Springfield Model 1886
The Springfield Model 1886 Carbine was Springfield Armory's second attempt to create a single rifle that would satisfy the needs of the infantry, cavalry, and artillery (the first attempt being the Springfield Model 1882 Short Rifle). It is one of several models of "Trapdoor Springfield" rifles.
| Springfield Model 1886 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Breech-loading rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | United States Army |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1886 |
| Manufacturer | Springfield Armory |
| No. built | 1,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 40 in (1,000 mm) |
| Barrel length | 24 in (610 mm) |
| Cartridge | .45-70 |
| Action | Hinged breechblock |
| Rate of fire | Approx. 10 rounds a minute |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,350 feet per second (410 m/s) |
History and Design
The Model 1886 featured the new sight created by Lieutenant Colonel R. A. Buffington that had been incorporated into the Springfield Model 1884 rifle. The stock had a storage compartment for a three piece folding cleaning rod and a ruptured case extractor. The upper barrel band also had a curved swivel sling design that allowed it to fit close to the stock when the rifle was placed in a saddle boot. The Model 1886 did not have the lower barrel band that had been present on the Model 1882 short rifle. The rifle was fitted with a 24-inch barrel and a full walnut stock.
Approximately 1,000 rifles were produced and were sent to the field for trials. Like the Model 1882, the Model 1886 performed adequately in field trials, but was not seen as an improvement over existing arms.[1]
See also
References
- "Guns of the Old West: An Illustrated History" By Dean K. Boorman