Brown/van Choate Trials Rifle: Internal Hammer in 1871
This video details the Brown/van Choate Trials Rifle, a single-shot firearm designed by Silvanus Frederick van Choate and manufactured by the Brown Manufacturing Company. Entered into US military testing in 1872, its most distinctive feature is an internal hammer firing system, which necessitates dual triggers. The rear trigger acts as a cocking lever, while the front trigger fires the rifle. The rifle also incorporates Choate's patented bolt friction adjustment system. Despite its unique engineering, the rifle failed to impress during trials and saw no commercial sale, with only a few examples being produced. The video highlights this as an example of innovative design addressing an unasked question.











