Steel Horse Rider
Member
I finally was able to pick up the fake 1873 Springfield Cavalry Carbine that had been sold to my local gun store from an estate collection. The serial number indicates that it originated from an 1886 rifle but whomever cut it down to make it appear a Cavalry carbine did a fantastic job. You can barely make out where they plugged the cleaning rod hole in the forearm, but they did not plug it on the inside of the barrel groove so once the stock is removed it is quite evident. They did install a saddle ring loop though which the smith says is definitely an original. I paid $700 for it even though I know it is a fake because of the condition. The bore is bright and crisp, the stock is not beat up, and the hammer and trigger mechanism are tight and corrosion free. I can't wait to shoot it, but since we are back into winter here I will have to wait a little longer. I figure a fake made from a genuine article is better, given my lust for old firearms and history, than a modern Italian model. I will post some pictures when the weather improves so I can get it photographed in natural light.