 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (September 2021) |
| Springfield Model 1888 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Breech-loading rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1888–1892 (Reserve use afterwards) |
| Used by | United States |
| Wars | American Indian Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War World War 1 |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1888 |
| Manufacturer | Springfield Armory |
| Produced | 1888–1892 |
| No. built | Approx. 60,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 52 in (1,300 mm) |
| Barrel length | 32.5 in (830 mm) |
| Cartridge | .45-70-405 |
| Action | Trapdoor |
| Rate of fire | User dependent; usually 8 to 10 rounds per minute |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,350 feet per second (410 m/s) |
| Feed system | Breech-loading |
| Sights | Open sights |
The Springfield Model 1888 was one of several models of rifles produced by Springfield Armory for the United States military in the late 19th century. It was the final design in a long line of rifles which used the trapdoor breechblock design developed by Erskine S. Allin in the 1860s and the last single-shot rifle to see American military service.
Despite the replacement of the trapdoor rifles by the adoption of newer repeating rifles, they were manufactured until 1893 and saw combat during the Spanish–American War, a war that was dominated by the newer Springfield Krag–Jørgensen bolt action rifle. The Model 1888, despite its aged technology, was built in large numbers and was also the most advanced and efficient of all the Springfield trapdoor rifles, and for this reason remains popular among military enthusiasts.