50-70 Government cartridge originally designed for the Springfield Model 1866.

45in (11.4mm) bullet was smaller than the. 45-70 Government, the first instance of this cartridge being used in any rifle. Furthermore the front barrel band was redesigned to improve the sling swivel (where the sling was attached to the rifle) to allow a stacking swivel to be attached (to allow large numbers of Model 1873s to be stacked together in armories). Major aesthetic changes were made to the Model 1873 with parts such as the stock given rounded edges, screw heads rounded off (and rivets replaced by screws), metal parts blackened (or occasionally browned) and the ramrod being redesigned to improve the grip when using it to clean the barrel. Other mechanical features to be changed from the Model 1868 included the hammer, which was rounded off (to improve the contact with the firing pin, and reduce the potential to dislodge it) and rear sight, which was changed and moved further along the barrel (improving the accuracy of the Model 1873 when using the sights). 45-70 Government cartridge, which fired a. It was also given a tighter 1:22 rifling twist (producing a greater spin on the bullet than the Model 1868 was capable of) and the bore was changed to accept the smaller. The barrel of the Model 1873 was made of a low grade steel, rather than iron as the Model 1868 (and earlier Springfields, all the way back to the Model 1795 Musket) had used. The Model 1868 would also form the basis of the Model 1873, although with several significant changes. Allin for the Springfield Model 1865 (named, occasionally, the 'First Allin') and had been improved through the Model 1866 and Model 1868. This mechanism had originally been designed by Erskine S. This is a much better than average early Model 1873 trapdoor rifle.The Springfield Model 1873 used the heavily refined hinged breechblock mechanism, often referred to as the 'Trapdoor' because of its hinge located ontop of the barrel which opens vertically. The ramrod is correct with its uncupped head. The stock has a good firing proof and light but very visible script ESA cartouche. There are no cracks or chips except for a couple of very minor chips at the lower ramrod channel. The stock is very good with the correct long wrist and scattered issue dents and dings. The buttplate is brown with US on the tang. The lockplate is correctly marked US/SPRINGFIELD/1873 with the eagle stamped to the left of that. The lockplate and hammer retain most of their original blue. The high arch breechblock is marked MODEL/1873 /eagle stamp/crossed arrows/US. It is equipped with the correct Model 1873 rear sight with headless attaching screws.

The barrel and receiver have a smooth brown patina. The 32 5/8' round barrel has good, bright rifling with some wear and erosion.

Model 1873 springfield trapdoor carbine