trapdoor springfield 1884

[jsalcedo]

I was browsing a local pawnshop and the guy behind the
counter showed me a 1884 trapdoor springfield. It was in original condition with quite a bit of blue underneath shellac varnish and a lot of dirt. the action functioned fine and the rifling was crisp.
It is a carbine. They won't go below $275

the problems were the stock was cracked in two places and the
screws were all torn up by some nitwit with a regular screwdriver.

I currently reload blackpowder 45-70 and would like to have it as a shooter.

Is this a ok deal or should I let it pass and keep looking?

I really don't want a refurbished gun but would rather clean up
an original if possible.

 

[Mike Irwin]

I'd gladly give $275 for one in the condition that you describe!

 

[tex_n_cal]

Sounds pretty reasonable. The carbine isn't as common as the rifles, IIRC.

Just don't shoot any Marlin or Ruger loads in it.

 

[fal308]

I'd run back as quick as I could to pick that up at that price!

 

[cratz2]

Yep... it's been a while since I've seen one for that price.

I'd go get it if it's still there.

 

[Fatelvis]

Buy it!

 

[Blackcloud6]

With that price I suspect it is a infatry rifle cut down to look like a carbine. If it is a carbine, it should go for a higher price, I would think.

Or the shop owner doesn't have a clue...

 

[TJC]

Buy it at that price. Leave the stock as is but replacement screws will solve that problem.

 

[jsalcedo]

From doing a little research, it seems that the 1884 rifles were cut down to carbine length for sale to the civilian market before the turn of the 20th century. At that time these rifles sold for a dollar each.

I would just have to assume the rifle in question
is a cut down version but it looks like it was a professionally done.

 

[Mike Irwin]

I'm assuming you bought it?

PLEASE tell me you bought it for that price!

If you didn't, please give me the phone number for the shop so I can buy it!

 

[jsalcedo]

I'm walking in monday morning and plunking down my money. I've been eyeing this gun for 18 months
so I'm assuming it will be there in the morning.

I'll post some pics of it as soon as I get it home.

Thanks to everyone for the info and advice

 

[tex_n_cal]

easy, Mike, easy

Good for you. The screws can of course be replaced, and the stock may be fix-able, too. I have a British single shot that had cracks in the wrist. With careful clamping and use of a strong polyurethane glue I was able to repair it quite satisfactorily.

It's got plenty of recoil, and I've fired it about 30 times, with no further cracking.

Even if you have to replace the stock, it's still a good buy for a nice old rifle. Even at 1200-1300 fps, those big bullets pack a big wallop on deer or boar.

 

[Mike Irwin]

18 MONTHS???

Don't Texans know a good thing when they see it?

 

[Topgun]

My GOD....$275 ?????

and there's THINKING going on???????????

Lordy.........NO ONE could leave it at a pawnshop unbought for 18 hours, let alone 18 months.

Be sure it is not an Arisaka with a trapdoor floorplate.

THIS is like Cibola.....Atlantis....Lost Dutchman....

You're playing with us.....right???

 

[jsalcedo]

Its got a big "US" stamped on it and springfield its .45 caliber and marked 1884.

I was just sure this pawnshop was out to screw me
but now I know they aren't.

This gun is in a part of town where there is very little interest in a Trapdoor if you catch my drift. Plus its hidden behind about 100 other guns.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Christ almighty, see if they have another one for me!

 

[jsalcedo]

DOH!

I went to pick up my Trapdoor Springfield and Bank of America deactivated my check card!

I called to ask BOFA why and they said there were several suspicious purchases on my account. Genuinely concerned I
asked them which purchases they suspected were fraudulent.

1. Dons guns (my dads birthday present)
2. Alamo cartridge corp (my shooting range)
3.A place to shoot (my other shooting range)
4. The shop where I attemped to buy the springfield

So I let them have it and told them to reactivate my card.
I went back today and it was gone. :banghead:

There is a silver lining. I found a SPAS 12 for $700 in mint condition so I put it on layaway.