US Springfield 1885-1887 carbine

For anything related to Trapdoor era U.S. martial arms collecting.

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tinman
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2023 3:25 am

US Springfield 1885-1887 carbine

Post by tinman »

Hello everyone

First thanks for the add to the forum

Today I became the owner of what I believe to be a 1885-1887 US Springfield 45-70 carbine.
Normally I'm a very search and research buyer before a firearm purchase, this rifle caught me off guard and into a whim purchase at a auction today.

I went to a online auction preview yesterday afternoon to look at a Savage model 99' up for auction with several other firearms, all really clean and in great condition.
After finding the Savage 99' which was a like new condition and a 1950 300 sav. cartridge, I look around at the other long guns and there's a trapdoor?
I talked with the owner for a bit and he had been shooting the rifle with 45-70 government ammunition. He had it listed as a 1879 model, but after researching the sn# it appears to be a 1885-1887 US Springfield carbine.
The rifle has a sn# 344xxx, I get to pick it up Friday, along with the Savage 99'

I have the auctioneers pictures of the rifle they're not very good, glad I went to the preview
Image

Again thanks for the add, look forward to learning about the trapdoor rifles
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tinman
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2023 3:25 am

Re: US Springfield 1885-1887 carbine

Post by tinman »

Well I went by to pick up the US Springfield 45-70 carbine sn# 344xxx, I'm very happy with my whim purchase :)

I have some better pictures in the sun,I need to reduce them first before I can post them
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Tom Trevor
Posts: 150
Joined: Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:14 pm

Re: US Springfield 1885-1887 carbine

Post by Tom Trevor »

please post better pictures when it arrives. The 344xxx serial number range in SRS does contain a number of M-84 carbines.
John S.
Posts: 245
Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2023 4:05 pm

Re: US Springfield 1885-1887 carbine

Post by John S. »

Usage data has survived for quite a few (maybe 5%) of the trapdoors, so while a 123xxx may suffice for general info on the type of arms being made with numbers in a certain range, we really need the full serial number to see if there is anything specific.

I know that some places think there is some benefit for not revealing the full number, and people are free to do so if they like, even though I think it is silly nonsense to hide the number when asking questions.
Fred Gaarde
Posts: 350
Joined: Fri Mar 10, 2023 10:59 pm

Re: US Springfield 1885-1887 carbine

Post by Fred Gaarde »

That’s probably a nice Carbine. Better photos would be of great help. Good for you! Congrats.
You used the word “rifle” four times in describing your carbine.
tinman
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2023 3:25 am

Re: US Springfield 1885-1887 carbine

Post by tinman »

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Fred Gaarde
Posts: 350
Joined: Fri Mar 10, 2023 10:59 pm

Re: US Springfield 1885-1887 carbine

Post by Fred Gaarde »

Nice looking carbine.
That one was updated for the Spanish American War.
tinman
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2023 3:25 am

Re: US Springfield 1885-1887 carbine

Post by tinman »

Fred Gaarde wrote: Sun Oct 22, 2023 10:35 pm Nice looking carbine.
That one was updated for the Spanish American War.
Thank you sir

The complete sn# is 344760
I wasn't trying to hide anything, I just didn't think the whole serial number was needed?
Some people are so assuming, when they have no idea of their assumptions?...Some People?

Here's a picture of the Buffington rear sight

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