US Model 1866 "Trapdoor" Springfield Rifle 50-70 Government

For sale is an original, antique US Model 1866 "Trapdoor" Springfield rifle chambered for the 50-70 Government / .50 1 3/4" cartridge. These "Second Model Allin's" were conversions of US Civil War Model 1861 and 1863 muzzle loading muskets to breech loading metallic cartridge rifles. The Model 1866 specifically saw extensive service with the US military throughout the "Indian Wars" of the 1860s and early 1870s, as well as heavy use when surplused and sold to settlers, miners, ranchers and buffalo hunters throughout the western United States. These rifles were among the first "big bore" cartridge firing buffalo rifles used on the American frontier.

Here is an article I wrote specifically about this rifle and its place in American western history - https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...wder-and-the-50-70-government-part-i.2239597/

The rifle is overall in VG condition with a solid stock (no cracks / splits). The rifle is in the original "armory bright" finish and the stock retains (faintly) the original inspectors stamps on the left side of the stock flat. The barrel is decent for an original black powder bore, with sharp rifling and some shine, but some darkness in the grooves. I have fired this rifle with black powder hand loads and found it to be exceptionally accurate at 100m. This rifle was converted by the US National Armory at Springfield using an 1864 dated Model 1863 Musket, which was very typical for the Model 1866 rifles.

This particular rifle will also come with 10x pieces of previously fired Starline .50-70 brass to get you started, as well as a spare original firing pin.

I would prefer to sell in Ontario if possible as shipping will be a challenge, but I will ship if required at cost.