U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle
TITLE: U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle
MAKER: Springfield Arms Company
MADE IN: Springfield, MA
CALIBER: .450 Caliber
DATE: .45-70 Cartridge
DIMENSIONS: Barrel: 28” Length: 44 ¾” Height: 6 ¾”
INSCRIPTION:Serial Number 467569 / Barrel: VP / eagle head / P / R / US / MODEL / 1873. Action Area: 22 362__. Action Area (right side): eagle holding arrows and branch / U.S. / SPRINGFIELD.
CREDIT LINE: Guns from the Browning-Cowan Family
OBJECT ID: 986-12-094
This firearm was the first breechloading rifle adopted by the U.S. government. The carbine variant was used by many troopers in 7th Cavalry during the Battle of Little Bighorn (Battle of Greasy Grass). In the aftermath of the army’s loss, Springfield replaced the gun’s copper cartridges with brass, due to reports of the spent metal jamming up the gun’s mechanics.