The 7th Cavalry’s Springfield Model 1873 Carbine: Why Not Winchester Model 1866?

The U.S. Army's decision to equip the 7th Cavalry with the Model 1873 Springfield carbine during the Little Big Horn Battle has often been a subject of historical debate. This article delves into the reasons why the 7th Cavalry chose the Springfield over the Winchester Model 1866, despite the latter's popularity and superior effective range.

The Context of Weapon Selection

Before the Ordnance Board of 1871–73 standardized the issue weapons for the US Army, the cavalry regiments were equipped with a wide array of weapons, many of which were left over from the Civil War. Prior to this, units like the 7th Cavalry were outfitted with a variety of rifle components, including the controversial Model 1866 Winchester.

The Winchester Model 1866

The Winchester Model 1866, also known as the Henry rifle, was initially considered for the U.S. Army but ultimately rejected. Reasons for this rejection included:

Its rimfire cartridge was deemed unreliable The .44 Henry cartridge was not powerful enough for military use Lever-action firearms were costlier and more delicate, prone to getting out of order in the field Single-shot rifles were preferred due to fears that troops would waste ammunition with repeating weapons

The Decision: Springfield Model 1873

When the Ordnance Board convened, several repeating weapons were considered but quickly rejected due to concerns about their cartridge power. This left the single-shot rifles and carbines as the choices for the US Army.

Testing and Selection Process

A series of weapons were tested, including a new .45 cal Allin system rifle, a new model Sharps, and the Remington rolling block. The 1873 Springfield trapdoor was chosen due to its cost-effectiveness and the similarity of its parts to the existing Allin system Springfields.

The Springfield Model 1873

The 1873 Springfield trapdoor featured the .44–55–405 cartridge, which, although powerful, was not as advantageous as the .45/70 used in the S/C (Sioux/Cheyenne) rifles. This had significant implications during battles, such as the dramatic confrontation at Little Big Horn, where the 7th Cavalry's carbines were outmatched by the superior ranged firepower of the S/C forces.

Leadership and Ammo Usage

Leadership factors also played a role. Major Marcus Reno, who selected the carbine for the 7th Cavalry, was not aware of the vulnerabilities of the carbine's broadsides, which exposed the troops to heavy gunfire. The Spencer carbine was also considered but not adopted by Custer's unit.

The Armory Board's Decision

The Ordnance Board's decision to prefer the Springfield was made despite the fact that the 7th Cavalry was equipped with the Model 1873 Springfield. This decision was not solely about weapon effectiveness but also about cost, ease of manufacture, and combat reliability.

Conclusion

The 7th Cavalry's use of the Springfield Model 1873 carbine over the Winchester Model 1866 was a complex decision influenced by a myriad of factors, including budgetary constraints, weapon design, and leadership judgments. The Battle of Little Big Horn serves as a stark reminder of the significance of these choices in real-world combat scenarios.