pretty good. Being so old and having sat for so long what ways would you prepare the barrel for use if it is in shooting condition? I suppose there is a similar quesestion for the action and block as far as their inspection and preparation for use.

I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and answer in a genuine way. I apologize if i come off as an amature but I am one. Very cool that you replied with such a close SN!