1873 vs 1884?
 

Not sure if this belongs here or not.....but here goes.

Can anyone tell me what the difference(s) are between the Springfield 1873 and the Springfield 1884 rifles?

Bout 11 years!

Not sure
 

I would suggest doing a web search and see what comes up. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

Mr. 16 gauge,

I suggest you read "Springfield Armory, Shoulder Weapons 1795-1968" by Robert W. D. Ball. ISBN: 0-930625-74-9.

My copy of this excellent book says on page 121 regarding the changes from the M1873 to the M1884 Springfield: "The most evident change in the Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle, Carbine and Cadet Rifle are the incorporation of the Buffington rear sight with wind gauge." Springfield produced 236,560 of the Model 1884 weapons between 1884 and 1890. I have a M1884 Rifle.

Adam

Stumbled on a couple of good videos on Youtube (of all places) put there by Midway Arms; they describe the features of each: on the 1873, the hammer is a two position one, while the 1884 is a 3 position on. The 1884 had a shrouded front sight, and a storage area in the butt stock (similar to our modern M16). The 1873 rear sight was graduated to 900 yards, while the 1884 was graduated to 1100.
There was a little more, but it was a good tutorial.....thanks to all.