Product Description
Antique U.S. SPRINGFIELD Model 1866 .50-70 GOVT ALLIN Conversion TRAPDOOR
Rifle Made Famous During the INDIAN WARS
Here is an antique Springfield Model 1866 Allin Conversion Trapdoor, the rifle being manufactured circa 1864 and then converted shortly after that circa 1866. After the American Civil War, the United States military was slow to adopt new technological advances in firearms and opted to retrofit their enormous surplus inventory of Model 1861 type muskets to fire cartridges. Many different types of conversions were conceived and implemented. This one is named for its inventor, Erskine S. Allin, Master Armorer for Springfield Armory.
The Springfield Model 1866 was the second iteration of the Allin designed trapdoor breech-loading mechanism. Originally developed as a means of converting rifle muskets to breechloaders, the Allin modification ultimately became the basis for the definitive Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor, the first breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States War Department for manufacture and widespread issue to U.S. troops.
These conversions were the main infantry weapon of the West and played a large role in the Indian Wars of the late 19th century. Approximately 25,000 .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. The rifle was chambered for the powerful centerfire .50-70 Government cartridge.
The overall condition is good+. Original finish/patina. The action is excellent. The bore is bright with strong rifling. The so-called “friction spring” (just behind the chamber) is absent. The stock shows wear and remains solid.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 36-5/8 inches.
Caliber: .50-70 GOVT
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$1995
#226470