This beautiful M1879 Cadet Rifle is in wonderful shape with an overwhelming majority of its original blued and color case hardened finishes remaining. This is a true Cadet rifle-not a cut down, with a correct 29.5" barrel and narrow buttplate as described by noted Trapdoor historian Al Fresca in his book, The 45-70 Springfield Book II. These Cadet rifles were built for use in military academies like West Point. They are a scaled-down version of the standard M1879 Rifle; although they both fire the same 45-70 cartridge. These Cadet rifles were approved by the War Department in 1884 but production ran from 1874 and were made sporadically on an "as needed" basis through 1893. As a result, the Cadet model trapdoor rifles are fairly rare with Norm Flayderman listing approximately 5,000 Model 1879 Cadet rifles made over their entire production run.
This Cadet rifle is in excellent shape. The stock is beautiful with the remnant of an inspector's cartouche on the left side lock panel; as well as an academy inventory mark applied behind the trigger guard. There are no cracks, chips, or rotten spots anywhere.
The lock is very crisp with a good 3 notch tumbler that holds solid in all positions. The lock plate and hammer are in excellent condition with their original bluing intact and in great shape. The barrel is excellent and full length at 29 1/2". The bore is very crisp with sharp rifling and no rust or pitting. Both front and rear sights are intact and functional. The stamps at the breech are crisp and legible.
The receiver and breech block are a nice, tight, fit with no wobble or slop. the breech block and tang show visible faded case colors. The receiver is blued with some light wear around the edges and no rust or pitting.
The furniture is all original and matching with wonderful bluing. The cleaning rod is original and full length.
This is a beautiful, rare, trapdoor rifle and would be the ideal choice for any collector looking to add a 45-70 to his collection. Don't wait! Rifles is this condition are getting harder and harder to find!!!
