Trapdoor Springfield
| Springfield model 1873 | |
|---|---|
Springfield "Trapdoor" rifle
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| Type | 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) barrel Cadet Rifle with 30 in (760 mm) barrel |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 51.875 in (1,317.6 mm) |
| Barrel length | 32.625 in (828.7 mm) |
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| Cartridge | .45-70-405 |
| Action | Hinged breechblock |
| Rate of fire | approx. 15 rounds a minute |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,350 feet per second (410 m/s) |
Cavalry Carbine with 22 in (560 mm) barrel
The model 1873 "Trapdoor" Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle 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 32 5⁄8-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 It was superseded by an improved model, the Springfield model 1884, also in .45-70 caliber.
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.
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