The
Springfield Trapdoor rifle
The Model 1873
Trapdoor Springfield was the first standard-issued breach-loading rifle for the
United States Army. The gun was widely issued in the Black Hill War and
subsequent fights against Native Americans.
At first breach loading mechanisms were fitted onto the Springfield muzzle loading rifle M1863. The so-called “Allen conversion” was made for the 50-70 cartridge.
The rifle shown is a US
M1866 Springfield
Most well known is the carbine version of the Springfield Trapdoor, which was used by General Custer and his soldiers during the battle of Little Big Horn of 1876.
Custer's Last Stand
Most rifles produced were regular infantry rifles. The Trapdoor rifle was produced in several variants. The calibre was reduced to .45-70 and series of minor modifications (models 1870, 1873, 1879,1880, 1884 and 1888, and 1889) were made throughout its service life. Manufacture of the Springfield Trapdoor was terminated in June of 1893.
The rifle below is a my Springfield
Trapdoor Model 1884. Although the rifle has marks of obvious use, it is in good
condition and capable of shooting 2 inch groups at 50 meters.
Springfield Trapdoor
M1884
The Buffington rear sight was one of the features introduced on the 1884 model.
Buffington sight in
vertical position
Shooting
with the Springfield rifle
Favourite websites
Springfield Trapdoor Information Centre