Springfield Trapdoor Sporting Rifle (AL4061)

Springfield Trapdoor Sporting Rifle .40-65 caliber. Low serial #19xxx on breech. During 1883 Hartley and Graham bought surplus Trapdoor rifles from the U.S. Government and had them converted (possibly by Whitney) into beautiful sporting rifles to satisfy demand from the Western Buffalo Trade. A new heavy barrel, blued and octagonal (approximately #4 size and weight). Barrel length 30” and mounted with a Buckhorn/Ladder rear sight and Rocky Mountain German silver front sight. The original U.S. stock was reworked producing a Schnable forend with a black buffalo horn insert. The stock was checkered. Butt plate has the compartment for cleaning rods. Note: There is a faint U.S. Inspectors cartouche remaining on the stock. These guns were retailed by E.C. Meacham of St. Louis, N. Curry & Bro. San Francisco, John P. Lovell of Boston. This was the perfect big bore, big barrel rifle for Western big game. True fact: more buffalo were killed with Trapdoors than any other rifle! This beautiful rifle has 95-96% original barrel blue. Receiver has 98% bright original case colors as does the lock. Checkering is excellent. Great example of a buffalo hunter’s heavy barrel rifle and in great condition.