TJ's Gun Blog

The Springfield Model 1873 (Aka the Trapdoor) Rifle in 45-70

September 1, 1881 the U.S. troops are in the Eastern Arizona Territory at Fort Apache when they come under attack by an Apache war party. The Apaches numbered 100 strong. The U.S. soldiers were able to keep the natives at bay due to the range of their rifles. The Springfield Trapdoors in 45-70 are effective at 150 yards with very little drop. In the right hands the are even effective at much greater distances. The battle raged on for the better part of the day. The U.S. troops only suffered 3 wounded. It is unknown how many casualties the Apache suffered.

Fast forward to today and modern smokeless powder. The original 45-70 Government black powder round is quite a cartridge in modern guns with modern loading. While these rounds are not suitable for an old Springfield Trapdoor there are modern replicas as well as modern guns like the Marlin lever actions that can safely shoot the smokeless powder version of the 45-70. It's amazing to me how a cartridge that is almost 150 years old is still very popular today.

The 1873 Springfield Model was produced between 1873 and 1884. There were around 700,000 produced. The 1873 remained in service until 1892 with some reserve use afterwards. The gun was developed by Erskine S. Allen. The standard rifle was 52 inches in length. There was also a carbine version produced. The copper case of the original 45-70 load, as well as the Trapdoor breech, caused some problems for the troops. If any of General Custer's men had survived they could attest to that.

Classic guns like these can be found at Gun Trader Gun Shows as well as our shop Gainesville Pawn. Our next show will be held in St. Augustine at the National Guard Armory, 190 San Marco Avenue, St Augustine Fl, 32084. I can be reached at (352) 359-0134. I hope to see everyone there. Until then be safe everybody. Terry Jewell