This is a super-scarce barrel for a US Chaffee-Reese Rifle in Caliber 45-70 Gov't.  Springfield built 753 rifles in 1884 for Government "in the field" trials....which usually means these went to Units at forts and outposts in the Western States.  In 1882, it finished 2nd in the Gov't trials behind the Lee Rifle but finished last in the Field trials and was never recommended for adoption.

We bought this years ago on a very slow day at a show (yes, I was bored) thinking it was for a Springfield Trapdoor rifle.  Well, it was too short, so just assumed it was for a Trapdoor cadet rifle but never measured it.  It has sat in a corner for years until one day we decided see what this really was only to be completely stumped????  Well, after a couple weeks of scratching our heads, and three experts later, we showed it to Springfield Specialist who finally solved the mystery.   He felt sure this is a barrel for the Chaffee Reese.  Sure enough, the barrel measures perfectly out to 27.875". The main give-away he noted is the cut at the breech for the extractor.  While all Springfield trapdoors are on the left side, the Chaffee Reese is opposite, with its extractor on the right side.  He also noted the thread pitch is different on this barrel than a Chaffee Reese.  Overall condition is NRA Antique Excellent with 97% bright original blue with a few spots of light rust from many years of storage.  Bore is mint and appears unfired.  Front sight is mounted to top of barrel and holes are there for the rear sight.  Springfield proofs on the left side of the breech area.  A very scarce barrel that we hope will rescue someone's broken down Chaffee Reese.  You may never see another one of these!

Item# 0955

$450.00