The Springfield Armory Model 87A is a fascinating piece of firearms history, a relatively obscure but significant example of a full-auto weapon used by the US military. While not as widely known as the M1 Garand or the Thompson submachine gun, its unique design and historical context deserve closer examination. This article will delve into the technical specifications, historical usage, and the overall significance of the Springfield Model 87A full-auto rifle.
The Design and Mechanics of the Springfield Model 87A
The Model 87A, unlike many other full-auto rifles of its era, was based on the earlier Springfield Model 1903 bolt-action rifle. This meant that the fundamental design leveraged existing manufacturing processes and components, a key factor during wartime production. However, the conversion to full-auto operation required significant modifications.
Key Features:
- Gas-Operated System: Instead of a simple bolt action, the 87A utilized a gas-operated system, tapping into the gases produced by the firing cartridge to cycle the action. This ensured reliable and rapid firing.
- Modified Receiver: The receiver was significantly altered to accommodate the gas system and the necessary mechanisms for automatic firing. This included additions for the gas tube and operating rod.
- Full-Auto Fire Selector: A crucial addition was a selector switch, allowing the weapon to operate in both semi-automatic (single shot) and fully automatic modes. This gave the user flexibility depending on the tactical situation.
- Magazine Compatibility: The 87A used the standard 5-round en bloc clips of the Model 1903, which, while limiting the capacity, ensured ready supply of ammunition. While some experimental modifications may have been done to test various capacities, none were adopted into official production.
Technical Specifications (approximate, as variations existed):
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .30-06 Springfield |
| Action | Gas-operated, selective-fire |
| Barrel Length | 24 inches (approximately) |
| Overall Length | 44 inches (approximately) |
| Weight | Approximately 9 lbs (unloaded) |
| Feed System | 5-round en bloc clips |
| Rate of Fire | Variable, dependent on ammunition and conditions |
The Model 87A in Military Service
The Springfield Model 87A’s service life was relatively short and its production numbers were limited. Its primary role was as a trench rifle during World War I. The design's modifications for automatic fire provided a more effective means of suppressing enemy fire and clearing trenches compared to its bolt-action predecessor. However, the limited production and relatively high weight compared to other automatic weapons ultimately resulted in limited adoption.
It's important to note that the 87A was not a standard-issue weapon. Its use was far more restricted than the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle or the Thompson submachine gun, which enjoyed wider acceptance and deployment.
The 87A's use appears to have been primarily confined to experimental and testing roles, and specific details about its deployment in actual combat remain scarce. Further research into military archives might uncover more precise details about its battlefield performance and deployment statistics.
The Legacy of the Springfield Model 87A
While not a mainstay of US military arsenals, the Springfield Model 87A holds a notable place in firearms history. It represents an attempt to modernize the existing Model 1903 platform and integrate full-auto capabilities. Its relative obscurity today makes it a valuable artifact for collectors and military historians, offering a glimpse into the evolution of automatic rifle technology during a pivotal period in military history.
The Model 87A stands as a testament to the experimentation and innovation undertaken during the development of early automatic weapons and highlights the continuous effort to improve firepower on the battlefield. Its legacy isn’t defined by widespread use, but by its position as a unique chapter in American military firearms history, showcasing the ongoing quest for more effective automatic rifles. Further research into archives and private collections may unearth additional information to provide a more complete understanding of this fascinating piece of military history.