Springfield Model 1882
title: "Springfield Model 1882" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["early-rifles", "rifles-of-the-united-states", "hinged-breechblock-rifles", "springfield-firearms"] topic_path: "geography/united-states" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_Model_1882" 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 1882 |
| origin | United States |
| type | Breech-loading rifle |
| is_ranged | yes |
| used_by | United States Army |
| design_date | 1882 |
| manufacturer | Springfield Armory |
| number | 52 |
| variants | Standard bayonet, triangular ramrod bayonet |
| length | 44 in |
| part_length | 28 in |
| cartridge | .45-70-405 |
| action | Hinged breechblock |
| rate | Approx. 10 rounds a minute |
| velocity | 1350 ft/s |
| :: |
| name = Springfield Model 1882 | image = | caption = | 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 Army | wars = | designer = | design_date = 1882 | manufacturer = Springfield Armory | unit_cost = | production_date = | number = 52 | variants = Standard bayonet, triangular ramrod bayonet | spec_label = | weight = | length = 44 in | part_length = 28 in | width = | height = | diameter = | crew = | cartridge = .45-70-405 | caliber = | barrels = | action = Hinged breechblock | rate = Approx. 10 rounds a minute | velocity = 1350 ft/s | range = | max_range = | feed = | sights =
The Springfield Model 1882 was a trapdoor breechblock service rifle produced by the Springfield Armory for the United States military. Based on the design of the Springfield Model 1873, the Model 1882 “short rifle” was an attempt to combine the standard issue, rifle and carbine into one weapon. Sometimes referred to as an “carbine“, the effort was not successful: only 52 were produced, and two variants of 26 each.
It is usually referred to as a "short rifle" but is sometimes called a "carbine".
History and design
The Model 1882 was an experiment by Springfield Armory. Its main goal was to combine the carbine and rifle into a single arm which they called the "short rifle" (a concept which the U.S. Army would not accept until the adoption of the M1903 Springfield). It was hoped that this one single arm could then supply the needs of the infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
The rifle was produced with a 28-inch barrel. Two versions were made, one with a full stock and a cleaning rod like the standard rifle, and another with a triangular ramrod bayonet similar to the one that had been used on the Springfield Model 1880. Only 26 of each type were manufactured.
The rifle was sent out for field trials in the spring of 1882. The rifle failed to impress military commanders, and was not seen as an improvement on existing arms. Development of a single rifle for all infantry, cavalry, and artillery units would continue with the Springfield Model 1886 carbine.
References
References
- "Uniforms, arms, and equipment: the U.S. Army on the Western Frontier, 1880-1892" By Douglas C. McChristian
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