Patent GB-190508718-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Small Arms
Inventor: SMITH MORRIS FORD
Filed: 1905-04-25
Granted: 1906-02-01
Abstract: 8718. Smith, M. r. April 27, 1904, [date applied for under Patents Act, 1901]. Breech actions, sliding breech-block.-The breechblock 12, Fig. 14, of a gas-operated small-arm of the kind described in Specification No. 25,609, A.D. 1904, is locked in the closed position by a pivoted locking-bar 17 which engages against the shoulder 16, Figs. 3 and 4, of the receiver 3. The'locking-bar 17 is depressed as the arms 23 of the drive-rod carry back the pins 22 shown in horizontal section, Fig. 5, working in cam-slots 21 formed in wings 20 of the locking-bar. The breech-block is then carried to the rear by the further motion of the drive-rod, the shock of stopping being absorbed by means of the bushing 26, which is fitted in the breech-block by a pin-and-slot connexion, and is driven in so as further to compress the cocked striker-spring 25. The striker is cocked by projections 29, Fig. 5, of the arms 23 engaging shoulders 31 on the striker. The sear 32, which is pivoted on the ejector-post 34 and kept in place by pins 33<a>, is released from the trigger 39 after firing owing to the trigger being pivoted on a block 41, which is moved to the rear against the spring 42 by the arms 23 engaging aT-piece 43, Fig. 5. A sear-safety 52 is pivoted at 51, and is held in either position by the serrated end of a flat spring 53 engaging a tooth 56. The arms 23 are secured to the drive-rod 66, Fig. 17, by being fitted into dovetailed sockets in the crosshead and secured by a taper pin 65, which is held in position hy the pointed end of the drive-rod . entering the hole 69. The port 72, Fig. 18, is formed obliquely, and the gas passes directly through the rotary valve 72<a> to the piston 70. The valve 72<a> can be closed when the gun is to be hand-operated. The head 87 of the gascylinder is attached to the barrel by a tongue- and-groove connexion, being locked against lungitudinal movement by the spring catch 90. The devices for opening the breech by hand are shown in Fig. 5 and:in Figs. 7 and 8, the latter of which are sections on the lines 7-7, Fig. 4, and 8-8, Fig. 3, respectively. The handle 9 of the sliding bolt 78 is turned up so as to bring the pin 80 into engagement with a slot 81 in the side of one of the arms 23 of the drive-rod. The pivoted stop 10 may be turned into the position of Fig. 8 so as to bring the part 83 into the path of the bolt 78 in order to prevent the breech-block from being drawn back far enough to allow a cartridge to rise from the magazine. The same stop may be used to hold the breech open by engaging in a slot in the fully-retracted bolt 78. Stocks.-The barrel cover or frame may be disconnected by turning the catch 84, Fig. 17, so as to bring the upper end 84<a> in alinement with the guide-groove 84<b> of the barrel. The receiver is connected to the part of the frame rigid with the stock by a spring-pressed block 45, Figs. 3 and 5, engaging with recesses in guide-lugs of the receiver. The block 45 can be pressed forward out of engagement by introducing a suitable article, such as a projectile, through the opening 48. Bayonets, attaching to gun barrels.-The band 8 is provided with a bayonet socket 75, having a spring clamp 76.