SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODEL 1884

Posted May 25, 2023

TRAPDOOR RIFLE

The Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle is generally considered to be one of the most reliable and accurate rifles ever made. The Trapdoor designation refers to the hinged breech assembly, which allowed the user to open and close it for loading and unloading of ammunition. Produced by the United States government at Springfield Armory from 1884 to 1901, this gun was used extensively by the military during the Indian Wars of the late 19th century and was an important firearm in the Spanish-American War in 1898.

In terms of design, the Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle is considered to be ahead of its time. The rifle is a single-shot, breech-loading rifle with a trapdoor-style hinged breechblock that allowed for easy reloading. The sought-after rifle was originally designed with a 28-inch barrel in either a .45-70 Government or .45-90 Sharps caliber with a range of up to 1,200 yards. The rifle also featured a raised leaf sight, which helped to improve its accuracy and range.

Unlike the other types of rifles of the time, including the Springfield Model 1873 and the Krag-Jorgensen, the Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle was designed to be a much more flexible firearm. Its trapdoor design allowed for quick reloading of the rifle, as well as easier access to components for cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, the trapdoor design allowed for a much stronger lockup on the bolt, adding to the rifle's overall strength and reliability. Overall, this rifle was ahead of its time in terms of design and manufacturing.

In terms of its operation and accuracy, the Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle is one of the most reliable and accurate rifles ever produced. The heavy barrel and quality lock up on the bolt allowed for a much stronger lockup and improved accuracy. This combined with the raised leaf sight and light trigger pull made the Model 1884 a highly accurate and easy to use rifle. The added strength and accuracy helped make the Model 1884 a highly reliable and dependable rifle even in the toughest of conditions.

The materials and production process used to create the Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle were state-of-the-art for the time. The barrel was made of the highest quality steel and was hammer forged to ensure its strength and accuracy. The stock was also made of the highest quality walnut available and was intricately checkered and sanded for a smooth feel. The overall build of the rifle was impressive for its time, and the attention to detail was second to none.

The overall quality and performance of the Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle were so good that it remained in use in some capacity until the early 1990’s. Even though the Model 1884 was eventually replaced by more modern designs, it was never forgotten and its legacy continued to live on. It is a classic design that has been reproduced a number of times over the years and remains a popular choice among collectors.

In conclusion, any collector or shooter looking for a reliable and accurate rifle should seriously consider the Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle. Its unique and advanced design, combined with the highest quality materials and production processes of its time, make it a classic firearms design that continues to be appreciated and sought after today. With its accuracy, reliability, and classic design, the Springfield Armory Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle is a must-have for any rifle enthusiast.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Affordable: The Springfield Armory Model 1884 is an affordable rifle and is easily accessed by collectors and history enthusiasts.

• Reliable: The Model 1884 is a reliable rifle that was used in the United States military for many years.

• Durable: The Model 1884 was built with exceptional durability, making it a great gun for outdoor activities and historical re-enactments.

• Versatile: This gun is a great option for displaying in a rifle collection and can also be used for sport shooting.

Cons:

• Obsolete Parts: Since the Model 1884 is over 130 years old, many of the parts and accessories are no longer made. As a result, repairs and customization can be difficult.

• Poor Accuracy: It is not known for its accuracy and range, making it less attractive to sport shooters.

• Limited Ammunition: The Model 1884 is limited to chambered cartridges, which can be hard to come by.

Who Should Buy

Anyone looking for a quality piece of historic military equipment should consider the Springfield Armory Model 1884. It is a well-made rifle, and with proper care, can last for many years to come. However, due to its age and limited availability, this model may be too difficult to acquire or maintain for some. Additionally, due to its historic nature, it may not be the best choice for individuals looking for a modern or advanced firearm.

Comparisons

Product	Caliber	Action	Capacity	Trigger System
Springfield Armory Model 1884	.45-70	Trapdoor lever action	1	Single-stage
Winchester 1894	.30-30	Lever action	10	Optional
Rossi Ranch Hand	.44 Mag	Lever action	10	Single-stage
Marlin 1895CB	.45-70	Lever action	8	Single-stage
Uberti 1873	.357 / .45 Colt	Lever action	10	Single-stage

Features / Specs

• Single-shot, falling block action

• Available calibers: .45-70, .45-90, .40-65 and .50-70

• 28-30 inch barrels

• Military-style sights

• Weight: 8.5 to 9 pounds

Popular Accessories

TRAP DOOR RIFLE

Springfield Armory Trapdoor Tool Kit

Leather Slings and Swivels

Vintage Bayonets

Cartridge Elevators

Bore Brush

Ramrod Tip Cleaners

Antique Reloading Cleaning Patches

Damascening Brushes

Trap Door Stocks

Reproduction Metal Sights

Accuracy

The Springfield Armory Model 1884 was a repeating rifle chambered in .45–70 Government. It was a refined version of the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle and was the first model to feature the Army's new trapdoor-type bolt-action design. The Model 1884 was an incredibly accurate rifle, with a two-MOA accuracy guarantee from the factory. This ensured that the gun could maintain a two-inch group at 200 yards, and a four-inch group at 400 yards. This was made possible due to the new design of the Model 1884, which included an improved rear sight and a strong steel frame. Despite its age, the Springfield Armory Model 1884 is still quite accurate today, and remains a popular choice for target shooters and hunters alike.