Any one know about a Springfield USA Model 1878 (Lots of Pictures)

[drift_g35]

My wifes grandma gave me an old rifle that I know nothing about other than its damn heavy. Anyone have info on it and what it might be worth?

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2011/13042748714_5eedb951e6_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/13042529063_f863bce829_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/13042523853_983364a51a_c.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/13042518813_bc050565b1_c.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2008/13042366775_7703a0fdbd_c.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2771/13042508633_61cc60ed2c_c.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3153/13042541965_0af5f7e198_c.jpg

[BlasterBob]

Are you planning to fire it, merely hang it on the wall, just put it in the closet or trade/sell it for something else?
Of course the bore condition will be a factor in determining value and there may even be some sentimental value attached to it.

[drift_g35]

I wasn't planning on shooting it. I figured I'd frame it and hang it. I just don't know when this would have been used and for what. WWI maybe?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[buffalobo]

Some basic info - specs/value.

You will enjoy researching it's history.


www.trapdoorcollector.com/m73.html


Lobbed from my electronic ball and chain

[buffalobo]

NRA museum.

http://www.nramuseum.org/the-museum/the-galleries/the-new-prosperity/case-46-creedmoor,-sea-girt-and-the-national-matches-plinky-topperwein/us-springfield-model-1873-trapdoor-rifle.aspx


Link fixed

Lobbed from my electronic ball and chain

[BPTactical]

I wasn't planning on shooting it. I figured I'd frame it and hang it. I just don't know when this would have been used and for what. WWI maybe?Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

"Trapdoor" Springfield
Way too early for WWI.
What you have is a "Trapdoor" Springfield rifle. Originally a percussion muzzle loading rifle used mainly by the North in the Civil War. Towards the end of the war and with the advent of metallic cartridges they converted them to what is called the "Trapdoor".
The 1873 was chambered in 45-70 and was built as a trapdoor rifle as opposed to the earlier converted rifles in 58 caliber and was the standard rifle for the US military until it was replaced by bolt action rifles such as the Krag Jorgenson and 03A3.
Yours appears to be in great shape and the cartouches on the stock are a pretty rare treat as most got worn or sanded off.
Just hit the metal with a light oil such as 3in1. You can wipe the stock with a lightly damp cloth to get any surface dirt and then a light rub of linseed oil.
In excellent condition they can fetch $2500.00 all the way down to less than $500.00 if rough.
Some homework would be required to ascertain that it is all original, correct stock etc.

Neat piece!

[Great-Kazoo]

That's a G-VG condition piece of American History you have .

[rondog]

Gotchyerself a fine buffalo rifle there! I'd bet it's perfectly shootable too after cleaning, inspecting and servicing.

[zteknik]

Nice find!!!
My uncle back in NY picked one up recently in just a tad rougher shape than yours for around $1500.

[spqrzilla]

You want to be very very careful about shooting that rifle. You want to make sure that any ammunition that you obtain for it is safe to fire in a trapdoor action. The .45-70 has been chambered in many rifles over the nearly century and a half its been in use, and those rifles varied a great deal in strength. The trapdoor action was the weakest of the rifle actions chambered in .45-70.

Likewise, if you reload for it, you must be very careful to choose data designed for that action.

[wctriumph]

Very nice, very cool piece you got there son. I should be so lucky to have a gun like that one. Do your due diligence on it which is a large part of the fun of have these historic firearms, find out its history and potential provenance. Since it came from a family member, did the original owner use it in the service? Lots to learn. After that, get it checked out and shoot it safe to do so. That old is a black powder only proposition and there are many references for loading and shooting that fine piece of history.

Nice one, man. Nice.