Springfield Model 1877
| Springfield Model 1877 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Breech-loading carbine |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Erskine S. Allin |
| Designed | 1877 |
| Manufacturer | Springfield Armory |
| Specifications | |
| Barrel length | 22 in (560 mm) |
| Cartridge | .45-70-405 |
| Action | Trapdoor |
| Rate of fire | User dependent; usually 8 to 10 rounds per minute |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,350 feet per second (410 m/s) |
| Feed system | Breech-loading |
| Sights | Open sights |
The Springfield Model 1877 was a trapdoor breechblock service rifle produced in two versions by the Springfield Armory for the United States military. The standard issue rifle is historically regarded as a variant of the Springfield Model 1873 carbine, while the shorter-barreled Model 1873 carbine has been considered to be a separate model.[citation needed]
Description
[edit]The most visible change in the Model 1877 standard rifle was to extend the buttstock comb further forward on a thickened wrist to strengthen the wrist's weak spot.
Prior to 1877, the Erskine S, Allin-designed trapdoor breechblock had a high arch machined out of it, making it lighter. The Model 1877 no longer had the arch machined out of it, though the reason for this modification is not clear. Gas ports along the upper ridges of the receiver were also extended, which may explain why the arch on the breechblock was removed at the same time.[clarify]
After the Battle of Little Bighorn, the Springfield Armory was assigned the task of providing a cleaning rod for the carbine version that could also be used to remove stuck cartridges. A three piece steel rod was designed that fit into the butt. This required a new butt plate specifically for the carbine, as the longer rifle already included a cleaning rod and did not need these modifications.
The rear sight was also modified. The rifle version of the new sight was stamped with an R, and the carbine version was stamped with a C. The different sights were necessary because the carbine used a 55-grain cartridge instead of the rifle's 70-grain cartridge.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "The U.S. Army in the West, 1870–1880: Uniforms, Weapons, And Equipment" By Douglas C. McChristian, John P. Langellier