The Springfield Armory 1873 is a living piece of American firearms history that still delivers purposeful performance for collectors and precision shooters who appreciate single-shot mechanics and original-era ballistics. Whether displayed in a collection or brought to the range, it demonstrates why trapdoor rifles remain relevant for deliberate, accurate shooting.

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1873

Design and historical context

This example is a used US Springfield, model 1873, a single shot trapdoor black powder rifle. With a best-guess serial placing manufacture in July–September 1875, it carries authentic period features and the patina of service life — the sort of rifle that prompts the thought, “If this rifle could tell some stories…” Its Category is Single Shot, and the historical Springfield Armory lineage makes it notable to collectors and practical shooters alike.

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Key features and shooting characteristics

Trapdoor action and black powder heritage

The trapdoor single-shot action is simple, rugged, and intuitive for disciplined marksmanship. As a black powder design, it rewards shooters who prioritize deliberate follow-through and load development over rapid fire. The action is straightforward to maintain and demonstrates the engineering of late-19th-century military rifles.

Caliber: .45-70 — benefits and applications

Chambered in .45-70, this rifle offers substantial muzzle energy and reliable terminal performance for historical shooting matches and large-game hunting scenarios where modern smokeless loads are adapted carefully. The .45-70 is well suited to longer, heavy-for-caliber bullets delivering effective performance at moderate ranges consistent with the cartridge’s original intent.

Barrel, handling, and practical notes

The 32.5″ barrel helps stabilize heavy black-powder projectiles and contributes to the rifle’s balance and sight radius—attributes that support precision from the bench or offhand when practiced. Given its age and used condition, inspect the bore and action for serviceability; the listing price of $1,999.99 reflects both collectible value and shooting potential.

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Who should consider this rifle?

Collectors of American military arms, shooters interested in authentic single-shot competition, and enthusiasts who value period-correct .45-70 performance will find this Springfield Armory 1873 compelling. Its manufacture date estimate of July–Sept 1875 adds provenance for historical collections while maintaining practical value for deliberate, precision shooting.

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