(Redirected from Springfield Model 1873)
Springfield model 1873 | |
---|---|
Type | Breech-loading rifle Single-shot rifle |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1873–1892 (some were still used during the Spanish–American War and Philippine–American War) |
Used by | United States Army |
Wars | Great Sioux War, Indian Wars, Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War |
Production history | |
Designer | Erskine S. Allin |
Designed | 1873 |
Manufacturer | Springfield Armory |
No. built | approx. 700,000 |
Variants | Cavalry Carbine with 22 in (560 mm) barrelCadet Rifle with 30 in (760 mm) barrel |
Specifications | |
Length | 51.875 in (1,317.6 mm) |
Barrel length | 32.625 in (828.7 mm) |
Cartridge | .45-70-405 |
Action | Hinged breechblock |
Rate of fire | approx. 11-12 rounds a minute |
Muzzle velocity | 1,350 feet per second (410 m/s) |
The model 1873 'Trapdoor' Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loadingrifle adopted by the United States Army (although the model 1866 trapdoor had seen limited issue to troops along the Bozeman Trail in 1867). The gun, in both full-length and carbine versions, was widely used in subsequent battles against the American Indians.
The model 1873 was the fifth variation of the Allin trapdoor design, and was named for its hinged breechblock, which opened like a trapdoor. The infantry rifle model featured a 325⁄8-inch (829 mm) barrel, while the cavalry carbine used a 22-inch (560 mm) barrel. It was superseded by an improved model, the Springfield model 1884, also in .45-70caliber.
Selection process[edit]
model 1888, breech open
In 1872–1873 a military board, headed by Brigadier-General Alfred H. Terry, conducted an examination and trial of 99 rifles from several domestic and foreign manufacturers including those from Springfield, Sharps, Peabody, Whitney, Spencer, Remington, and Winchester pursuant to the selection of a breech-loading system for rifles and carbines for the U.S. Military. The trials included tests for: accuracy, dependability, rate-of-fire, and ability to withstand adverse conditions. Both single shot and magazine equipped systems were considered but, at the time, the single shot was deemed to be more reliable. Firing tests were held at the Springfield Armory and Governor's Island where the average rate of fire for the Springfield was 8 rounds per minute for new recruits and 15 rounds per minute for experienced soldiers. The board recommended 'No. 99 Springfield' which became the model 1873.[1]
Ballistics[edit]
The rifle cartridge was designated as '.45-70-405', indicating a .45 caliber, 405-grain (26.2 g) bullet propelled by 70 grains (4.5 g) of black powder. It had a muzzle velocity of 1,350 feet per second (410 m/s), making it a powerful and effective load for the skirmish tactics of the era. A reduced-power load of 55 grains (3.6 g) of powder (Carbine Load) was manufactured for use in the carbine to lighten recoil for mounted cavalry soldiers. This cartridge had a correspondingly reduced muzzle velocity of 1,100 feet per second (340 m/s) and a somewhat reduced effective range.
Use in combat[edit]
45/70 TRAPDOOR CARBINE SLING & SNAP HOOK COMBO, Includes 1 L82 Trapdoor Carbine Sling & 1 CE62D Snap.
Modern Reproduction of a Springfield model 1873 Rifle
The rifle was originally issued with a copper cartridge case and used in the American West during the second half of the 19th century, but the soldiers soon discovered that the copper expanded excessively in the breech upon firing. Another issue was the copper held in leather carriers created a green film that would effectively weld the case into the breech of the carbine when fired. This sometimes jammed the rifle by preventing extraction of the fired cartridge case. A jam required manual extraction with a knife blade or similar tool, and could render the carbine version of the weapon, which had no ramrod to remove stuck cases, useless in combat except as a club.
After the annihilation of Lieutenant-Colonel George Armstrong Custer's battalion (armed with the carbine and carbine load ammunition) at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in June 1876, investigations first suggested that jamming of their carbines may have played a factor, although archaeological excavations in 1983 discovered evidence that only 3.4 percent of the cases recovered showed any indication of being pried from jammed weapons.[2] This did not account for cases removed by a ramrod or other 'stick' nor for jammed rifles cleared away from the immediate battle area and outside the very limited archaeological survey area. Every Custer battalion weapon became Indian property. Captain Thomas French, M Company Commander was kept busy on the Reno defensive position line using the cleaning rod from his infantry rifle to clear the jammed carbines passed to him from the cavalryman on the line. The cartridge was subsequently redesigned with a brass case, since that material did not expand as much as copper. This was shown to be a major improvement, and brass became the primary material used in United States military cartridges from then to the present. After the Little Big Horn disaster, troops were required to perform target practice twice a week.
The black powder Model 1873 continued to be the main service rifle of the U.S. military until it was gradually replaced by the Springfield model 1892 bolt-action rifle, essentially a copy of the Norwegian Krag-Jørgensen action. Replacement began in 1892, and despite its obsolescence, the Model 1873 was still used by secondary units during the Spanish–American War in Cuba and the Philippines, where it was at a major disadvantage against Spanish forces armed with the 7 mm Spanish M93 Mauser bolt action rifle.
There are reports of the surplus trapdoor Springfields being issued to civilians living in coastal areas during World War I to provide for an armed militia in the event of a German invasion[citation needed].
Gallery[edit]
- Reenactor firing a Springfield model 1873 breech-loading rifle at Fort Mackinac in 2008
- Geronimo (right) holding a Springfield model 1873 alongside his fellow Apache warriors in 1886
References[edit]
- ^BOARD of OFFICERS (1873). Ordnance memoranda, Issue 15. United States. Army. Ordnance Dept. pp. 99–106.
- ^Fox, Richard A., Archaeology, History and Custer's Last Battle, 1993, University of Oklahoma Press, ISBN0-8061-2998-0, pp. 241–242
External links[edit]
- Shoot! Magazine article on the .50-70 cartridge, predecessor to the .45-70
- Uberti web site with images of currently cataloged reproduction
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Springfield_model_1873&oldid=899155546'
Price refinements - Carousel
Showing slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES} - Price refinements
Springfield Trapdoor 45-70 Model 1873 Parts
Pre-Owned
From United States
Buy It Now
trapdoor springfield and springfield musket parts
New (Other)
Time left1d 8h left
0 bids
From United StatesSpringfield Trapdoor 45-70 Rifle Carbine Indian War SAW Parts
From United States
or Best Offer
Springfield Trapdoor 45-70 Rifle Carbine Indian War SAW Parts
From United States
or Best Offer
Trapdoor Springfield 45-70 Scope Setup-JUST (3) LEFT
Brand New
Time left8h 6m left
1 bid
From United StatesSpringfield Trapdoor 1873 - 1884 Breech Block Bolt Good Shape Marked 1873
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United StatesSpringfield Trapdoor 1873 - 1884 1888 Mainspring
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United States1st Prize Shooting Medal April 23, 1909 - Springfield Trapdoor Rifles
Pre-Owned
From United States
Buy It Now
Customs services and international tracking providedSpringfield Trapdoor 1863 - 1870 Cleaning Ram Rod Ramrod 39 & 7/8ths Length
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United States1 Original Model 1873 Springfield .45-70 Trapdoor Rifle Rear Sight Ladder
Pre-Owned
From United States
Buy It Now
Antique .45-70 Model 1884 Springfield trapdoor rifle breech block or bolt
Pre-Owned
Time left1d 1h left
0 bids
From United StatesSpringfield Trapdoor 1863 - 1870 Buttplate US Marked
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United States1873 Springfield Trapdoor Trigger Plate & Guard 1st Variation US Military Rifle
Pre-Owned
Time left21h 3m left
0 bids
From United StatesBuy It Now
Springfield Trapdoor 1863 - 1870 Buttplate US Marked
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United States1 Original Model 1883 Springfield .45-70 Trapdoor Rifle Sight Cover, No Screw
Pre-Owned
From United States
Buy It Now
New ListingAntique .45-70 Springfield trapdoor rifle ejector and spring
Pre-Owned
Time left6d left
0 bids
From United StatesSpringfield Trapdoor 1873-1884 Trapdoor Lock Plate Lockplate Nice Shape
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United StatesRARE & HTF US SPRINGFIELD 1869 Trapdoor CADET 50-70-450 Rifle Project Barrel NR!
Pre-Owned
From United States
or Best Offer
Springfield Model 1870 Trapdoor Rifle - Original Ramrod Retainer
Pre-Owned
Time left4d 5h left
0 bids
From United StatesSpringfield Trapdoor 1873 - 1884 Breech Block Bolt Complete Marked 1884 1888
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United StatesTRAPDOOR SPRINGFIELD FIRING PIN, USGI .45-70, INDIAN WAR VINTAGE
Pre-Owned
Time left1d 8h left
0 bids
From United StatesNICE! 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle 1877 3rd Model REAR SIGHT 45-70 79 78 84
Pre-Owned
Time left4d 6h left
0 bids
From United StatesSpringfield Trapdoor 1868-1870 Hammer
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United StatesU S Springfield Trapdoor Model 1879 Early Takedown Tool
Pre-Owned
Time left2d 23h left
0 bids
From United StatesSpringfield 1873 Trapdoor Rear Barrel Band Large U 45-70 1884 1888
Pre-Owned
Time left4d 6h left
0 bids
From United StatesBuy It Now
Springfield 1868 - 1870 Trapdoor Barrel Band
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United StatesUS M1873 Socket Bayonet with Scabbard for Trapdoor Springfield
Pre-Owned
Time left2d 8h left
0 bids
From United StatesINDIAN WARS US M1883 M1884 SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR RIFLE LEATHER CARRY SLING
Brand New
5% off 3+
From United StatesBuy It Now
Springfield Trapdoor 1873 1884 1888 Trapdoor Buttplate US MARKED
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United StatesThe 45/70 Trapdoor Springfield Dixie Collection Book
Pre-Owned
From United States
Buy It Now
Customs services and international tracking providedOriginal Springfield Model 1866 Trapdoor Hammer
Pre-Owned
Time left4d 5h left
0 bids
From United StatesSpringfield Trapdoor Rear Sight Good Shape 1863 1866 1868 1870 1873
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United StatesNew ListingAntique .45-70 Springfield trapdoor rifle cam latch assembly
Pre-Owned
Time left6d left
0 bids
From United StatesSpringfield Trapdoor 1863 - 1870 Cleaning Ram Rod Ramrod 35 & 5/8ths 1868
Pre-Owned
From United States
Buy It Now
1 Original Model 1884 Springfield .45-70 Trapdoor Buffington Rear Sight Base
Pre-Owned
From United States
Buy It Now
Antique .45-70 Springfield trapdoor rifle 4th type firing pin
Pre-Owned
From United States
Buy It Now
Springfield Trapdoor Barrel 1884 45-70 Good Shape 1888
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United States1 Original Model 1873-1890 Springfield 45/70 Trapdoor Stirrup & Pin
Pre-Owned
From United States
Buy It Now
US M1887 KRAG SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR LEATHER RIFLE SLING 1887
Time left2d 8h left
0 bids
From United StatesSpringfield Trapdoor 1873 - 1884 Trigger Guard W/ Screws Good
Pre-Owned
Top Rated Plus
Buy It Now
From United States