Springfield Model 1877 Trapdoor Carbine
Springfield Armory (US Government) · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1877
Also known as: Model 1877 Carbine, Trapdoor Springfield Carbine, .45-70 Trapdoor Carbine, Allin Trapdoor Carbine
Overview
The Springfield Model 1877 Trapdoor Carbine is a single-shot, breech-loading cavalry carbine chambered in .45-70 Government. It refines the earlier Model 1873 trapdoor carbine, using Erskine S. Allin's hinged breechblock action that flips up and forward for loading, and was the first Springfield to carry a two-piece cleaning rod stowed in the buttstock. Fitted with a 22-inch barrel and a saddle-ring bar, it served as the standard mounted-arm of the U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars period.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3175 g (112.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1049 mm (41.30") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Trapdoor |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 366 m/s (1201 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1758 J (1297 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 275 m (301 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 550 m (601 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 | Blued |
Calibers
- .45-70 Government · primary — also known as .45-70, .45-70 Govt, .45-70-405, 11.6x53mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer Notch
- Features: Hinged Breechblock, Saddle Ring Bar, Two Piece Cleaning Rod In Butt, Carbine Length Stock
Production
Production years: 1877-1879
One of the transitional trapdoor carbine models between the 1873 and 1884 patterns; produced at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Erskine S. Allin
Discontinued: 1879
Notes
The carbine was issued with a reduced 55-grain blackpowder cavalry load rather than the 70-grain infantry rifle charge, easing recoil in the lighter arm.
Background
The trapdoor carbine was the iconic cavalry arm of the post-Civil War American frontier, carried by troopers across the plains during the Indian Wars in the years following the U.S. Army's adoption of the .45-70 cartridge.