The 1884 Springfield Trapdoor rifle was chambered for the .45-70 Government cartridge, which had a bullet diameter of .458 inches and a case length of 2.1 inches. The rifle had a barrel length of 32.6 inches and an overall length of 52.6 inches. The rifle weighed about 9.3 pounds and had a capacity of one round. The rifle had a rear sight that could be adjusted for elevation and windage, and a front sight that was fixed on the barrel band.
The serial numbers of the 1884 Springfield Trapdoor rifles ranged from 500,000 to 565,000, with a total production of 65,000 guns. The serial number was stamped on the top of the receiver, to the left of the hammer. The serial number indicated the year and sometimes the month of production. For example, serial number 561529 was made in 1893. The serial numbers were also matched on the barrel, stock, and other parts of the rifle.
The 1884 Springfield Trapdoor rifle was used by the U.S. Army in various conflicts, such as the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, and the Philippine-American War. The rifle was also issued to state militias and volunteer units. The rifle was known for its accuracy and reliability, but also for its slow rate of fire and limited range compared to newer repeating rifles. The rifle was gradually replaced by the Krag-JÃrgensen bolt-action rifle in the late 1890s.
The 1884 Springfield Trapdoor rifle is a popular collectible firearm among enthusiasts and historians. The value of the rifle depends on its condition, rarity, and provenance. According to a black powder gun collector's value guide, the prices vary from around $800 for a rifle in poor but serviceable condition to over $4,000 for a brand-new firearm. Some factors that affect the value are the color and composition of the barrel, the caliber gauge, and the lock plate inscription. The serial number can also help to identify and verify the authenticity of the rifle.
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