{{Infobox weapon , name = Springfield Model 1869 , image = , image_size = , caption = , origin = United States , type =

Breech-loading rifle A breechloader is a firearm in which the user loads the ammunition ( cartridge or shell) via the rear (breech) end of its barrel, as opposed to a muzzleloader, which loads ammunition via the front ( muzzle). Modern firearms are generally bree ...

, is_ranged = yes , is_bladed = , is_explosive = , is_artillery = , is_vehicle = , is_missile = , is_UK = , service = , used_by = United States , wars = , designer = Erskine S. Allin , design_date = , manufacturer = , unit_cost = , production_date = , number = 3400 , variants = , spec_label = , weight = , length = , part_length = , width = , height = , diameter = , crew = , cartridge = .50-70-450 , cartridge_weight = , caliber = , barrels = , action =

Breech-loading A breechloader is a firearm in which the user loads the ammunition ( cartridge or shell) via the rear (breech) end of its barrel, as opposed to a muzzleloader, which loads ammunition via the front ( muzzle). Modern firearms are generally b ...

single-shot rifle , rate = , velocity = , range = , max_range = , feed = , sights = The Springfield Model 1869 was one of several model "trapdoor Springfields", which used the trapdoor

breechblock A breechblock (or breech block) is the part of the firearm action that closes the breech of a breech loading weapon (whether small arms or artillery) before or at the moment of firing. It seals the breech and contains the pressure generated by ...

design developed by Erskine S. Allin.

History and Design

Originally, the trapdoor Springfields were created to convert Model 1863 Springfield

rifled musket A rifled musket, rifle musket, or rifle-musket is a type of firearm made in the mid-19th century. Originally the term referred only to muskets that had been produced as a smoothbore weapon and later had their barrels replaced with rifled barre ...

s to breech-loading rifles at a relatively low cost. The Model 1869 Cadet Rifle was a shortened version of the

Springfield Model 1868 The Springfield Model 1868 was one of the rifles which used the trapdoor breechblock design developed by Erskine S. Allin. History and Design Originally, the trapdoor Springfields were created to convert Springfield Model 1863 rifled muskets to ...

. It had a 29.5 inch barrel, compared to the 32.5 inch barrel of the Model 1868, and had an overall length of 48.8 inches. The Model 1869 was produced using Model 1868 receivers and breech blocks, but used a stock that was manufactured specifically for the Model 1869. The Model 1869 had a narrower buttplate and the stock around the barrel was thinner than on the Model 1868. This model has its own sequence of serial numbers, running from 1 to approx. 3422.

References

*"The .45-70 Springfield, Book II, 1865-1893, Albert Frasca, PhD, Frasca Publishing *"The .58 and .50 Caliber Rifles and Carbines of The Springfield Armory, 1865-1872", Richard A. Hosmer, North Cape Publications 2006 Rifles of the United States Early rifles Hinged breechblock rifles Springfield firearms Guns of the American West

History and Design

See also

References