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

Published on June 23, 2021
Duration: 16:32

This video explores the realities of marksmanship and combat for US Cavalry in the 1870s, highlighting severe limitations in training and ammunition. It contrasts the minimal 20 rounds per trooper per year with the high round counts in later conflicts and the extensive combat experience of Native American adversaries. The discussion emphasizes the importance of range estimation and proper sight usage due to the ballistics of period firearms, and how historical reenactment can offer insights into these challenges.

Quick Summary

US Cavalry in the 1870s faced severe marksmanship challenges due to minimal training, often receiving only 1-2 rounds for familiarization. Even after a formal training program began, troopers were issued just 20 rounds annually, frequently used for hunting. The ballistics of period firearms required precise range estimation and sight adjustment, skills rarely honed due to ammunition scarcity.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction to Cavalry Research
  2. 00:15Marksmanship Training Deficiencies
  3. 00:49Post-Little Bighorn Training Initiatives
  4. 01:16Limited Ammunition for Training
  5. 01:32Ballistics and Range Estimation Challenges
  6. 01:44Ammunition Used for Foraging
  7. 02:07Round Expenditure Comparison (Vietnam vs. Little Bighorn)
  8. 02:56Engagement Ranges at Greasy Grass
  9. 05:08Hazards of Old West Boots
  10. 09:39Historical Accuracy in Reenactment
  11. 09:51Personal Rifle Practice vs. Frontier Reality
  12. 10:30Native American Combat Experience
  13. 10:53Decades of Frontier Conflict
  14. 11:03Diversity of Native Tribes
  15. 11:29Using Rocks as Weapons
  16. 11:49Springfield Model 1873 Sight Issues
  17. 12:22Handgun Proficiency and Training
  18. 12:53Cavalry Slings and Retention
  19. 13:56Cavalry Fighting Tactics (Dismounted)
  20. 15:02Live Fire Living History
  21. 15:41Support for InRangeTV

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the typical firearms training for US Cavalry in the 1870s?

US Cavalry troopers in the 1870s received minimal firearms training, often limited to just one or two rounds for familiarization before deployment. Formal marksmanship training was virtually non-existent until the late 1870s, when a meager 20 rounds per trooper per year were issued, frequently diverted for hunting.

Why was marksmanship so challenging for 1870s cavalry soldiers?

Marksmanship was challenging due to the limited training and ammunition. Period firearms like the Springfield Model 1873 had ballistics that created a significant arc, requiring precise range estimation and sight adjustment. Without this skill, hitting targets at distances of several hundred yards was extremely difficult.

How did Native American combatants differ from US Cavalry in terms of firearms proficiency?

Native American warriors often possessed more ammunition for their rifles and had extensive, decades-long combat experience, learning their weapons under fire. In contrast, US Cavalry troopers had very little training and ammunition, often learning their firearms' nuances only when facing an enemy.

What were the primary combat tactics for cavalry in the Old West?

While horses provided mobility, cavalry in the Old West primarily fought dismounted. They would deploy into skirmish lines, fighting from a stationary position rather than engaging in widespread mounted combat. The horse's role was to get them to the engagement area quickly.

What lessons can be learned from historical firearms reenactments?

Historical reenactments, particularly 'live fire living history' events, offer invaluable lessons. They demonstrate practical challenges like the impact of boot design on prone shooting, the efficiency of cartridge belts over pouches for reloading, and the real-world difficulties of mastering period firearms with limited practice.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from InRangeTV

View all →