The American troops who fought against the indians went through tough times. They were not properly equipped, they had old rifles, while the Federal Government supplied the indians with new ones. The indians were better on horse back also. After the Army losses mounted the government finally got serious and kicked ass. The troops that returned home after this war were not honored for their service as the indians had won the P.R. battle. The troops that fought and died for this country, even fighting indians should be honored, and it is a shame those troops tasted what Vietnam vets would be getting served.
Actually, they carried the 1873 Springfield trapdoor carbine. It had been issued not too long before the Centennial Campaign and was in service for around 20 years altogether. While a single shot carbine, it was more accurate than the Winchester repeaters many of the Indians had, had greater range, and under volley fire could provide impressive firepower.
There have always been implications of the cartridges jamming in the breeches, but while true, it was nowhere near as prevalent as some make it to be, and was not a determining factor in the outcome.