The Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor was the standard US Army rifle adopted after the Civil War, converting existing percussion rifles to centerfire by adding a hinged "trapdoor" breech mechanism. Chambered in the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge, it served through the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, and into the early 20th century in reserve service. Both Custer's 7th Cavalry at Little Bighorn and Gatling's crews at San Juan Hill carried Trapdoors. Type: Rifle Action: Single-Shot Trapdoor Caliber: 45-70 Government Capacity: 1 Year introduced: 1873, USA Weight: 8.5 oz Overall length: 52" Status: Discontinued Military use: Yes Intended use: military, collector, historical