Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 11, 2026

Springfield Model 1869

The Springfield Model 1869 was 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 (749 mm) barrel in place of the Model 1868’s 32.5 in (826 mm) length.

Last revised
Jun 11, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
231 w
Citations
3
Source
Springfield Model 1869
TypeBreech-loading rifle
Place of originUnited States
Service history
Used byUnited States
Production history
DesignerErskine S. Allin
No. built3400
Specifications
Cartridge.50-70-450
ActionTrapdoor
Feed systemBreech-loading
SightsOpen sights

The Springfield Model 1869 was 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 (749 mm) barrel in place of the Model 1868’s 32.5 in (826 mm) length.

History and Design

Originally, the trapdoor Springfields were created to convert Springfield Model 1861 and Springfield Model 1863 rifled muskets to breech-loading rifles at a relatively low cost.1

The Model 1869 cadet rifle was a shortened version of the Springfield Model 1868. It had a 29.6-inch (75 cm) barrel, compared to the 32.6-inch (83 cm) barrel of the Model 1868, and had an overall length of 48.8 inches (124 cm). The Model 1869 was produced using Model 1868 receivers and breechblocks, 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 1868.1

This model has its own sequence of serial numbers, running from 1 to approximately 3400.2

See also

See also

References

References

  1. "The .58 and .50 Caliber Rifles and Carbines of The Springfield Armory, 1865-1872", Richard A. Hosmer, North Cape Publications 2006
  2. "Cadet Model 1869 Rifles". The U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Information Center. Retrieved 2021-08-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)