us springfield model 1873 serial numbers production year

Befitting military guns, parts were interchangeable and today it is rare to find a trapdoor in “as-issued” condition. Numerous changes were made to the carbine during its 20-year service in the Army, encompassing triggers, lockplates, breechblocks, stampings, hammers, and rear sights. Nonetheless, the carbine’s sights were optimistically calibrated to 800 yards.Ĭarbines were fitted with a stock-mounted bar and saddle ring, to be hooked to a leather sling worn diagonally across a trooper’s body, thus curtailing accidental loss from the saddle. Due to the carbine’s lighter weight and shorter barrel, reduced-load cartridges containing 55 grains of blackpowder were issued for it.

45-70 Gov’t cartridge, a gun and ammunition combination literally made for each other.

Commensurate with this was the development of the. Allin, master armorer at Springfield Armory, perfected a forward-hinged breechblock that swung open like a trapdoor, earning its everlasting nickname. To replace the Army’s 18 muzzleloading rifle-muskets, Erskine S. Trapdoor carbines were also used in the Spanish-American War, and refurbished arms were issued to National Guard units as late as the 1920s. Cavalry and the taming of the American West. 45-70 Gov’t carbines command the most interest and value, due to their association with the U.S. Although trapdoor rifles were also produced, the 22-inch-barreled. Attend any decent-size gun show and chances are you’ll come across an 1873 Trapdoor Carbine (the only version to sport a stacking swivel) or subsequent variations, which include the Models 1877 (the first with a two-piece cleaning rod in the butt), 1879 (with buckhorn rear sight), and 1884 (with Buffington rear sight).

Us springfield model 1873 serial numbers production year