Pedersoli 1873 U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Rifles

1873 Springfield Trapdoor Rifles and Carbines

The design of the Springfield Trapdoor action is largely based upon its predecessor whose designer, Master Armourer E.S. Allin of Springfield Armory, developed as a conversion for the approximately 1,500,000 muzzle- loading percussion rifles left over from the Civil war - which while servicable were demonstrably obsolete with the advent and adoption of reliable cartridge-firing long arms. As was the case with many other armies the world over (one notable example being the British with their Snider-Enfield conversion rifles) the U.S. army were more open to adopting a cost-efficient conversion system than buying all new rifles (not to mention retraining tens of thousands of troops) but by the 1870s a replacement was badly needed for the aging M1868 .50 calibre Springfield. The 'Second Allin' (or 'trapdoor') action was modified but retained, the bore diameter reduced to .45, and the new rifle given the designation of its year of adoption (1873).

Pedersoli Trapdoor Rifles and Carbines

Newly recreated by the artisans at Davide Pedersoli, the venerable 1873 Trapdoor rifle has been given a new lease on life and is once again available to collectors, living history enthusiasts, and outdoorsmen. No less of an excellent performer now than it was on the American frontier during the Indian wars, Custer's last stand, and the Spanish-American war of 1898-99. Rich colour case-hardening, authentically detailed American eagle and 'U.S. Springfield' markings, and hand-finished European walnut stocks add to the old-time allure of these army rifles.

Part #	Description	Action	Finish	Calibre	Barrel	Stock	Price
PD-S.905	Trapdoor Rifle	single	blued	.45-70	32.0"	Sold Out	$1,339.00
PD-S.900	Trapdoor Carbine	single	blued	.45-70	22.0"	Sold Out	$1,169.00

Note: 'stock' (availability) refers to whether or not the firearm is currently in stock. We receive shipments on a regular basis and update these pages as items are restocked. Please contact us if you want a model not shown here.