Springfield Model 1869
title: "Springfield Model 1869" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["rifles-of-the-united-states", "early-rifles", "hinged-breechblock-rifles", "springfield-firearms", "guns-of-the-american-west"] topic_path: "geography/united-states" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_Model_1869" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::data[format=table title="Infobox weapon"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Springfield Model 1869 |
| image | Springfield_Model_1869-1863_Cadet_Trapdoor_Rifle-NMAH-AHB2015q027385.jpg |
| caption | Springfield Armory Model 1869/1863 U.S. Cadet "Trapdoor" Rifle |
| origin | United States |
| type | Breech-loading rifle |
| is_ranged | yes |
| used_by | United States |
| designer | Erskine S. Allin |
| number | 3400 |
| cartridge | .50-70-450 |
| action | Breech-loading single-shot rifle |
| :: |
| name = Springfield Model 1869 | image = Springfield_Model_1869-1863_Cadet_Trapdoor_Rifle-NMAH-AHB2015q027385.jpg | image_size = | caption = Springfield Armory Model 1869/1863 U.S. Cadet "Trapdoor" Rifle | origin = United States | type = Breech-loading rifle | 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 single-shot rifle | rate = | velocity = | range = | max_range = | feed = | sights =
The Springfield Model 1869 is a cadet rifle version of the Springfield Model 1868 trapdoor breechblock service rifle. Made by the Springfield Armory, it featured a shortened 29.5 in barrel in place of the Model 1868’s 32.5 in length.
History and design
Originally, the trapdoor Springfields were created to convert Model 1863 Springfield rifled muskets to breech-loaders at a relatively low cost.
The Model 1869 Cadet Rifle was a shortened version of the Springfield Model 1868. It had a 29.5 in barrel, compared to the 32.5 in barrel of the Model 1868, and had an overall length of 48.8 in. The Model 1869 was produced using Model 1868 Erskine S. Allin-designed 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 and they were manufactured exclusively for West Point cadets.
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
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