The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - likelihood of a trapdoor used by indians?

SIGSHR · March 10, 2017, 03:50 PM

Given the difficulties of resupply and transport the Army had in the Indian Wars, I don't concerns about "wasting" ammunition were unrealistic. Of course inadequate marksmanship training doesn't help. IMHO the 45-70 compared favorably to contemporary military rifles such as the Dreyse, the Chassepot, the Snider-Enfield, the Martini. The Army had tight budgets after the Civil War, ceilings on manpower, the Trapdoor was a compromise-and a very good one IMHO.
In Cuba we had the disadvantages that the Spaniards were well dug in, on high ground, knew the ranges etc. A Rough Rider told the 71st New York as the moved up in support "You can't see 'em."

March 10, 2017, 03:50 PM	#29
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	Given the difficulties of resupply and transport the Army had in the Indian Wars, I don't concerns about "wasting" ammunition were unrealistic. Of course inadequate marksmanship training doesn't help. IMHO the 45-70 compared favorably to contemporary military rifles such as the Dreyse, the Chassepot, the Snider-Enfield, the Martini. The Army had tight budgets after the Civil War, ceilings on manpower, the Trapdoor was a compromise-and a very good one IMHO. In Cuba we had the disadvantages that the Spaniards were well dug in, on high ground, knew the ranges etc. A Rough Rider told the 71st New York as the moved up in support "You can't see 'em."