Springfield Model 1886

The Springfield Model 1886 was one of several models of carbines which used the trapdoor breechblock design developed by Erskine S. Allin. It was Springfield Armory's second attempt to create a single longarm that would satisfy the needs of the infantry, cavalry, and artillery (the first attempt being the Springfield Model 1882 short rifle).^[1]

Springfield Model 1886
Type	Breech-loading carbine
Place of origin	United States
Service history
Used by	United States
Production history
Designed	1886
Manufacturer	Springfield Armory
Produced	1886
No. built	c. 1,000
Specifications
Length	40 in (1,000 mm)
Barrel length	24 in (610 mm)
Cartridge	.45-55-405
Action	Trapdoor
Rate of fire	User dependent; usually 8 to 10 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity	1,100 feet per second (340 m/s)
Feed system	Breech-loading
Sights	Iron sights

History and design

The model 1886 carbine featured the new sight created by Lieutenant Colonel Adelbert R. Buffington that had been incorporated into the Springfield Model 1884 rifle. The stock had a storage compartment for a three piece folding cleaning rod and a ruptured case extractor. The upper barrel band also had a curved swivel sling design that allowed it to fit close to the stock when the carbine was placed in a saddle boot. The model 1886 did not have the lower barrel band that had been present on the Model 1882. The carbine was fitted with a 24-inch (61 cm) barrel and a full walnut stock.^[1]

Approximately 1,000 carbines were produced and were sent to the field for trials. Like the model 1882, the model 1886 performed adequately in field trials, but was not seen as an improvement over existing arms.^[2]

See also

• Springfield rifle