Springfield model 1873
The Springfield Model 1873 was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army (although the Springfield Model 1866 had seen limited issue to troops along the Bozeman Trail in 1867). The rifle, in both full-length and carbine versions, was widely used in subsequent battles against Native Americans.
| Springfield Model 1873 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Breech-loading rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1873–1903 |
| Used by | United States |
| Wars | American Indian Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Erskine S. Allin |
| Designed | 1872–1873 |
| Manufacturer | Springfield Armory |
| Produced | 1873–1884 |
| No. built | 567,882 |
| Variants | Cavalry carbine with 22 in (560 mm) barrel Cadet rifle with 28 in (710 mm) barrel Infantry rifle with 30 in (760 mm) barrel |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 52 in (1,300 mm) |
| Barrel length | 32.5 in (830 mm) |
| Cartridge | .45-70-405, a cavalry load, and 45-70-500 a later adoption meant for infantry rifles (chamber pressure: 20,000 psi) |
| Caliber | .45 in (11.43 mm) |
| Action | Trapdoor |
| Rate of fire | 12-13 rounds per minute, up to 25 rounds per minute have been recorded in ordnance department tests |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,350 feet per second (410 m/s) |
| Maximum firing range | 2,500 yards (2,300 m) |
| Feed system | Breech-loading |
| Sights | Open sights |
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 It was superseded by an improved model, the Springfield Model 1884, also in .45-70 caliber.
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