Springfield model 1873

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Springfield Model 1873
Type	Breech-loading rifle
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1873–1903
Used by	United States Hawaiian Kingdom Native Americans
Wars	American Indian Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War
Production history
Designer	Erskine S. Allin
Designed	1872–1873
Manufacturer	Springfield Armory
Produced	1873–1884
No. built	567,882 [1]
Variants	Cavalry carbine with 22 in (560 mm) barrel Cadet rifle with 28 in (710 mm) barrel Infantry rifle with 30 in (760 mm) barrel
Specifications
Length	52 in (1,300 mm)
Barrel length	32.5 in (830 mm)
Cartridge	1873 Loading .45-70-405 (19,000 psi), 1884 loading 45-70-500 (25,000 psi))
Caliber	.45 in (11.43 mm)
Action	Trapdoor
Rate of fire	12-13 rounds per minute, up to 25 rounds per minute have been recorded in ordnance department tests[2]
Muzzle velocity	1,350 feet per second (410 m/s)
Maximum firing range	2,500 yards (2,300 m)[2]
Feed system	Breech-loading
Sights	Open sights

The Springfield Model 1873 was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army (although the Springfield Model 1866 had seen limited issue to troops along the Bozeman Trail in 1867). The rifle, in both full-length and carbine versions, was widely used in subsequent battles against Native Americans.

The Model 1873 was the fifth variation of the Allin trapdoor design, and was named for its hinged breechblock, which opened like a trapdoor. The infantry rifle model featured a 325⁄8-inch (829 mm) barrel, while the cavalry carbine used a 22-inch (560 mm) barrel. It was superseded by an improved model, the Springfield Model 1884, also in .45-70 caliber.