Videos tagged with Breechloading Rifle

This video explores the Burton Breechloading Rifle, a key firearm in the 19th-century British weapon trials that led to the adoption of the Martini-Henry rifle. Featuring firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson, the content delves into the history of James Henry Burton, the technical details of the breech mechanism, and compares different prototypes (No:1 and No:0). The discussion also touches upon the trials criteria and the evolution towards improved bolt-action designs, highlighting Burton's legacy and its connection to the Martini-Henry. Additional resources for further reading and related museums are provided.

This segment from 'American Rifleman Television' explores the Chassepot rifle, a revolutionary breechloading firearm developed in France in the mid-1860s. It highlights the Chassepot's bolt-action mechanism, unique paper cartridge that left no spent case, and its innovative rubber gasket for gas seal. The video compares it to the earlier Prussian Dreyse needle rifle, noting the Chassepot's improvements in firing pin design and user-friendliness. It also touches on the Chassepot's influence on its successor, the Gras rifle, and its transition to metallic cartridges.

This video analyzes the British Money-Walker 1868 Trials Rifle, a notable contender in the 1868 British breechloading rifle trials. Patented by Colonel G.H. Money and Mr. M. Walker, the rifle features a simple falling block mechanism with an internal hammer. While it demonstrated moderate rapidity of fire (20 shots per minute and 14 seconds) during testing, it performed poorly in exposure trials. Ultimately, the Martini rifle won the trials, and the Money-Walker system saw limited commercial use in rifles and shotguns.

This video examines a unique Gardiner/Scott prototype grip safety integrated into an early 1903 Springfield rifle. The patent, filed in 1904 and approved in 1909, describes a spring-loaded grip safety in the fore-end of a rifle or shotgun, requiring depression to cock or fire. The Springfield rifle used for demonstration was acquired from the US military, following a policy allowing inventors to purchase rifles for experimentation. While no military trials are documented, the modification showcases an interesting patent concept on a rare variant of the early Springfield rifle.

This video delves into the historical significance of John Hall's Model 1819 rifle, highlighting its pioneering role as the first breechloading rifle adopted by the U.S. military and the first to be issued in substantial numbers by any military worldwide. The description emphasizes Hall's groundbreaking work in developing machine tools for interchangeable parts, which laid the foundation for the American system of manufacturing and revolutionized industry. The content serves as an introduction to various Hall rifle models, aiming to shed light on his underappreciated contributions to small arms history and industrial innovation.

This video delves into the early, albeit unsuccessful, firearm manufacturing venture of James Paris Lee, the renowned inventor of the detachable box magazine and co-inventor of the Lee-Enfield rifle. Lee's initial attempt involved a single-shot, swinging barrel system patented in 1862. After initial rejection for a rifle, he pivoted to a carbine design which was accepted for testing by the Army. A contract for 1,000 carbines was awarded in 1865. However, a dispute over the specified caliber (.44 rimfire vs. the delivered .42 rimfire) led to the rejection of the first 250 guns and cancellation of the contract. The Lee Fire Arms Company, established to produce these firearms, then repurposed parts for civilian sporting arms before dissolving by 1868. The video highlights the risks inherent in firearms manufacturing and Lee's subsequent return to watchmaking before re-engaging with firearm design.

This video delves into the history and significance of the Durs Egg Ferguson rifle, a breechloading firearm patented by Captain Patrick Ferguson in 1776. It highlights the rifle's presentation to the British military, its limited service during the American Revolution at the Battle of Brandywine, and Ferguson's personal involvement and eventual death in combat. The specific rifle discussed was made by the renowned gunsmith Durs Egg and was one of the two original prototypes presented.

This video delves into the fascinating history and design of the Ferguson rifle, an early breechloading firearm that saw combat. The content explores its potential to alter historical outcomes and the controversies surrounding its mechanical practicality. It highlights the limited production of Ordnance contract rifles and mentions surviving examples. The video also briefly touches upon other firearms like the Brown Bess and promotes sponsors and the TFBTV Patreon page for viewer support.

This video delves into the fascinating history of American trowel bayonets, a unique firearm accessory developed in the late 19th century. The US Army experimented with combining a bayonet with an entrenching tool, first in 1868 with 200 experimental examples, followed by 500 Model 1869 trowel bayonets. These were tested by infantry units, with surprisingly positive field reports. The lack of a dedicated entrenching tool made even this awkward combination a significant improvement for digging shallow cover. While some officers viewed the bayonet's role as diminishing due to breechloading rifles, the practicality of the trowel function was recognized. This led to a significant order of 10,000 improved 1873 pattern trowel bayonets. Despite their use in combat, the development eventually shifted towards knife trowels, and the trowel bayonet concept was discontinued in the 1870s.

This video delves into the Confederate Morse Carbine, a remarkable centerfire breechloading rifle design patented by George Morse in 1856 and 1858. The carbine featured a modern centerfire cartridge with a percussion cap primer, a gutta-percha washer for sealing, and a rolled brass body. Despite initial trials and contracts for conversions, production was hampered by funding issues and later by the Confederacy's lack of infrastructure for modern ammunition. The video highlights the third type of Morse carbine, identified by its sliding latch breechblock, and discusses its production run and eventual limited impact on the Civil War due to ammunition supply problems. The description also links to Patreon and merchandise.

This video delves into the Model 1871 Ward-Burton bolt-action rifle, an early contender for a US military breechloading rifle. It was one of four rifles trialed alongside the Sharps, Trapdoor Springfield, and Remington Rolling Block. The Ward-Burton, a single-shot design, featured a novel bolt action for its time, patented by Generals William Ward and Bethel Burton. Despite its innovative design, it was ultimately not adopted due to soldiers' unfamiliarity with its internal striker mechanism, leading to accidental discharges, and some mechanical issues. A total of 1013 rifles and 313 carbines were manufactured by Springfield in .50-70 caliber.

This video is a book review focusing on "The Military Remington Rolling Block Rifle" by George Layman. The description highlights the rifle's historical significance as a durable and reliable firearm used by militaries worldwide in the late 1800s. It notes the difficulty collectors face in identifying specific origins due to a lack of markings. The review discusses Layman's book as a valuable resource for identifying different models, nationalities, and cartridges, and recommends his newer, more comprehensive work on the subject.