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From Wikipedia( with all of the associated caveats) regarding the 1866 model rifle: "The Model 1866 was issued to U.S. troops in 1867, and was a major factor in the Wagon Box Fight and the Hayfield Fight, along the Bozeman Trail in 1867. The rapid rate of fire which could be achieved disrupted the tactics of attacking Sioux and Cheyenne forces, who had faced muzzle-loading rifles during the Fetterman massacre only a few months before. The new rifles contributed decisively to the survival and success of severely outnumbered U.S. troops in these engagements." Possible Indian battlefield capture in 1867, reused and damaged at LBH?
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I believe you are thinking of the wrong rifle. The 1866 was a Winchester lever action...the rifle in the post is an 1873 Springfield "Trapdoor" Carbine. Addendum: whoops...there were two, 1866 guns.