Springfield Model 1873 Cadet Rifle
Springfield Armory (US Government) · Rifle · Discontinued · 1873
Also known as: Model 1873 Cadet Trapdoor, Trapdoor Springfield Cadet Rifle, U.S. Cadet Rifle Model 1873
Overview
The Springfield Model 1873 Cadet Rifle is a single-shot, breech-loading rifle chambered in .45-70 Government, built around the hinged trapdoor breechblock designed by Erskine S. Allin at the U.S. National Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. A slightly shortened and lightened version of the standard Model 1873 infantry rifle, it was issued to cadets at the United States Military Academy and other military schools for drill and marksmanship training. Its roughly 29.5-inch barrel and reduced weight made the substantial .45-70 recoil more manageable for young cadets while preserving the mechanics of the service rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3630 g (128.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1245 mm (49.02") |
| Barrel Length | 749 mm (29.49") |
| Action Type | Trapdoor |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | None |
| Muzzle Velocity | 396 m/s (1299 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2215 J (1634 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 3 Grooves, Left-Hand Twist |
| Rifling Twist | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 3 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Barrel, Case-Hardened Breechblock |
Calibers
- .45-70 Government · primary — also known as .45-70, .45-70 Govt, 11.6x53mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single-Shot Manual Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Half-Cock Hammer Notch
- Features: Hinged Trapdoor Breechblock, Shorter Cadet-Length Barrel, Socket Bayonet Lug, Single-Shot Breechloader
Production
Production years: 1873-1898
Produced in far smaller numbers than the standard infantry rifle; issued primarily to military academy cadets.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Erskine S. Allin
Discontinued: 1898
Notes
One of several trapdoor Springfield sub-variants; the Cadet Rifle mirrors the full-length service rifle but with a shorter barrel and lighter build for training use at military academies.
Background
The trapdoor Springfield was the U.S. Army's first standard breech-loading rifle to fire a metallic cartridge, and its .45-70 round became an enduring American classic. The Cadet Rifle put that same action into the hands of West Point cadets, training a generation of officers on the arm they would carry into service.