Lever Gun Series: 1873 Trapdoor Vs 1860 Spencer

Published on July 14, 2018
Duration: 25:31

This video compares the 1860 Spencer repeater and the 1873 Trapdoor single-shot rifle, focusing on their historical context and practical performance. While the Spencer demonstrated a faster rate of fire, particularly offhand, the Trapdoor was favored for its reliability, simpler logistics, and superior power, making it more suitable for less-trained troops on the frontier. The comparison highlights the trade-offs between rate of fire and overall military effectiveness in the late 19th century.

Quick Summary

The 1873 Trapdoor Springfield was adopted over the 1860 Spencer due to its superior reliability, simpler logistics, and greater cartridge power (.45-70 Government). While the Spencer offered a faster rate of fire, its complexity and potential for jams made the single-shot Trapdoor a more practical choice for less-trained frontier troops.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: 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 Impact
  8. 16:29Final Analysis & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The 1860 Spencer was a lever-action repeater with a higher rate of fire, while the 1873 Trapdoor was a single-shot breechloader. The Spencer held multiple rounds in its buttstock tube, whereas the Trapdoor fired one round at a time.

Why was the 1873 Trapdoor chosen over the 1860 Spencer for US military service?

Despite the Spencer's speed, the Trapdoor was preferred for its superior reliability, simpler logistics, and greater cartridge power (.45-70 Government). Its simpler design was also more forgiving for poorly trained troops on the frontier.

How did the shooting positions affect the performance comparison between the Spencer and Trapdoor?

The Spencer showed a clear speed advantage in offhand (standing) shooting. However, in prone (lying down) positions, the gap narrowed significantly, as the Trapdoor's manual of arms was better suited for static firing.

What caliber did the 1860 Spencer and 1873 Trapdoor use?

The 1860 Spencer typically used the .56-50 Spencer rimfire cartridge. The 1873 Trapdoor Springfield was chambered for the powerful .45-70 Government black powder cartridge.

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