This U. S. Model Springfield Trapdoor Cadet Rifle is a late producion 1884 model, circa 1890 to 1893 due to some minor differences with the earlier production guns. These are sometimes unofficially called 1888 Cadet Rifles. The very late cadet rifles used the milled triggerguard from the standard rifle with the riveted sling swivel, and added the forward sling swivel and stacking swivel to the barrel band. This was to simplify producion rather than make additional unique parts for the cadet rifles. Trigger reach is 13-1/4" and this rifle weights 8.5 pounds.
Originally designated a 1884 model this rifle is serial number 564,xxx and was produced in 1893, which was the last year of producion with the total ending at serial number 568325. Production information, and other useful trapdoor info, can be found in the book Trapdoor Springfield, by M.D. “Bud" Waite and B.D. Ernst.
Chambered for the .45-70 Government cartridge the bore is in excellent condition, mirror bright and is should make a find shooter with a properly sized cast lead bullet over a black powder charge. The door itself bears the markings U.S. over MODEL over 1884. The barrel is marked with the V, view proof, over P, firing proof, proof marks. Just below these marks is an upraised eagle head over P. The Buffington rear sight s fitted and the correct band with notch for the sight is present. The front sight blade is a replacement, the blade is taller than original and overhangs the base mounted to the barrel.
Showing over 100 years of age, the stock does carry the marks and dings of over a century of use. The blue on the furniture and barrel has aged to a brown with a few areas with some texture as well as rub marks and dings. The stock has a large dent behind the lock plate and the wood has been compressed and lifted below the dent. The stock has also been coated with layers of finish giving is a uneven glossy finish. The stock cartouche and 1893 date is still visible below the finish. The P stock proof mark is also visible below the finish. The left hand side of the stock has been stamped 239, a rack number. The buttplate is smaller than the standard infantry rifle in both width and height. Cadet rifles never used buttplates with the storage compartment door. The triggerguard is the later milled design with riveted swivel. . The two barrel bands are correctly mounted with the letter U pointed toward the muzzle. This rifle has the forward swivels, which were present on very late production cadet rifles. The cleaning rod has been repaired. The head of the rod is original with a welded and ground blank steel section added. It does not have any threads. The joint is also slightly misaligned.
The lock works crisply, and the trigger release is positive. The grooved face target style trigger feels very nice, with a smooth release. The trapdoor action is solid, and the firing pin moves smoothly within the breech block, as it should. The lock plate is marked with a forward facing eagle next to U.S. over SPRINGFIELD.
We stock .45-70 dies. We strongly prefer black powder handloads, and especially the 500 grain original U. S. Army - Frankfort Arsenal bullet, now known as the Lyman 457-125 bullet. We recommend 500 grain cast lead alloy bullets, sized to fit the grooves, with SPG lubricant, over our thin card wad. You can easily assemble your own cartridges using our inexpensive reloading tools and molds. The bore is clean and bright, in excellent condition.
This was a Springfield made cadet model and not one of the later alterations that were made circa 1895/96 by altering full length infantry rifles. This rifle will require load development, and fine tuning, for serious target competition. We enjoy casting bullets, hand loading black powder cartridges, and enjoyable afternoons at our local 100, 200, 400, and 600 yard range.
