Lever Gun Series: 1873 Trapdoor Vs 1860 Spencer

Published on July 14, 2018
Duration: 25:31

This video features a detailed comparison between the 1860 Spencer Carbine and the 1873 Trapdoor Springfield by InRangeTV hosts Ian McCollum and Karl Kasarda. They analyze the historical context, cartridge differences, and practical performance of each rifle through rigorous testing. The Spencer demonstrates a faster rate of fire, while the Trapdoor is lauded for its reliability and power, making it the superior choice for frontier troops despite its slower operation.

Quick Summary

InRangeTV experts Ian McCollum and Karl Kasarda compare the 1860 Spencer Carbine and 1873 Trapdoor Springfield. Testing reveals the Spencer's faster rate of fire, especially offhand, while the Trapdoor excels in prone positions and offers superior reliability and power, making it the preferred military rifle despite its slower operation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Spencer vs. Trapdoor
  2. 01:16Cartridge History & Ballistics
  3. 04:31Test Methodology
  4. 05:12Historical Tactical Gear
  5. 06:10Offhand Shooting Tests
  6. 09:04Prone Shooting Tests
  7. 13:07Cross-Training & Skill Assessment
  8. 16:29Final Analysis & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the 1860 Spencer Carbine and the 1873 Trapdoor Springfield?

The 1860 Spencer is a lever-action repeater with a faster rate of fire, while the 1873 Trapdoor is a single-shot breechloader. The Spencer holds 7 rounds, whereas the Trapdoor is single-shot. The Trapdoor's .45-70 Government cartridge is more powerful, though the Spencer's mechanism allows for quicker follow-up shots.

How did the Spencer and Trapdoor perform in shooting tests?

In offhand tests, the Spencer was faster. In prone tests, the times were much closer, suggesting the Trapdoor's design is well-suited for static positions. Cross-training showed the Spencer has a higher performance ceiling with practice, but the Trapdoor's reliability was a key factor in its adoption.

Why was the 1873 Trapdoor Springfield adopted over the 1860 Spencer?

Despite the Spencer's faster rate of fire, the 1873 Trapdoor was chosen for its superior reliability, simpler logistics, and more powerful cartridge. The Spencer's complexity and potential for jams made it less suitable for poorly trained troops on the frontier.

What historical cartridges were discussed in the video?

The video discusses the .56-50 Spencer rimfire and the .45-70 Government cartridge. It also mentions the development of reduced loads like the .45-55-405 Carbine Load for the .45-70 to mitigate recoil for cavalry soldiers.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from InRangeTV

View all →