US Springfield - Model 1875 Trapdoor Officer’s Rifle

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - US Springfield - Model 1875 Trapdoor Officer’s Rifle

Posted: 10/10/2003 8:51:45 PM EDT

I have a chance to get this from my wife's friend. Her father gave her a shit load of rifles and said get whatever you can for them. I guess it was her grandfathers. Anyone have book value for one of these? Looks in good shape just missing rod. No rust, nicks, extra engraving etc. She said I could have it for like $600.

Posted: 10/11/2003 6:01:24 AM EDT

[#1]

$600 would be a steal.

Posted: 10/12/2003 8:55:49 PM EDT

[#2]

Well did you get it?

Posted: 10/12/2003 9:27:57 PM EDT

[#3]

waiting for a check to come in to put 1/2 down on it. will pay off the rest next month.

Posted: 10/13/2003 5:10:35 PM EDT

[#4]

Ask GunnyG...he'd be a good source of info for this. I've fired his Trapdoor Springfield...not quite sure it's of that age, though. But, he'd probably know more about it than I.

On a side note, I dug through some things...and came across some .45-70 with big markings on the box, "NOT FOR SPRINGFIELD".

Looks like I need to get some kind of lever-action .45-70 now...just to try it out.

Posted: 10/13/2003 5:42:57 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
...not quite sure it's of that age, though. But, he'd probably know more about it than I.

I've got a 1888 (made in 1892).

But look at this from www.trapdoorcollector.com/( and the estimated current value cited by this site seem to be pretty consistent with the real world):

Look familiar?

From www.trapdoorcollector.com/m75.html
Model 1875 Rifle
NRA Very Good: Type I, II, $19,000; Type III, $15,000
NRA Excellent: Type I, II, $30,000; Type III, $25,000.

Model 1875 Rifle

The following description is taken from the flyer that Springfield Armory distributed in 1875 in order to advertise the Officers Rifle:
The weight of the rifle is about 8 pounds, varying with the density of wood used in the stock. The length of the barrel is 26 inches. The stock is checkered "fore and aft" the breech, and tipped with white metal. The rifle has a plain "buckhorn" sight on the barrel, graduated like the service sight, and also peep and globe sights. The globe sight can be folded down on the barrel, then its pin becomes an open front sight, to be used with the buckhorn sight. The peep has a lateral as well as vertical motion, and by turning the screw and loosening, it may be adjusted to counteract any deviation to the right or left. When at the bottom of the slide, the peep is adjusted for a range of 50 yards; when at the top, it is adjusted for a range a little less than 700 yards. The peep sight may be folded down on the barrel either forward or backward. In the former position, the peep should be pushed to the bottom of the slide, or the hammer, in being cocked, will strike it.
The globe sight is distant from the buckhorn and peep sights 20.8 inches and 32.75 inches respectively. The rifle has a "single set" trigger. When set, it is a hair trigger; when unset, it is the ordinary service trigger, requiring a pull of about four pounds. The trigger should be set by pushing it forward with the thumb, after cocking the hammer - never before. A "fly" in the tumbler carries the sear over the half-cock notch when the trigger is set.

The ramrod is wood, both ends being ferruled with brass, nickel-plated. The ferrule on the smaller end has a slot for the admission of a wiping-rag; that on the larger end has a milled head for convenience in drawing out the rod. A small pin in the underside of the barrel entering a hole in the rod just below this milled head, prevents the rod from slipping out of place. The breech block, receiver, hammer, band, and heel of the butt plate are all plainly engraved. The cost of the rifle is $36.00. The description and dimensions of the parts of the rifle, other than those above mentioned, are the same as the corresponding parts of the Springfield rifle, caliber .45".

You're one lucky bastage! Can I come and visit it someday? I'll be retiring and returning to Wa St in about 3 yrs! Might be up there around Christmas time too!

Posted: 10/13/2003 6:01:13 PM EDT

[#6]

I had one, paid $900 CDN for it, should never have got rid of it, they are great rifles

that being said, relaod for it, they are NOT very strong, and will not handle hot loads at all, nor soem factory loads

Posted: 10/13/2003 6:14:43 PM EDT

[#7]

I just wanted to post here to say that I hate you and your dumb luck.

That being said, if you ever want to turn around and make 3-400% on your investment overnight, send me an IM.

Posted: 10/14/2003 4:20:37 PM EDT

[#8]

That's it gunny except I don't believe it has checkering/engraving. I will post pics after I get it and a web cam. We are finally getting out of the hole we dug with VISA so can get some nice things now.

Adam I have the crappiest luck out of anyone I know. I will probally try to fire it and the trapdoor will blow the shell casing into my brain.

Sure Gunny come visit me,

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - US Springfield - Model 1875 Trapdoor Officer’s Rifle

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