A Springfield Model 1882 Chaffee-Reese rifle in .45-70 with a 28-inch barrel, made in 1884. Only 753 were produced, which places it among the scarcest U.S. martial long arms. The barrel keeps 75 to 80 percent of its original blue, the wood is excellent with a sharp cartouche under a light coat of varnish or linseed oil, and the action works perfectly. The bore has strong rifling but is no longer bright. The internal magazine mechanism is missing.

A Delaware collector of U.S. trials and service rifles will see this as a display and study piece: very fine original condition on a gun with a production run under a thousand. The missing magazine mechanism is stated up front so there are no surprises. Rifles need no purchase permit in Delaware, but the buyer must be 21 or older and the dealer completes photo identification, Form 4473 and a background check. Check the current DNREC guide before taking any rifle into the field.

Key features

• .45-70, 28-inch barrel, made 1884
• One of 753 produced
• 75 to 80 percent original blue
• Excellent wood with sharp cartouche
• Internal magazine mechanism missing

It ships to a licensed Delaware dealer you choose, where you complete Form 4473 and the background check before taking it home.