This is an early U.S. Springfield Model 1873 rifle in .45-70, with an early barrel, a lock dated 1873, an 1873 pattern rear sight and an 1877 cartouche on the stock. The metal has turned a brown patina. The stock is the short wrist type and is solid apart from a chip at the lock. Ramrod and sling swivels are present and the action works as it should.

The bore is good but shows roughness, and the listing says so plainly. This rifle suits the Texas collector of U.S. martial arms more than the deer hunter: the 1873 lock and 1877 cartouche date the piece, and an original stock, ramrod and swivels make it a complete example rather than a parts gun. Handle it as the antique it is, and have a gunsmith look it over before any thought of live fire.

Key features

• .45-70 Springfield Model 1873, early production
• Lock dated 1873, 1873 rear sight
• 1877 cartouche, short wrist stock with chip at lock
• Brown patina, good bore with roughness
• Ramrod and swivels present, action functions

It ships to the Texas FFL dealer you choose, who runs the NICS check before you take it home.