US882625A - Magazine-rifle. - Google Patents

Description

N0. 882,625. PATENTED MAR. 24, 1908.

' J. J. GATRON.

MAGAZINE RIFLE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 13. 1907.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

W; t H woes No. 882,625. PATENTED MAR. 24, 1908. J. J. OATRON.

MAGAZINE RIFLE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.13, 1907.

3 SHEETSSHEET 3.

JOHN J. CATRONQOF BONHAM, TEXAS.-

MAGAZINE-RIFLE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented March 24, 1908.

Application filed August 13, 1907. Serial No. 388,324.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN J. CATRoN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Bon-' ham, in the county of Fannin and State of Texas, have invented new. and useful Improvements in Magazine-Rifles, of which the ollowing is a specification.

My invention pertains to magazine rifles; and it has for one of itsobjects to provide a simple, compact and strong magazine rifle embodying a combined breech block and cartridge carrier of such construction that differentlengths of cartridges may be used in the rifle without diminution of the efficiency thereof.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a combined breech block and car tridge carrier constructed with a View of gripping a cartridge at opposite points so as to old the cartridge in a straight line during the withdrawal of the same rearward from the magazine and move the cartridge vertically to a position in alinement with the barrel, and insure perfect extraction of a fired cartridge and the subsequent ejection of the same; the ejection. being effected by the vertical movement/of a fresh cartridge into po-.

sition in alinement with the barrel.

Another object is the provision ina magazine rifle, of improved means for securely locking the breech block and cartridge carrier in its closed position before it is possible to explode a cartridge, and improved means for locking the breech block and cartridge carrier when the magazine is exhausted so that the breech block and cartridge carrier cannot be retracted under such condition except when a certain finger piece is manipulated.

Another object is the provision in a magazine rifle, of a magazine which, .in proportion to its capacity, is simple in construction and quite short. I

Other objects and advantageous features of my invention will be fully understood from the following description and claims when the same are read in connection with the drawings, accompanying and forming part of this specification, in which 3 Figure 1 is a broken side elevation of the magazine rifle constituting the best embod1- ment of my invention of which I am cognizant; the same. being shown with the stock removed and with the combined breech block. and cartridge carrier in its closed position. Fig. 1 is a detail longitudinal section illustrative of the closure at the forward end of the magazine tube. Fig. 2 comprises a detail view in side elevation of the left hand side of the front section of the "take-down rifle shown, and a similar view of the rear section of said rifle, the said views'being separated. Fig. 3 is a detail, broken, longitudinal Vertical section of the rifle with the combined breech block and cartridge carrier locked in its closed position. Fig. 4 is a similar view of the same, with the combined breech block and cartridge carrier in its open position. Fig. 5 is a detail longitudinal vertical section showing the means for locking the combined breech block and cartridge carrier in its closed position. v left hand side of the combined breech block and cartridge carrier, and Fig. 6 a detail longitudinal vertical section. Fig. 7 is a cross-section taken in the plane indicated by the line 7 7 of Fig. 5, with the combined breech block and cartridge carrier and the rear section-21. e-., the section at the right of Fig. 2, removed. Fig. 8 is a erspective view of the combined breech b ock and cartridge carrier, removed. Fig. 9 is a cross-section Fig. 4 is a detail top plan view:

Fig. 6 is an elevation of theof the same, taken in the lane indicated by the line 99 of Fig. 8. verse section taken in the line 101 0 of Fig. 5,

1gerspective view of the cartridge elevator.

ig. 10 is a translane indicated by ig. 12 is a detail perspective view of the de.

e combined breech block vice for locking t position,

and cartridge carrier near its closed when the magazine is empty.

g. 11 is a deta l Similar letters 'designate corresponding parts in all of the views of the drawings, re

erring to which:

A is the rear section, and B the front section of the take-down type of rifle constituting the referred embodiment of my invention. T e rear. section A is provided with the usual means for the connection of a stock (not shown), and with the usual or any other suitable hammer a, trigger b and hammer-impelling spring 0; and it is also provided with a shoulder 11, a threaded aperture e and a notch e] at its left hand side while at its right-hand side is provided a forwardly extending platef having a reduced P01131011 g which terminates at its forward end in a toe h.

In addition to other elements hereinafter pointed out in detail, the front section B of the take-down embodiment comprises a barrel '5 and a frame or housing fixed with up of a front wall j in the rear side of which is a shallow socket 7c and vertical depre ssions L, Fig. 7, a left-hand side plate Zhaving & transverse-aperture m and a rearwardly extending tongue n, and a top wall p, cut away as indicated by r and best shown in Figs. 4 and 7. When the sections A and B are put together in proper relation, the toe h of section A enters the socket 7c of section B, see dotted lines in Fig. 1, and the tongue n of section B snugly occupies the notch e of section A, Fig. 2. A screw C, Fig. 1, is then manipulated to put its shank through the aperture m of section B and into the threaded aperture e of section A, when, as will be readily apparent the sections will be strongly connected together without liability of one section casually moving with respect to the other, and yet when it is desired to take the rifle-downt. e., separate the sections A and B, the same may be easily and expeditiously accomplished after the screw C is removed. At this point I desire to record the fact that while I prefer to employ the take-down construction described, I do not wish to be understood as confining myself to the same inasmuch as the main portion or frame of the rifle may, in the discretion of the manufacturer, be made in de tachably connected sections or in one section, without involving departure from the scope of my invention as defined in the claims appended.

Fbred to the underside of the barrel "i and communicating with an opening 8 in the front wall 7' of the breech frame or housing is a tube D, provided at an intermediate point of itslength with an opening t which is designed for the introduction of cartridges and is enlarged at its rear end, as indicated by u, to permit the passage of cartridge flanges. The said tube D has an abutment o adjacent to its forward end and a socket 1/) at said end, and it serves in combination with a follower a: and a spring y backing the follower, to form the magazine of my novel rifle. ward end, the stem of the follower 2c is provided with a finger piece 2 which normally rests in the socket w, Figs. 1 and 3, and presents a compact and neat appearance. In charging the magazine, the follower so is drawn forward, against the action of spring y, to a point in front of the opening 25, and the cartridges are introduced one by one through said pipening. After the cartridges are introduce as stated, the follower is released, when, as will be readily apparent, the tendency of the s ring to expand will force the follower at an the cartridges rearward subsequent to the removal of the rearmost cartridge from the m agazine in the manner hereinafter pointed out.

At its forseaeae the foregoing it will be observed that the magazine may be made quite short without reducing its capacity below the practical point, which is obviously an important advantage.

E is a hand-piece movable rearwardly and forwardly on the magazine tube D and guided by the latter.

F is a bar fixedly connected to the hand opening a, Fig. 7, in the front wail of the breech frame or housing and having a notch b, Fi 5;, in its' lower edge,and also having an enlargement c, Fig. 5, at its rear end, movable rectilinearly in the breech frame or housing and slotted at (1.

G is the combined breech-block and cartridge carrier to which is pivoted a verticallyswinging piece H, Fig. 6, having a lateral stud f, disposed in the slot cl ofbar F, whereby the breech-block and carrier derives rectilinear movement from said bar F.

I is the cartridge elevator which is pivoted at g in the breech frame or housing.

J is the device for locking the combined breech block and cartridge carrier in its closed position, when the magazine is empty, and K, Fig. if, is a spring disposed below said device J and designed to return the same to and normally retain it in the position shown in Fig. 4. The combined breech block and cartridge carrier G'is provided on its forward end adjacent to one side, preferably its left hand side, with an inwardly directed flange 6 which extends u ward from a point adjacent to its lower edge, as best shown in Fig. 8. The opposite or right hand side of the combined breech block and cartridge carrier G is recessed, as indicated by and in the said recess is arranged a resilient or spring plate M which is fixedly connected at its rear end to the block and carrier, and is provided at its forward end with an inwardly-directed flange it" which extends upward from the recess hand is regulated and held against springing outward to an undue extent by a screw Z which extends through it and into the block and cartridge carrier. The combined breech block and carrier G is horizontally notched at i immediately below the flanges i and 7c; and it carries a springcushioned firing pin N which is recessed in 'one side as indicated by i, Figs. 6 and 6*, and is designed to cooperate with the piece H as presently described. Said breech block and cartridge carrier G is also provided in its lower side and forward end with a slot m for the play of the cartridge elevator I. g This latter comprises a rear, upwardly extendim arm n and a forward and comparal tively long arm 1) having a lip 1" at its forward end.

i The forward end of the said slot m is provided, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. with an By virtue of the construction described in 1 intermediate portion of decreased width piece E and extending rearward through an 7:! e., a portion too narrow for:the passage 10 ready to be fired, theelevator I is in the osi- .tion shown in Fig. 3. After the rifle is red, the combined breechblock and cartridge carrier-is .drawnfrearward whereupon it cooperates. with the arm nofthezelevator I to causethe iarmip" thereof to rise quickly to the position where: the lip r can pass through the upper enlarged. portion i .ofslot m on the: succeeding. forward movement of the combined breech blockand cartridge carrier.

As soon as the lip r asses throughithe' said enlarged portion Utfie-rear .and major portion:of the slotm, which is about as .wide as the portion i,- permits the lip 7" to move to .thetpositionshown in Fig. 3; theforward movement of the combined breech block and cartridge carrierservingbyengaging and depressing the=elevlator arm p to move the lip r to theposition last*stated.

At the commencement of the described .30 rearward movement 'ofthe combined breech block and cartridge carrier, the lip ron the elevator armp--passesupward from the lower large portion of the slot m to a posi-' tion -in frontof the lower end-of the narrow,

'35- intermediate portion ofsaid slot, and should :the operator attempt areversal 'of the actioni- 6., forward movement of thecom- -bined breech block and before the cartridge that-is-being raised is to-high enough to enter the; barrel, t'he notch i will engage'the lip r and thereby prevent such reversal of th'e action A flat-sprin 1 ,8110 by dotted lines in Fig. 3 andfull ines in 4, lies against the side of the cartridge elevator I and prevents too 'free swinging movement of said elevator and thereby assures it remaining in the position in which it-is left. 1

The lower corner H of the swin ing piece H is designed to-cooperate with a e ression H in-the breech frame, Fig. 6 to ock the breech" block and cartridge carrier in its closed position. In this connection, it will be seenthat when the hammer a is cooked 55.. or half cocked while the breech block and cartridge carrier G is-in its closed position, the firing pin N--is pushed rearward by its spring N 3 so that its portion in front of its recess irests 'abovethe' iece H and holds the latter against upward movement. When, however, the hammer acts against therear end of the firing pin NY to force thepin forward and fire the gun, =the recess i in the firin pin assumes a position above the upwar 1 directed arm of the piece H and con- I vice is depressed bythe cartridge carrier G on forward-movement cartridge carrier,

applied to. the hand-grip E, said-bloc sequently the said. piece is free to move ,up-

ward to unlockth'e breech block and cartridge carrier G from the breech frame. It will also be seen that-when thebar F is moved forward tocarry the breech block and cartridge carrier G to its closed position, the slot d. in the portion 0: cooperates'with'the stud f on piece H to draw the arm of said piece down out of the recess in the firing in N and on rearward movement of the ar F, said slot (1 cooperates with the stud IIf to raise the upwardly-reaching arm oft piece H into the recess of the firing pin N.

The locking device J is pivoted at s." in the breech frame orhousing, and is provided -with afiDger-piece t and a lateral arm. a; the latter being arranged to seat in the notch b of the translating bar F when the magazine is empty, after the manner shownin Fig. 5 ythis with a view of preventing the operator working the rifle when there are-no cartridges in the magazine.

The vertically disposed thereof and lets the rearmost cartridge out of the magazine. Said vertically-disposed portion also extends into the magazine tube I a slight distance,- Fig. 4, and from this it follows that in the event of the flanges i it failing to catch-the rearmost cartridge, incident to rearwardzmovement of the breech block and cartridge carrier, the device J, in rising under the action of the spring beneath" it, will catch said cartridge and hold it in-position to be engaged by the breech block and cartridge carrier on the subsequent forward movement ofthe latter.

: The 0 eration of my novel magazine'irifie is as fol ows: Cartridges are'placed in the.

magazine in the manner'before describedein detail, and are pressedrearward in the magazine tube D and against the device J bythe spring-pressed follower :11, as shown in Fig.4.

When the combined breechblock and cartridge carrier G is moved forward by power and carrier presses the device J- slightlyedownward, and at the same time. the flange kis pressed outward by-bringing up againstithe eveled surface i 'Fig. 7, whereupon the head of the rearmost cartridge is pushed between the flanges i k by themagazine spring. Then as the breech block and cartridge carrier re'cedes. the flanges ik gripthe car-' tridg e. When the combinednbreech-block and cartridge-carrier G is moved rearward by power applied to the handgrip E, the cartridge mentioned is drawn rearward, and'the next forward cartridge assumesthe-position shown in Fig. 4 relative" to tl1'e device J. Du'ringithe rearward movement of the block G, the cartridge elevator I is-rocked by the engagement of the block G with the rear armn of the elevator with the result that the ortion of the debreech block and forward arm of the elevator will be thrown up and caused to raise the first mentioned cartridge bet een the opposed flanges i and of the breech block and cartridge carrier. Incident .to the said upward movement of the cartridge first mentioned and while it is moving into alinement with the barrel "i it serves to eject the empty shell extracted from the barrel on the preceding rearward movement of the breech block and cartridge carrier. Then hen the breech block and cartridge carrier is moved forward, the first mentioned cartridge is carried into proper position in the rear end of the barrel, and the device J is depressed to permit the rearmost cartridge in the magazine to assume the position shown in Fig. 3.. During the rearvi ard and for ard movements of the breech block and cartridge carrier, the swinging device H and the firing pin N operate in the manner hereinbefore set forth in detail to lock the breech block and cartridge carrier in its closed position and to preclude forward movement of the firing )in under the im act of the hammer (L unti after the lHEBCh lLlOCk and cartridge carrier is locked in said position.

In Figs. 3 and 4 of the draw ings, a plurality ofcartridges of even length are shown, but because of the comparatively long traverse of the block G, see l ig. 4, it will be observed that my novel rifle is. adapted to handle cartridges of even length or cartridges of mixed lengths with equal facilitv which is an im' ortant desideratum.

When the magazine is empty, and it is desired to move the combined breech block and cartridge carrier rearward, the hammer must be let down on the firing pin and the device J be drawn downward by hand, after which the hand-grip E is moved rearward.

ltwill be gathered from the foregoing that my novel magazine rifle is reliable and safe in operation and at the same time is simple and compact in construction, and is ell adapted to withstand the usage to which magazine rifles are ordinarily subjected; and it w ill also he gathered that the cartridges are in plan view as they enter the barrel i.

The rifle herein illustrated and described constitutes the preferred embodiment of my invention, but it is obvious that in practice such changes or modifications may be made as fairly fall within the scope of my invention as defined in the claims appended.

I would have itunderstood that the term rifle as herein employed comprehend a gun, pistol or any other tire arm in which my improvements may be used to advantage.

Having described my invention, what i claim and desire to secure by Letters is:

1. In a magazine rifle, the comb a barrel, a magazine, a breech fran is intended to '3- L c i aient,

with respect thereto, a combined breech block. and cartridge carrier movable in said frame, means for translating the combined breech block and cartridge carrier, a device for controlling the rearward feed of cartridges and automatically locking the breech block and cartridge carrier near its foremost position when the magazine is empty, and means for elevating a cartridge in the combined breech block and cartridge carrier.

2. In a magazine rifle, the combination of a barrel, 2. magazine, a breech frame fixed to the barrel and magazine, a breech block and cartridge carrier movable in the frame and having a slot in its underside and forward end, the intermediate portion of the forward end of-which is comparativel narrow and also having a horizontal note intersecting the said narrowportion of the slot, and a cartridge elevator mounted in the slot of the frame and arranged to be moved by the block and having a lip for cooperation with the said horizontal notch of the block.

- 3. in a magazine rifle, the combination of a barrel, a magazine, a breech frame fixed with respect thereto, a combined breech block and cartridge carrier movable in said frame and arranged to grip a cartridge at opposite sides thereof, means for translating the combined breech block and cartridge carrier, a device for controlling the rearward feed of cartridges and automatically locking the breech block and cartridge carrier near its foremost position, when the magazine is empty, and means for elevating a cartridge in the combined breech block and cartridge carrier.

4. In a magazine rifle, a barrel, a magazine, abreech frame fixed with respect thereto, a combined breech block and cartridge carrier movable in said frame and arranged to grip a cartridge at opposite sides thereof, means for translating the combined breech block and cartridge carthe combination of rier, a device for controlling the rearward feed of cartridges and automatically locking the breech block and cartridge carrier near its foremost position, when the magazine is empty, and a device mounted in the breech frame and operated by the combined breech block and cartridge carrier for elevating a cartridge in said block and carrier incident to rearward movement thereof.

5. in a magazine rifle, the combination of a barrel, a magazine arranged under the barrel, a breech frame fixed with respectto the barrel and magazine; a hand-grip movable on and guided by the magazine, a bar connected to and movable with the hand grip and extending through an opening in the front all of the breech frame and having a a combined breech-block and carcarrier arranged in said frame and con nec red and movable with said bar said breech block and cartridge carrier having flanges for engaging opposite sides of a cartridge, a pivoted locking device arranged in the breech frame below and in rearof the magazine and having an arm for engaging the notch in the said bar, when the magazine is empty said device being also arranged to control the rearward feed of cartridges, and a device mounted in the breech frame and operated by the breech block and cartridge carrier for elevating a cartridge in said block and carrier incident to rearward movement thereof.

6. in a magazine rifle, the combination of a barrel, a magazine arranged thereunder, a breech frame fixed with respect to the barrel and magazine, a combined breech block andcartridge carrier arranged in theframe; said block and carrier having a fixed inwardly directed flange at one side of its forward. end and a resilient inwardly directed flange at the other side of said end, means for translating the block and carrier, means for moving a cartridge from a position in alinement with the magazine to a position in alinement with the barrel, and means for checking the rearward movement of cartridges in the magazine and for locking the breech block and cartridge carrier near its foremost position, when the magazine is empty.

7. In a magazine rifle, the combination of a barrel, a magazine arranged thereunder, a breech frame fixed with respect to the barrel and magazine, a reciprocatory breech block and cartridge carrier for taking cartridges from the magazine and putting the same in the barrel, a cartridge elevating lever mounted in the breech frame and having a forward arm movable in the breech block and carrier and a rear arm arranged to be engaged by said block and carrier, and means for checking rearward movement of cartridges in the magazine and for locking the breech block and carrier near its closed position, when the magazine is empty.

8. In a magazine rifle, the combination of a barrel, amagazine arranged thereunder, a breech frame fixed with respect to the barrel and magazine, a reciprocatory breech block and cartridge carr er having a slot in its lower edge and forward end and also having inwardly directed flanges on its forward end; one of said flanges being resilient, a cartridge elevating lever mounted in the breech frame and having a forward arm movable up and down in the slot of the block or carrier and a rear, upwardly-extending arm arranged in rear of and adapted to be moved by the block and carrier, and means for checking rearward movement of cartridges in the magazine and for locking the block and carrier near its closed position, when the magazine is empty.

9. A breech block and cartridge carrier for a magazine rifle, comprising a body having a vertical flange at its forward end and ad acent to one of its sides, a resilient plate at- I tached at its rear l i i I end to the opposite side of the body and having its forward end extended beyond the body and provided with an inwardly directed flange, and a regulating screw for said resilient plate.

10. In a magazine rifle, the combination of a barrel, a magazine arranged under the barrel, a breech frame fixed with respect to the barrel and magazine, a hand-grip movable on and guided by the magazine, a bar connected to and movable with the handgrip and extending through an opening in the front wall of the breech frame and having i a notch, a combined breech block and cartridge carrier arranged in said frame and connected and movable with said bar, a )ivoted locking device arranged in the breec 1 frame below and in rear of the magazine and having an arm for engaging the notch in the said bar when the magazine is empty said device being also arranged to control the rearward feed of cartridges, and means for elevating a cartridge in the breech block and cartridge carrier.

11. In a magazine rifle, the combination of a barrel, a magazine, a breech frame fixed with respect thereto, a combined breech block and cartridge carrier movable in said frame, means for translating the combined breech block and cartridge carrier, a firing pin carried by the combined breech block and cartridge carrier, a device, for controlling the rearward feed of cartridges and automatic-' ally locking the breech blockand cartridge carrier near its foremost position when the magazine is empty, means for elevating acartridge in the combined breech block and airtridge carrier, and means arranged in one position to lock the combined breech block and cartridge carrier in its closed position to the breech frame, and in another position to lock the firing pin against forward movement with respect'to the combined breech block and cartridge carrier.

12. in a rifle of the magazine type, the combination of a barrel, a magazine, a breech frame fixed with respect thereto and having a depression in the inner side of its lower portion, a combined breech block and cartridge carrier movable in said frame, a spring-cushioned firing pin carried by the combined breech block and cartridge carrier and having' a recess, a device for controlling the rearward feed of cartridges and automatically locking I the combined breech block and cartridge carrier near its foremost position when the magazine is empty, means for elevating a cartridge in the combined breech block and cartridge carrier, a vertically swinging piece for locking the combined breech block and cartridge carrier and the firing pin; the said )iece being pivoted to the said combined breech block and cartridge carrier and having a lateral pin, and a bar to which the combined breech block and cartridge carrier is .the barrel and magazine,

translated, having an inclined slot receiving the pin on the swinging piece.

13. In a magazine rifle, the combination of a barrel, a magazine, a breech frame fixed to '1 a breech block and cartridge carrier movable in the frame and having vertical fianges,oneof which is resilient, provided with inwardly-directed porl tions, and also having a slot in its underside and forward end, the intermediate portion 1 of 'the forward end of which is comparatively narrow, and a, horizontal notch intersecting said narrow portion of the slot at a point below said flanges, and a cartridge elevator mounted in the slot of the frame and arranged to be moved by the block and having a lip for cooperation with the said horizontal notch of the block.

14. In a magazine rifle, the combination-0f a barrel, a magazine, a breech frame fixed with respect thereto and having a beveled portion at one side of the mouth of the magazine, and a breech block and cartridge cari rier movable in the frame and having cartridge engaging flanges; one of which is rej whereby it is capable of moving laterally, and is provided with a beveled portion to engage the beveled portion at the forward end of the breech frame.

15. In a magazine rifle, the combination of a barrel, a magazine, a breech frame fixed with respect thereto and having a beveled portion at one side of the mouth of the magaand a breech block and cartridge carrier movable in the frame and having cartridge engaging flanges, one of which is resilient, whereby it is capable of moving laterally, and is provided with a beveled portion to engage the beveled portion at the forward silient,

end of the breech frame, and a cartridge elevator mounted in the frame and movable by the breech block and cartridge carrier.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in vpresence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN J. CATRON.

Witnesses R. T. Lrrsooma, R. M. BOHANNON.

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