It didn't serve long: The 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle

Published on May 7, 2021
Duration: 15:30

The 1873 Springfield Trapdoor was the US military's first widely adopted metallic cartridge breech-loader, serving from 1873 to 1892. It fired the .45-70 Government cartridge, initially with a 405-grain bullet and 70 grains of black powder. Collectors must use 'Trapdoor Safe' ammunition, as modern high-pressure loads can damage these antique firearms. The rifle's design features a hinged breech block and an effective ejection mechanism, though early versions faced issues with copper casings.

Quick Summary

The 1873 Springfield Trapdoor rifle, the US military's first metallic cartridge breech-loader, used the .45-70 Government cartridge. Its 'trapdoor' name comes from the hinged breech block. Modern high-pressure .45-70 loads are unsafe; use only 'Trapdoor Safe' ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Series
  2. 01:17Historical Context: US Military Service
  3. 02:23History of .45-70 Ammunition
  4. 03:04Mechanism and Loading the Trapdoor
  5. 05:42Ejection and Historical Casing Issues
  6. 08:40Collecting and Maintenance Tips
  7. 13:28Successor: Krag-Jorgensen Rifle

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 1873 Springfield rifle a 'Trapdoor'?

It's called a 'Trapdoor' due to its distinctive hinged breech block mechanism. This block lifts up like a trapdoor, allowing the user to load a single cartridge directly into the chamber.

What ammunition did the 1873 Springfield Trapdoor use?

It primarily used the .45-70 Government cartridge. Original loads consisted of a 405-grain bullet with 70 grains of black powder, later updated to a 500-grain bullet.

Is modern .45-70 ammunition safe for the 1873 Springfield Trapdoor?

No, modern high-pressure .45-70 loads are generally unsafe. It is crucial to use ammunition specifically labeled 'Trapdoor Safe' to avoid damaging the antique firearm.

What were some historical issues with the 1873 Springfield Trapdoor?

An early problem involved copper cartridge casings sticking in the chamber after firing. This was eventually resolved by switching to brass casings, which proved more reliable.

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