The Springfield Trapdoor and other single-shot rifles would be rendered obsolete by magazine-fed bolt-action rifles in the late nineteenth century. Springfield Trapdoor Serial Number Lookup

Eager to correct this flaw, the Ordnance Department began a series of trials to find a suitable replacement to the M1866. However, there were flaws in its design, most notably, the breech block tended to swing open when under pressure. On the frontier, the M1866 performed admirably during several engagements with Indian warriors, and it gained a reputation as a dependable firearm. 50 after a series of trials in 1866, resulting in the Model 1866. Allin modified his design by lowering the caliber from. 58 caliber bullet with sixty grains of powder. The M1865 used a copper-cased cartridge which propelled a. This resulted in the development of the Model 1865 Springfield, known as “Allin’s Alteration” and later the “Needle Gun” for its long firing pin.

Allin, the master armorer at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, was tasked with converting the Army’s muzzle-loading rifles into breech loaders. The origins of the M1873 Springfield date back to the waning days of the Civil War.

Springfield model 1873 serial numbers