US33655A - Improvement in breech-loading fire-arms - Google Patents

Description

2 Sheets- Sheet 2.

Patented Nov. 5, 1861.

S. W. MARSH.A

Breach-Loading Fire-Arm.

H NNE o N *E5 '7 Inventor .mamma Wu l l .me n@ u www@ Witnesses:

Unire STATE-s PATENT Grrrcn.

IMPROVEMENT IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS.

Specification forming part of.Letters Patent No. 33,655,(lated November 5, 1861.

T all whom it may concern.:

Beit known that I, S. WILMER MARSH, of Vashington city, in the District of Columbia, have invented and made certain new and useful Improvements in Breech -Loading 'Fire- Arms; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making a part of this specification. i

Figure 1 represents a longitudinal sectional view of my improvements in breech'loading iire-arms, showing the gate closed. Fig. 2 represents a longitudinal sectional view of my improvements in breech-loading fire-arms, showing the gate thrown up. Fig. 3 represents a longitudinal sectional view of my improvements in breech-loading fire-arms, showing the same in the act of being discharged. Fig. 4 represents a detached gate having peculiar-formed cavities therein and peculiarformed appendages connected. Fig. 5 represents a plunger and swivel with a nut thereon. Fig. 6 represents a plunger l'iaving a nut thereon, the plunger having a longitudinal hole, of uniform diameter throughout, through its center and length. Fig. 7 represents a solid plunger with nut thereon. Fig. 8 represents a detached gate with another kind of appendages. Fig. 9 represents a plunger with a nut thereon, the plunger having a longitudinal hole, of varying diameter, through its center. Fig. 10 represents one form ot' needle to be used in various plungers. Fig. 11 represents a top view of a peculiar expanding ring. Fig. 12` represents a sectional view of the expanding ring. Fig. 13 represents a detached gate with a third kind of appendages. Fig. 14 represents a peculiar-formed solid plunger with nut thereon. Fig. 15 represents a top view of a bolt to hold the gate down. Fig. 16 represents a sectional view of the bolt. Fig. 17 represents another form of needle. Fig. 18 represents a detached gate with a fourth or modiiied kind of appendages. Fig. 19 represents another peeuliar-forined plunger and swivel with nut thereon. Fig. 20 represents a top view of the swivel, Fig. 19.. Fig. 21 represents another form of needle. Fig. 22 represents a detached gate with a iifth kind or modication of appendages. Fig. 23 represents a plunger with nut thereon, the plunger having a longitudinal hole, of varying diamwith or without a needle.

eter, through its center and length. Fig. 24 represents a detached gate with a sixth form or modication of appendages. Fig. 25 represents a metallic cartridge-case. Fig. 26 represents a detached sectional view of a gun barrel and breech part with another form of appendages. Fig. 27 Arepresents a third peculiar-formed plunger and swivel. Fig. 28 represents a detached gate with another form or modication of appendages. Fig. 29 represents a fourth peculiar-formed `plunger and swivel. Fig. 30 represents another kind or modication of bolt.

The nature of my improvements consists, more especially, in the peculiar construction of the breech part of a gun, the said breech part forming either a part of the barrel or being furnished with a jacket into which the barrel can be screwed, as desired; also, in the'peculiar construction and form of the gate hinged and working on top, and' the manner of opening and of securing the gate when closed, and of preventing premature explosion when the gun is charged, capped, and cocked while the gate is open; also, in the peculiar construction of a plunger, to be used either Vhen used with a needle, the plunger has a longitudinal hole through its center for the, needle to work through, whereby cartridges having a detonating-wafer in the rear end thereof do not require a cap to be used on the cone, nor require the use of the lock and hammer, as Jthe' needle pierces the detonating-wafer and explodes it. The cap, lock, and hammer, however, can be used at the same time,if desired.' When used without a needle, the plunger is solid, and requires the cap, lock, andhammer to be used as with ordinary re-arins, and in both cases requires the use of the expanding p ring. Also, in the peculiar construction of the bolt and of the trigger, whereby the gate is readily thrown up or heldjdown securely and the needle is caused to enter the cartridge and explode it, or the hammer is caused to fall and explode the cap upon the cone.

Another peculiarity of my improvements is The end of the thereof will enter sufficiently behind the jaw l the diameter of the upperpart, U2, of the el- V2 of the trigger V, which is thereby prevented from pressing back against the bolt G G G2 G3 G", so that the catch part G5 of the bolt is checked, and cannot press out of the cavity M of the gate H, thus securely holding the gate H closed, and rendering it necessary when desired to load the gun at the muzzle. To release the gate, the screw or pin d is turned and withdrawn sufficiently.

The construction of Vmy improvements of breech-loading lire-arms is as follows:

At Figs. 1, 2, 3, A A indicate the barrel of the gun with screw-thread A on the breech end.

B indicates the bore of the barrel.

C indicates the cartridge-chamber or enlarged bore of the barrel, the rear end of the cartridge-chamber C being beveled, as at C.

D D D D2 D3 DL represent a breech-connection. D indicates the jacket ofthe breechconnection, and has a screwthread, D5, therein, corresponding to the screw-thread A on the barrel, so that the barrel can be screwed into the jacket D, as at A D5. Dl D indicate a bridge with a round or oval hole, D2, through it. Said bridge is formed by a continuation of the lower part of the jacket D, and connects the jacket D with the bolt-seat D3 and end Dt. On the side of the jacket D is connected the cone E, the vent-hole C2, (dotted at Figs. 1, 2, 3, 26,) extending in through the side of the barrel A and jacket D, so as to enable the flame from the cap, when exploded on the cone E, to pass through the vent-hole and through the jacket D and barrel A into the cartridgechamber C at C2.

F F indicate a longitudinal channel in the bottom of the bridge D D D2 and bolt-seat D3 of the breech-connection, communicating with the cavity F F in the bolt-seat D2. The longitudinal channel F F is of greater length (but of corresponding depth and breadth) than the longitudinal slide part G G of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16. lThe cavity F F in the bolt-seat D5, Figs. l, 2, 3, extends upward from the channel F F, and is of the same length, diameter, and height as the standard G* and catch G5 of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16. The upperpart of the cavity F F', Figs. 1, 2, 3, where the catch G5 ofthe bolt rests,communicates with the cavity M in the gate H, so as to allow the catch G5 0f the bolt to enter the cavity M in the gate H.

G G G2 G3 G G5, Figs. 1, 2, 3,15, 16, represent a bolt formed of one piece of metal. At Figs. 15, 16, G Gindicate the longitudinal slide of the bolt. On the bottom ofthe slide G G is a spur, G, as shownat Figs. 1, 2, 3, 16, of desired form to fit between the jaws V V2 of the trigger V, Figs. l, 2, 3. Through the slide G G, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, thereis a round or oval hole, G2, and slot G5, as shown at G2 G5, Figs. 157 16. The round or oval hole G2, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, is ofthe same diameter as the lower part, U, of the elbow of the spring U, Figs. 1, 2, 3. The slot G2', Figs. l, 2, 3, 15,16, is of less diameter than the hole G2, and corresponds to bow U ofthe spring U, Figs. 1, 2, 3. Extending upward from the slide G G is the standard G", supporting the catch G5, as shown at G G G"t G5, Figs. 1, 2, 3,16. The length, diameter, and height of the standard G* and catch G5 must correspond to the size of the cavity F F in the bolt-seat D, Figs. 1, 2, 3. lhe bolt G G G* G5, Figs. 1, 2, 3, is held in the channel F F and cavity F F by the metallic plates g g, the metallic plates g g being fastened to the bottom of the bridge D D and bolt-seat D5 by screws.

At Figs. 1,2, 3, H indicates a gate hinged to the jacket D at H by the hinge-pin I. The face H2 ofthe gate H abuts against the breech of the barrel A and jacket D. The end H3 of the gate H is slightly curved,to correspond to the front of the bolt-seat D.

J indicates a cavity in the gate H, extending from the face H2,of a little greater diameter and an eighth of an inch longer than the length and diameter ofthe body of the plunger O, as shown at O5, Fig. 6. a

K indicates a cavity of a little greater diameter than the shank Ol of the plunger O, as shown at Fig. 6, and is a quarter of an inch (more or less, as desired) in length'. The cavity K, Figs. 1,2,3, connects the cavities J and L. The cavity L extends from the cavityK through the end H5 of the gate H, and is of a little greater diameter than the circular nut F on the end of the shank O'L of the plunger O,Figs. i, 2, 3, e.

M indicates a cavity in the end H3 of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, of corresponding diameter to the catch G5 of the bolt, and of suficient depth to admit the movement forward of the catch G5 of the bolt and the spur R of the needle, Fig. 17, and is connected at the top with the cavity L in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, so thatthe spur R of the needle can extend downwardly into the cavity M.

N, Figs. 1, 2, 3, indicates an expanding ring. At Fig. 12 is a sectional View of said ring.

N N indicate the edge of the smaller diameter of the ring.

N2 N2 indicate the greater diameter of the ring.

N2 N 5 indicate the thickness of metal at the base.

NL indicates the diameter of the hole at the base.

N N5 indicate the outer beveled surface, extending from the edge N N to the base at N2 N2, corresponding to the bevel C of the cartridge-chamber C of the barrel A, Figs. 1, 2, 3.

N*i N, Fig. 12, indicate the inside beveled surface, being the reverse of the outside, N5 N5,

and extending from the top edge, N N', to the` base at N3 N5, and corresponding to the bcveled head O2 of the plunger O, Fig. 6, thereby forming at the base N2 N3 N2 N2, Fig. 12, the hole N2 of much less diameter than at the top, N N

NT indicates a transverse cut through one side of the ring, extending from the top edge,

N N', toward the base N2 N3 N2 N as far as l flattened, so as to admit its passagethrough the desired. N8 indicates another transverse cut, extending through the base toward the center as far as desired. These two transverse cuts are situated on one side of the circumference of the ring, but do not communicate.

N9 N f' indicate a cut through the metal, extending nearly around the circumference of the ring, terminating at .each of the transverse cuts NT N8, thus leaving sufficient metal, N1", so as to avoid the entire severance of the ring, thereby enabling the ring to expand, as desired, the ring first being tempered a moderate spring-temper, to canse its closing when the cause of its expansion is removed.

O, Figs. 1, 2, 6, indicates a plunger, having a longitudinal hole, O O, Fig. 6, of uniform diameter, extending through its center.

At Fig. 6, O2 indicates the beveled head of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, having a corresponding bevel to the inside bevel, N, of the ring N, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 12, as shown at N, Fig. 12. The body 02, Fig. 6, of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, is of corresponding diameter to the hole N'l of the ring N, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, as shown at N2, Fig. 11, and is of less length and diameter than the depth and diameter of the cavity J in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3. The shank part O1L of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, is an extension of the body O3, Fig. 6, but of less diameter than the cavity K in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3. This shank part is of greater length than the cavity K in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, so as to allow of its extending into the cavity L ofthe gate H, and has a screw-thread thereon for the purpose of screwing on the nut P by passing it into the cavity L of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3. Therefore by inserting the shank OL and body O2, Fig. 6, of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, through the ring N and into the cavities J K L of the gate-H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and then passing the nut P down the cavity L of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and screwing it on the cnd ofthe shank O, Fig. 6, of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, until it bears against the shoulder in the cavity L, Figs. 1, 2, 3, formed by the smaller cavity K, the head O2, Fig. 6, of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, is drawn down upon the inside bevel NG N, Fig. 12, of the ring, thus securing the ring N upon the face H2 of the gate H, and preventing the plunger O from fallingout of the gate H.

Q, Figs. 1, 2, 3, indicates a spiral spring of desired length, its diameter being a little less than the diameter of the cavity L in the gate H.l

R R R2, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 17, indicate a needle, the shaft R2 extending into the cavity L of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and into the hole O of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 7, 3, 6. and surrounded by the spiral spring Q within the cavity L of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3.

At Fig. 17, R indicates the head of the neef die, the diameter of the head R corresponding to the diameter of the cavity L in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3.

R', Fig. 17, indicates a spur-like projection extending from the head R, said spur being slot connecting the cavities L and M in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3.

R2, Fig. 17, indicates the shaft of the needle R R R2, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 17. The shaft R2 is passed through the spiral spring Q, so as to let one end of the spira-l spring Q press against the he'ad R.

The shaft R2 is then passed into the cavity L of the gate H, and then into the hole O of the punger O until it reaches the surface of the head O2 of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 6. Vhen the head R of the needle is inside of the cavity L ofthe gate H, the screw S is inserted through the right side of the gate H, near the end H2, so that the point of the screw S will enter the cavity L of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, behind the head R of the needle, Fig. 17, as shown at H2 L S, Figs. 1, 2, 3.

S, Figs. 1, 2, 3, indicates one of two screws through the opposite sides of the gate H. The points of the screws S enter the cavity La sixteenth of an inch, and are situated about a quarter of an inch in the rear of the nut P, the front of the spiral spring Q resting upon them, so as to prevent the spiral springQ from pressing against the nut l? or the end of the shank O", Fig. 6, of the plunger O, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6.

T, Figs. 1, 2, 3, indicates an inverted-V shaped spring. secured in the rear of the cavity F F in the bolt-seat D2 of the breech-connection by the screw T, and is intended to press forward the bolt, Fig. 16, so that the catch part G5, Figs. 1, 2, 3,16, will enter the cavity M in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, when the gate H is closed down, as shown at G5 M, Figs. 1, 3.

U, Figs. 1, 2, 3, indicates aspring having an upright part or elbow, U U2. The lower part,

U, of the elbow U U2 is round or oval, to

correspond to the hole D2 through the bridge D D of the breechconnection, and the hole G2 through the slide G G of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15,16.. The sides of the upper part, U2, of the upright U U2 are flattened, to correspond to the diameter of the slot G2 in the slide G G ofthe bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, as far as the combined thickness of the metal of the bridge D D at the hole D2 of the breech-connection and the slide G G of the bolt, as at G3, Figs. 1, 2, 3,15, .16. The spring U is secured to the bottom of the breech-connection at DL by the screw U2, as shown at Figs. 1, 2, 3.

V, Figs. 1, 2, 3,'indicate`s a trigger having two jaws, V V2, so as to allow the' spur G of the bolt to set between them. V2 indicates a notch in the trigger V for the spring Y to press the trigger V upright after the part V2 has raised the sear a of the lock by drawing the lower or finger part, V5, of the trigger V back'toward the butt of the stock A2 A2.

W indicates the standard on the top of the guard-plate X X. The standard W and the guard X X have a longitudinal slot through them, as at X X', for the purpose of passing the trigger V up into its place. The screw WV is then passed through the standard WV and trigger V, and serves as an axis for the trigger V to work upon.

X2 indicates the guard of the finger part V5 O, so as to allow its passa-ge through the openof the trigger V, and is secured to the guardplate X X by the nuts Z Z.

Y indicates a spring secured on top of the guard-plate X X by the nut Z', the end of the spring Y being placed in the notch V of the trigger V, for the purpose of forcing the trigger V upright after the pressure is withdrawn from the finger part V5 of the trigger V.

a indicates the sear of the lock.

b indicates the hammer of the lock.

A2 A2 represent the stock of the gun. The sides of the cavity in the stock A2 A2, wherein the breech-connection rests, are strengthened by two thin sheets of metal secured by screws, as atfff, Fig. 2.

c indicates a screw that passes up through the rear end of the guard-plate X X and through the stock A2 A2 into the breech-connection at D", so as to secure all three together. c indicates ascrew passing up through the front end of the guard-plate X X into the stock A2 A1,for the purpose of holding the guard-plate X X to the stock A2 A2.

At Fig. 4 is represented a detached gate, H, with the parts assembled,77 showing a solid plunger, O, and swivel-connection O with nut P thereon, together with the expanding ring N. H indicates the hinge-joint of the gate H, Figs. l, 2, 3, corresponding to a female hinge-joint on the jacket D' of the breech-connection, Figs. l, 2, 8. J, Fig. 4, indicates a cavity ot a little greater diameter than the body O of the plunger' O, Figs. 4, 5, the sides of the cavity J being parallel and of a little greater length than the body O3 of the plunger O, Figs. 4, 5. The cavity K tapers from the cavity J to K', so as to correspond to the tapering sides of the swivel O, Figs. 4, 5. rlhe sides of the cavity X are parallel and oval or square, to correspond to the end of the swivel O. The cavity K connects the cavities K and L. The cavity L is the saine diameter as the diameter ot' the nut P on the end of the swivel O', Figs. 4, 5. The cavity L extends from the cavity K to the end, H3, of the gate H. M indicates a cavity in the end Hi's of the gate H, of desired depth and of corresponding diameter to admit the catch G5 of the'bolt G G G* Figs. 1, 2, 8, 16.

Fig. 5 represents a solid plunger, O, and detached swivel-connection O with a circular nut, P, thereon. Ol indicates the head of the plunger O, beveled to correspond. to the inside bevel, N6 N, of the expanding ring N, Fig. 12, the diameter of the body O3 of the plunger O, Fig. 5, being the same as thediameter ot' the hole N* ofthe expanding ring, Figs. 11, 12. The sides of the body OiI ofthe plunger O, Fig. 5, are parallel, its length being less than the depth of the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 4. O" O5 O6, Fig. 5, indicatethe shank-continuation of the plunger O, which is of much less diameter than the body O3. On the end ot' the shank O" O5 OG is a ball, O6, of suitable diameter, to workin the slot O9 ofthe swivel O. The shank O" O5 06 is niched at ing C)S of the swivel O. At O7 of the swivel O the hole or slot O is of less diameter than the ball O on the shank OL O5 O6 ofthe plunger O, the hole O9 being rst drilled with a drill of a little greater diameter than the part O5 of the shank 0^L O5 OG of the plunger O,V

but of less diameter than the ball O6, the lower part of the slot O9 being then increased to a greater diameter than the ball O, so as to allow the ball to have free play therein. The slot O is then cut through the top O7 of the swivel O', to admit the niche part O" of the plunger O being passed through it, when the plunger O and swivel O', Fig. 5, being drawn in opposite directions longitudinally, the rim O7 ofthe swivel O' prevents the ball OG of the plunger O from passing out of the slot O of the swivel O, as shown in the cavities J K of the gate H, Fig. 4, at O'L O5 O of the plunger O and O7 Os O9 of the swivel O.

In assembling77 the several parts above described, and arranging them in the gate H, Fig. 4, the niche O'L ot' the plunger O, Fig. 5, is passed into the slot Os of the swivel O, Fig. 5, the ball O6 on the end of the shank O5 oi' the plunger O, Fig. 5, is then within the slot O'J of the swivel O. The plunger O and swivel O' are then drawn in opposite directions until the ball OG is checked by the4 rim OT. The plunger O and swivel O, Fig. 5, when attached together, as above described, are passed through the ring N and then through the cavities J K K until the end of the swivel O projects into the cavity L, when the nut P is inserted into the cavity L Yand passed up to the end of the swivel O', onto which it is screwed until it bears upon the shoulder formed by the cavity K', thereby holding the ring N, Figs. 4, 12, and plunger O with swivel O', Fig. 5, in their respective places upon the face H2, and in the cavities J K K L of the gate H, Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 represents a solid plunger, O, to be used in the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, with the ring N, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 12, but without the needle R R R2 and spiral spring Q, Figs. 1, 2, 3. At O2, Fig. 7 is indicated the head ofthe plunger O, beveled to correspond to the inside bevel, N N, of the ring, Fig. 12. The body O3 of the plunger O, Fig. 7, is of corresponding diameter to the hole N4 of the ring N, Figs. 11, 12, and is of less lengthand diameter than the cavity J in the gate H, Figs. l, 2, 3. rllhe shank OIl of the plunger O, Fig. 7, has a screwthread on the end thereof for the nut I to be screwed on, and is of proper length and diameter to extend into the cavity L through the cavity K in the gate H, Figs.r1, 2, 3, when the body O3 of the plunger O, Fig. 7, is in the cavity J of the gate H, and the head O2 ofthe 0, Fig. 7, is surrounded by the ring N, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 12, which it holds in its place upon the face H2 of the gate H, as at Figs. 1, 2, 3.

Fig. 8 represents a detached gate, H, with the parts assembled by the plunger O and and circular nut P, Fig. 9, needle, Fig. 10, and

ring N, Figs. 8, 12. H indicates the hingeluThe head-R of the needle, Fig. 10, has a small jointof the gate H, Fig. 8. H2 indicates the face of the gate H, and H3 indicates the end of the gate H. J K indicate a cavity in the gate H, of requisite diameter and length to` admit the body O3 and shank O4 of the plunger O, Fig. 9. L indicates a cavity in the gate H, Fig. 8, extending from the cavity K through the end H3 of the gate H, of sufficient diameter to admit the passage in of the nut I on the end of the shank OAL of the plunger O, Fig. 9. The cavity L in the gate H, Fig. 8, is connected with the cavity M by a slot of corresponding diameter to the spur R of theneedle, Fig. 10. The cavity M in thegateH, Fig. 8, is of corresponding diameter to the catch part G5 of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 16, and is of proper depth to admit the movement forward of 'the spnr R of the needle, Fig. 10, and the catch Gr5 of the bolt, Fig. 16.

At Fig. 9, O indicates a plunger having a longitudinal bore, O5 O6, through its center. rllhe head OZ of the plunger O is beveled to correspond to the inside bevel, N6, of the ring N, Figs. 8, 12. (is indicates the body of the plunger O, Fig. 9, the body O3 being of a little less diameter and length than the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 8. OAk indicates the shank of the plunger O, Fig. 9, the shank O being of a little less diameter than the cavity K in the gate H, Fig. 8, but of proper length to project into the cavity L of the gate H when the head O2 of the plunger O, Fig. 9, is inside the ring N, Figs. 8, 12, and the body O3 and shank O* of t-he plunger O, Fig. 9, are passed through the cavities J K of the gate H, Fig. 8. rlhe nut P is screwed on the end of the shank, O* in the cavity L until it bears upon the shoulder in the cavity L, formed by the cavity K in the gate H, Fig. 8. On the end of the shank O* of the plunger O, Fig. 9, is a screw-thread corresponding to the screwthreads inside the nut P. r1`he nut P, Fig. 9, is of corresponding diameter to the diameter of the cavity L in the gate H, Fig. 8. The screw-threads in the nut P, Figs. 8, 9, extend only half the depth of the nut P, forming thereby the rim F P, the other half, l?2 P2, of the nut P having a small hole, P3, through the center, corresponding in diameter to the diameter of the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 10. Through the head ()`l and body O3 of the plunger O, Fig. 9, is a longitudinal hole, O, of corresponding diameter to the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 10. Through the shank O* of the plunger O, Fig. 9, is a longitudinal hole, O5, extending from the hole OG through the end of the shank O. The hole O5 is of corresponding diameter to thc ring or collar R:X on the shaft R'l of the needle, Fig. 10.

At Fig` 10, R indicates the head of a needle having a spur, R, with flattened sides extending from it. The diameter of the head R and the diameter and length of the spur Rl correspond to the diameter of the cavity L and the diameter and height of the combined cavities L M and connecting-slot in the gate H, Fig. 8.

hole with screw-thrcadtherein corresponding to the screw-thread on the shaft R2. rIhe shaft R2 is of uniform diameter throughout its length,

and corresponds to the diameter of the hole O5 through the head O2 and body O" of the plunger O, Fig. 9, and the hole l?3 through the center 13Az of the nut P on the end of the shank O4 of the rplunger O, Figs. 8, 9, and has a screw- .thread upon the end-in rear of the ringor collar R3, corresponding to the screw-thread in the head R. The ring or collar R3 is permanently attached around the shaft R2, and is of the same diameter as the hole O5 through the shank O4 of the plunger O, Fig. 9. A

To assemble the parts of the gate H, Fig. 8, the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9, is passed through the ring N, Figs. 8, 12, until the head O2 of the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9, is surrounded by the ring N, Figs. 8, 12, when the shank O4 and body O3 of the plunger O, Figs. 8. 9, are passed down into the cavities J K L of the gate H, Fig. 8, until the end of the shank O* of the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9, is protruding into the cavity L of the gate H, Fig. 8, through the cavityK, and the ring N, Figs. 8, 12, is secured upon'the face H2 of the gate H, Fig. 8, by the beveled head O`Z of the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9. The head R, with spur R of the needle, Fig. 10, is then screwed off the shaft R2 of the needle, and the shaft R2 of the needle is passed through the spiral spring Q, of the same diameter as the hole O5 in the shank 04 of the plunger O, Fig. 9. The shaft R2 of the needle, with spiral spring Q surrounding it and pressing against the front of the ring or collar R3, is then inserted into the hole O5 O6 in the shank O* and body O3 and head O2 of the plunger' O, Fig. 9, until the point of the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 10, is even with the surface of the head C)2 of the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9, and the spiral spring Q presses against the shoulder in the hole O5, formed by the hole O6 in the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9. The part of theshaft R2 having the screw-thread on remains in the cavity L, while the ring or collar R3 is in the hole O5 of shank 0*' of the plunger O. The` nut P is then inserted into the cavityL of the gate H until it presses the shaft R2 of the needle in its place, when the nut P is screwed onto the end of the shank 04 of the plunger, O until it bears against the shoulder in the cavity L, formed by the cavity K. The head R and spur R of the needle is passed into the cavity Lof the gate H, pressing the shaft R2 of the needle, that projects into the cavity L of the gate H, through the hole P3 of the nut P forward, so that the point of the shaft R2 of the needle willbe forced out through the head O2 of the plunger O, Figs. 8, 9,'thereby en abling the screwing around of the shaft R2 of 'the needle, so that the end in the cavityL can be screwed into the head R of the needle, while the spur R of the needle is in the slot and cavity M of the gate H, Fig. 8.

Fig. 13 represents a detached gate, H, assembled with the plunger O and nut P, Fig.

14, and ring N, Figs. 12, 13. H indicates the l indicates a cavity extending from hinge-joint of the gate H. The sides of the cavity J in the gate H taper from the face H2 ofthe gate H to the cavity K, the diameter of the cavity J at the face H2 of the gate H being a little greater than the diameter of the hole N4 in the ring N, Figs. 11, 12, 13, so as to admit the body O3 of the plunger O, Figs; 13, 14, to have room to Inove sidewise when the head O2 of the plunger O, Figs. 13, 14, is in the ring N, Fig. 13, and the ring N is resting upon the face H2 of the gate H. K indicates a continuation of the cavity J, the sides of the cavity K being parallel and the diameter being a little greater than the diameter of the shank O4 ofthe plunger O, Figs. 13, 14. The cavity L is of a little greater diameter than the nut P on the end of the shank C)4 of the plunger O, Figs. 13, 14, and extends through the end H3 of the gate H up to the cavity K. The cavity M extends into the end H3 oi' the gate H below the cavity L, and is of proper depth and diameter to admit the catch Gr5 of the bolt, Fig. 16, to move therein as desired.

At Fig. 14, O2 O3 indicate the head and body of a-solid plunger, O, the sides of the head O2 and body O3 tapering to correspond to the inside bevel, N6 N, of the ring N, Figs. 12, 13, the diameter of the top of the head O2 being the same as the diameter of the hole through the ring N, Figs. 12, 13, at the top edge, N N Fig. 12. O* indicates the shank of the plunger O, Figs. 13, 14. The sides, being parallel, extend from the tapered body O3. On the end of the shank O4 is a nut, P, of a little less diameter than the diameter of the cavityL in the gate H, Fig. 13.

To assemble the parts of the gate H, Fig. 13, the nut P is screwed off the shank O4 of the plunger O, and the plunger O is inserted through the ring N and passed through the cavities J K of the gate H until the ring N rests upon the face H2 of the gate H, while the the end of the shank OL of the plunger O is inserted through the cavity K into the cavity L of the gate H, when the nut P is inserted into the cavity L of the gate H and screwed onto the end of the shank O* of the plunger O, Figs. 13, 14, until it bears against the shoulder in the cavity L, formed by the cavity K in the gate H, Fig. 13, thereby holding the ring N, Figs. 12, 13, and plunger O, Figs. 13, 14, in their places on and in the gate H, Fi g.13.

Fig. 18 represents a detached gate, H, assembled with the expanding ring N, Figs. 12, 18, and plunger O,with hook O, Figs.18, 19. J, Fig. 18, indicates a cavity of uniform diame ter, extending from the face H2 of the gate H, of a little greater diameter and length than the body O"s of the plunger O, Figs. 18, 19. The sides of the cavity K taper, so as to correspond to the tapering sides of the hook O', Figs. 18, 19. At the end of the cavity K in gate H, Fig. 18, where it enters the cavity L, the sides are oval or square, so as to prevent the hook O', Figs. 18, 19, from turning round while screwing on the nut P, Figs. 18, 19. L

the tapering cavity K through the end H2 of the gate H, Fig. 18. The diameter of the cavity L is a little greater than the diameter of the nut P, Figs. 18, 19, on the end of the hook O, Figs. 18, 19. M, Fig. 18, indicates a cavity in the gate H at H3, of proper diameter and depth to admit the catch G5 of the bolt, Fig. 16.

At Fig. 19, O indicates a solid plunger, and O indicates a swivel-hook. The head O2 of the plunger O is beveled to 'correspond to the inside bevel, N 6 N 5, of the ring N, Figs. 12,18. The sides of the body O3 of the plunger O, Fig. 19, are parallel and extend from the head O2 to the shank O4. The shank OA1 is of less diameter than the body O. rlhrough the shank O4 is a slot, O2, leaving the bottom O of the shank 0^L solid, so as to admit andhold the lips O7 of the hook O, the slot- O5 being long enough to admit the lips O7 of the hook O to play up and down. The hook Ois formed by splitting a piece of metal and turning the ends OT to form lips, as shown at O7, Fig. 20, thereby leaving the space O2, Fig. 19, between the two sides, so that the end O of the shank O4 of the plunger O can slip up and down therein When the lips O7 are secured in the slot O5, as shown at O5 O .O7 O8 in the cavities J K of the gate H, Fig. 18. On the solid end of the hook O is ascrew-thread corresponding to the screw-thread in the nut P, Figs. 18, 19.

To assemble the parts of the gate H, Fig. 18, the plunger O, Fig. 19, is passed through the ring N, Figs. 12, 18, until the sides of the head O2 of the plunger O, Figs. 18, 19, bear upon the inside bevel, N N6, of the ring N, Figs. 12, 18. rlhe lips OT of the hook O, Figs. 19, 20, are then opened or separated, and the link end O of the shank O* of the plunger O, Fig. 19, is passed between the lips O7 of the hook O until the points of the lips O7 are interlocked in the slot O5 in the shank O4 of the plunger O. Vhen the lips O7 of the hook O are closed in the slot O5, the nut P is taken 0H the end of the hook O, and the hook O and plungerO, held by the hook O, are passed through the cavities J K into the cavity L oi' the gate H, when the nut P is passed into the cavity L and is screwed upon the end of the hook O until it bears against the shoulder in the cavity L, formed by the cavity K, the head O2 ofthe plunger O, Figs. 18, 19, being thereby drawn into the ring N, Figs. 12, 18. The nut P, when secured on the end of the hook O in the cavity L, holds the hook O, plunger O, and ring N in their respective places in and upon the gate H, Fig. 18.

At Fig. 2l, R indicates the head of a needle with a iine screw-thread therein. The head R is the same diameter as the cavity L in the gate H, Fig. 22. The spur R has fiat sides, and is of corresponding diameter to the slot connecting the cavities L and M in the gate H, Fig. 22. R2 indicates the shaft of the needle, the shaft R2 having a iine screw-thread thereon extending from the end where the head R is screwed on up to the small round nut or collar R, which is also screwed on. l dle, Fig. 21, having a screw-thread thereon,

The shaft R2 continues of uniform diameter until it reaches the shoulder at R", when the diameter increases, and it continues with parallel sides to the point at Fig. 22 represents a detached gate with the parts assembled, the expanding ring N, Fig. 12, with needle, Fig. 21, surrounded by a spiral spring, Q, and plunger O, Fig. 23. J indicates a cavity extending from the face H2 of the gate H, Fig. 22, to the cavity K, and is of a little greater length and diameter than the body O3 of the plunger O, Fig. 23. The cavity K extends from the cavity J to the cavity L, and is of a little greater diameter than the shank O'L of the plunger O, Fig. 23. The cavity L extends from the cavityK through the end H3 of the gate H, Fig. 22, and is of a little greater diameter than the nut P on the end of the shank OLof the plunger O, Fig. 23. The cavity M extends into the end H3 of the gate H, and is connected at thetop with the cavity L by a slot to admit the passage of the spur R of the needle, Fig. 21.

At Fig. 23, O indicates a plunger having a longitudinal hole, O5 O6 O7, through its center, the head O2 having beveled sides to correspond to the inside bevel, N, ofthe ring N, Figs. 12, 22. The body O,3 of the plunger O, Fig. 23, extending from the head O2 with parallel sides to the shank O, is of a little less length and diameter than the cavityJ in the gate H, Fig. 22. The shank OAL of the plunger O, Fig. 23, has parallel sides, and extends from the body O3 a requisite length for the end with the screwthread on for the nut P to project into the cavity L of the gate H, Fig. 22, when the head O`l of the plunger O, Fig. 23, is inserted in and is surrounded by the ring N, Figs. 12, 22. The longitudinal hole Os in the head O2 and body Ois of the plunger O, Fig. 23, is of the saine length and diameter as the shaft of the needle, Fig. 21, from RL to The hole Oi extends from the hole O5 to the hole OT. and is of the saine diameter as the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 21. The hole O6 is of any desired length, and connects the holes O5 and O7, Fig. 23. The hole 0T extends from the hole O through the shank OL of the plunger O, its diameter being a little greater than the diameter of the ring or collar R" on the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 21, and of the spiral spring Q, Fig. 22, surrounding the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 2l, in the plunger O in the gate H, Fig. 22. rllhe circular nut P on the shank O* of the plunger O, Fig. 23, is of a little less diameter than the cavity L in the gate H, Fig. 22.

To assemble the parts of the gate H, Fig. 22, the head R and spur R and ring or collar R3 of the needle, Fig. 21, are screwed off, when the small end of the shaft Rof the needle, Fig. 2l, is passed down the hole O5 OG O7 of the plunger O, Fig. 23, until the point R5 of the shaft R of the needle, Fig. 21, is even with the top of the head O2 of the plunger O, Fig. 23. The small end of the shaft R2 of the neewill then project out of the end of the vshank Ol of the plunger O, Fig. 23. The spiral spring Q, Fig. 22, is then slipped on the pro jccting end of the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 21, and is pressed up into the hole O7 of the plunger O, Fig. 22, until it reaches the shoulder formed by the hole OG. The ring or collar R3 on the needle, Fig. 21, is then screwed on the shaft R2 of the needle until it enters the hole OT in the plunger O, Fig. 23, and abuts against the spiral spring Q, as shown in the gate H, Fig. 22. The plunger O, Fig. 23, with the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 21, and

spiral spring Q, Fig. 22, is then passed into i the ring N, Figs. 12, 22, and cavities J K L of the gate H, Fig. 22, until the ring N rests up*- on the fac-e H2 of the gate H, and the Iscrewthread end of the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 21, and the shank O* of the plunger O, Fig. 23, project into the cavity L of the gate H, Fig. 22, when the nut P, Fig. 23, is inserted into the cavity L, the end of the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 21, passing through it. The nut l? is then screwed on the end of the shank OAk of the plunger O, Fig. 23, until it bears against the shoulder formed by the cavity K in the cavity L in the gate H. The head R and spur R of the needle, Fig. 21, are then inserted into the cavity L and slot and cavity M inthe gate H, and pressed forward against the end of the shaft R2 of the needle, thereby contracting the spiral spring Q, Fig. 22, and pushing the point R5 of the shaft of the needle, Fig. 21, out through the head O2 of the plunger O, Fig. 23, when the point R5 ofthe needle, Fig. 21, is screwed around, thereby causing the small end of the shaft of the needle that is in the cavity L to advance into the head R of the needle, Fig. 21, while the spur R of the needle rests in the cavity M and slot connecting the cavities L and M. Vhen the pressure is withdrawn from the head R of the needle, the spiral spring Q, bearing upon the 'ring or collar R3 on the shaft R2 ofthe needle, forces the shaft of the needle back, so that the point lof the shaft of the needle is even with the sur face of the head Olz of the plunger O, and the head R ofthe needle is retained within the cavity L.

Fig. 24 represents a detached gate with the parts assembled, showing the needle, Fig. 17, surrounded b v a spiral spring, Q. J indicates a longitudinal hole of corresponding diameter to the shaft R of the needle, Fig. 17, and extending from the face H2 of the gate H to the cavity K. K indicates a cavity of a little greater diameter than the head R of the needle, Fig. 17, and' extending from the hole J through the end H3 of the gate H. The rear part, L, ofthe cavity K is connected with the cavity M by a slot of proper diameter to admit the passage of the spur R of the head R of the needle, Fig. 17. The cavity M in the gate H is of corresponding diameter to the catch G5 of the bolt, Fig. 16, and of desired depth to allow the movement of the spur R of the needle, Fig. 17, and the catch G5 of the bolt, Fig. 16, to enter as far as required.

To assemble the parts of the gate H, Fig. 24, the spiral spring Q is passed into the cavity K L until it reaches the shoulder formed by the small hole J. The point of the shaft R5 of the needle, Fig. 17, is then inserted into the cavity K L and passed through the spiral spring Q into the hole J until it is even with the face HVof the gate, and the rear end of the spiral spring Q bears against the head It of the needle while the spur R' is in the cavity M and slot connecting the cavities L and M. The screw s' is then screwed through the side near the end H5 of the gate until its point projects into the cavity L in rear of the head R of the needle, Fig. 17, so as to prevent the spiral spring Q from forcing the needle out of the gate.

Fig. 25 represents a metallic cartridgecase of corresponding diameter to the bore of the chamber C of the barrel A A, Figs. 1, 2, 3. N111, Fig. 25, indicates the base. N12 N12 indicate the beveled sides corresponding to. the bevel C of the end of the cartridge-chamber C, Figs. 1, 2, 3. N15 N13 indicate the parallel sides of equal diameter to the chamber C of the barrel A A, Figs. 1, 2, 3. N11, Fig. 25, indicates the bore into which the detonating wafer, powder, and ball are inserted. N15 indicates a vent-hole through thebottom or base N11, extending into the bore N11, to allow the passage of the point of the shaft R2 of the needle, Fig. 17, into the detonating-wafer set into the bottom Yof the bore N11.

'At Fig. 26 are represented the barrel A A B C C' and breech-connection D D D D' D`5 D3 D* D5, Figs. 1, 2, 3, with the cap-cone E in dots in the cone-seat on the side of the jacket D D, E, and T, detached from the stock A2 A2 and trigger V, Figs. 1, 2, 3. F F, Fig. 26, indicate a channel in the bottom of the bridge D' D D2 and bolt-seat D3 of the breech-connection, of greater length but of same breadth and depth as the slide part G G of the bolt, Fig. 30. Extending upward from the channel F F, Fig. 26, into the bolt-seat D5, is a perpendicular cavity, F' F', of the same diameter as the sides of the standard G1 of the bolt, Fig. 30. f The height of the cavity F F', Fig. 26, corresponds to the height of the standard Gf1 from the slide part G G to the shoulder at G5, Fig. 30. The cavity F F', Fig. 26, is of sufficient length to permit the standard G", Fig. 30, to move backward and forward when the slide part G G is in the channel F F, Fig. 26. Fz F1, Fig. 26, indicate a longitudinal hole through the center of the bolt-seat D5, the bottom of the said hole F2 F`l being connected by t-he cavity F' F with the channel F F. The diameter of the hole F2 FZ corresponds to the diameter of the catch part G5'of the bolt, Fig. 30, which is another form or arrangement of the device represented in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, and 16, being formed of two separate parts, instead of an individual or one single piece.

At G G G G G5 Gl1 G5 G6 G1, Fig. 26, is represented a bolt, as shown at Fig. 30. G G indicates the slide part ofthe bolt, which is of less length than the channel F F, Fig. 26, but ofthe same breadth and depth as the channel F F, Fig. 26. On the bottom of the slide G- G,

'Figs 26, 30, is a spur, G', formed to fit between the jaws V' V1 of the trigger V, Figs. 1, 2, 3. Through the slide G G, Figs. 26, 30, there is a round or oval hole, G1, and slot G5, vas shown at G1 G5, Fig. 25. rFhe standard G1 of the bolt, Fig. 30, is of the same diameter as the diameter of the cavity F' F' in the bolt seat D3, Fig. 26. The height of the standard G5, Fig. 30, from the slide part G G to the shoulder at the top G5, is the same as the height of the ends of the cavity F' F' from the channel F F to the longitudinal hole F1, Fig. 26. The top G5 of the standard G1 of the bolt, Figs. 26, 30, is of less diameter than the lower part, G1, and is of the same length as the depth of the hole G7 in the catch GG of the bolt, Figs. 26, 30. Therefore when the catch GG ofthe bolt, Figs. 26, 30, is passed into the longitudinal hole Fz o1" the bolt-seat D, Fig. 26, and the standard G4, Fig. 30, is inserted into the cavity F F', Fig. 26, until the top G5, Fig. 80, of the standard G4 enters the hole G7 in the catch G5, and the slide G G rests in the channel F F, Fig. 26, the metallic plates g gare secured to the bottom of the bridge D D' D2 and bolt-seat D3 by screws, to re` tain the slide part G G and standard G1 in their places, and to permit their own movement, and thereby that of the catch part G, whenever a pressure is applied upon the front or back of the spur G', Fig. 26, by the jaws V' V2 of the trigger V, as at G' V V5, Figs. 1 2, 3.

7At Fig. 26, H indicates a gate hinged to the jacket D by the hinge-pin I. The face H2 of the gate H abuts against the breech of the barrel A A and jacket D D. The end H3 of the gate H is slightly curved, to correspond to the frpnt of the bolt-seat D5.. J indicates a cavity of uniform diameter extending from the face H2 into the gate Has far as required,to admit the plunger O and swivel O, Fig. 27. K5', Fig. 26, indicates a cavity in the top ofthe gate H, corresponding in diameter to the head ofthe screw L', the lower part, K5, of the cavity K2 being smaller,with a screw-thread therein corresponding to the diameter and screw-thread of the screw L. The point of the screw L' is rounded, so as to move back the swivel O'- when forced down upon the oblique end of the slot O9, Figs. 4, 5, of the swivel O'. M, Fig. 26, indicates a cavity in the gate H,of proper depth and diameter in the end H3 of the gate H to admit the entrance into it of the catch G6 of the bolt. N indicates the ring, Fig. 12, and is held upon the face H2 of the gate H by the plunger which is held in the cavity J of the gate H by the swivel O being held back in the cavity J by the screw L bearing upon the oblique end of the slot O9in the swivel O.

At Fig. 27,0 indicates a plunger with swivel 0 detached. 02 indicates the head of the plunger 0, the sides of the head 02 beingbeveled to correspond to the inside bevel, N6 N6, ofthe ring N, Figs. 12, 26. 03 indicates the body of the plunger 0, Fig. 27 the diameter of the body 03 being the same as the diameter of the hole N2 ofthe ring N, Figs. 11, 12, 26, but less than the diameter of the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 26, the length of the body 03 of the plunger 0, Fig. 27, being half an inch, more or less, according to the depth ofthe cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 26. 0*, Fig. 27, indicates the shank of the plunger 0. The shank 04 is of less diameter than the body 02 and of any desired length, with a slot, 05, eX- tending from the body 03 nearly the whole length of the shank 02, thereby formingasolid portion of metal, as at 0, connecting the two sides of the shank 0*, formed by the slot 02. The swivel 0 is of the same diameter as the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 26, and of such length as to allow a space between its end and the end of the cavity J, as at 0 J, Fig. 26. The swivel 0', Fig. 27 has a longitudinal cavity, 07, of the same length but of greater diameter than the shank 02 of the plunger 0. The plunger 0 being passed through the ring N, Figs. 12, 26, the shank 04 of the plunger 0, Fig. 27, is inserted into the cavity 07 of the swivel 0 when the pin O10 is passed through one side 08 of the swivel 0, and through the slot 05 in the shank 04 of the plunger 0, and then through the other side 08 ot' the swivel 0, thereby securing the plunger 0 and the swivel 0 together, when the swivel 0', Fig. 27 is inserted into the cavity J of the gate H, Fig. 26, and the screw L is screwed into the cavity K2 K3 of the gate H until the point of the screw L presses upon the oblique or rear end of the slot 0i of the swivel 0, the screw L thereby forcing the swivel 0, with the plunger 0 attached, back into cavity J of the gate H,while the ring N is held upon the face H2 of the gate H by the head 02, Fig. 27 oi' the plunger 0, Figs. 26, 27.

At Fig. 26, T2 indicates a spiral spring set in the rear of the slide G G of the bolt, Figs. 26, 30, in the channel F Fin the bolt-seat D2, Fig. 26, the spiral spring I2 being intended for the purpose of pressing forward the bolt G G G4 G, Figs. 26, 30, when the gate H is shut down, so that the catch part G6 of the bolt, Figs. 26, 30,will be pressed into the cavity M of the gate H, as shown at G6 M, Fig. 26. rlhe spring U U U2 U2, Fig. 26, is the same and operates the same as the spring U U U2 U2, Figs. l, 2, 3.

Fig. 28 represents a detached gate, H, with the parts assembled bylthe ring N, Figs. 12, 28, and plunger 0 with swivel 0, Figs. 28, 29. At Fig. 28, H indicates the hinge-j oint of the gate H. H2 indicates the face of the gate H. H3 indicates the end of the gate H. J indicates a cavity of uniform diameter extending into thek gate H from thevface H2 asi'ar as required. K2 K2 indicate a cavity in the gate H for the screw L', the upper part, K2, of the cavity Kz l05 together.

K3 being of greater diameter than the lower part, K2, so as to admit the head of the screw L. The lower part, K3, of the cavity K2 K3 has a screwthread therein corresponding to the screw-thread on the screw L. L indicates a screw, the point being rounded or beveled off, so as to bear obliquely upon the front edge, 02, of the swivel 0. M indicates a cavity extending into the end H2 of the gate H, of cor responding diameter to the catch G5 of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 16, and G, Figs. 26, 30, and of sufficient depth to admit of its entering as far as required. N, Fig. 28, indicates the ring N, Fig. 12, and is held upon the face H2 of the gate H, Fig. 28, by the plunger 0, which is held in the cavity J of the gate H bythe swivel 0 being held back in the cavity J of the gate H, by the point of the screw L bearing upon the round or front edge, 02, of the swivel 0.

At Fig. 29, 0 representsa plunger with ,a swivel, 0', detached. the plunger 0, the sides of the head 02 of the plunger 0 being beveled to correspond to the inside bevel, N6 N6, of the ring N, Figs. 12, 28. 03 indicates the body of the plunger 0, Fig. 29, the diameter of the body 03 being the same as the diameter of the holev N4 of the ring N, Figs. 11, 12,28, but of less diameter-than the diameter of the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 28. The length of the body 0i of the plunger 0, Fig. 29, is half an inch more or less, .according tothe depth of the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 28. 02, Fig. 29, indicates the shank of the plunger 0, Figs. 28, 29. The shank 04 is of less diameter than the body 03 of the plunger 0 and the hole 07 through the swivel 0', and of sufficient length to project throughout the length of the swivel 0. The shank 0* has a slot, 05, of desired length cut through it, commencing near the end 0, and. extending up toward the body 02, the end 06,.

remaining solid, holds the two sides of the slot The swivel 0 is ofl the same diameter as the cavity J in the gate H, Fig. 28, and of desired length so as to allow a space between it and the rear of the cavity J, as at 0l J, Fig. 28. The swivel 0', Fig. 29,l has a cavity, 02, throughout its length. The said cavity 0T is lof greater diameter than the shank 04 of the plunger 0. The plunger 0. being passed through the ring N, Figs. 12, 28, the shank 04 of the plunger 0, Figs. 28, 29, is inserted into the cavity 0T at 0J of the swivel 0, and is pushed through the cavity 07 of the swivel 0l until the end 0i of the shank 0 of the plunger 0 projects through the swivel -0, when the pin 010 is pressed through one side 08 of the swivel 0', and through the slot O5 of the shank 04 of theplunger 0, and then through the opposite side at 08 of the swivel 0, thereby securing the plunger 0 and swivel 0 together. The swivel 0, with plunger 0 attached, as above described, is then inserted into the cavity J of the gate H, Fig. 28, and the screw L is screwed into the cavity K2 K3 of the gate H until the point of the` screw L bears upon the round or oblique edge 0 of 02 indicates the head of Y fall, as shown at Fig. 2.

the swivel O, the screw L thereby forcing the swivel O', with the plunger O, back into the gate H until the ring N, Figs. 12, 23, bears upon the face H2 of the gate H in consequence ofthe head O2 of the plunger O, Figs. 28, 29, being retained within the ring N, Figs. 12, 28, by the bevel N 2 N 6 inside the ring N.

In the operation of my improvements, the gate H is thrown upward and over by pressing forward toward the muzzle of the gun the finger part V5 ofthe trigger V, as shown at Fig. 2. The jaw' V of the trigger V presses against the front of the spur G on the bottom of the slide G G of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 26, thereby causing the bolt to move back toward the butt of the stock A2 A2, contracting the spring T, Figs. 1, 2, 3, as shown at T, Fig. 2, and freeing the cavity M of the gate H, Figs. 1, 2, 3, of the catch part G5 of the bolt. The jaw V of the trigger V, Figs. 1, 2, 3, having moved back the bolt G G G2 G2 G2 G5 by pressing against the spur G, as at G V, Fig. 2, the round or oval hole G2 through the slide part G G of the bolt, Figs. 1, 2, 3, is brought under the hole D2 through the bridge D D of the breech-connection, freeing the shoulders of the round or oval part U of the elbow U U2 of the spring U from the restraint caused by the slot G3 through the slide G G, and enabling the elbow-U U2 of the spring U to be forced up through the hole G2 through the slide G G of the bolt and hole D2 through the bridge D D of the breech-connection with sufficient force to throw the gate H upward and over, so as to expose the breech of the chamber C of the barrelA A, Figs. 1, 2, 3, as shown at Fig. 2. While at the gateH is thrown up, the round or oval part U'I of the elbow U U2 of the spring U continues projecting into the cavity in the stock A2 A2 left vacant by the gate H. The round or oval part U of the elbow U U2 of the spring U, when thus projecting through the hole D2 of the bridge D D and hole G2 of the slide G G of the bolt, as shown at Fig. 2, prevents the spring T or jaw V2 of the trigger V from pressing forward the bolt, in consequence of the diameter of the slot G3 of the slide G Gof the bolt being less tha-n the diameter of the round or oval part Ul of the spring U, thereby also preventing the trigger V at V2, Figs. 1, 2, 3, from raising the sear a oil-the lock, so as to cause the hammer b to The charge or cartridge being inserted into the cartridge-chamber C, the gate H is thrown back into its place, the ring N fitting into the beveled end C of the chamber C. The gate H presses down the elbow4 U U2 of the springU until the top part, U2, of the spring U is within the hole D2 of the bridge D D', and hole G2 of the slide G G of the bolt. The shoulders of the top U2 of the elbow U of the spring U being then below the bottom of the slide G G of the bolt, the spring T presses forward the bolt so that the catch G5 of the bolt is pressed into the cavity M of the gate H, as shown at Fig. l.

If the cartridge is charged with detonating matter, no percussion-cap is necessary to be used upon the cone E; nor is it necessary to raise the hammer b of the lock, as the catch G5 of the bolt G G G2 G2 G'L G5 presses forward the needle R through the plunger O, by pressing against the spur R of the needle R, when the jaw V2 of the trigger V drives forward the bolt by pressing against the back of the spur G of the bolt, by the finger partV5 of the trigger V being drawn back toward the butt of the stock A2 A2, as shown at Fig. 3, the point of the shaft R2 of the needle R being thereby forced through the detonating-wafer into the powder Z of the cartridgelm, causing it to ex plode. The explosion of the cartridge l m forces the plunger O back, so as to cause the ring N to expand at the breech c', thereby preventing any escape of gaseous matter at the breech. The spiral spring Q expands again as soon as the pressure is withdrawn from the finger part V5 of the trigger V, Figrl, and causes the needle R It R2 to resume l,itsdoriginal position, as shown at Fig. 1.

If cartridges are used without having detonating matter in the end thereof, then the ordinary percussion-caps are used upon the cone E, the hammer b beingraised, the part V2 of the trigger V, Figs. 1, 2, 3, raises the scar a of the lock, as shown at Fig. 3, causing the hammer b to fall upon and explode the cap upon the cone E, forcing the lire from the cap through the vent-hole of the cone E, and through the vent-hole through the jacket D and barrel A into the cartridge-chamber G at C2,Figs. 1, 2, 3. In this use of the gun it is not necessary to detach the needle R R R2 from the gate, as the trigger V at V4 raises the sear a of the lock, while the needle is pressed forward by the catch G5 of the bolt G G G2 G3 G2 G5, as shown at Fig. 3.

By drawing out the hinge-pin I, the gate H, Figs. l, 2, 3, 26, can be withdrawn from the breech-connection, and any one of the detached gates, I-I, with their parts assembled, as shown at Figs. 4., 8, 13, 18, 22, 24, 28, can be substituted.

The advantages which I claim for my improvements are as follows: The breech-connection, as shown at D D D D D2 D3 D'1 D5, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 26, may be made either a part of a gun-barrel or attachable thereto by screwthreads, as shown at A D5, Figs. l, 2, 3, 26, in the latter case making the altering of ordinary muzzle-loading fire-arms to my plan a simple and cheap operation, as the only change neces sary is the Withdrawal of the breech-screw from the old barrel and the substitution ofthe screw-thread A on the breech end of the barrel, so as to screw the barrel into the jacket, as at A D5,and the countersinking of the breechbore of the barrel, as at C,to correspond to the beveled sides N5 N5 of the ring N, Fig. 12.

The breechconnection is then let into the old stock, the lock and mountings ofthe old stock remaining the same, with the exception of the trigger, which is replaced by that shown at V V V2 V3V2V5, Figs. l, 2, 3.

The expanding fing, Fig. 12, and plunger, Fig. 6, and its several modifications, as shown and described, operating, as they do, one within the other, prevent any escape of gaseous matter, and permit the usel of different kinds of fixed ammunition or the use of loose powder and ball, either by inserting at the muzzle or breech.

The mode of securing the gate down before the charge can be exploded is quite simple and effectual, the trigger having always to move forward the bolt into the gate before the nee dle or the scar of the lock can move, so as to cause the discharge.

The facility of using the gun as muzzle or breech loader is a great advantage, and the simple means by aid of the screw d preventing or admitting the gate being thrown up at the option of the gunner overcomes an objection heretofore urged against breech-loading guns by military men.

Having described the nature, construction, operation, and advantages of my improvements, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent ofthe United States, is-

1. The construction of a gun-barrel, or part of a gun-barrel, having a hin ge-j oint, as shown at I, upon the fixed breech-connection D D D D D2 D3 Dl D5, Figs. 1, 26, with the vchannel F F, Figs. 1, 26, and cavities F F', Fig. 1, and the cavities F F F2 F2, Fig. 26, within the fixed breech-connection, substantially as described and set forth.

2. The peculiar construction of the gates H, formed with the cavities J K K L M, Figs. 1,

v 4, 8, 13, 18, 22, 24, and of the gates H, hinged 3. Theadjustable plungers O,whether made solid, as represented in Fig.' 7, or perforated.

longitudinally for the introduction of a needle, as shown in Figs. l, 2, 8, and 6, and their equivalents, Figs. 5, 9, 14, 19, 28, 27, and 29, constructed and operating substantially as specified'.

4. The bolts represented in Figs. 15, 16, and 30, constructed and operating substantially as set forth.

5. The spring U, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and '26, constructed, arranged, and operating substantially as specied.

6. The peculiar or equivalent form of needie-head R R', as represented in Figs. 10, 17, and 21, constructed and operating as and for the purpose described.

7. rIhe peculiarly-formed trigger V, Figs. 1,

2, and 3, constructed, arranged, and operating as set forth.

8. The combination of the nut P, or its equivalent screw, L', with the plungers O, for the purpose set forth.

9. In combination with a fixed breech-con- I s. WILMER MARSH'.

Vitnesses: l

Ro. H. GALLAHER, JOHN S. GALLAHER, J r.

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