Pedersoli 1873 Springfield Trapdoor
Davide Pedersoli & Co. S.r.l. · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Trapdoor Springfield, Springfield Model 1873, Pedersoli Trapdoor Springfield
Overview
The Pedersoli 1873 Springfield Trapdoor is a modern reproduction single-shot breech-loading rifle built by the Italian maker Davide Pedersoli, faithfully recreating the U.S. Army's Model 1873 'Trapdoor' Springfield. Chambered in .45-70 Government, it uses the distinctive hinged breechblock that flips up and forward like a trapdoor to load a single centerfire cartridge, cocked and fired by an external side-mounted hammer. With its long 32-inch barrel, full-length walnut stock, and military-pattern sights, the reproduction is favored by black-powder cartridge shooters, cowboy-action competitors, and collectors of American frontier firearms.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3992 g (140.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1320 mm (51.97") |
| Barrel Length | 828 mm (32.60") |
| Action Type | Trapdoor |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2215 J (1634 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 3 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- .45-70 Government · primary — also known as .45-70, .45-70 Govt, 11.6x53mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer
- Features: Hinged Breechblock, External Side Hammer, Cleaning Rod, Buckhorn Rear Sight, Blade Front Sight, Full Length Walnut Stock
Variants
- Springfield Model 1873 Officer's Rifle - Officers
Production
Production years: 1990s-present
Modern reproduction; the original Model 1873 Springfield was produced by the U.S. Springfield Armory from 1873 into the 1890s and saw service through the Indian Wars and Spanish-American War
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Erskine S. Allin (original trapdoor mechanism)
Notes
Reproduction of the U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1873. Offered in infantry rifle, cavalry carbine (22-inch barrel), and Officer's Model configurations. Standard infantry rifle weighs about 8.8 lb with a 32 5/8-inch barrel and 1-in-22-inch twist; Pedersoli catalog model S.905.
Background
The original Model 1873 'Trapdoor' Springfield was the first standard-issue breech-loading rifle of the U.S. Army, its hinged breechblock adapted by Erskine Allin from surplus muzzle-loading muskets. It armed the frontier cavalry and infantry through the Indian Wars, most famously at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Davide Pedersoli's faithful reproductions returned the trapdoor action to modern black-powder cartridge shooters.