The Springfield Model 1869 is a cadet rifle version of the Springfield Model 1868 trapdoor breechblock service rifle. Made by the Springfield Armory, it featured a shortened barrel in place of the Model 1868âÂÂs length.
Originally, the trapdoor Springfields were created to convert Springfield Model 1861 and Springfield Model 1863 rifled muskets to breech-loading rifles at a relatively low cost.
The Model 1869 cadet rifle was a shortened version of the Springfield Model 1868. It had a barrel, compared to the barrel of the Model 1868, and had an overall length of . The Model 1869 was produced using Model 1868 receivers and breechblocks, but used a stock that was manufactured specifically for the Model 1869. The Model 1869 had a narrower buttplate and the stock, around the barrel was thinner than on the Model 1868.
This model has its own sequence of serial numbers, running from 1 to approximately 3400.