45-70 TRAPDOOR for Sale
Browse 45-70 trapdoor listings from verified sellers across the U.S. on GunsAmerica.
Quick Look at the .45-70 Trapdoor
The .45-70 Trapdoor rifle originated in 1873 as the U.S. Army's first standard-issue breechloading rifle. Designed around the Springfield Trapdoor mechanism, it modernized black powder arms with greater rate of fire. Today, it remains a prized piece among collectors and historical shooters.
Why It's a Top Choice
- Iconic piece of American military history
- Simple and durable single-shot design
- Chambered in powerful .45-70 Government
- Highly collectible with many antique originals
- Eligible for use in historical shooting matches
Key Variants
Springfield Model 1873
The first U.S. military-issued Trapdoor rifle, ideal for collectors of frontier-era arms.
Springfield Model 1884
Improved sights and late-period upgrades make this a favorite for historical marksmen.
Springfield Officer's Model
Compact and decorative, this variant was issued to high-ranking officers.
Pedersoli 1874 Sharps
A modern reproduction popular for silhouette competitions and long-range shooting.
H&R Trapdoor
Affordable 1970s reproduction suitable for reenactments and recreational black powder shooting.
.45-70 Trapdoor vs Other Historical Rifles
| Feature | .45-70 Trapdoor | Martini-Henry | Rolling Block |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Varies (antique/replica) | Varies widely | Varies (replica & surplus) |
| Capacity | Single-shot | Single-shot | Single-shot |
| Weight | ~9 lbs | ~8.5 lbs | ~9.5 lbs |
| Optics-Ready | No | No | No |
| Trigger Type | Single-stage | Single-stage | Single-stage |
| Notable Pro | U.S. military heritage | British Empire use | Strong action for hot loads |
| Notable Con | Slow reload time | Ammo availability | Long lock time |
Best Use Cases
- Historical collection
- Reenactment and living history
- Black powder shooting matches
- Long-range metallic silhouette
- Recreational single-shot shooting
FAQs
Can I shoot modern .45-70 ammo in a Trapdoor rifle?
Only low-pressure loads marked \"Trapdoor safe\" should be used to avoid damaging the action.
What is the effective range of a .45-70 Trapdoor?
With proper loading and sights, hits at 300-500 yards are possible, though drop is significant.
How does the Trapdoor action work?
A hinged breechblock \"traps\" the cartridge via top-break; it's manually opened and cocked for each shot.
Prefer nearby results? Toggle to search local listings.
UBERTI SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR 45-70
$2,399.99
SPRINGFIELD 1878 TRAPDOOR 45-70
$899.99
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