This cartridge had a correspondingly reduced muzzle velocity of 1,100 feet per second (340 m/s) and a somewhat reduced effective range. A reduced-power load of 55 grains (3.6 g) of powder (Carbine Load) was manufactured for use in the carbine to lighten recoil for mounted cavalry soldiers. It had a muzzle velocity of 1,350 feet per second (410 m/s), making it a powerful and effective load for the skirmish tactics of the era. The rifle cartridge was designated as '.45-70-405', indicating a. 99 Springfield' which became the Model 1873. Firing tests were held at the Springfield Armory and Governor's Island where the average rate of fire for the Springfield was 8 rounds per minute for new recruits and 15 rounds per minute for experienced soldiers. Both single shot and magazine equipped systems were considered but, at the time, the single shot was deemed to be more reliable. The trials included tests for accuracy, dependability, rate-of-fire, and ability to withstand adverse conditions. Terry, conducted an examination and trial of 99 rifles from several domestic and foreign manufacturers including those from Springfield, Sharps, Peabody, Whitney, Spencer, Remington, and Winchester pursuant to the selection of a breech-loading system for rifles and carbines for the U.S. In 1872–1873 a military board, headed by Brigadier-General Alfred H. It was superseded by an improved model, the Springfield Model 1884, also in. The infantry rifle model featured a 32 5⁄ 8-inch (829 mm) barrel, while the cavalry carbine used a 22-inch (560 mm) barrel. 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 gun, in both full-length and carbine versions, was widely used in subsequent battles against Native Americans. 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). User dependent usually 8 to 10 rounds per minute Breech-loading rifle Springfield Model 1873Ĭavalry carbine with 22 in (560 mm) barrel,

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