1884 US SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR WITH ODD SERIAL #
- Thread starter tomwinkler
- Start date
shanneba
Professional
My 2 cents worth 
The Buffington rear sight, introduced around 1884, was a key feature of the Model 1884 Trapdoor.
However, it was also retrofitted to earlier models (like the Model 1873 or 1879) during arsenal refurbishments or upgrades. Many Trapdoor rifles were rebuilt or repaired at Springfield Armory or other facilities, and parts like breechblocks, sights, and stocks were often swapped out to incorporate newer features. Your rifle could be an earlier Model 1873 receiver (based on the serial number) that was upgraded with a Buffington sight during a refurbishment, which was a common practice.
The Buffington rear sight, introduced around 1884, was a key feature of the Model 1884 Trapdoor.
However, it was also retrofitted to earlier models (like the Model 1873 or 1879) during arsenal refurbishments or upgrades. Many Trapdoor rifles were rebuilt or repaired at Springfield Armory or other facilities, and parts like breechblocks, sights, and stocks were often swapped out to incorporate newer features. Your rifle could be an earlier Model 1873 receiver (based on the serial number) that was upgraded with a Buffington sight during a refurbishment, which was a common practice.