The extractor still left something to be desired, and a new version was designed that involved a spring-loaded claw set into the receiver at the hinge of the breechblock. 50-70.Įven though the 1866 was considered a successful arm, some modifications were deemed to be in order.
In 1867 a shorter Cadet Rifle appeared but still no cavalry carbines - that role being handled by the thousands of Spencer repeaters still in the system and Sharps percussion carbines converted to. The block itself was also slightly modified by employing coil springs for both the firing pin and latch.ĭubbed the Model 1866, 25,000 of these rifles were turned out at Springfield using Model 1863 rifle-muskets as platforms. Too, the old rack-and-pinion extractor was found to be lacking, and a new ejector, which involved a small spring-loaded stud set in the breech just behind the chamber, was adopted. Because of this, even the rear sight didn't have to be changed.Ī lighter carbine load featuring a 400-grain bullet and 45 to 50 grains of black powder was also issued, and, as might be expected, the velocity and muzzle energy were somewhat reduced. 58-caliber copper rimfire cartridge that approximated the ballistics of the original muzzleloader's paper cartridge. The system was adopted in 1865, chambering a. These were honeyed words to penurious ordnance officials. All that is necessary is to cut away the barrel on the top at the breech and add the block and shell extractor, cut the recess in the breech-screw and modify the hammer. Allin explained: "It is particularly adapted to the alteration of the Springfield rifle-musket (or any other), as it can be done without changing the features of the musket or without throwing away any of its parts. Fast, slick and easy.Īs well as being relatively efficient, the conversion allowed the maximum use of original parts. Upon reopening the block, a rather complicated rack-and-pinion extractor ejected the spent case. The block was then closed, the hammer put on full-cock, and the rifle aimed and fired.