War for Apachería 1 - Fighting With the Federal Government in the 1870's - Part 1 of 2

Published on June 16, 2021
Duration: 25:28

This video explores the firearms and gear used by both US Federal forces and Apache allies during the Indian Wars of the 1870s. It highlights the differences in equipment between cavalry units and Apache warriors, emphasizing the use of surplus Civil War-era firearms and the challenges of supply chains. The content provides a detailed look at historical firearms like the Springfield 1870 and Colt 1871 Open Top, alongside period-appropriate ammunition and accoutrements.

Quick Summary

In the 1870s Indian Wars, US forces utilized firearms like the Springfield 1870 and 1873 Trapdoor, while Apache allies and frontiersmen often used surplus Springfield 1870 rifles. Ammunition included 50-70 Government and 45-70 Government, with black powder as the standard propellant. Gear varied significantly, with cavalry boots designed for riding and Apache footwear optimized for desert foot travel.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Origins of the Apache Wars
  2. 01:00The 25-Year Conflict
  3. 01:08General Crook and Apache Scouts
  4. 01:43Chaos of the Era
  5. 02:20Arizona Territory Circa 1875
  6. 02:30Fighting With and Against Apaches
  7. 03:01Springfield 1870 and Gear
  8. 03:12Footwear: Apache vs. Cavalry
  9. 04:56Pants and Material Choices
  10. 05:55Load Bearing and Holsters
  11. 06:34Government Issued Gear
  12. 07:38Mills Belt vs. Leather Belts
  13. 08:19Shirts and Suspenders
  14. 08:41Hats of the Era
  15. 09:25Firearms: Springfield 1870
  16. 10:54Springfield 1870 Functionality
  17. 11:071873 Trapdoor Carbine
  18. 11:53Cartridge Comparison: 45-70 vs 50-70
  19. 12:22Rifle and Pistol Combination
  20. 12:37Colt 1871 Open Top Revolver
  21. 13:27Issued Handguns: 45 Colt
  22. 14:17Two Gun Action Challenge Match
  23. 14:53Shooting Demonstration
  24. 17:52Remington Rolling Block Mention
  25. 24:30Concluding Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main firearms used by US forces and Apache allies in the 1870s?

US Federal forces often used the Springfield 1870 rifle and the 1873 Trapdoor carbine, while cavalry were issued Colt revolvers like the 1873 Single Action Army. Apache forces and allied frontiersmen utilized surplus firearms such as the Springfield 1870 and various Colt revolvers, often chambered in calibers like 50-70 Government and 45 Colt.

How did the gear differ between US Cavalry and Apache warriors in the 1870s?

Cavalry gear focused on mounted combat, featuring boots with extended uppers and spurs, and standardized military uniforms. Apache warriors, known for their foot mobility, wore specialized boots designed for desert terrain and often adapted civilian clothing or traditional attire. Both groups faced challenges with supply chains, leading to reliance on surplus and scavenged equipment.

What were the common ammunition types used during the 1870s Indian Wars?

Common calibers included 50-70 Government for rifles like the Springfield 1870, and 45-70 Government for the 1873 Trapdoor. Handguns often used 45 Colt or earlier calibers like 44 Henry Rimfire. Black powder was the standard propellant for all these cartridges, and issues like verdigris corrosion on brass cartridges led to the adoption of fabric cartridge belts.

Why did the US Army switch from the Springfield 1870 to the 1873 Trapdoor?

The US Army adopted the 1873 Trapdoor, chambered in 45-70, primarily for its perceived superior ballistics and a more modern design. The earlier Springfield 1870, chambered in 50-70, became surplus along with its ammunition, and these surplus items were widely distributed to civilians and indigenous forces.

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