Year: 1894

page_text: I, LEON NAGANT, of No. 49 Quai de l'Ourthe, Liège in Belgium, Manufacturer
of Fire-arms, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention has for object certain improvements applicable to different kinds
of revolvers and consists more particularly in providing means for preventing the
escape of gas which occurs in the use of ordinary revolvers through the vent
existing between the cylinder and the barrel.
propose to obtain this object by projecting the head of the cartridge into the
barrel after its insertion in the chamber, by pushing forward the cylinder with
the aid of a lever arranged to act against the base of the cartridge, a vertically
sliding wedge being provided at the back of such lever for the purpose of locking
it in position before the cartridge is fired. All these movements according to my
invention may be effected either by direct action of the trigger, or with the aid of.
an intermediate piece.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood reference is had to the
accompanying drawings upon which―
Figure 1 represents a side elevation of a revolver constructed according to my
invention shewn with the hinged covering-plate P open and the extractor rod B¹
inserted in a chamber of the cylinder B.
Figure 2 is an end view of the same from the back, with the hinged covering-
plate open. the dotted line indicating its position when closed.
Figure 3 is a view from the left side of the same, the lateral covering plate
being removed. C is the sliding wedge, D the trigger, 6 the pawl, and Othe
push-lever.
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation of the action shewn at the moment before firing.
The hammer A is raised; the head C of the cartridge is inserted in the barrel;
the head of the push-lever being brought against the base of the cartridge
pushes forward the cylinder B; the wedge C sliding in lateral grooves z behind
the breech, locks the push-lever in position.
Figure 5 is a similar view but with the action at rest. The cylinder and the
push-lever O are drawn back and the wedge C is lowered.
Figures 6, 7 and 8 show lateral covering-plates of the action in elevation, and
end view.
Figure 9 is a back elevation of the cylinder shewing the notches e provided on
the periphery of the flange of the cylinder for the purpose of preventing the return
of the latter at the time of its rotation by the tooth W of the hinged covering-
plate P engaging in the notches when the cover is closed, as shewn on Figures ]
and 2. The notches e¹ on the flange of the cylinder engage with the projection e
on the hinged covering-plate when in the open position by the action of the spring
so as to retain the chambers of the cylinder during rotation alternately in a position
corresponding with that of the extractor rod B', and with that of the cut-away part
of the back of the frame through which the cartridge is inserted.
Figure 10 is a longitudinal section of the cylinder.
Figure 11, a front elevation of the same.
Figure 12, a side elevation of the same.
Figure 13, a transverse section of the same..
Figure 1d the baltam n-
dan

page_text: Figure 17, the main-spring.
Figure 18 represents a back view, Fig. 18^ a front view Figs. 18 and 18" left
& right side views of the hinged covering plate P:
Figures 19 and 19 are a longitudinal section and end view respectively of a
cartridge.
Figures 20 and 20ª are left and right side views of a trigger for double action
mechanism, and Figures 20 and 20° a back view and plan of the game.
Figures 21 and 21 are left and right side views of a double action hammer, and
Fig. 21 an end view of the same.
Figures 22 and 22^, front and back views of the wedge C; and Fig. 22B, a side
view of same.
.
Figures 23 and 23 are side and end views of the push lever O.
Figures 24 and 24^, side and end views of the pawl b.
Figures 25 and 25, right and left side views, and Figs. 25 and 25°, end view
and plan of a single-action trigger.
Figures 26 and 26* are left and right side views and Fig. 26", end view of a
single-action hammer.
+
Figures 27 and 27^ are front and back views, and Fig. 27, a side view of the
wedge for single-action revolvers.
As shewn in Figures 3 and 5, I arrange the push-lever O to pirot upon its.
axis 0 (Fig. 23) at the back of the cylinder B, and within the frame, the head O
of this lever passing through and projecting beyond the frame. The head of the
lever is provided with an aperture i to permit the passage through it of the striking
point of the hammer.
In the case of single action revolvers, I propose to furnish the wedge C, as
shewn in Figures 3, 5 and 27 with a projection d, the object of which is hereafter
explained. The wedge C in the case of both single and double-action slides.
vertically in twe grooves on the frame immediately behind the push-lever, sec
Figure 2. It is provided on its lower side with a lateral recess in which the
arm of the trigger engages as shewn in Figures 3, 4, 5, 22 and 27. At its upper
part the wedge is furnished with an inclined surface K, which as the wedge is
raised abuts against the inclined surface of the push-lever O (see Figures 4, 5,
and 27) and thrusts the head thereof against the base of the uppermost cartridge.
Upon its lower part the wedge is provided with a second inclined surface m, which
as the wedge descends comes against the inclined surface of a projection n of the
push-lever O and causes it to pivot backwards (see Figures 22, 23, and 27).
The trigger D is in all cases controlled by the lower arm of the main-spring
(Figure 17) which enters the notch f¹ (Figures 20A 25) where it simultaneously
acts upon the flat axis of the pawl (Figure 24) which transmits the action of the
spring to the trigger. The latter is provided with a nose p by which the cylinder
is held back as explained below.
The cylinder (Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13) contains a separate tube
(Figures 4, 5, and 14) through which extends the axial rod of the cylinder, the
rear end of this tube being reduced, and surrounded by a spiral spring R (Figures 4,
5, and 15) which is passed through the central bore E of the cylinder (Figure 10).
The forward end of the tube rests against the frame of the revolver and thus the
spring R presses against the central hole E inside so as to hold back the cylinder
(Figs. 4 & 5)..
.
As shown in Figures 14 and 16 the key of the tube is a small lever with two
arms fitting into and pivoting in a longitudinal groove x formed within the tube
through which it extends. The front arm of this lever terminates in a projection y
at the exterior surface of the tube where it fits into a circular recess H (Fig. 10)
formed in the bore of the cylinder and so keeps the tube in position therein. To
withdraw the tube from the cylinder, the end 3 of the key is depressed by means
of a tool thus causing the projection y on the key to enter the tube. The tube has

page_text: the nose
a limited movement within the cylinder both circularly and longitudinally, but is
not entirely removable therefrom. At the back of the periphery of the cylinder
there is also provided a flange or projection for the purpose of engaging with
of the trigger and so enabling the latter to draw back the cylinder.
In the case of single action revolvers shewn in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 26 the action
is operated as follows:-When the hammer is cocked (see Fig. 4) its foot u raises
the nose s of the trigger D (Fig. 25) causing the latter to pivot to the position of
full-cock. By this movement the pawl 6 turns the cylinder B as in ordinary
revolvers, the arm of the trigger engages and slides in the recess h of the
wedge C as it raises the latter. The wedge slides vertically in the grooves on
the frame until its inclined surface K meets the inclined surface of the push-
lever O which pivots forward coming in contact with the back of the uppermost
cartridge and thrusting it forward so that the head C³ of the cartridge enters the
barrel hermetically closing it, and thus preventing any escape of gas. By the
action of the trigger the wedge C is further raised and when it reaches the end
of its travel (see Fig. 4) it comes between the head of the push lever O and the
back of the frame.
In this position a line drawn through the centre of the top of the wedge per-
pendicularly to its front face will be parallel to a line drawn through the centre
of the head of the push-lever perpendicularly to its front face. Consequently the
pressure of gas from the cartridge acts perpendicularly upon the face of the wedge
which abuts perpendicularly against the breech. Under these conditions the
resistance offered to the pressure of gas, without any assistance from the hammer,
is as strong as possible, and no derangement nor displacement of working parts can
result from such pressure.
The forward movement of the cylinder upon its axis is effected by the action of
the pawl b. After it has caused the rotation of the cylinder by its pressure against
a tooth of the ratchet, the pawl 6 comes in contact with the upper face of its
lodgment in the frame and as it continues its motion it must necessarily advance,
pushing the cylinder before it (see Fig. 4).
After the discharge, the hammer is partially raised by the action of the upper
arm of the main spring, the extension t of which acts upon the foot u of the hammer
(Figs. 5, 21 and 26) situate in front of its axis. The hammer is thus in contact
with the cartridge only at the moment of percussion. At the instant of firing only
the hammer falls; so long as the fingers press the trigger all the other parts
remain in the position they occupied at the moment of firing. Immediately the
trigger is released it descends by reason of the pressure of the lower arm of the
main spring and engages the pawl b; the arm f of the trigger sliding in the recess h
of the wedge C causes the latter to descend, and its inclined surface m meets
the inclined surface n of the projection on the push-lever O, causing it to pivot
backward.
The cylinder B is then drawn back by the nose p of the trigger engaging with
the flanger of the cylinder, and the head of the cartridge is thereby withdrawn
from the barrel. The backward movement of the cylinder is assisted by the spiral
spring R contained therein. If desired the action of the main spring in effecting
percussion and raising the hammer as above described may be obtained by a spring
having a single arm instead of two.
In the case of a single action revolver (Fig. 26) the hammer is provided at the
front with a projection V for the purpose of preventing the hammer-head from
touching the cartridge should the hammer accidentally fall before the wedge has
reached the end of its travel. When the hammer is cocked, the wedge C is at its
highest point and immediately behind the push-lever O. Upon the trigger being
pulled the projection V on the hammer is brought under the head of the wedge
and the hammer-head strikes the cartridge. Should the hammer fall however,
before the wedge has reached the end of its stroke, the projection V on the hammer
comes in contact with the projection d on the wedge (Fig. 27) and the hammer-head
does not touch the cartridge (see Fig. 5).

page_text: The arrangement in single action revolvers of these projections V and d, effects
.also the purpose of locking the hammer when it has fallen, and so prevents the
.parts of the mechanism from moving should pressure be applied upon the
trigger.
In the case of double action revolvers the hammer (Fig. 21) is provided with
a projection V, which, under the conditions above mentioned, comes into contact
with the body of the wedge (see Figure 22) and arrests the movement of the
hammer.
Improvements in Revolvers.
I, LEON NAGANT of No. 49 Quai de l'Ourthe Liège in Belgium, Manufacturer of
Fire-arms, 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 :-
My invention has for object certain improvements applicable to different kinds of
revolvers, and consists more particularly in providing means for preventing the
escape of gas which occurs in the use of ordinary revolvers through the vent
existing between the cylinder and the barrel.
I attain this object by projecting the head of the cartridge into the barrel after
its insertion in the chamber by pushing forward the cylinder with the aid of a lever
arranged to act against the base of the cartridge, a vertically sliding wedge being
provided at the back of such lever for the purpose of locking it in. position before
the cartridge is fired. All these movements according to my invention may be
effected either by direct action of the trigger or with the aid of an intermediate
piece.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood reference is had to the
drawings accompanying my Provisional Specification upon which
Figure 1 represents a side elevation of a revolver constructed according to my
invention shewn with the hinged covering plate P open and the extractor rod B
inserted in a chamber of the cylinder B.
Figure 2 is an end view of the saine from the back with the hinged covering-
plate open the dotted line indicating its position when closed.
Figure 3 is a view from the left side of the same, the laternal covering plate
being removed. C is the sliding wedge, D the trigger, 6 the pawl and the push
lever.
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation of the action shewn at the moment before firing.
The hammer A is raised; the head C' of the cartridge is inserted in the
barrel. The head O¹ of the push-lever being brought against the base of the
cartridge pushes forward the cylinder B; the wedge C sliding in lateral
grooves behind the breech, locks the push-lever in position.
Figure 5 is a similar view but with the action at rest. The cylinder and the
push-lever O are drawn back and the wedge C is lowered.
Figures 6, 7, and 8 shew lateral covering plates of the action in elevation and
end view.
Figure 9 is a back elevation of the cylinder shewing the notches e provided on
the periphery of the flange of the cylinder for the purpose of preventing the return
of the latter at the time of its rotation by the tooth W of the hinged covering plate P

page_text: Figure 12, a side elevation of the cylinder.
Figure 13, a transverse section of the cylinder.
Figure 14, the hollow axis of cylinder.
Figure 15, the spiral spring.
Figure 16, key for securing the axis in cylinder.
Figure 17, the main spring.
Figure 18, represents a back view, 18 a front view 18B and 18° side views left
and right of the hinged covering-plate P.
Figures 19 and 194 a longitudinal section and end view respectively of a
cartridge.
Figures 20 and 20^ are left and right side views of a trigger for double action
mechanism, and Figures 20" and 20° back view and plan of the same.
Figures 21 and 21 are left and right side views of a double action hammer, and
Fig. 21B an end view of same.
Figures 22 and 22A are front and back views of the wedge C, and Fig. 22ª a
side view of the same.
Figures 23 and 23 are side and end views of the push-lever O.
Figures 24 and 24+ are side and end views of the pawl b.
Figures 25 and 25^ are right and left views, and Figures 25B and 25°, end view
and plan of a single-action trigger.
Figures 26 and 26 are left and right side views and Fig. 26B, an end view of a
single action hammer.
Figures 27 and 27A are front and back views, and Fig. 27 a side view of the
wedge for single action revolvers.
As shewn on Figures 3 and 5 I arrange the push-lever O to pivot on its axis O³,
Fig. 23, at the back of the cylinder B, and within the frame, the head O¹ of this
lever passing through and projecting beyond the frame. The head of the lever is
provided with an aperture i to permit the passage through it of the striking point
of the hainmer.
In the case of a single action revolver, I furnish the wedge C, as shown
in Figs. 3, 5, and 27 with a projection a the object of which is hereafter explained.
The wedge C in the case of both single and double action revolvers slides vertically
in two grooves 2 ou the frame immediately behind the push-lever, see Fig. 2. It is
provided on its lower side with a lateral recess in which the arm of the trigger
engages as shewn in Figs. 3, 4, 5, 22 and 27. At its upper part the wedge is
furnished with an inclined surface K, which as the wedge is raised abuts against
the inclined surface of the push-lever O, (see Figs. 4, 5 and 27) and thrusts the
head thereof against the base of the uppermost cartridge. Upon its lower part the
wedge is provided with a second inclined surface m, which as the wedge descends
comes against the inclined surface of a projection n of the push-lever O and causes
it to pivot backwards (see Figures 22 23 & 27).
The trigger D is in all cases controlled by the lower arm of the main-spring
(Figure 17) which enters the notch (Figs. 20 & 25) where it simultaneously
acts upon the flat axis g of the pawl (Figure 24) which transmits the action of
the spring to the trigger. The latter is provided with a nose p by which the
cylinder is held back as explained below.
The cylinder (Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13) contains a separate tube
(Figs. 4, 5 & 14) through which extends the axial rod of the cylinder the
rear end of this tube being reduced and surrounded by a spiral spring R

page_text: (Figs. 4, 5, and 15), which is passed through the central bore E of the
cylinder (Fig. 10). The forward end of the tube rests against the frame of the
revolver and thus the spring R presses against the central hole E inside so as to
hold back the cylinder (Figs. 4 and 5).
As shewn in Figs. 14 and 16 the key of the tube is a small lever with two
arms fitting into and pivoting in a longitudinal groove ¹ formed within the tube
through which it extends. The front arm of this lever terminates in a projection #
at the exterior surface of the tube where it fits into a circular recess H (Fig. 10)
formed in the bore of the cylinder and so keeps the tube in position therein. To
withdraw the tube from the cylinder the end 3 of the key is depressed by means of
any suitable tool thus causing the projection y on the key to enter the tube. The
tube has a limited movement within the cylinder both circularly and longitudinally,
but is not entirely removable therefrom. At the back of the periphery of the
cylinder there is also provided a flange or projection for the purpose of engaging
with the nose of the trigger and so enabling the latter to draw back the
cylinder.
r.
In the case of single action revolvers shewn in Figa. 3, 4, 5 and 26, the action is
operated as follows -When the hammer A is cocked (see Fig. 4) its foot raises
the noses of the trigger D, (Fig. 25) causing the latter to pivot to the position of
full-cock. By this movement the pawlb turns the cylinder B as in ordinary revolvers,
the arm of the trigger engages and slides in the recess of the wedge C as it
raises the latter. The wedge slides vertically in the grooves z on the frame until its
inclined surface K meets the inclined surface of the push-lever O which pivots
forward coming in contact with the back of the uppermost cartridge and thrusting
it forward so that the head of the cartridge enters the barrel hermetically
closing it, and thus preventing any escape of gas. By the action of the trigger
the wedge C is further raised and when it reaches the end of its travel (sec
Fig. 4), it comes between the head of the push-lever O and the back of the
frame.
In this position a line drawn through the centre of the top of the wedge
perpendicularly to its front face will be parallel to a line drawn through the centre
of the head of the push-lever perpendicularly to its front face. Consequently the
pressure of gas from the cartridge acts perpendicularly upon the face of the wedge
which abuts perpendicularly against the breech. Under these conditions the
resistance offered to the pressure of gas, without any assistance from the hammer, is
as strong as possible and no derangement nor displacement of working parts can
result from such pressure.
The forward movement of the cylinder upon its axis is effected by the action of
the pawl b. After it has caused the rotation of the cylinder by its pressure against
a tooth of the ratchet the pawl 6 comes in contact with the upper face of its
lodgment in the frame and as it continues its motion it must necessarily advance
pushing the cylinder before it. (See Fig. 4.)
After the discharge the hammer is partially raised by the action of the upper
arm of the main-spring the extension t of which acts upon the foot u of the
hammer (Figs. 5 21 and 26) situate in front of its axis. The hammer is thus
in contact with the cartridge only at the moment of percussion. At the instant
of firing only the hammer falls; so long as the fingers press the trigger all the
other parts remain in the position they occupied at the moment of firing.
Immediately the trigger is released it descends by reason of the pressure of the
lower arm of the main-spring and engages the pawl b; the arm f of the trigger
sliding in the recess h of the wedge C causes the latter to descend and its inclined
surface m meets the inclined surface n of the projection on the push-lever O
causing it to pivot backward.
The cylinder B is then drawn back by the nose p of the trigger engaging with
the flanger of the cylinder and the head of the cartridge is thereby. withdrawn
from the barrel. The backward movement of the cylinder is assisted by the spiral
spring R contained therein. If desired the action of the main-spring in effecting

page_text: percussion and raising the hammer as above described may be obtained by a spring
having a single arm instead of two.
In the case of a single action revolver (Figure 26) the hammer is provided at
the front with a projection V for the purpose of preventing the hammer head
from touching the cartridge should the hammer accidentally full before the
wedge C has reached the end of its travel.
When the hammer is cocked, the wedge C is at its highest point and immediately
behind the push-lever O. Upon the trigger being pulled the projection V on the
hammer is brought under the head of the wedge and the hammer head strikes the
cartridge. Should the hammer fall however before the wedge C has reached
the end of its stroke, the projection V on the hammer comes in contact with the
projection d on the wedge (Fig. 27) and the ham:ner head does not touch the
cartridge (see Figure 5).
The arrangement in single-action revolvers of these projections V and d effects
also the purpose of locking the hammer when it has fallen, and so prevents the
parts of the mechanism from moving should pressure be applied upon the trigger.
In the case of double-action revolvers, the hammer (Figure 21) is provided with
a projection V1 which, under the conditions above mentioned, comes into contact
with the body of the wedge (see Figure 22) and arrests the movement of the
hammer.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what 1
claim is :-
1. A revolver in which loss of gas is avoided and in which the head of the
cartridge is projected into the barrel, characterised by the arrangement in the back
frame of a wedge C sliding in vertical grooves, operated directly by the
trigger D, or by an intermediate piece placed behind the push-lever O and firmly
supporting it against any action of the hammer; said wedge C having a projection d
adapted to engage with a projection V on the hammer whereby it prevents the
hammer from striking the cartridge when the wedge is not at the top of its travel,
as described and shewn herein.
2. In revolvers, the combination of the hammer A and the main-spring Fig. 17
for the purpose of producing percussion, and raising the hammer by one and the
same arm of the mainspring, as described and shewn.
3. In revolvers the arrangement of the hinged covering plate P in which the
projection, when the cover is in the open position, travels in contact with the
rear face of the cylinder, and during the rotation thereof engages in the notches e'
formed on its rear face for the purpose of holding the chambers of the cylinder
alternately in a position for charging and extracting, respectively by the cut-away
part of the back frame, and by the position of the extractor-rod B' for the purposes
described.
4. In revolvers the arrangement whereby the tooth W engages in the notches e
of the cylinder to prevent it from turning backwards, as and for the purposes
specified.
5. In revolvers in which loss of gas is prevented :-the pawl b for imparting
rotary movement to push forward the cylinder B as herein described and shewn.
6. In revolvers a rocking-key fitting within and pivoting in a longitudinal
groove forined within the tube for the purposes and as specified with reference
to the drawings filed with the Provisional Specification.
Dated this Twenty-second day of March 1895.