Improvements in Recoil-operated Firearms.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Aug., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 6th May, 1896--Accepted, 6th Aug., 1896
Street, San Francisco, in the State of California, United States of America,
Manufacturers of Firearms.]
Improvements in Recoil-operated Firearms.
I HENRY EDWARD NEWTON of The Office for Patents, 6 Bream's Buildings,
Chancery Lane in the County of London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows :-
--
The object of the present is to provide an improved magazine small-arm, and
especially to provide an improved construction of firearm of that particular class
known as recoil-operated small-arms, in which the energy developed by the recoil,
when the gun is fired, is utilized in retracting the breech bolt from the birrel, to
open the breech, and performing the other operations of the gun required for the
next discharge. The invention is intended especially for use in shoulder arms,
either rifles or shot guns, but it is applicable also to other classes of fire-arms and
guns.
The present invention relates especially to a gun of a special class employing a
longitudinally movable barrel, the especial object of the invention being to provide
an improved breech movement for such guns, and the invention consists, broadly,
in the combination with a longitudinally moveable barrel and a breech bolt con-
nected by a pair of links pivotted together, of means for returning the barrel to
position after recoil, and mechanism for actuating the links, to withdraw the breech
bolt and open the breech, so as to open the breech when the barrel has returned to
normal position, and for returning the breech bolt to normal position, the breech
bolt preferably being withdrawn during the return movement of the barrel. The
invention includes, in addition to the broad invention above stated, various features
of construction and combinations of parts in a gun of this general organization,
and certain specific features combined therewith to form a complete gun, some of
which may be applied also in other classes of guns employing a different breech
movement.
This broad invention may be applied in many different ways, and the construction
and arrangement of the links and breech bolt, and the devices co-arting there with
to perform the other operations of the gun, may be varied widely. It is preferable,
however, to employ a construction in which the links are open, and lie substantially
in a straight line in their normal position, and are locked in such position during
the recoil movement, so as to lock the breech bolt to the barrel while the links are
unlocked for the return movement of the barrel, and during this return movement
the link connected to the barrel is operated as a lever to retract the breech bolt
and open the breech, the breech bolt being released and returned to position by
the opening or straightening out of the links at the proper time, in the operation
of the gun, and the empty shell being meanwhile ejected, and the live cartridge
inserted and carried into the barrel by the returning breech bolt. The construction,
thus briefly outlined, may be embodied in constructions differing widely in
organization and details. The following description, therefore, is given by way
of illustration.
The barrel is provided with an extension or breech piece formed integral there-
with, or rigidly secured thereto in any suitable manner, and the barrel and breech

page_text: piece slide in a frame in which they are held and guided in any suitable manner.
The breech bolt slides in the breech piece, and the magazine is arranged below
the barrel, and provided with the usual spring-pressed follower. The cartridges
are received by a carrier from the magazine and raised into line with the
barrel, and a hand lever operates the parts when there is no cartridge in the
barrel.
The breech piece is mortised vertically, and this mortise registers with similar
mortises in the frame above and below the breech piece. The mortise below the
breech piece communicates with the rear end of the magazine, and contains the
carrier. The ejection takes place upwards, but a side ejection may be used, if
preferred. The magazine may be filled from its rear end.
The bolt is connected to the barrel extension or breech piece by a pair of links
pivotted together, the forward end of the front link being pivotted to the breech
bolt, and the rear end of the rear link to the breech piece, the pivot by which the
two links are connected together preferably being normally slightly above the dead
centre. To the rear end of the rear link is pivotted a forked bar extending into
the gun-stock, and seated therein on an adjustable spring, and this bar carries a
stop which engages with shoulders at the rear end of a pair of stop levers, the
forward ends of the levers being provided with shoulders engaged by the breech
piece on its return to position to trip the catch and release the bar at the proper
time.
The firing pin consists of a flat piece of metal having a log near its rear end,
and sliding in a groove in the underside of the breech bolt, and curved about
the front end of the link, so as to bring the end into position central to the
breech bolt. The lug or projection engages with a notch in the underside of
the breech bolt, and the movement of the firing pin is thus limited in both
directions.
The breech bolt contains also a cartridge stop sliding in the breech bolt, and
having a lug or projection extending below the breech bolt, in position to be
actuated by the rear end of the rear link, which has a groove into which the
projection enters, so that the stop is thus advanced into position to stop the head
of the cartridge, as it is forced upward, and prevent its being forced above proper
position. The breech bolt carries, at its forward end, extractors of any suitable
form.
At its forward end, the front link has a downward projection, in which is
pivotted the carrier. This carrier consists of two thin plates, which are formed
or pivotted to swing sidewise, and a hooked lever pivotted between these plates, to
Ewing longitudinally of the gun, and which carries, rearward of its pivot, a pin
projecting into an opening through the link, which is so placed that when the
links are closed together, the pin is engaged by a pin projecting from the rear
link, and preferably adjustable therein, as shown, so as to secure the proper
movement of the carrier. By the engagement of the pins, the hooked lever is
rocked to carry the cartridge upward into line with the barrel and breech bolt, and
the lever and pin are returned to normal position by the next cartridge, as it is
forced rearward from the magazine by the follower. It will be seen that by
this construction the cartridge is handled entirely by the head, which is very
desirable.
חוק
In order that the breech bolt may be withdrawn at the rear of the breech piece,
the mortise in the latter is not closed permanently, but by a plug secured by a
pin, so that by removing this plug, and knocking out the formi g the
pivot for the rear link, and the pin by which the bar is connected. the
breech bolt links and the carrier can be withdrawn at the rear of the breech
piece.
The spring by which the barrel is returned to position is preferably placed
about the magazine, with its opposite ends pressing against rings surrounding the
magazine, and slotted part way through their length to receive lugs on the under-
side of the barrel, the barrel being surrounded for part of its length with a casing

page_text: through slots in which these lugs project. The rear sleeve is connected to the
hand lever by which it is actuated. The barrel recoils against the pressure of
spring and is returned thereby to normal position, while when the barrel is with-
drawn by the hand lever, the spring noves rearward with the barrel, and is not
compressed, so that the resistance of the spring is not to be overcome in operating
the gun by the hand lever.
A connecting link is provided, having upwardly extending projections with
inclined edges, between which the carrier slides during the rearward movement of
the barrel.
The sear has a rearward projection which is engaged by a catch carried by the
trigger, which is bung upon the hammer pivot. The catch has a pin moving in a
slot in the trigger, so that the catch can shift its position with the movement of
the trigger.
As above stated, the links are locked to a certain extent by the position of the
connecting pivot above the line of dead centre. It is desirable, however, that a
positive locking of these links should be secured during the recoil movement of the
barrel, and this result is secured by projections on opposite sides of the hammer,
which engage the under side of the side plates forming the forked connecting rod,
in the normal position of the links and haminer, so that the links are thus held in
their raised normal position, as the barrel and breech piece move backward, until
the hammer is carried towards cock by the engagement of the recoiling breech
piece, when these projections are brought into position to release the bar, and allow
the links to be broken down.
The breech piece strikes the hammer below and rearward of the end of the firing
pin, so that the hammer is carried away from the firing pin at once, and there is no
pressure upon the firing pin in cocking the hammer. This is an important feature,
and in itself forms a part of the invention, although not essential to the operation
of the gun.
As the trigger is thrown backward, the first action of the catch is to raise the
sear by engagement with the tail, the rear end of the slot in the trigger carrying
the catch with it, and the sear is thus released from the hammer, and the latter
allowed to fall. As the pin in the catch is pivotted upon a centre differing from
that of the trigger, and is concentric with the catch at the end of the trigger
movement, the pin is in the upper part of the slot in the trigger, where it is held
by the tension of the spring, and as the hammer is cocked again, the sear spring
throws the sear again into position to catch the hammer notch, the catch being
thrown downward on its pivot against the tension of spring. If repeated firing on
a single pull is desired, the catch may be replaced by a fixed projection on the
trigger, when the sear will be held out of position to engage the hammer, if the
trigger be held back.
The breech may be closed by the breech bolt, by a coiled spring placed in the
stock of the gun, the pressure of which spring is conveyed to the breech piece by
the pressure rod, the forward end of which terminates in a round knuckle pressing
against a suitable surface on the rear lower end of the breech piece, this spring
being compressed by the recoil, and reacting to return the barrel and breech piece
to normal position.
The breech bolt may be connected to the breech piece by a pair of links pivotted
together, the forward end of the front link being pivotted to the breech bolt, and
the rear end of the rear link to the breech piece, as before stated. The front link
is shewn with a single bearing surface, at its forward end, but at its rear end is
forked, and forms two knuckle joints with the two side plates by which the rear
link is formed.
The two side plates are provided with grooves forming a slot in which works a
pin carried by a lever having the pivot at the base of the frame. The lever
carries a lug which is adapted to be engaged by a catch on a catch arm, so as to
hold the lever and pin during the return movement of the barrel, the rear link thus
forming a lever which is rocked by returning the barrel, so as to carry its forward

page_text: end downward and rearward, thus retracting the breech bolt to open the breech.
A hand lever operates the lever to open the breech, which lever is normally held
in a vertical position by a strong flat spring, so that the rear link cannot rotate
downward, and it is held from rotating upward by contact with the shoulders
formed on the breech piece. By this construction, therefore, the links are locked
against downward or closing movement in the normal position of the parts, and
during the recoil movement of the barrel, the breech bolt being thus securely
locked to the breech piece and barrel, so that the full force of the recoil is
transmitted from the breech bolt through the links to the breech piece, to the rod
and spring.
The recoil pressure may be transmitted from the breech bolt to the breech piece
and barrel, wholly through the links and pivot connecting them, but it is preferable
to transmit this pressure wholly or partially by means independent of this pivot
and the rear link, by providing the forward link with a pressure lug or lugs of
substantially triangular form, with a shoulder at the rear end, and entering corre-
spondingly shaped recesses on the opposite side walls of the breech piece, so as to
engage corresponding lugs on the breech piece formed by the shoulders at the rear
end of the recesses, the engaging surfaces of the lugs being cut on such a curve
as to permit the breaking down and return to position of the links. By this
construction, the recoil pressure upon the breech bolt is transmitted to the breech
piece partially through the lugs, thus reducing the pressure required to be
transmitted by the pivot connecting the links, and by the rear link. The links
may thus be made of smaller size and thickness than otherwise, while securing the
requisite strength. This is an important feature, in that it admits of a material
reduction in the size and width of the breech piece, & consequently of the frame
of the gun.
It will be understood that these lugs may be formed in any other
manner, and placed in any other position suitable for securing the result desired.
The carrier is mounted on the pivot of the hand lever, and is provided with the
forward and rear projections by which the rear end of the rear link actuates the
carrier which has spring wings to hold the cartridge when carried upward.
The catch arm is extended forward sufficiently to lie in the path of the carrier
as the latter rises, which serves to trip the catch for the return of the breech
bolt.
The hammer spring consists of a coiled spring on a rod pivotted to the hammer,
and sliding in a block. The hammer is partially cocked by the firing pin during
the recoil movement of the barrel, and fully cocked by a shoulder on the firing
pin, as the breech bolt is fully retracted. It will be understood, however, that the
parts may be so constructed and arranged, that the hammer will be brought to full
cock by the recoil movement of the barrel, this depending upon the angle through
which the hammer is constructed to move.
It is important that some safety device should be provided to prevent the firing
of the gun except when the parts are fully returned to their normal position; and
in the construction referred to, the firing pin and front link are so constructed as
to coact and form a safety device, which is preferably used, and in itself forms a
part of the invention, although it will be understood that it may be omitted. The
firing pin is provided with a curved notch on its under side, in which a curved
shouldered projection on the front end of the front link takes, the projection and
notch being so formed, that the firing pin is locked when the link is broken down,
and can be advanced only when the link is fully returned to normal position, and
the links straightened out, so that the breech bolt is locked securely.
Any suitable construction of sear and trigger mechanism may be used, but the
following will be found simple and efficient :-The trigger is split to accommodate
a spring, and the sear rotates on the trigger pivot, and is slotted to admit a pawl
and spring hy which the sear is held against the hammer. When the hammer is
cocked, the sear engages a notch therein, and the pawl takes a position above a
projection on the top of the trigger. On pulling the trigger, the projection engages
the lower end of the pawl and raises it, rotating the sear against the pressure of the

page_text: spring, thus disengaging the hammer, and as the hammer falls, a lug thereon wipes
the pawl off the projection, leaving the sear free to engage the haminer notch
again, even though the trigger remain in its rear position.
The gun is preferably constructed so that it may be separated into two parts, as
is usual with present shot guns, but it will be understood that this is not essential.
In the construction shown, the frame is in three pieces, the barrel, magazine,
breech bolt, the breech piece, firing pin and the links being in the part which may
be separated from the parts of the frame and the stock, which is secured to the
latter. The separation of the parts is effected by removing the forearm which is
fastened to the magazine, by any suitable means, such as a spring catch, then
pressing down a spring catch, so that a clamping strap may be rotated rearward
about its axis. The whole forward part of the gun can then be rotated about a
pin, in part as a centre, until the band at the forward end of the part is freed
from the pin, the breech piece coming off the knuckle, and the pin being drawn
out of the slot in the rear link, which is open at its lower end for this purpos".
If an automatic gun be desired, by which the entire contents of the magazine
may be fired at one pull of the trigger, it is necessary only to amit the lug on the
hammer, when the sear will be held out of position to engage the hammer, so long
as the trigger is held back, or it is obvious that adjustable means may be used, so
that the gun may be either a single firing or automatic gun.
Dated this 6th day of August 1895.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.
I HENRY EDWARD NEWTON of The Office for Patents, 6 Bream's Buildings,
Chancery Lane in the County of London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:—
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved magazine firearm,
especially of that particular class known as recoil-operated firearms, in which the
energy developed by the recoil, when the gun is fired, is utilized in retracting the
breech bolt from the barrel to open the breech, and performing the other operations
of the gun required for the next discharge. The invention relates more especially
to shoulder arms, either rifles or shot guns, but it is applicable also to other classes
of fire-arms.
The present invention relates especially to a gun o a special class employing a
longitudinally moveable barrel, the especial object of the invention being to provide
an improved breech movement for such guns, and the invention consists broadly in
the combination with a longitudinally inovcable barrel and a breech bolt connected
by a pair of links pivoted together, of means for returning the barrel to position
after recoil, and mechanism for actuating the links, to withdraw the breech bolt
and open the breech, so as to open the breech when the barrel has returned to
normal position, and for returning the breech bolt to normal position, the breech
bolt preferably being withdrawn during the return movement of the barrel. The
invention includes, in addition to the broad invention above stated, various features
of construction and combinations of parts in a gun of this general organization,
and certain specific features combined therewith to form a complete gun, some of
which may be applied also in other classes of guns employing a different breech
movement.
This broad invention may be applied in many different ways, and the construction
and arrangement of the links and breech bolt, and the devices coacting therewith,

page_text: to perform the other operations of the gun, may be varied widely. It is preferable,
however, to employ a construction in which the links are open, and lie substau-
tially in a straight line in their normal position, and are locked in such position
during the recoil movement, so as to lock the breech bolt to the barrel while the
links are unlocked for the return movement of the barrel, and during this return
movement the link connected to the barrel is operated as a lever, to break links
preferably downward, so as to retract the breech bolt and open the breech, the
breech bolt being released and returned to position by the opening or straightening
out of the links at the proper time in the operation of the gun, and the empty shell
being meanwhile ejected and the live cartridge inserted and carried into the barrel
by the returning breech bolt.
The construction thus briefly outlined may be embodied in constructions differing
widely in organization and details. But for the purpose of illustration and a full
understanding of the invention, a detailed description of constructions embodying
all the improvements, as applied in some of their preferred forms, will now be
given, and the features forming the invention will then be specifically pointed out
in the claims.
Referring to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification:-
Fig. 1 is a side view of the loading side of one form of firearm, with the barrel
and magazine partially broken away.
Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 6.
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal central section, on a larger scale, of the breech portion
of the arm, it being shown as just discharged, with the hammer resting upon the
firing pin.
Fig. 4 is a similar view, showing the parts in the position they occupy after the
recoil, with the barrel in its rearward position.
Figure 5 is a similar view, showing the barrel returned to its normal position,
and the breech bolt fully withdrawn, and about to be returned to position to carry
a cartridge from the carrier into the barrel and close the breech.
Figures 6 and 7 are longitudinal sections on the lines 6 and 7 of Figure 3.
Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, are cross sections on respectively the lines 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
of Figure 3.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the breech bolt.
Figure 14 is a sectional plan of the under side of the same, with the firing pin
removed.
Figure 15 is a detail perspective of the links, carrier, and pressure rod.
Figures 16 to 23 show a modified form of firearm, embodying the broad features
of the invention.
Figure 16 is a longitudinal vertical section of the breech portion of the firearm,
taken on the line 16 of Figure 20, the arm being shown as loaded, with the hammer
resting upon the firing pin.
Figure 17 is an enlarged central section, shewing the same position.
Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 17, showing the parts in the position they
-occupy after the recoil, with the barrel in its rearward position.
Figure 19 is a similar view, shewing the barrel returned to its normal position,
and the breech bolt fully withdrawn, and about to be returned to position to carry
the cartridge from the carrier into the barrel and close the breech.
Figure 20 is a longitudinal horizontal section on the line 20 of Figure 17.
Figures 21 and 22 are cross sections on respectively the lines 21, 22 of
Figure 17.
Figure 23 is a detail side view of the breech piece and links.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 15 of said drawings,
A is the barrel, provided with an extension or breech piece A', formed integral
therewith, or rigidly secured thereto in any suitable manner, the barrel and breech
piece sliding in the frame B, in which they are held and guided in any suitable
manner, preferably by a tongue and groove connection 10, as shewn in Figures 9
sto 11.

page_text: The breech bolt C slides in the breech piece A', being held and guidel therein,.
and in the frame B, by ribs 11 engaging grooves 12, 13 in the breech piece and
frame respectively. D is the magazine arranged below the barrel, and provided
with the usual spring pressed follower 14; E the carrier, by which the cartridges
are received from the magazine and raised into line with the barrel; F the hand'
lever for operating the parts when there is no cartridge in the birrel; & the firing
pin and H the hammer.
Considering now the construction of the arm in detail, the breech piece A¹ is
mortised vertically the length of a cartridge, and this mortise registers with similar
mortises in the frame B above and below the breech piece. The mortise below
the breech piece communicates with the rear end of the magazine D, and contains
the carrier E, the empty cartridge shell preferably being ejected from the top
through the mortise above the breech piece, as usual in such constructions.—the
barrel being provided with a rear projection 15 above the bore, to tip the cartridge
shell forward, as it is thrown out. It will be understood, however, that a side
ejection may be used, if preferred. The magazine may be filled from its rear end,
through the opening 16 in the side of the frame B, as shown, and as usual in such
constructions, or in any other suitable manner.
The bolt C is connected to the barrel extension or breech piece A' by a pair of
links a, b, pivotted together, the forward end of the link a being pivottel to the
breech bolt C by the pivot 17, and the rear end of the link to the breech piece A¹
by the pivot 18, the pivot 19 by which the two links are connected together
preferably being normally slightly above the dead centre, as shewn, so that any
downward movement of the links tends to lock them until they pass the dead
centre. To the rear end of the link is pivotted a bir 20, preferably forked,
being shewn as consisting of two side plates, and this bar exten is into the gun-
stock, and is seated therein on a spring 21 coiled about a rod 22, and made
adjustable in tension by a screw follower 23. This bar 20 carries a stop 24, which
is shewn as pivoted in the two side plates of the forked bar 20, as a better move-
ment is thus secured, although it will be understood that a rigid stop may be used
with fauly good results. Pivoted in the frame below the breech piece, and on
opposite sides of the bar 20, are a pair of stop levers 25, forming a catch by which
the bar 20 is held during the return movement of the barrel, the rear end of these
levers being provided with shoulders 1, adapted to engage the stop 24, and the
forward ends of the levers 25 being provided with shoulders 2, engaged by the
breech piece on its return to position to trip the catch and release the bar 20 at
the proper time, all as hereinafter explained.
The firing pin G consists of a flat piece of metal sliding in a grove 27 in the
under side of the breech bolt, and curved about the front end of the link a, so as to
bring the end into position central to the breech bolt, while permitting the rotation
of the link on its pivot 17. The firing pin caries, near its rear end, a lug or
projection 3, engaging a notch 4 in the under-side of the breech bolt, the movement
of the firing pin thus being limited in both directions. Moreover, in case the
firing pin breaks in front of the lug 3, which is the only point at which breakage
is hable, the rear part of the firing pin will not be blown out, but held by the
lug 3.
Into the breech bolt is set also, in a groove above, and closed by, the firing pin,
a cartridge stop c, which is carried by a rod 28 sliding in the breech bolt, and
having a lug or projection 5 extending below the breech bolt in position to be
actuated by the rear end of the link b, which has a groove into which the
projection 5 enters, so that the stop c is thus advanced into position to stop the
head of the cartridge as it is forced upward, and prevent its being forced above
proper position, the stop c being returned by a spring 29 within the breech bolt,
when released by the rear end of link b. In order to prevent breakage, in case the
cartridge happens to be in the path of the stop, as it is pressed forward, the
pressure upon the stop is preferably made yielding, and, for this purpose,
the actuating lug 5 is carried by a sleeve sliding on rod 28, and acte against a

page_text: spring 30 of greater strength than the stop-returning spring 29, so that, in case of
block, the spring 30 will only be compressed by the sleeve on lug 5, and the stop
not forced forward. The breech bolt carries also, at its forward end, side
extractors d, which are shewn as simple spring-hooked plates secured on the pin 17,
by which the link a is pivoted to the breech piece. It will be understood, however,
that any other suitable form of extractor may be used.
At its forward end, the link a has a downward projection 31, in which is pivoted
the carrier E. This carrier consists of two thin plates e, which are formed or
pivoted to swing sidewise, and a hooked lever f pivoted between these plates, to
swing longitudinally of the gun, and which carries rearward of its pivot a pin 32
projecting into an opening through the link a, which is so placed that when the
links a, b, are closed together, the pin 32 is engaged by a pin 33 projecting from
the rear link b, and preferably adjustable therein, as shown, so as to secure the
proper movement of the carrier. By the engagement of the pins 32, 33, the lever f
is rocked to carry the cartridge upward into line with the barrel and breech bolt,
and the lever f and pin 32 are returned to normal position by the next cartridge,
as it is forced rearwards from the magazine by the follower 14. It will be seen
that by this construction the cartridge is handled entirely by the head, which is
very desirable. A spring-pressed dog g is used to retain the cartridges in the
magazine while the carrier is raised, this dog being depressed by one of the plates e,
which strikes a pin 8 on the dog, when the carrier is lowered, so as to allow the
next cartridge to pass rearward to the carrier, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
In order that the breech bolt C may be withdrawn at the rear of the breech
piece A', the mortise in the latter is not closed permanently, but by a plug 34,
secured by a pin 35, so that by removing this plug, and knocking out the pin 18
forming the pivot for the rear link b, and the pin by which the bar 20 is connected,
the breech bolt, links, and the carrier, can be withdrawn at the rear of the breech
piece.
The spring K, by which the barrel is returned to position, is preferably placed,
as shown, about the magazine D, with its opposite ends pressing against rings 36, 37,
surrounding the magazine, and slotted part way through their length, to receive
lugs 38 on the under-side of the barrel, the barrel being surrounded, for part of its
length, with a casing L, through slots in which these lugs project. The rear
sleeve 37 has an arm 39, extending rearward under the magazine, and connected
by a link 40 to a crank arm 41, loose on the pivot bolt 42 of the hand lever F, and
actuated by the lever through a pin 9 connecting the lever and crank arm. By
this construction, the barrel recoils against the pressure of spring K, and is
returned thereby to normal position, while, when the barrel is withdrawn by the
hand lever F, acting through the crank arm 41, link 40, and sleeve 37, the spring K
moves rearward with the barrel, between the rings 36, which are both carried
rearward, and is not compressed, so that the resistance of the spring K is not to be
overcome in operating the gun by the hand lever.
The link 40 is provided with upwardly-extending projections, having inclined
edges q, between which the side plates e of the carrier E slide during the rearward
movement of the barrel, so as to close these hinged plates, and grip the head of
the cartridge firmly. It will be understood, however, that these inclined surfaces
for actuating the plates e inay be placed upon some stationary part of the arm, as
upon the inside of the frame, or that the required pressure upon the plates e may
be secured by springs, although the positive grip is preferable. The operation of
these surfaces q is the same, whether the breech movement be actuated by the
recoil or by the hand lever, the link 40 being thrown up in the latter case, so that
it acts upon the plates e, although drawu back with the barrel.
The hammer H is pivotted at 43, and has the usual main spring 44 acting upon
the hammer through the link 45. The sear h, having sear spring 46, is pivotted in
front of the hammer, and has a rearward projection 47 which is engaged by a
catch 48 carried by the trigger i, which is hung upon the hammer pivot. The
catch 48 has a min 6 moving in a slot in the trigger, so that the catch can

page_text: shift its position with the movement of the trigger, for a purpose presently to be
described.
As above stated, the links a, b, are locked to a certain extent by the position of
the connecting pivot 19 above the line of deal centre. It is desirable, however,
that a positive locking of these links should be secured during the recoil movement
of the barrel, and this result is secured, in the construction shewn, by proje 'tions 49
on opposite sides of the hammer, which engage the under-side of the side plates
forming the forked connecting rod 20 in the normal position of the links and
hammer, so that the links are thus held in their raised normal position as the barrel
and breech piece move backward, until the hammer is carried towards cock by the
engagement of the recoiling breech-piece, when these projections 49 are brought
into position to release the bar 20.and allow the links to be broken down. It will
be understood that one projection on the hammer may be used, but the construction
with the forked bar 20 and projections on opposite sides of the hammer is
preferable. This forms also a safety device, in that the hammer cannot be brought
down into position to engage the firing pin, unless the breech bolt is fully returnel
to position, so as to raise the plates forming the rod 20, as otherwise the pro-
jections 49 will strike the under-side of these plates. If the links are nearly closed
when the hammer descends, and a strong spring be used upon the hammer, the
pressure will be sufficient to close the links fully, and carry the breech bolt forward
into position to close the barrel, but if the force be not sufficient, the hammer does
not reach the firing pin, and the gun is not fired.
It will be seen that the breech-piece strikes the hammer below and rearward of
the end of the firing pin, so that the hammer is carried away from the firing pin at
once, and there is no pressure upon the firing pin in cocking the hammer. This
is an important feature, and in itself forms a part of the invention, although not
essential to the operation of the gun.
The operation of the arm above described is as follows:-
Assuming that the parts are in the position shown in Figures 2 and 3, the gun
just having been discharged, the recoil carries the barrel A and breech piece A'
rearward together to the limit of the recoil movement of the barrel, thus com-
pressing the spring K against the sleeve 37 by the forward lug 38 on the barrel
acting on the sleeve 36. During this movement, or a part thereof, the links a, b,
are held in their normal position by the bar 20 engaging the projections 49 on the
hammer H, and the breech bolt thus locked to the barrel, so that the full force of
the recoil is utilised, and the escape of gas s at the breech prevented. During this
recoil movement, however, the rear end of the breech piece cocks the hammer, and
thus carries down the projections 49, and releases the rod 20, so that the links a, b,
may be broken down and the breech bolt withdrawn from the barrel. The rod 20
has now been carried rearward, so as to compress the spring 21, and carry the
top 24 past the shoulders 1 on the catch levers 25, when the spring 26, acting
upon these levers, forces them downward, so that the shoulders I are brought in
front of the stop 24, and the shoulders 2 are, by the same movement, raised into
the path of the shoulder 2 on the under-side of the breech piece. By this move-
ment, also, the cartridge in the carrier held by the side plates e, pressed together
by the inclined surfaces 7 on the link 39, has been withdrawn partially from the
magazine. The position of all the parts is now as shewn in Figure 4, the hammer
being cocked by the recoiling breech piece.
The spring K now recoils, returning the barrel and breech piece to normal
position through the engagement of the spring K with the sleeve 36, and the
action of the latter on the forward lug 38 on the barrel. The link b, during this
movement of the barrel, is held against return by the stop 24 on the rod 20
catching the shoulder 1 on the catch levers 25, and the pivot of the rod 20 to the
link 6 thus forms a fulcrum about which the link bis oscillated as a lever, the
rod 20 being depressed to permit this movement, the rear end of the link 5 being
carried forward with the breech piece A', and the front end downward and
rearward, thus breaking the links down, and, through the front link a, which now
B

page_text: acts as a connecting link, drawing the breech bolt back, so as to fully open the
breech when the barrel has returned to its normal position, and thus withdrawing
the cartridge fully from the magazine, so as to lie opposite the mortise in the
breech-piece, and raising the carrier, so as to throw out the shell, as follows:-
As the link a is rocked from the horizontal to an inclined vertical position, the
side plates e of the carrier E are raised, so as to carry the cartridge upward, and,
as the links come together, the pin 33 in the rear link b strikes the pin 32 in the
front link a, and rocks the lever f, so as to lift the cartridge from the side plates e
and carry it into position in the front of the barrel, at the same time forcing out
the empty cartridge shell at the top of the gun, the shell being tipped forward as
it is thrown out by the projection 15. As the links are closed together, also, the
shoulder at the rear end of the link b, formed by the groove therein, engages the
lug 5 by which the stop c is actuated, and pushes the stop forward in time to stop
the head of the cartridge as it is raised by the lever f, so as to hold it in proper
position to be forced into the barrel by the breech bolt on the return of the latter.
As the barrel and breech-piece reach their normal position, shoulder 2 on the rear
end of the breech piece strikes against the shouller 2 at the forward end of the
levers 25, and rocks these levers, so as to raise the rear ends from the stop 24, and
release the rod 20, so that the spring 21 may act to return the rod 20, and thus
close the links a, b, and carry the breech bolt into position to close the breech.
All the parts are now in the position shown in Figure 5, and the breech bolt is
about to be returned to position.
The spring 21 now recoils, forcing forward the rod 20, and thus forcing the
link forward and upward, so as to open the links, and carry the breech piece
forward from the position shown in Fig. 5, and, as the links are opened and the
breech bolt moved forward, the lug 5 is released by the shoulder at the rear end
of the link b, and the cartridge stop is returned by the spring 29.
As the link a
is raised from the vertical to the horizontal position, the plates e and leverf of the
carrier E are moved downward, as soon as the cartridge has been carried into the
barrel sufficiently to require no further support from the carrier, and as the carrier
reaches its lowest position, and trips the dog y, to release the next cartridge, the
next cartridge is forced back between the plates e, and, by its pressure upon the
lever, returns the latter and pin 32. The parts have now all been returned to
their normal position, as shewn in Figs. 2 & 3, except that the hammer is cocked
and the gun is ready for another discharge on pulling the trigger.
The action of the trigger mechanism is as follows:-
As the trigger is thrown backward, the first action of the catch 48 is to raise
the scar by engagement of the catch with the hooked tail 47,-the trigger
carrying the catch with it as the latter is pivoted thereon, and, as the trigger
continues its movement, the sear is released from the hammer, and the latter
allowed to fall. As the catch 48 is pivoted on a centre differing from that of the
trigger, however, and the slot in the trigger receiving the pin 6 is concentric with
the pivot of the catch on the trigger, or of such size as to cuable the catch to move
on its own pivot independently of the trigger, the position of the pin in the slot is
varied during the scar-releasing movement of the trigger, so that at the end of
the backward movement of the trigger, the pin 6 is at the top of the slot in the
trigger, where it is held by the tension of the light spring 7, and, as the hammer is
cocked again, the sear spring 46 throws the sear again into pition to catch the
hammer notch, the cat h 48 being thrown downward on its pivot by the movement
of the sear under pressure of sear spring 46 against the tension of light spring 7,
this movement of the sear and catch being made possible by the freedom of
movement of the pin 6 on the catch in the concentric or large slot in the trigger,
although the trigger is held back, the pin 6 acting as a stop for the catch at the
opposite end of the slot. If repeated firing on a single pull is desired, the catch 48
may be replaced by a fixed projection on the trigger, when the sear will be held
out of position to engage the hammer as long as the trigger is held back.
When the gun is to be loaded by hand, the hand lever F is thrown forward

page_text: from the position shown in fall lines in the figures, to that shewn in dotted lines in
Figure 2, thus rotating the crank arm 41 on the pivot 42, and, through the link 40,
arm 39, and sleeve 37, engaging the rear projection 38 on the barrel, drawing the
barrel backward, the operation then being the same as in the automatic operation,
when the barrel is thrown back by the recoil, except that the barrel is returned to
position by drawing back the hand lever, instead of the spring K, as in the
automatic operation. As both the sleeves 36, 37, move backward with the barrel
during this operation by the hand-lever; the spring K is not compressed, so that
this operation of the hand-lever requires but little force.
Referring now to Figs. 16 to 23, the modified form of gun shown therein will be
described. In the gun shewn in these figures, it will be understood that A is the
barrel, A the extension or breech piece, B the frame, C the breech bolt sliding in
the breech piece, D the magazine having the follower 14, E the carrier, the
hand lever, G the firing pin, and H the hammer, the same reference letters being
used for these parts as in the construction previously described. The barrel and
breech piece are guided in the frame by a tongue and groove, and the breech
piece and frame are mortised vertically the length of a cartridge for top ejection,
as previously described, a top retractor or ejector 112 being shewn.
The barrel A and breech piece A¹ are held in their normal forward position, as
shewn in Figs. 16 and 17, in which the breech is closed by the breech bolt C, by a
spring, which, in the preferred construction shewn, is a coiled spring 114 placed in
the stock of the gun, the pressure of which spring is conveyed to the breech-piece
by the pressure rod a, the forward end of which is formed by two side plates 116,
which terminate in a round knuckle 117, pressing against a suitable surface on the
rear lower end of the breech piece, this spring 114 being compressed by the recoil,
and reacting to return the barrel and breech-piece to normal position. This loose
connection between the rod z and breech piece is preferred, as it permits these
two parts to be separated in taking the gun apart.
The breech bolt C is connected to the breech piece A by a pair of links a, b,
pivoted together, the forward end of the front link a being pivoted to the breech
bolt C, and the rear end of the rear link 6 to the breech piece A'.
The front
link a is shewn with a single bearing surface at its forward end, but at its rear end
is forked, and forms two knuckle joints with the two side plates, by which the
link is formed in the construction shewn. It will be understood, however,
that these links may be constructed in any other suitable manner.
The two side plates forming the link bare provided with grooves 101 forming
a slot in which works a pin 102, carried by a lever 118, having the pivot 119
at the base of the frame B. The lever 118 carries a lug 103, which is adapted
to be engaged by a catch 104 on a catch arm 120, so as to hold the lever 118
and pin 102 during the return movement of the barrel; the rear link b thus
forming a lever having its fulcrum on the pin 102, and being rocked thereon
by returning the barrel, so as to carry its forward end downward and rearward,
thus retracting the breech bolt to open the breech. The hand lever F operates
the lever 118 to open the breech, being provided with a shoulder 140, which
engages a lug 141 carried by the lever 118, when the hand lever is thrown forward.
Any suitable construction for the lever 118 and catch arm 120 may be used; but in
the construction shown, the lever 118 is formed of two side plates. and between
which the lug 103 is carried, and the catch arm 120 passes between these plates.
The lever 118 is normally held in a vertical position, as shewn in Figures 16
and 17, by the strong flat spring 121 engaging a bowl 222 on the rear side of the
lever, and in that position the pin 102 is in the central horizontal portion of the
slot 101, so that the link 6 cannot rotate downward, and it is held from rotating
upward by contact with the shoulders formed on the breech-piece A', as shewn in
Fig. 22, the spring 121 pressing upward, so as to hold it firmly in place against the
breech piece. By this construction, therefore, the links a, b, are locked against
downward or closing movement in the normal position of the parts, and during the
recoil movement of the barrel, the breech bolt C being thus securely locked to the

page_text: breech piece A¹ and barrel, so that the full force of the recoil is transmitted from
the breech bolt, through the links a, b, to the breech piece A', and through rod a
and spring 114. During this recoil movement, however, the lever 118 is rotated
on its pivot 119, so as to carry the pin 102 to the position shewn in Fig. 18, and,
at the end of this movement, the catch 104 on the catch arm 120, depressed by its
spring 122, engages the lug 103 on lever 118, so as to hold the latter, and, through
the pin 102, the rear link b, as stated above.
The recoil pressure may be transmitted from the breech bolt C to the breech
piece A and barrel, wholly through the links and pivot connecting them, but
it is preferable to transmit this pressure wholly or partially by means independent
of this pivot and the rear link, and, in the preferred construction shewn, this
result is attained by providing the forward link a with a pressure lug or lugs 142,
a lug at the rear end of each fork of the link being shewn, these lugs being
shewn as of substantially triangular form, with a shoulder at the rear end, aud
entering correspondingly-shaped recesses on the opposite side walls of the breech
piece A¹, so as to engage corresponding lugs 143 on the breech piece, formed
by the shoulders at the rear end of the recesses, the engaging surfaces of the
lugs 142, 143, being cut on such a curve as to permit the breaking down and
return to position of the links. By this construction, the recoil pressure upon
the breech bolt C is transmitted to the breech piece A¹ partially through the
lugs 142, 143, thus reducing the pressure required to be transmitted by the pivot
connecting the links, and by the rear link b. The links may thus be made of
smaller size and thickness than otherwise, while securing the requisite strength.
This is an important feature, in that it admits of a material reduction in the size
and width of the breech-piece, and consequently of the frame of the gun.
It will
be understood that these lugs may be formed in any other manner, and placed in
any other position suitable for securing the result desired.
The carrier E is carried by the carrier arm 123, pivotted concentrically with
the lever 118, this carrier arm being provided with the forward and rear
projections 124, 125, by which the rear end of the link actuates the carrier, and
slotted, or formed of side plates, to permit the passage of the lever 118 and
spring 121 in the centre of the gun. The carrier E has the spring wings 1,
between which the cartridge is received, and by which it is held when carried
upward, and below the carrier is the spring-pressed dog 126, of any suitable
construction, for holding the cartridges in the magazine during the operation of
the carrier, this dog being shewn as pivotted and spring-pressed upward by a
coiled spring seated in the frame under it, the carrier pressing the dog downward
as it descends. The catch arm 120 is extended forward sufficiently, and is con-
structed to lie in the path of the carrier arm 123, as the latter rises, and the arm
is thus raised to trip the catch 104 off the lug 103, for the return of the breech
bolt. The bolt C preferably carries a roller 115, which lies between the wings 1,
and forms a stop for the cartridge, as it is fed rearward from the magazine into
the carrier.
The hammer spring is shewn as consisting of a coiled spring 127 on a rod 128
pivotted to the hammer, and sliding in a block 129 pivotted in the plates 116.
As shewn, the hammer is partially cocked by the firing pin during the recoil
movement of the barrel, and fully cocked by a shoulder on the firing pin, as the
breech bolt is fully retracted. It will be understood, however, that the parts may
be so constructed and arranged, that the haminer will be brought to full cock by
the recoil movement of the barrel, this depending upon the angle through which
the hammer is constructed to move.
It is important that some safety device should be provided to prevent the firing
of the gun, except when the parts are fully returned to their normal position, and
in the construction shewn, the firing pin G and link a are so constructed as to
co-act and form a safety device, which is preferably used, and in itself forms a
part of the invention, although it will be understood that it may be omitted. In
this construction, the firing pin G is provided with a curved notch 105 on its under

page_text: side, in which a curved shouldered projection 106 on the front end of the link a
tal es, the projection 106 and notch 105 being so formed that the firing pin is
locked when the link a is broken down, and can be advanced only when the link a
is fully returned to normal position, and the links straightened out, so that the
breech bolt is locked securely. The action of this safety device will be under-
stood from an examination of the drawings, Fig. 19 shewing the firing pin
locked against movement, and the other figures shewing the normal position of the
parts.
Any suitable construction of sear and trigger mechanism may be used, but that
shewn will be found simple and efficient. In this constructian the trigger 130 is
split, to accommodate spring 121, and rotates on pivot 131 of the catch arm 120.
The sear 132 rotates on the same centre, and is slotted to admit the pawl 133,
pivotted thereon, and spring-pressed by spring 134, and by which the sear is held
against the hammer,-135 being the trigger spring. When the hammer is cocked,
the sear engages a notch therein, and the pawl 133 takes position above a
projection 109 on the top of the trigger. On pulling the trigger, the projection 109
engages the lower end of the pawl 133, and raises it, rotating the sear 132 against
the pressure of the spring 134, thus disengaging the hammer, and, as the hammer
falls, a lug 136 thereon wipes the pawl 133 off the projection 109,-leaving the
bear 132 free to engage the hammer notch again. even though the trigger remain
its rear position.
The arm is preferably constructed so that it may be separated into two parts,
as is usual with present shot guns, but it will be understood that this is not
essential.
In the construction shewn, the frame B is in three pieces, 61, 62, 63, the barrel A,
magazine D, breech bolt C, breech piece A', firing pin G. and the links a, b, being
in the part b', which may be separated from the parts of the frame 6, 6, and the
stock which is secured to the latter, the dividing line being on the dotted line y in
Fig. 16. The separation of the parts is effected by removing the forearm P,
which is fastened to the magazine D by any suitable means, such as a spring catch,
as usual, this catch not being shewn, as it may be any well-known construction,
then pressing down the spring catch 137, so that the clamping strap 138 may be
rotated rearward about its axis 131. The whole forward part of the gun can
then be rotated about the pin 139 in part 2, as a centre, until the band at the
forward end of the part b¹ is freed from the pin 139, the breech piece A¹ coming
off the knuckle 117, and the pin 102 being drawn out of the slot 101 in the link b,
which is open at its lower end for this purpose. In connecting the gun, the
operation is reversed, the slot 101 in the link b being introduced onto the pin 102,
and the groove in the breech piece over the knuckle 117, as the parts are brought
into position, and the parts secured together by returning the clamping strap 138
to the position shewn in the drawings, where it is secured by the spring catch 137.
The pin 102 may be moved by the hand lever F into proper position to enter the
slot 101.
Assuming that the parts are in the position shewn in Figures 16 and 17, except
that the gun is cocked, pressure is applied to the trigger 130, so as to raise the
sear from the notch in the hammer by engagement of the projection 109 with
the lower end of the pawl 133, thus releasing the hammer, and allowing it to
strike the firing pin and explode the cartridge. As soon as the explosion takes
place, the force of the recoil will cause the breech bolt C, with the breech piece A¹
and the barrel A, to recoil against the tension of spring 114, and compress the
same. The extent of the rearward movement of the barrel will depend upon
the strength of the spring, the size of the charge, and the length of the cartridge,
and may be adjusted as desired within the limits embraced by the available recoil
power, but a comparatively small movement of the barrel will be found sufficient.
As the barrel and breech bolt both move rearward, the links a, b, are held pressed
upward against the breech piece A' by the spring 121 acting on the lever 118 and
the pin 102 in the slot 101, and the breech bolt is thus held locked to the barrel

page_text: until the latter is at or near the limit of its rearward movement, thus utilizing
the full force of the recoil, and preventing the escape of gases at the breech.
The position of the parts with the barrel in its rear position is shewn in Fig. 18.
The effect of the recoil having been spent, the barrel returns to normal position
under the pressure of spring 114, acting through rod z, and the lever 118, being
held by the catch 104, the rear link is rotated downward on the pin 102 as a pivot,
by the forwardly-moving breech piece, to which the rear end of this link is
pivotted, and thus draws backward the breech bolt by the forward link a acting
as a connecting link between the forward end of the rear link b, now acting as a
lever, and the breech bolt is fully retracted to open the breech. As the knuckle
at the joints of the links a, b, swings downward and rearward, it engages the
projection 125 at the rear end of the carrier arm 123, and throws the carrier
upward, so as to carry a cartridge in front of the breech bolt, the empty shell, if
any, being forced out at the top mortise 111 by the carrier as it rises, the
retractor or ejector 112 having withdrawn the shell from the barrel with the
breech bolt. The position of the parts with the breech fully opened, and a
cartridge in position to be carried into the barrel by the breech bolt, is shewn in
Figure 19.
The spring 121 has been compressed by the rearward movement of the lever 118,
and the carrier arm 123 in its upward movement to deliver the cartridge, strikes
the forward end of the catch arm 120, and raises it, so as to release the hook 104
from the lug 103 on the lever 118, when the spring 121, acting upon the bowl 222
on lever 118, rocks the latter forward, and. moves it from the position shewn in
Fig. 19 to that shewn in Fig. 17, thus returning the links and breech bolt to their
normal positions, and closing the breech. As the breech bolt returns to position,
it passes between the wings on the carrier E, opening them at the same time that
it forces the cartridge into the barrel, and, this movement also, by the pressure of
the breech piece upon the wings of the carrier, tends to move the carrier down-
ward. As the links are returned to their normal position, also, the striking of the
knuckle at the joint between the links a. b. upon the front projection 124 of the
carrier, assures the return of the latter, after the cartridge has been pushed into
the barrel sufficiently by the breech bolt, so that it requires no further guiding
from the carrier. As the carrier reaches its lowest position, it forces downward
the dog 126, which has sprung up when released by the carrier, and thus releases
the next cartridge, so that upon the withdrawal of the breech bolt, it will be
moved rearward between the wings into the carrier. The wings are shaped as
shewn, to permit the magazine to be loaded from the side of the gun.
The hammer has been partially cocked by the end of the firing pin as the barrel
recoils, and fully cocked as the breech bolt is withdrawn from the barrel. As the
hammer fell in firing the shot, the lug 136 on the hammer struck the pawl 133
and wiped it off the projection 109, so that the sear is free to catch the hammer as
it is cocked, and the parts are now in position for firing another shot. If an
automatic gun be desired, by which the entire contents of the magazine may be
fired at one pull of the trigger, it is necessary only to omit the lug 136 on the
hammer, when the sear will be held out of position to engage the hammer so long
as the trigger is held back, or it is obvious that adjustable means may be used, so
that the gun may be either a single-firing or automatic gun.
When the firearm is to be loaded by hand, the hand lever F is thrown forward
from the position shewn in full lines in the figures, to that shewn in dotted lines
in Fig. 17, and shoulder 140 on the hand lever strikes lug 141 on the lever 118,
and breaks down the links a, b, carrying the link b downward and backward, thus
drawing the breech bolt back by closing the links together, as shewn in Fig. 19,
and cocking the hammer by the firing pin, and, on reversing the lever, the parts
are returned to their normal positions, as shewn in Figures 16 and 17 by the
spring 121, the carrier being actuated as in the automatic operation of the gun,
previously described.
If the magazine is not to be used, it will be understood that the gun may be

page_text: loaded by inserting a cartridge into the carrier from the rear through an opening
in the side of the frame B, as usual in magazine guns, prior to withdrawing the
breech bolt, or the cartridge may be inserted from the top of the gun, when the
breech holt is fully withdrawn.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
from abroad, I would here remark :-
As before stated, the invention is equally applicable to other classes of firearms,
the essential parts above described being employed in each case, though some
of the minor details may be changed to adapt the invention to the varying
circumstances, what I claim, therefore, is :-
1. A firearm having a longitudinally-movable barrel actuated by the recoil, a
breech bolt connected to the barrel by links, and mechanism for returning the
barrel to position, after recoil, and actuating the links, to withdraw the breech bolt
and open the breech, when the barrel has returned to normal position, and for
returning the breech bolt to normal position, substantially as described.
2. A firearm having a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the recoil, a
breech bolt connected to the barrel by links, and mechanism for returning the
barrel to position after recoil, and actuating the links during the return movement
of the barrel, to withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, and for returning
the breech bolt to normal position, substantially as described.
3. A fire-arm having a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the recoil, a
breech bolt connected to the barrel by links, and mechanism for breaking the links
downward, to withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, and for returning the
breech bolt to normal position, substantially as described.
4. A firearm having a longitudinally moving barrel actuated by the recoil, a
breech bolt connected to the barrel by links, a spring put under tension by the
recoil of the barrel, and by which the barrel is returned to normal position, and
mechanism operated by said spring, for actuating the links, to withdraw the breech
bolt and open the breech, substantially as described.
5. A firearm having a longitudinally moving barrel actuated by the recoil, a
breech bolt connected to the barrel by links, a spring put under tension by the
recoil of the barrel, and by which the barrel is returned to normal position,
mechanism operated by said spring for actuating the links to withdraw the breech
bolt and open the breech, and a second spring for returning the breech bolt to
normal position, substantially as described.
6. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the recoil,
of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for returning
the barrel to position after recoil, mechanism for actuating the links during the
return movement of the barrel, to withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech,
and for returning the breech bolt to normal position, an extractor, a magazine, and
means for transferring a cartridge from the magazine to the barrel, substantially
us described.
7. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the recoil,
of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for returning the
barrel to position after recoil, mechanism for actuating the links during the return
movement of the barrel, to withdraw the breech bolt, and open the breech, and for
returning the breech bolt to normal position, an extractor operated on the with-
diawal of the breech bolt, to extract the empty shell, a magazine, and a carrier
actuated by the links, for transferring a cartridge from the magazine to the barrel,
substantially as described.
8 The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the recoil,
of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and bariel, means for returning
the barrel to position after recoil, devices for holding one of the links during the
return movement of the barrel, whereby said link is actuated as a lever by the
returning barrel to withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech and means for

page_text: releasing the breech bolt and returning it to normal position, substantially as
described.
9. The combination with a longitudinally-movable barrel actuated by the recoil,
of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for locking
said links in their normal position during recoil, and unlocking them for the return
movement of the barrel, and mechanism for returning the barrel to position after
recoil, and actuating said links during the return movement of the barrel, to
withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, and for returning the breech bolt to
normal position, substantially as described.
10. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel and breech bolt to position, a member carried by and pivotted
on the rear link, a catch holding said member during the return of the barrel, and
means for tripping said catch for the return of the breech bolt, substantially as
described.
11. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bclt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel and breech bolt to position, a member carried by and pivotted
on the rear link, and a catch holding said member during the return of the barrel,
and tripped by the returning barrel, as the latter reaches its normal position,
substantially as described.
12. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to position after recoil, a pressure bar pivotted on the rear
link, means for holding said pressure bar during the return of the barrel, whereby
the link is actuated as a lever to withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech,
and a spring acting upon said bar to return the breech bolt, substantially as
described.
13. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to position after recoil, a pressure bar extending into the stock
of the gun, and pivotted on the rear link, means for holding the said pressure bar
during the return of the barrel, whereby the link is actuated as a lever to withdraw
the breech bolt and open the breech, and a spring in said stock put under tension
by the operation of the breech mechanism, and reacting upon said bar, to return
the breech bolt, substantially as described.
14. The combination with barrel A and breech bolt C, of links a, b, bar 20
pivotted to link b, a spring for returning the barrel, stop 24 carried by said bar,
spring-pressed lever 25 having catch 1 engaging said stop, a spring pressing on
bar 20, and means for tripping catch 1, substantially as described.
15. The combination with barrel A and breech bolt C, of links a, b, bar 20,
pivotted to link b, a spring for returning the barrel, stop 24 carried by said bar,
spring pressed lever 25 having catch 1 engaging said stop, and shoulder 2 on the
lever, a spring pressing on bar 20, and shoulder 2ª on the barrel, engaging the
shoulder 2 on the return of the barrel to trip the catch, substantially as described.
16. The combination with barrel A and breech bolt C, of links a, b, bar 20
pivotted to link b, a spring for returning the barrel, hammer H, having projection 49
co-acting with said bar to lock the links, stop 24 carried by said bar, spring-pressed
lever 25, having catch 1 engaging said stop, a spring pressing on bar 20, and means
for tripping catch 1, substantially as described.
17. The combination with barrel A and breech bolt C, of links a, b, bar 20
pivotted to link b, spring K below the barrel for returning the latter, stop 24
carried by said bar, spring-pressed lever 25, having catch 1 engaging said stop, a
spring pressing on bar 20, and means for tripping catch 1, substantially as
described.
18. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for

page_text: returning the barrel to position after recoil, a catch and connections between said
catch and one of the links, whereby said link is actuated as a lever by the returning
barrel, to withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, a carrier tripping said
catch, and means for returning the breech bolt to normal position, substantially as
described.
19. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to normal position, a catch acting during the return of the
barrel and tripped for the return of the breech bolt, a member having a pin and
slot connection with the rear link, and devices whereby said member is held by the
catch during the return movement of the barrel, and actuated, on the tripping
of the catch, to return the breech bolt to normal position, substantially as
described.
20. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to normal position, a catch acting during the return of the
barrel, and tripped for the return of the breech bolt, a member having a pin and
slot connection with the rear link, said slot being formed to lock the links in their
normal position for the recoil movement, and devices whereby said member is held
by the catch during the return movement of the barrel, an 1 actuated on the tripping
of the catch to return the breech bolt to normal position, substantially as
described.
21. The combination with the longitudinally movable barrel, breech bolt C and
breech piece A¹, of links a, b, connecting the breech bolt and breech piece, link b
having slot 101, lever 118, having pin 102 entering said slot, catch 104 engaging
said lever, and means for tripping said catch, substantially as described.
22. The combination with the longitudinally movable barrel, breech bolt C, and
breech piece A', of links a, b, connecting the breech bolt and breech piece, link b
having slot 101, lever 118 having pin 102 entering said slot, catch arm 120 carrying
catch 104 for holding the lever 118, and a carrier having arm 123 engaging said
catch arm, to trip the catch, substantially as described.
23. The combination with the longitudinally movable barrel, breech bolt C, and
breech piece A', of links a, b, connecting the breech bolt and breech piece,
link 6 having slot 101, lever 118 having pin 102 entering said slot, catch arm 120
carrying catch 104 for holding the lever 118, and a carrier having arm 123 engaging
said catch arm, to trip the catch, and having projections 124, 125, engaged by the
links to actuate the carrier, substantially as described.
24. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, a spring
arranged under the barrel, put under tension by the recoil of the barrel, and reacting
to return the barrel to normal position, and mechanism for actuating the links to
withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, and for returning the breech bolt to
normal position, substantially as described.
25. The combination with the barrel A, breech bolt C, and links a, b, of spring K
below the barrel acting on lug 38 on the barrel, and mechanism for actuating the
links, substantially as described.
26. A fire-arm having a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the recoil, a
breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for returning the
barrel to position after recoil, mechanism for actuating the links during the return
movement of the barrel, to withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, and for
returning the breech bolt to normal position, and a hand lever for operating the
breech mechanism, substantially as described.
27. A fire-arm having a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the recoil,
a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for returning the
barrel to position after recoil, mechanism for actuating the links during the return
movement of the barrel, to withdraw. the breech bolt and open the breech, and for
returning the breech bolt to normal position, and a hand lever actuating said

page_text: links, to retract the breech bolt independently of the barrel, substantially as
described.
28. A fire-arm having a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the recoil, a
breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for returning the
barrel to position after recoil, mechanism for actuating the links to withdraw the
breech bolt, and for returning the breech bolt to normal position, and a hand lever
and connections to the barrel for operating the breech mechanism by hand,
substantially as described.
29. The combination with barrel A, breech bolt C, and links a, b, of spring K
below the barrel between lugs 38 on the barrel at the forward end of the spring,
and sleeve 37 at the rear end, lug 38 on the barrel behind said sleeve, hand lever F,
and connections between said hand lever and sleeve 37, and mechanisin for actuating
said links by the recoil, substantially as described.
30. A fire-arm having a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the recoil, a
breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for returning said
barrel to normal position, a member having a pin and slot connection with the rear
link, mechanism eo-acting with said member for actuating said links during the
return movement of the barrel to withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech,
and to return the breech bolt to normal position, and a hand lever for actuating
said member, substantially as described.
31. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to position after recoil, mechanism for actuating the links,
to withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, and for returning the breech
bolt to normal position, and a carrier carried by the forward link, substantially as
described.
32. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the recoil,
of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for returning
the barrel to position, after recoil, mechanism for actuating the links, to withdraw
the breech bolt and open the breech, and for returning the breech bolt to normal
position, and a carrier carried by the forward link, and having a pivoted member.
actuated by the closing of the links together, to carry the cartridge into line with
the breech bolt, substantially as described.
33. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting and breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to position after recoil, mechanism for actuating the links to
withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, and for returning the breech bolt
to normal position, and a carrier carried by the forward link, and having a pivoted
member, a pin on said member extending into au opening through the link, and a
pin carried by the other link, to actuate said pivoted member, substantially as
described.
34. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to position after recoil, nechanism for actuating the links, to
withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, and for returning the breech bolt
to normal position, a carrier carried by the forward link, and consisting of two side
wings engaging the head of the cartridge, and a central lever actuated by the
closing of the links together, substantially as described.
35. The combination with the barrel, breech bolt, and links a, b, of carrier E on
link a, consisting of side wings e and central lever f, pin 32 on said lever entering
an opening in link a, and pin 33, on link b, engaging pin 32, to actuate the lever,
when the links are closed together, substantially as described.
36. The combination with a longitudinally moving breech-bolt, and carrier
moving therewith, having side wings e, of, inclined surfaces g by which the wings
are pressed together as the carrier moves rearward, substantially as described.
37. The combination with the barrel and breech bolt, and links a, b connecting
the breech bolt and barrel, of carrier E on link a having side wings e, and inclined

page_text: surfaces y by which the wings are pressed together, as the carrier moves rearward,
substantially as described.
38. Carrier E, having side wings e, for engaging the sides of the cartridge, and
central hooked lever for engaging the under side of the head of the cartridge,
substantially as described.
39. The combination with the carrier E, having the spring wings 1, of the
breech bolt C having a projection separating said wings for the receipt of the
cartridge from the magazine, substantially as described.
40. The combination with the longitudinally movable barrel, breech bolt C, and
breech piece A', of a breech mechanism having links a, b, connecting the breech
bolt and breech piece, and a carrier having projections 124, 125, engaged by said
links, to actuate the carrier, substantially as described.
41. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel, of a breech bolt,
links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, and normally lying in straightened
position with their point of connection beyon'l the dead centre, means for returning
the barrel to normal position, and mechanism for actuating the links, to withdraw
the breech bolt, and for returning the breech bolt to normal position, substantially
as described.
42. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel, actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to position after recoil, mechanism for actuating the links, to
withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, and for returning the breech bolt
to normal position, and means for transmitting recoil pressure from the breech bolt
to the barrel independently of the rear link, substantially as described.
43. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to position aiter recoil, mechanism for actuating the links, to
withdraw the breech bolt and open the breech, and for returning the breech bolt
to normal position, and lugs on the front link and barrel engaging during the recoil
movement for transmitting the recoil pressure, substantially as described.
44. The combination with the longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, breech bolt, breech piece A', and links a. b. connecting the breech bolt and
breech piece, and lugs on link a and breech piece A¹ engaging during the recoil
movement, substantially as described.
45. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to normal position, mechanism for actuating the links, to
withdraw the breech bolt and for returning the breech bolt to normal position,
and a hammer cocked by the recoil and co-acting with said mechanism to lock the
links in their normal position at the commencement of the recoil, substantially as
described.
46. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to normal position, mechanism for actuating the links to
withdraw the breech bolt, and for returning the breech bolt to normal position, a
hammer cocked by the recoil, and a projection on the hammer coacting with said
mechanism, to lock the links in their normal position, and to lock the cocked
hammer on the return of the links until they are fully returned to normal position,
substantially as described.
47. The combination with a longitudinally moveable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to normal position, mechanism for actuating the links to
withdraw the breech bolt, and for returning the breech bolt to normal position, a
hammer cocked by the recoil, and a projection on the hammer co-acting with said
mechanism on the return of the breech bolt, to lock the cocked hammer until the
links are fully returned to normal position, substantially as described.
48. Breech bolt C, having a longitudinal recess, stop c carried by rod 28 in said

page_text: recess, and having actuating lug 5, spring 29 for returning the stop, and firing pin G
closing the recess, substantially as described.
49. The combination with the breech bolt C and links a. b, of firing pin G lying
outside the links, and curved about the forward end of link a, substantially as
described.
50. The combination with a longitudinally moveable barrel actuated by the
recoil, of a breech bolt, links connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for
returning the barrel to position after recoil, mechanism for actuating the links
during the return movement of the barrel, to withdraw the breech bolt and open
the breech, and for returning the breech bolt to normal position, a firing pin, a
bammer cocked by the recoil, and a safety device holding the firing pin away from
the cartridge, until the parts are fully returned to normal position, substantially as
described.
51. The combination with a recoil operated breech mechanism, of a firing pin
having a recess, and a locking projection on a moving part of the breech mechanism,
and locking the said firing pin until the parts are fully returned to normal position,
substantially as described.
52. The combination with the breech bolt C. and links a, b, of the firing pin G,
having the curved recess 105 receiving curved projection 106 on the link a,
substantially as described.
53. The combination with a hammer and recoil-operated cocking mechanism, of
a sear, a trigger, and a pivoted member on the sear engaged by the trigger to
release the hammer, and rocked by the hammer to release the sear, when the
hammer falls, substantially as described.
54. The combination with a hammer and recoil-operated cocking mechanism, of
sear 132, carrying pawl 133, trigger 130 having projection 109 beneath said pawl,
when the trigger is in its normal position, and projection 136 on the hammer
arranged to rock said pawl off the projection 109 as the hammer falls, substantially
as described.
55. The combination with a hammer and recoil-operated cocking mechanism of
sear / having tail piece 47, trigger i carrying spring pressed pivoted catch 48, and
pin 6 on the catch entering a slot in the trigger, the line of said slot being such
relatively to the lines of movement of the sear and trigger, that the pin is thrown
to its upper and when the trigger is actuated to release the sear, and returned by
the sear as the hammer is cocked, substantially as described.
56. The combination with the barrel A, of breech piece A¹, mortised through at
the rear end, a breech bolt moving in said mortise, and a removable plug closing
the rear end of the mortise, substantially as described.
57. The combination with the barrel A, of breech piece A¹ mortised through at
the rear end, breech bolt C moving in said mortise, links a, b, and removable
plug 34 closing the rear end of the mortise, substantially as described.
58. The combination with the barrel, breech piece, breech bolt, and links a, b,
and removable part-frame b¹ carrying said members, of breech-actuating mechanism
detachably connected to said links and breech piece, and means for detachably
securing the parts of the gun frame together, substantially as described.
59. The combination with the barrel, breech piece, breech bolt, and links a, b,
and removable part frame b', carrying said members, said link b, having an
open slot, of breech-actuating mechanism connected with said lever by a pin
entering said open slot, and means for detachably securing the parts of the
gun frame together, substantially as described.
60. The combination with a longitudinally movable barrel, of a breech bolt, links
connecting said breech bolt and barrel, means for returning the barrel to position,
mechanism for actuating the links, to withdraw the breech bolt and open the
breech, a carrier for transferring a cartridge to the barrel, and a cartridge
stop actuated by the links for stopping the head of the cartridge in line with the
breech bolt, as the cartridge is advanced into line with the breech bolt by the
carrier, substantially as described.

page_text: 61. The combination with a barrel, breech bolt and carrier, and means for
opening the breech and actuating the carrier, of spring-returned stop c in the
breech bolt for the head of the cartridge, and means for advancing the stop,.
substantially as described.
62. The combination with a barrel, breech bolt and carrier, and means for
opening the breech and actuating the carrier, of a stop c in the breech bolt for the
head of the cartridge, and means for advancing said stop under a yielding pressure,.
and returning it to position, substantially as described.
63. Breech bolt C having a longitudinal recess, stop c carried by rod 28 in said
recess, and having actuating lug 5 loose on the rod, and acting against spring 30,.
and spring 29 for returning the stop, substantially as described.
Dated this 6th day of May 1896.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.