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Rare and Desirable U.S. Springfield Model 1882 Chaffee-Reese Bolt Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:3,750.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Rare and Desirable U.S. Springfield Model 1882 Chaffee-Reese Bolt Action Rifle
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Rare and Desirable U.S. Springfield Model 1882 Chaffee-Reese Bolt Action Rifle

This is a very fine example of one of only 753 bolt action Chaffee-Reese rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1884. This action was invented by General Reuben S. Chaffee and Jasper N. Reese in 1879 and was one of the rifles selected by the Magazine Rifle Board of 1882 for field trials. The innovative magazine consisted of a loading tube through thee center of the buttstock that was loaded through the trapdoor in the buttplate. This tube employed a double ratchet mechanism that moved the cartridges forward each time the bolt was cycled. A cutoff switch on the right side of the receiver allowed for single shots while keeping the magazine fully loaded. Only the initial order of 753 weapons were manufactured, making this one of the rarest rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory. The barrel has the standard Springfield "V/P/eagle head" proof and inspection marks on the left rear of the barrel. The top left side of the receiver is marked "U.S. -- SPRINGFIELD. -- 1884". The left side of the rear sight base is graduated "1-6" (100-600 yards) and marked "C-R", indicating use on either a rifle or carbine. The face of the ladder is graduated "6-14" (600-1400) yards and is drift adjustable for windage and is also marked "C-R" on the lower face. It is fitted with the original full length walnut stock with the original loading tube and feeding mechanism inside. The left rear side of the buttstock has a boxed, "SWP/1884" cartouche with a circled script "P" proof stamped behind the trigger plate. It is complete with the original cleaning rod. Interestingly this rifle is non-factory stamped with "1 (a sideways 8) 74" on the breech end of the barrel.

Manufacture: Springfield Armory U.S.
Model: 1882
BBL: 27 7/8 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN

Very fine with 85% of the blue finish overall with blue loss on the muzzle end of the barrel where a bayonet was installed and the exposed area of the receiver and trigger guard/trigger plate where the blue has faded/flaked off. The stock is very fine with a nice medium brown color overall with a clear and distinct cartouche and firing proof. Mechanically excellent.