This is a very fine example of an extremely rare U.S. Springfield Model 1881 trapdoor rifle that was developed for "long range" target shooting. In the late 1870s it appears that several of the prominent Army marksman were interested in participating in long range target shooting matches, both here (primarily at the Creedmoor matches held on Long Island) and abroad. However, the Army was unwilling to spend the money or resources to develop some sort of long range rifle, so under the pretext of developing a "sniper rifle", the Army allocated the necessary funding and authorized Springfield Armory to produced approximately 150 of these special "Long Range" rifles for testing. These rifles will be found in the serial number range of 110,000-165,000 with most predominately in the 150,000-165,000 ranges. This specific rifle (serial number range 162,440) falls into the later part of the most predominate/documented group. There were also two groups/styles of rifles produced; those manufactured with a special spirit level front sight, that was adjustable for windage which was also equipped with a Sharps long range, vernier tang rear sight with no provisions for any kind of a barrel mounted rear sight, with the second group equipped with a standard front sight (usually fitted with the front sight cover) and a special barrel mounted Model 1877 Bull "Long Range" rear sight that was capable of windage adjustments. This rifle is of the second version of which it is estimated that approximately 127 total were manufactured. The other unique aspect of these rifles is that they chambered for the new experimental long range "45-80-500" (a 500 grains bullet) cartridge. The barrels were also experimental in that they were equipped with a "6-groove" rifling pattern of six, very narrow lands with wider grooves with a faster rifling twist of 1-19 3/8 ths inches to stabilize the heavier bullet and provide more accuracy. These rifles were also manufactured with a special buttstock pattern that used a Hotchkiss-Rifle buttplate. This buttplate was narrow at the bottom and wide at the top. The intent being that the lower/narrower part would fit better in the lower pocket of your shoulder with the wide top portion intending to provide more surface to spread out the recoil of the heavier bullet while in the prone position. They were also equipped with either a wooden pistol grip similar the ones found on the Officer's Model rifle or a similar version made of steel and a new grooved trigger. This rifle as noted is of the second version and has all those features. The stock on this rifle is also stamped on the left side with a clear sharp boxed. "SWP/1881" cartouche with a circled script "P" proof on the underside behind the lower tang. The top of the breechblock is marked "U.S./Model/1873" and has the correct high arch for more strength and the locks plate is marked with the "Springfield/Eagle and Shield" motif next to "U.S. SPRINGFIELD". This is a very nice example of a scarce "Long Range" Model target rifle.

Very fine with 80% of the original blue finish, overall with the barrel showing various areas up and down the barrel that has old hard dried rust spots from improper storage. The breechblock and breech plug both show 60% of their mottled case colors mixed with dark brown patina. The stock is very fine with most of its original oil finish overall with a some minor handling/storage marks on the sides of the stock with a clear sharp/distinct cartouche on the left side. There is a small two-inch age hairline crack present on the left side just in front of the buttplate in the center. The markings are clear and distinct. This is very fine example of a very scarce early Army Long Range target rifle.