Improvements in Hammerless and other Breech-loading Guns and Rifles in which the Barrels Drop down for Charging.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 9th Dec., 1886
Complete Left, 8th Oct., 1887
Complete Accepted, 6th Dec., 1887
RESE
Improvements in Hammerless and other Breech-loading Guns and
Rifles in which the Barrels Drop down for Charging.
I WILLIAM ANSON, of Slaney Street, Birmingham in the County of Warwick,
Gunmaker do hereby declare the nature of my said invention to be as follows:-
The object of my invention is to effect further improvements in my former inven-
tion, for which I obtained Letters Patent dated November 20th 1884 No. 15,299.
In this Specification for convenience of description, the extraction with my additions
and improvements, is hereinafter referred to as the "extractor-ejector."
My invention consists in new methods of applying springs to the rod or other
parts of the extractor-ejector, and also in the means whereby the extractor-ejector is
prevented from ejecting the unfired Cartridge until the Gun has been fired, and the
barrels dropped to the proper angle to allow the empty Cartridge Case to be ejected.
One method of fitting the spring to the extractor-ejector, consists in attaching one
or two springs to the rod which passes longitudinally through the extractor-ejector
leg; the spring or springs, when attached to the rear end of the rod, forming a T,
and extending to the right and left, and under the lips or rims of the Cartridge Cases.
The above arrangements and modifications are used in combination with means
and appliances for compressing the springs, until the requisite force is obtained to
eject the Cartridge Case, and also to prevent the ejection of unfired Cartridges.
One method of effecting this purpose consists in forming indentations of recesses
in the chambers of the Barrels, in such a position that, when the Cartridge is fired,
the explosion causes a portion of the metal of the Cartridge Case which covers the
indentations, to bulge, and more or less enter into and fill up the indentations.
When the extractor-ejector commences to press the Cartridge Case outwards, the
bulged portion of the Case causes the same to bind slightly in the Chamber, with
sufficient force to compress the spring attached to the rear end of the rod, or other
portion of the extractor-ejector. When the barrels are dropped the rod carrying the
spring or springs moves backward about one eighth of an inch without moving the
extractor-ejector; this movement of the rod, puts the compression on the spring or

page_text: springs, by means of the outer ends of the spring or springs being held by the lips
or rims of the Cartridge Cases; the extractor-ejector then moves backwards, carrying
the rod with the compressed spring or springs with it, at the same time forcing out
the Cases till the bulged parts are clear of the mouth of the Chamber, when the Case
becomes free, and the spring or springs are released, and the empty Case or Cases are
immediately thrown out.
By this method of providing indentations in the Chambers the explosion itself is
utilised in effecting the compression of the Springs instead of such compression being
effected by means of levers on or in the extension of the barrels.
Instead of using the indentations in the Chambers to compress the springs, I may
use a lever with a projecting piece on one end and working on the extension, to
obstruct the fired case in coming out, until the compression is put on the spring or
springs, the lever being actuated by a peg or plunger similar to the arrangement for
operating on the plate or thumb piece which is fitted on each side of the extractor-
ejector, (as described in my said former Specification) the lever in the extension is
put in position to obstruct the coming out of the Case, by means of a peg or plunger
working in a hole which passes through the breech block, and is actuated by a coiled
spring. On the falling of the hammer the peg or plunger comes forward automatically,
and engages with the lever on the extension, and puts it in position to obstruct the
coming out of the fired Case, until the spring is compressed and the extractor-ejector
is forced past the obstruction to release the springs, so that they may throw out the
fired cases. The hammer in going back to cock withdraws the peg or plunger. By
means of a small tube to carry the peg or plunger and coiled spring, and
applying it to the outside of the breech action on either side, I am enabled to fit
ejector mechanism to old Guns, or Guns with ordinary side locks.
In another modification instead of using the Catch attached to the back lump as
described in my said former Specification, I employ a spring formed at the end like
a V attached to the extension at the end, and passing from the top of the rib
downward through the extension, or underneath the extension with a corresponding V
on the extractor-ejector, the spring on the extension resists the outward motion of the
extractor-ejector, until the ejector spring is sufficiently compressed; the extractor-
ejector is then forced past the V, and the extractor-ejector spring is released, whereby
the empty Cartridge Case is thrown out.
It is obvious that some parts of the foregoing arrangements are interchangeable,
and that various modifications in the forms of the Springs and other details may
be made.
GEO. DOWNING,
Agent for Applicant.

page_text: WAS
Rifles in which the Barrels Drop down for Charging.
I, WILLIAM ANSON, of Slaney Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick
Gunmaker, do hereby declare the nature of my said 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 my invention is to effect further improvements in my former inven-
tion, for which I obtained Letters Patent dated November 20th 1884, No. 15,299.
In this Specification for convenience of description, the extractor, with my additions
and improvements, is herein after referred to as the "extractor-ejector."
My invention consists in new methods of applying springs to the rod or other parts
of the extractor-ejector, and also in the means and appliances whereby the extractor-
ejector is prevented from ejecting an unfired cartridge, such unfired cartridge being
retained in the barrel until the same has been fired, and the barrels dropped to the
proper angle to allow the empty cartridge case to be ejected.
And in order that my said invention may be particularly described and ascertained,
reference is hereby made to the accompanying drawings, in which similar letters
of reference indicate corresponding parts.
m is a
One method of fitting the spring to the extractor-ejector is shewn in Figs. 1 to 6;
Fig. 1 being a sectional elevation, and Figs. 2 to 6 detail views of this arrangement.
a is the body of the extractor-ejector. c is a rod passing through the same.
T spring fixed to the rod c. c' is a guide rod also fixed to the spring m. When the
barrels are dropped for extraction and loading, the lips m' m² of the spring m are
retained under the flanges or rims of the cartridge cases. The dropping of the barrels
causes the cam d to press the rod c outwards, which causes the spring m to bend, as
shewn in section in Fig. 4. The spring m may be furnished with two lips.m¹ m²,
as shewn in Fig. 4, or with four, as shewn in Fig. 5, and the lips m¹ may be placed
in other positions, so as to engage the cartridge at any convenient part or parts of its
circumference. Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of this arrangement, Fig. 3 a front
view, Fig. 4 a front view and section of the spring m, and Fig. 5 a front view of
another form.
Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation, shewing one method of retaining and thereby
compressing, the springs m until the requisite force is obtained to eject the cartridge
case, and also to prevent the ejection of unfired cartridges. I form indentations or
recesses in the chambers of the barrels, as at k (Fig. 6), in such a position that, when
the cartridge is fired, the explosion causes a portion of the metal of the cartridge case
which covers the indentation, to bulge, and more or less enter into and fill the
indentation k. When the extractor-ejector commences to press the cartridge case
outwards, the bulged portion of the case causes the same to bind in the chamber, and
hold the cartridge case with sufficient force to enable the extractor-ejector to compress

page_text: the spring m, as shewn in Fig. 4, without ejecting the cartridge. The continued
movement of the falling barrels ultimately forces the bulge of the cartridge out of the
indentation; the ejection finally taking place from the action of the springs m. By
this method of providing indentations in the chamber, the explosion itself is utilised in
retarding the ejection of the cartridge, and thereby effecting the compression of the
spring, instead of such compression being effected by means of levers on or in the
extension, such levers being in this case dispensed with.
It is obvious that if the barrels are dropped for extraction and loading, without
having fired one or both of the cartridges, such unfired cartridges are not retained in
the chamber, and therefore remain passive, ready for firing when the barrels are lifted,
the extractor-ejector merely moving such unfired cartridges quietly about a quarter of
an inch outwards.
Figs. 7 to 11 illustrate new methods of actuating the small plate or thumb piece
fitted on each side of the extractor-ejector, described in my said Patent No. 15,29984.
The same figures, 7 to 11, in like manner illustrate the application of the same new
methods of operation to the improved forms shewn, whereby clips are substituted for
the thumb pieces described in No. 15,299. In Fig. 10 the underside of an extractor-
ejector is shewn with the rod, spring, and "clips" fitted thereto. Fig. 7 is a plan
view of the break-off, partly in section. Fig. 8 is a front view of the extractor-ejector,
closed; and Fig. 9 shews the same with the clips b¹ down. Fig. 11 is a view of the
break-off, corresponding with Fig. 7. qq are the hammers. r r are pegs or plungers,
which are governed by the hammers, as shewn in Fig. 7. These pegs r r are held
back by the hammers 9 9, when cocked, as shewn on the right hand side of Fig. 7.
When fired the hammer q takes the positon shewn on the left hand side of Fig. 7,
in which the hammer has released the peg or plunger r. When this has taken place,
the plunger comes in contact with and engages one of the clips. Until this is
lowered, as shewn in Fig. 9, the clip holds the cartridge case in position. On the
dropping of the barrels, after firing, the consequent lowering of the clip b¹ (as shewn
in Figs. 9 and 13) allows the extractor-ejector to throw out the empty cartridge.
If, however, one of the cartridges happens not to have been fired, the plunger ris
held back by its corresponding hammer and consequently, the clip holds the unfired
cartridge in position. 6b are the shoulders of the extractor-ejector, b' is the tubular
portion of the same in which the rod c works, b° being the head of the rod, and e the
spring, which is compressed by the cam d (Fig. 1) on the dropping of the barrels.
Figs. 12 and 13 shew modifications in the forms of the arms of the clips in order
to operate with plungers fitted and actuated in other ways and positions in the
break-off.
Figs. 14 to 17 illustrate another method of effecting the same purpose. Fig. 14
shews the action partly open, with the ejector mechanism in motion. The extractor b
is shewn held by the catch o, the spring being compressed by the movement of the
breech body and cam d. At the same time the rod c is moving backward to push
away the catch 0,
and so release the extractor, which bounds backward with very
great force, and throws out the fired case or cases.
To avoid cutting into the face of the breech action, the catch o is made short, and
a single arm o¹ is formed on its forward end (Fig. 14) which arm works in a small
slot cut in the extractor leg 6*. The rod e pushes the catch off in the usual manner,
but from the forward end o¹, instead of the back end of the catch.
In the breech body small pins or rods rr, (Fig. 17) passing through the face of
the breech action, engage with the ends of the arms at 6, or with the arms b², (Fig. 15)
on the extractor, and force them out of position, as shewn in Fig. 16. When the
hammer falls to discharge the gun, the pin or rod r moves forward, actuated by a flat
spring (Fig. 14) or by a coiled spring, and such spring is released in a manner
analogous to that previously described (Fig. 7).
Two forms of clips 6' are shewn in Figs. 15 and 16, and corresponding positions of
the rods are shewn in Fig. 17. ff are recesses to receive the clips or stops b* 6*
when the action is closed. Either of these forms may be used for the purpose.
In Figs. 18, 19 and 20, the extractor-ejector is shewn fitted with a curved lever g,

page_text: which remains inoperative so long as the extractor-ejector spring has sufficient power
to expel the fired case; but, should a fired case stick tight in the chamber, and the
spring be unable to move it, the curved lever, operated by the rod, will overcome the
difficulty, and start the case out about the 16th of an inch; the rod then leaves the lever.
and pushes off the catch, the case is then easily thrown out as shewn in Fig. 19, in
which the rod is shewn to have raised the lever g and thrown off the catch o, the
extractor-ejector is released, and the fired cartridge case is thrown out.
Figs. 21 and 22 represent another method of preventing the unfired cartridge from
being thrown out. In this arrangement two small pegs 22 are fitted in the extension
hole of the break-off; ³ ³ are the ordinary plungers. Both the pegs and the
plungers are bevelled where they come in contact, as shewn. The shoulder on the
plunger serves as an abutment for the spring; the hammers operating the plungers
in a similar manner to that shewn in Fig. 7; h is a lever on the extension, placed in
the position shewn in Fig. 22, to prevent the cartridge coming out. i is a slot in the
extension, into which the peg renters, when forced out by the plunger going forward,
as shewn on the left hand side of Fig. 21. In this position the peg engages the
lever, when the barrels are dropped, and moves it to the position shewn in dotted
lines to allow the fired case to be thrown out.
Figs. 23 to 27 illustrate another method of preventing the unfired cartridge being
thrown out until the right moment for releasing the same.
A bent lever is fitted in a groove on each side of the extension, as shewn in
Figs. 23 and 24. The two levers t t are coupled together (but they may be fitted to
work separately) by a pin running through them, supported in the extension.
Fig. 25 is a side view of one of the levers. Fig. 26 is a top view of the two levers,
united by central hinges. Fig. 27 is a front view of the levers t t. In Fig. 24 one
of the levers t is shewn in position so as to prevent the unfired cartridge u from being
thrown out; the lower end of the lever being outwards. The other lever, on the left
hand side of the extension, being out of the way of the cartridge.
The levers t t are operated by projecting pegs fitted in the break-off, in a manner
analogous to that shewn in Fig. 21, but modified to suit the position of the lever.
When the cartridge has been fired the corresponding peg presses inwards the lever t,
and allows the cartridge to be ejected.
It is obvious that some parts of the foregoing mechanisms and arrangements are
interchangeable, and that various modifications in the forms of the springs and other
details may be made.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1. The combination with the barrels and triggers of drop-down guns, of the
springs m, carried by the rod c or extractor-ejector a, the barrels having indentations k,
all severally operating substantially as herein before described and shewn in Figs. 1,
2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings.
2. The novel method of causing the compression of the springs attached to the rod c
or extractor-ejector a, by means of the explosion of the cartridge acting upon
indentations made in the chambers of the barrels, substantially as herein before
described and shewn in Fig. 6 of the drawings.
3. The improved method of actuating the thumb pieces and plates described in
No. 15,299 substantially as herein before described, and shewn in Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12 and 13 of the drawings.
4. The novel construction and arrangement of the clips b' b¹ embracing both sides
of the arms, and made solid at the ends outside or beyond such arms, substantially as
herein before described and shewn in Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the drawings,
such clips being operated by the mechanism herein before described and shewn in
Figs. 7 and 11 of the drawings.
5. The novel construction and arrangement of the short lever or catch o and arm o³,
so formed as to avoid cutting into the face of the breech-action, the arm o' working

page_text: in a slot in the extractor-ejector leg 64, all severally operating substantially as herein
before described and shewn in Fig. 14 of the drawings.
6. The combination of the lever o, the rod c, and the lever g, severally operating
substantially as herein before described and shewn in Figs. 18 and 19 of the drawings.
7. The novel method of operating the pegs r by means of flat or coiled springs, the
forward motion being prevented by the hammer previously to firing, substantially as
herein before described and shewn in Figs. 14, 18, 19 and 20 of the drawings.
8. The modified form of the plungers in combination with the pegs 2 and
lever and slot i, severally operating substantially as herein before described and
shewn on the drawings.
9. The combination of the levers tt fitted in or on the extension and operated by
plungers, substantially as and for the purposes herein before described and shewn in
Figs. 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 of the drawings.