Springfield M-1884 Trapdoor Value?

[nwilliams]

My local shop has a Springfield M-1884 trapdoor 45-70 Carbine and I'm curious about it. I've always wanted one of these guns but I don't know much about them, especially how judge their value.

The gun appears to be in decent condition with a clean bore and defined rifling. The wood is in good shape, no cracks that I could find and the metal isn't bad but there are some signs of pitting in a few spots. According to the gun shop they had their gunsmith check out the gun and determined that it was in safe working condition but it was missing a firing pin.

The shop wants $400. Is that a decent price for one of these guns even without a firing pin?

What kinds of things do you look for in these rifles to help judge their value? Is it possible to buy a replacement firing pin for this gun?

 

[Curator]

If it is a "real" carbine, not a cut-down rifle thenit is a real deal! Snap it up! Most probably the $400 price tag is an indication of its cut-down status. Even so, they make good shooters if the bore is in good shape. I would buy it if the action and bore were good. A new firing pin is easily found.

 

[nwilliams]

After doing some online research last night I went back and looked at it this morning.

It's definitely not a real carbine, it's a cut down rifle for sure.

There is no front sight and you can tell that the wood has been cut in the front to shorten it.

I'm going to pass, I'd rather have one in original condition even if I have to pay more.