Springfield Model 1866

It employed a robust version of the trapdoor breechblock design originated by Erskine S. Allin, Master Armorer of the Springfield Armory. Approximately 52,000.58 caliber Springfield Model 1863 rifled muskets were converted by Springfield Armory for use by U.S. troops, the barrels being relined and rifled to.50 caliber and the trapdoor breech system affixed. About half of the rifles produced were shipped to Europe for use in the Franco-Prussian War. The rifle was chambered for the powerful centerfire.50-70-450 cartridge (.50 caliber 450 gr bullet; 70 gr of powder). Though a significant improvement over the extractor of the Model 1865 rifle, the Model 1866 extractor was still excessively complicated and the extractor spring somewhat prone to breakage. However, it is a misconception that a broken extractor disabled the weapon. In the official 1867 government user booklet “Description and Rules for the Management of the Springfield Breech-Loading Rifle Musket, Model 1866”, the following is stated regarding a broken extractor and/or ejector: “It should be understood that the ejector and friction springs are convenient rather than necessary, and that the piece is not necessarily disabled if one or both of them should break, for the shell can be easily removed by the fingers after being loosened by the extractor hook.” Furthermore, the cleaning rod of the rifle can be used quite effectively to remove a stuck case in an emergency. Thus it is clear that this weapon is not as easily disabled as is sometimes believed. The Model 1866 was issued to U.S. troops in 1867, and was a major factor in the Wagon Box Fight and the Hayfield Fight, along the Bozeman Trail in 1867. The rapid rate of fire which could be achieved disrupted the tactics of attacking Sioux and Cheyenne forces, who had faced muzzle-loading rifles during the Fetterman massacre only a few months before. The new rifles contributed decisively to the survival and success of severely outnumbered U.S. troops in these engagements.

• Name — Springfield Model 1866 • Origin — United States • Type — Breech-loading rifle • Is Ranged — yes • Service — 1866–1873 • Used By — * United States • France • Designer — Erskine S. Allin • Design Date — 1866 • Manufacturer — Springfield Armory • Production Date — 1866–1868 • Number — Approx. 52,000 • Variants — Model 1866 short rifle, Model 1866 cadet rifle • Length — 56 in • Part Length — 40.0 in • Cartridge —.50-70-450 • Action — Trapdoor • Rate — User dependent; usually 8 to 10 rounds per minute • Feed — Breech-loading • Sights — Open sights • Illustration — Springfield Model 1866 cadet rifle • Illustration — Springfield Model 1866 breech • Illustration — Closeup of the trapdoor mechanism