Springfield 1880

Springfield #1

by William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone

JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. WHERE IT'S NEVER QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT. Springfield Model 1880. Trapdoor rifle with bayonet. Vengeance optional.

With a handful of murderous rogues, Captain Jed Foster has run off with four wagons containing new Springfield rifles, bayonets, and ammunition meant to resupply the troops at Fort Bowie in Arizona Territory. Foster plans to sell the weapons to the highest bidder--whether it's Apaches, Mexican revolutionaries, or Confederate veterans who still dream of destroying the Union. But that's the least of Foster's problems . . . His junior officer, Lieutenant Grat Holden, is coming after him. With the help of an ornery ex-sergeant known as "Hard Rock" Masterson and fiery guerilla fighter Soledad, the young lieutenant will face off with war chiefs, banditos, and cutthroat outlaws. That's just for starters. Then he's got to take down a man who has enough guns for a small army . . . Live Free. Read Hard.

Genres: Westerns, Fiction

538 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2018

About the author

William W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Lapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first western read. I do not think that I am a huge fan of westerns after reading this. I am sure, if westerns are your thing, this book would be excellent. The novel was about a specific type of gun *way over my head* lol

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was moderately entertaining.


There were some issues with editing, character continuity, and overall not the best written story.

However it was entertaining, and it reminded me of one of those Italian spaghetti westerns.

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by William W. Johnstone and will be especially liked by rifle owners/collectors. He certainly did a lot of research for this one. The story is about a shipment of the latest "trap door" Springfield rifles with bayonets being shipped to Fort Bowie in Arizona territory. Captain Jed Foster deserts the army and steals the guns to sell to the highest bidder; be it Apaches, Mexican bandits or holdout Confederates. Lt. Holden, along with "Hard Rock" Masterson, and scout Sam Florence are sent out to find Foster and the guns. I won't spoil it by revealing the conclusion but it's an acceptable ending. Lots of action and very entertaining.

[Laura Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5, nearer to 3 stars, really. I enjoyed the main story and characters. Honestly, I really enjoyed it, but there was a side plot that I just never like in books. I skipped a few (short) chapters and didn't miss anything, plot wise. Shrug. Entertaining western all in all. Disappointed about that side plot though.
If I think of it, and can remember how, I'll share what the side plot was, but make it so that the spoiler is hidden.

[larry brashear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

Another masterpiece by the Western Maestro! Well written and edited as well as being interesting and exciting. As with all books by this Author it held me spellbound throughout.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book, lots of research done on the rifle and story that followed
was interesting as one followed the progress of the rifle shipment. Impressive rifle
that would have been a powerful weapon in the wrong hands. Hope there is a follow
up book on the Springfield 1884.

[Hamish Rennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Johnstonecwrites hood quality and educational Westerns. This is a good read, and I learned interesting stuff I did not know about the Springfield rifles. Useful history threaded into this. And some unexpected twists.

[Jim McCulloch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not get past first 50 pages.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from J.A. Johnstone

[Thomas Q. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It's was quick and to the point with a great story.

[Mr. Mustela frenata · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.58

[Frank Beights · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining


One of Williams entertaining novels! Seems to be able to keep turning them out!! I've read many of his works. This is one of the good ones.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy and enjoyable read.

[Chris Maddix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, good history lesson.

Just watch out for stray bullets.

[Bill Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

start to finish enjoyed reading the book.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

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