My sister-in-law's boyfriend has a Model 1878 rifle. Looking for any websites or info on this gun. It is an older hammer style rifle looks to be military issue. I think it is a 45 caliber. It is in excellant condition even the firing pin is intact. I contacted Springfieldamory.com but they did not manufacture this gun. I do have a phone number for the Springfield Amory musuem in Springfield Ma. Any info appreciated

Canal Rat -

I'm paraphrasing 22nd Edition of Blue Book of Gun Values: Page 1261:

Springfield Armory was the country's first federal armory which was located in Springfield, Mass. Production started in 1795 - the gov't made it the official armory in 1872.

This is NOT to be confused with the private firm of the same name lcoated in Geneseo, IL.

I don't see an 1878 listed - you sure that's the number? It smells like .45-70 gov't cal. Some of the 1870-1881 series are very valuable - sporting values as high as $35,000!

Tell your bro to take the gun to an appraiser, or at least query NRA (see the American Rifleman mag for contact info) for a ballpark estimate!

-WW

Thanks! I'll double check but it appears to be a Model 1878

is it a trap door action? i have one sort of like the one you described, military issue, the place to put the brass cap is filled on mine.