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Springfield Trapdoor Carbine Question

griz
I have a line on a Springfield Trapdoor Carbine stamped as a Model 1884 on the receiver. Problem is it has a 5-digit serial number in the high 30,000's. According to my meager references on hand a model 1884 should have a much higher serial number.

Is it possible this a a re-arsenaled carbine or is it just a put together parts gun? Any suggestions on where to do some more research, most appreciated.
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  • griz
    thank you in advance. my first post. New to trapdoor. Just purchased 1873 carbine(I think). Barrel at muzzle has OD of about.73" which is the same as my trapdoor rifle at muzzle. That alone would indicate to me that it is NOT a cut down rifle. It has a 1873 breech block and dated 1873 US Springfield lock. My issue is that it has a buffington rear sight(marked C) with (M90)buffington rear band. It also has the door on the butt plate which my understanding was not on 1873 models. Serial number is 1384xx (1880?) It does have saddle ring and bar. It does have the holes in butt for 3 piece cleaning rod(missing). no cartouches on stock except the "4" toward butt. My best guess - 1880 manufactured carbine, retrofitted with newer carbine stock and buffington sight and band. Comments are welcomed and appreciated!
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  • JohnnyBGood
    quote:Originally posted by griz
    I have a line on a Springfield Trapdoor Carbine stamped as a Model 1884 on the receiver. Problem is it has a 5-digit serial number in the high 30,000's. According to my meager references on hand a model 1884 should have a much higher serial number.

    Is it possible this a a re-arsenaled carbine or is it just a put together parts gun? Any suggestions on where to do some more research, most appreciated.


    Yes, something is amiss. A receiver in the 30,000 range is the "narrow" receiver, whereas an 1884 breech block is for a "wide" receiver.

    One possibilty is that some people look at the serial number without opening the breech block, as the lase digit is located UNDERNEATH the lever for the block. So, a sn that looks to be 30000 is actually 300001.

    John
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  • wild bunch guy
    I have seen some with a very lite strike on the first number, the one I saw not to long ago was a litely struck #4xxxxx I had to use a loupe to see the 4, but it was there.

    WBG
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