That is a long way using today’s modern optics. And the 405 grain bullets were accurate out to by many estimates three quarters of a mile or over 800 yards. While it was still a single shot, it was built solidly enough to handle a large volley of shots over a short time with skilled shooters able to get 15 shots off in one minute. The trapdoor was the first standard issue breech loading rifle adopted by the US Army. In fact this very gun was used to almost completely wipe out the largest land mammal in North America.Īfter the Civil War, Springfield armory won the bid to manufacturer weapons for the US Army. 45/70 is a true American classic and perfectly capable of taking large sized game today. The 1873 US Springfield Trapdoor chambered in.

One in particular is a true joy to shoot, both for its nostalgia and its accuracy among antique firearms. From the Winchester lever action, to the M1 Garand all have a place in history that make them exciting to own and shoot. Some even played a huge role in our American heritage. And even with these new and exciting models coming out every year there are some that while they may have faded with time, are still great guns and exciting to shoot. It is exciting to get a new caliber to test, or a new design to try out as we ply our skills to our sport. More and more enticing features to cause us to line up and spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to get the new and best thing.Īs a hunter I am thankful these companies do not get lazy or sit back and just let things rock along. Different calibers, different designs, actions, stocks, triggers, etc. Every year gun manufacturers introduce new and exciting models for hunters and shooters to get excited about.

Unissued 1873 springfield trapdoor