1880 rifle recall

[Chris]

I know in 1880 - 1881 the early sn rifles were turned in, My question is was it all rifles under 50k or rifles in 50k range and under that were to be returned back.

[Solidleadslug]

Another great question would be how did some rifles avoid the recall and for what purpose did they recall them for?

[Dick Hosmer]

The recall began in October 1879, and directed that ALL arms below 50,000 be turned in. The order was fairly effective, which accounts for the scarcity of such arms on the collector market today, but, obviously some were missed. The number chosen makes no sense, as there is no physical change at, or even near, that point. They had a pending project (arming and equipping the militia) and it seems likely that the chose the round number of 50,000 to assure getting enough parts. The serviceable parts from the recall were used, with new barreled actions and stocks as the "star" arms of 1880-82. These arms were not counted in the production totals for new guns, but the numbers were not duplicated, thus creating a hiccup in the records going forward. The unused parts were sold off (Bannerman et al) until it was 'discovered' (ca. 1890) that complete "Springfield" arms were being produced outside of SA. At this point, such sales of parts were stopped.

An unfortunate aspect of the recall is that some extremely valuable (today) historical material - such as the surviving 7th Cav carbines - were lost to history, their receivers winding up on turds from Bannerman.

[Texcl2]

Were the barrels replaced too or was it just the new wide action and updated sights on the original barrel? My star serial carbine has the original lock including early plate and hammer, early smooth trigger assembly but the rest of the parts appear new. Seems odd to recall guns for parts if they are only re-using the lock & trigger. Makes you wonder what was going on. I’d like to see some correspondence between Springfield and whomever came up with the idea indicating it was just for the parts or that the guns were used up or maybe a combination. Doubtful it will appear unfortunately. My star carbine is my favorite shooter and has a great bore. I love the fact that it’s parts could have been here in the Dakotas in the 1870’s yet it has all the updates and better 1879 sights. I bet I put 200 rounds a month through that gun, sometimes more.

[Dick Hosmer]

Do not believe I've ever seen anything specifically re barrels, and have always assumed that, since SA liked to furnish such as assemblies, they were new.

However, the militia WERE "second class" and that practice MIGHT have been relaxed.

Unlike many SA "mysteries" this one might have a fairly easy answer. If an early barrel were reused, it would have either no barrel markings or the small eagle head. Of course, such barrels would have to have been re-profiled at the shank to seat in the new receiver.

Possibly, interested 'star' owners might want to check their barrels? Mine (181802*) has the large.

[Tom Trevor]

My carbine and rifle both have large eagles. BUT both do not have any initial behind rear sight on barrel top? most will have an R or A.

[carlsr]

My carbine appears to have the large eagle although there is no second P.
There's no letter stamped on top of barrel in front of receiver.

[Texcl2]

Here’s pics from mine no P on underside, no inspector initial on top of barrel, 175xxx with the flower looking star …..

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