Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Dec., 1896-Accepted, 27th Mar., 1897
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
This invention relates to an improved repeating or magazine rifle and is more
particularly designed for military purposes. Its construction will be understood
from the following description.
MAGAZINE.
The cartridge magazine is situated under the breech chamber and may contain
six or more cartridges. These are placed lengthwise, one beside the other, so as
to form a circular series around an axis passing through the rear and forward ends
of the magazine. This axis carries a pivoted carrier which bears against the last
cartridge its rotation being caused by the tension of a spring (a spiral spring for
instance). The cartridges are directed by two guides placed at the front and rear
of the magazine, towards an opening giving access into the breech chamber, and
are retained by one of the edges of such opening. This edge is slightly recessel to
receive the uppermost cartridge in the magazine and the pressure exerted by the
carrier on the following cartridge brings the first to such a position that it prevents
its accidental exit during the manipulation of the rifle in any position whatsoever.
The uppermost cartridge in the magazine projects slightly into the cartridge
chamber so as to be pushed by the operation in front of the breech piece within
the barrel. By pushing the breech piece forward, the uppermost cartridge is then
introduced into the barrel. The other cartridges in the magazine moved by the
carrier are then displaced and the uppermost cartridge is caused to abut against
the breech piece. When this latter is drawn back, the uppermost cartridge again
takes the position of the one expelled and can be reached by the head of the breech
piece and driven into the barrel. And thus in succession the other cartridges in
the magazine are brought one by one in front of the breech piece at each operation
thereof.
The cartridges can be introduced into the magazine either one by one or by
means of a loader or cartridge holder. The magazine being empty, the carrier is
retained by a stop in front of the opening of the breech chamber. By the intro-
duction of the cartridges the carrier is forced back and its spring extended. The
forward and rear ends of the magazine are formed in a piece with the breech chamber.
A removable metallic plate covers the two lateral sides and the bottom of the
magazine. It is provided with pins which engage bayonet recesses formed at the
right and lett of the breech chamber. A small spring rod engaging in an opening
in this plate or cover secures it in position on the breech chamber.

page_text: The lock of the rifle is quite. independent of the breech piece and is composed
of three parts; the hammer, the trigger and the main spring for firing. It is
entirely contained within the forepart of the butt and supported upon the trigger
guard. One arm of the main spring imparts the striking force, the other operates
the trigger.
The breech piece contains only the firing-pin without any spring, and the head
of the hammer must enter a slot in the breech piece to reach the firing-pin.
The cocking of the hammer is effected by the operation of the breech piece on
opening the breech, partly by the first quarter revolution which the breech piece
makes and partly by its backward rectilinear movement. The partial raising of
the hammer is effected by means of a helical surface formed in the breech piece
and acting on the head of the hammer. By this partial cocking the trigger falls
into a first notch of the hammer. The withdrawal of the breech piece backwards
completes the cocking of the hammer and brings it to the notch for firing.
Percussion cannot take place except when the locking of the breech by the breech
piece is completely effected, for it is only in this position that the hammer can
reach the firing pin. The breech piece in any other position obstructs the fall of
the hammer. Safety locking is obtained by a disc pivoted upon an axis passing
through the rear end of the breech piece. This disc placed in a plane conforming
to the shape of the rifle, is situated immediately over the head of the hammer
when cocked. The safety lock operates circularly from the bottom upwards by
means of a four-sided extension which when the action is locked engages in the

page_text: upper groove of the breech chamber and prevents any circular movement of the
breech piece, whilst a projection on the disc of the safety lock abuts against
the head of the hammer and restrains it from falling. The safety lock is retained
in these two positions by a spring rod the end of which engages in two recesses of
the breech piece, such rod having first to be raised when it is desired to move the
safety lock from its position.
The cartridge ejector in combination with the movement of the hammer prevents
the ejection of an unfired cartridge and consequently the delivery of a new cartridge
from the magazine. The ejector is movable parallel to the breech chamber and
when the gun or rifle is not fired occupies such a position that the complete
withdrawal of the breech-piece is not possible, so that the cartridge is not ejected
and the breech piece prevents the ascent of a second cartridge from the magazine.
To obtain this result, the ejector is provided with two claws or clips which engage
in the groove of the breech chamber. The ejector may occupy two different
positions, i.e., it is pushed forward by the fall of the hammer as by means of a small
lever of any kind, and it is brought back by the withdrawal of the breech piece.
When the ejector is pushed forward, i.e. when firing, a small inclined surface on it
causes the first claw to rise and become disengaged from the groove of the breech
chamber. The bolt of the breech piece can then move freely as far as the second
claw of the ejector, whilst a projection on the first claw comes in contact with the
ejector-rod of the breech piece and drives out the case of the discharged cartridge.
When not firing, the ejector remains in its backward position, i.e. its two claws
project into the groove of the chamber; the bolt of the breech piece is stopped by
the first claw which prevents the complete return of the breech piece backwards,
so that the opening of the magazine is not entirely uncovered. The projection on
the first claw of the ejector being out of reach of the ejector-rod from the head of
the breech-piece, the cartridge is not ejected.
When the cartridge ejector is in its forward position, and it be locked in that
position, the breech piece cannot return entirely backward and consequently cannot
take the cartridges from the magazine. The action of the repeating mechanism is
then suspended and the weapon can thus be used for ordinary firing, one cartridge
after another, whilst keeping the contents of the magazine in reserve.
The locking of the ejector may be effected in several ways, for instance, by means
of a hinged lever on the ejector having two circular flanges engaging when the lever
is set crosswise to the ejector, in the metal of the breech chamber.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MAGAZINE.
The cartridge magazine is shewn on Sheet I of the accompanying drawings by
Figures 1 to 9.
Figures 1, 2 and 3 are similar transverse sections through the cartridge
magazine and breech chamber shewn with the cartridges in different positions
for firing.
Figure 4, being a similar view with a cartridge loader in position on the
breech.
Figure 5 is a side sectional elevation through the magazine and breech chamber
opening.
Figure 6 is a side elevation of the magazine casing in position on the breech
chamber.
Figure 7 is a side elevation of the casing detached,
Figure 8 being a plan of the same, and
Figure 9 being an end view.
The cartridges are grouped around an axis A passing through the two ends B
and B2 of the magazine and are displaced by means of a pivoted carrier A' keyed
on the axis A. This latter is actuated by 11 spiral spring R acting on the.
extremity A2 of the axis A (Fig. 5). The cartridges are guided on the outer edge
by the casing B of the magazine and ou the inner side by two guides C C¹

page_text: (Figs. 1 to 5) which direct the cartridges towards an opening D of the breech
chamber. One of the edges E of this opening is slightly recessed to admit the
uppermost cartridge from the magazine.
The second cartridge occupies such a position that the line from its centre to that
of the first cartridge passes, if prolonged, between the two points of support E
and E of this latter which is retained against such supports so that its accidental
egress from the magazine is prevented (Fig. 1). The uppermost cartridge projects
slightly into 'the interior of the breech chamber so as to be within reach of the
breech piece which has to introduce it into the barrel.
When the breech piece is pushed forward and closes the opening D of the breech
chamber, the other cartridges in the magazine are displaced by the action of the
spring R upou the axis of the carrier A' and the uppermost cartridge abuts against
the breech piece and the point E of the guides C, (Fig. 2). The centre line of the
first two cartridges, if prolonged, thus passes higher than the point of support E³,
so that the breech piece being withdrawn, the first cartridge pushed by those
following it is forced to rise and follows the direction of the guides C C as far as
the edge E of the breech chamber where it is stopped (Fig. 1) until engaged by
the breech-piec when the latter is pushed forward. The curve of the carrier A
is constructed so that, when the magazine contains only one cartridge, (Fig. 3) the
points of contact of the latter with the carrier A¹ will be the same as when a second
cartridge pushes the first. The carrier A is stopped when the magazine is empty
by a stop and kept in front of the opening D of the breech chamber (Fig. 4).
When cartridges are introduced into the magazine (Fig. 4) the carrier A¹ is forced
back against the tension of its spring K. The ends B2 B' are made in a single
piece with the breech chamber. They are joined together and covered by a
detachable lateral casing B of U-shape. This casing is attached to the breech
chamber by means of three pins B3, B4, B5 engaging on each side in grooves G
G2 G3 of the breech chamber. The casing is secured by means of a small stud H
which under the pressure of a spring r engages in a slot B of the casing B.
To prevent the accidental egress of a cartridge from the magazine the upper
opening of the magazine may be closed by a movable plate F see Figures 49 to 53.
The uppermost cartridge is then retained by the fixed edge of this opening and by
the said movable plate. This latter drawn by a spring is held projecting into the
upper opening of the magazine, and can be completely withdrawn into the metal of
the breech chamber upon the introduction of cartridges into the magazine.
The above arrangement is shewn on Sheet 7 of the drawings and Figures 49
to 53. The movable plate F slides in a seat g formed in the breech chamber and
is retained in such seat by means of its two ends F', F2 being pressed by a spring R
upon two flanges K of the chamber (Figure 53). Upon the introduction of
cartridges into the magazine (Fig. 52) the plate F is pushed back in its seat by the
passing of each cartridge.
To enable the rifle to be used for ordinary firing, cartridge by cartridge, while
keeping the contents of the magazine as a reserve, the action of the magazine may
be suspended by locking the uppermost cartridge below the level of the breech-piece
so as to permit the free-working of the latter.
Figures 54, 55 and 56 (Sheet 7) shew a method of keeping the contents of the
magazine out of service. A movable plate v arranged upon the axis of a lever
when the latter is turned to the position of Figure 55 and the breech piece is closed,
bears against the upperinost cartridge in the magazine so as to keep it out of reach
of the breech piece (Fig. 54). If it be desired to use the contents of the magazine,
the lever is moved to the position shewn on Figure 56. The plate returns
in the groove w of the breech chamber and leaves a free passage for the cartridges.
The lever is sufficiently thin to have a slight spring. It is moved by means of a
roughened button and is supported in its several positions by means of a
small stud on the lever a engaging in one of the slots s and s¹ of the breech
chamber.

page_text: DESCRIPTION OF THE BACK SIGHT AND THE FORE SIGHT.
The back sight and foresight are shewn on Sheet 2 of the accompanying drawings,
upon which,
Figure 10 is a cross section of the back-sight mechanism and dial, the leaf
being lowered.
Figure 11 is a side elevation of the same, the dial and pointer being removed.
Figure 12 is a similar view with the dial and pointer in position.
Figure 13 being a plan and section of the dial detached, and
Figure 14 a plan and side view of the pointer and pinion on pivot of same.
Figure 15 is a side view and end view partly in section of the sector and leaf
connected therewith,
Figure 16, being a transverse section of the barrel and fore-sight.
Figure 17 is a sectional side elevation of the same.
Figure 18 is a side elevation of the stock and barrel from the breech chamber to
the foresight shewn partly in section to illustrate the method of securing the parts
together,
Figure 19 being a cross section of the same through the breech end of the
barrel.
The back-sight is placed over the breech chamber Figures 10, 11 and 12. It is
formed of an ordinary plate, or leaf I pivoted on an axis I passing over the
breech chamber. On a prolongation of its axis it carries a toothed sector 12 which
moves over one of the lateral faces of the breech chamber and engages with a small
pinion K. The axis of the pinion K extends through the base of a dial plate Land
carries a preferably flexible pointer K' movable over the dial which is divided and
graduated. If the leaf I be raised the sector 12 being displaced causes the pinion K
to turn and the pointer K¹ whose extremity falls within a division L of the dial
indicates on the graduated circle the height of the V or ridge of the sight. The
dial-plate L is provided with studs or catches L L L for attaching it to the
breech chamber. In the metal of the breech chamber is formed a circular
groove M.
Three slots M', M2 M² admit the catches L L L of the dial-plate which is
then turned one-eighth of a revolution to secure it rigidly on the chamber. The
dial plate L is supported in position by means of the head of the axis I¹ engaging
in the semi-circular recess L of the plate.
The fore-sight is placed on the front band N of the barrel, (Figs. 16 and 17).
The rigidity of the barrel in a longitudinal direction is secured by means of a
key N passing from side to side of the stock and barrel, and in a lateral direction
by a small cylindrical rod N' engaged in a groove O of the gun or rifle. In order
to avoid extending the groove to the end of the gun or rifle the diameter of the
latter is reduced from the part N to the muzzle so as to allow the passage of the
cylindrical rod N. The stock joins the barrel to the breech chamber (Figs. 18
and 19); it is formed of a single piece and entirely surrounds the gun from the
breech chamber up to the upper band, this construction being practicable through
the absence of projecting parts on the barrel. The stock is secured to the brecch
chamber by means of a screw P passing through the stock and screwed into the
metal of the breech chamber.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BAYONET.
The bayonet is shewn on Sheet 3 of the drawings.
Figure 20 is a side sectional elevation of the bayonet tube or sheath, and bayonet
withdrawn therein with part of the stock and barrel.
Figure 21 is a view of the bayonet fixed in position for action.
Figures 22, 23 and 24 are cross sections through lines a-b, c-d, and e—ƒ, of

page_text: The bayonet Q is movable lengthwise in a metallic tube or sheath R seated in
the stock, and fixed thereto by a pin R2 passing across from side to side of the
upper band M. The tube R' and the wood of the stock are longitudinally slotted
about 10 millimètres from the upper band so as to allow the passage of the bayonet
catch. This latter is movable upon an axis Q2 in a groove Q of the bayonet and
travels with the latter. It carries two clips Q3 Q4 as well as a roughened thumb-
piece Q projecting from the stock and serving for the manipulation of the bayonet.
A spring S acting on catches Q' seizes the bayonet when it is returned in the
stock (to the pin R, Fig. 20) and when it is withdrawn from the stock to the
thickened part N of the barrel (Fig. 21). In this latter position the bayonet can
neither be advanced nor withdrawn, the band N of the barrel being between the
clip Qand the thumb-piece or projection Q of the catch Q. To enable the
bayonet to be returned in the stock the projection Q is pushed so as to release
the clip Q and drawn backward, when the clip Q' automatically engages with the
pin R
In Figure 20 the point of the bayonet remains within the front band N, towards
the end of the barrel when the bayonet is withdrawn into the stock. If desired,
the bayonet may be completely concealed in the stock by making the barrel
terminate flush with the point of the bayonet and lengthening the stock and the
tube R'.
DESCRIPTION OF THE LOCK.
The lock is shewn on Sheets 4 and 5 of the annexed drawings upon which,
Figure 25 is a side sectional elevation of the lock and firing mechanism, the
hammer being shewn in alternate positious by the full and dotted lines.
Figure 25 is an end view of the breech piece.
Figure 26 shews the firing pin separately, and
Figure 27 is a side elevation partly in section of the firing pin and tube,
Figure 28 being a plan of the same.
Figure 29 is a side view partly in section of safety locking device,
Figure 30 being a plan of the same.
Figure 31 represents side and end views of the hammer.
Figure 32 representing side and end views of the trigger.
Figure 33 is a sectional elevation of the action with the hammer partly raised.
Figure 34 is a part view of same with the hammer at full cock.
Figure 35 illustrates a side elevation of the ejector mechanism.
Figures 36 and 38 are plans of same in two positions, portions of the breech
chamber and barrel being shewn in section.
Figures 37 and 39 are end views of Figures 36 and 38 respectively, and
Figure 40 is a side elevation of a modification of the ejector mechanism.
The separate lock of the breech comprises three pieces,-the hammer T,
trigger U, and main-spring V and is supported on the metal of the trigger guard.
One arm of the main spring V acts on the hammer T, the other resting on the
trigger U. The hammer is completely hidden with the chamber and its head
engages with and passes through a slot of the breech piece to reach the
firing-pin W.
The hammer is cocked by the breech-piece in the action of opening the breech
chamber. For this purpose the breech-piece is made with an inclined surface W
(see Figs. 25, 27 and 28) which by a quarter revolution of the breech piece in
opening the chamber operates on the head of the hammer and partly raises it,
Fig. 33. In order to facilitate this operation the trigger falls into a first notch T
on the hammer after its partial cocking. The full-cock is obtained by a backward
rectilinear movement of the breech piece by means of a rounded edge W2 sliding
over the head of the hammer and bringing it to the notch T3, for firing (Fig. 34).
To prevent the head of the hammer remaining normally in contact with the breech
piece, the rounded edge W slightly projects over this latter. The hammer cannot
strike the firing pin except when the breech-piece has completely closed the breech

page_text: as it is only then that the groove W³ (Figs. 27 and 28) gives free passage to the
head of the hanımer.
The safety locking mechanism is shewn on Figures 25 and 254. It is movable
around an axis W passing through the rear end of the breech piece and is in the
same plane as the hammer T. It is formed as a disc (Figs. 29 and 30) and is
operated by means of an extension W which when the action is locked, i.e. when
this latter is raised, engages in a groove B7 of the breech chamber (Figs. 25 and 254)
and prevents any movement of the breech piece. When the gun is locked, the
hammer is secured by means of a projection W' of the safety mechanism. Should
the trigger be accidentally pulled when the hammer is in this position, the nose of
the trigger will firmly engage the notch T2 for firing.
Safety locking is maintained in both these positions by means of a small rod t
under pressure of a coiled spring seated in the extension W of the safety
mechanism. The end of the small rod t engages in one or other of the
recesses a a¹ of the breech chamber. Its other end is secured to a slide 9 by
means of which the rod t is raised to disengage its extremity when it is desired
to change the position of the safety locking mechanism. The cartridge ejector Y
(Figures 35, 36, 37 38, 39) is furnished with two lugs Y¹ Y2 one of which Y has a
projection Y3 thin enough to pass within the groove of the bolt X of the breech
piece. The ejector Y can be moved forward and backward as well as circularly
upon pivot B secured on the chamber and engaged in an elongated slot Y* of the
ejector. This latter is operated by the fall of the hammer at the moment of firing
by means of a bell-crank lever Z. A projection T3 on the hammer comes in
contact in falling with one arm Z of lever Z which is pivoted on an axis Z³
secured on the chamber, the other arm Z3 bearing on the back of the claw Y2 of
the ejector. The ejector is thus pushed forward (Figure 35) and by an inclined
edge Y is raised (Figures 38 and 39); it is only in this position of the ejector
that the breech piece can fully return backwards and eject the cartridges. For in
this position the thin part Y³ of the claw Y' projecting into the groove of the
breech chamber can only become engaged when the breech piece returns backward,
within the groove of the belt X of the breech piece and strike the head of the
cartridge. The bolt X of the breech chamber thus comes in contact with the
second claw Y of the ejector which is drawn back. When the gun is not being
fired the ejector remains in the position shewn on Figures 36 and 37. The bolt X
of the breech piece in returning abuts against the claw Y' of the ejector which
prevents its full return backwards. A pin d of a coiled spring d seated in the
ejector, by engaging one or other of the notches ff retains the ejector in either
of its positions.
By raising the end Y6 of the ejector with the finger, the lugs Y Y are
withdrawu and the breech piece can easily be removed. Instead of being operated
by the hammer the ejector may be pushed forward by means of the trigger. For
this purpose the trigger (Fig. 40) may be joined to the lever Z by a small rod h
pivoted on the trigger and having its other end forked, so that on pulling the
trigger the lever Z is pushed without being withdrawn.
Figures 41 to 48 shew the arrangement of the ejector for suspending the
repeating action. The ejector Y is provided with a round stud (Fig. 47) on
which a lever b (Fig. 48) turns. This latter is supported on the ejector by a
screw and has two circular flanges C, C which, when the ejector is in its
forward position and the lever bis raised, engage in two grooves g g on the breech
chamber.
The drawings clearly shew that the ejector cannot then be raised nor moved
lengthwise. When the breech piece is drawn back, the ejector being prevented
from recoiling against its normal stop, the top of the breech piece cannot return
far enough to fully uncover the opening of the magazine so that the cartridges
therein cannot be taken out.
If it be desired to use the repeating action, the lever 6 has merely to be turned
to the position shewn on Figures 44, 45 and 46. The two flanges CC of the

page_text: free to move.
Figure 41 is a plan and part section of the ejector mechanism set for suspending
the repeating action.
Figures 42 and 43 being side and end views of same.
Figure 44 is a plan of same in position when repeating action is in' use,
Figures 45 and 46 being side and end views of the same.
Figures 47 and 48 are details of the ejector and side lever.
Figures 49, 50 and 51 are similar sections through the magazine and breech
chamber provided with a spring plate for regulating the passage of cartridges from
the magazine to the chamber, (the cartridge carrier being shewn in different
positions).
Figure 52 illustrates a similar view to that given by Fig. 51 but with the spring-
plate withdrawn and the cartridges in the act of entering the magazine from a
cartridge holder or loader.
Figures 53 to 56 are views in plan and have already been referred to in the
description above.
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 I
claim is,
1. In a repeating rifle, a cartridge magazine B in which the cartridges placed
side by side around an axis 'A on which is secured a carrier A' operated by a
spring R, are directed by the pressure of the carrier and by means of guides C
towards an opening D of the breech chamber not furnished with spring stops,
and are brought one by one in front of the breech piece, as and for the purposes
described and illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying
drawings.
2. In a repeating gun, the method of securing the outer casing B of the
magazine, as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
3. A hack-sight leaf I movable around an axis I mounted on the upper side of
the breech chamber and carrying upon an extension of such axis a sector I
engaging with a pinion K on one side of the gun, the axis of such pinion
carrying a pointer K travelling over a graduated and divided dial L as and for
the purposes described and illustrated upon Figures 10 to 15 of the accompanying
drawings.
4. The method of attaching a dial-plate L upon the cartridge chamber as
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
5. The arrangement of the front band N carrying the fore-sight of a repeating
rifle and supported laterally upon the barrel by means of a projection N2 engaging
in a longitudinal slot O in the barrel as described and illustrated upon Figures 16
and 17 of the annexed drawings.
6. In combination with the front band N of a repeating rifle, the stock formed
in a single piece entirely surrounding the barrel for a part of its length and secured
to the breech chamber, as described and illustrated with respect to Figures 18
and 19 of the accompanying drawings.
7. The arrangement in a repeating or other gun of the bayonet Q movably set
in the stock and capable of engaging on the front band N or on a pin R
passing through the stock as described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
8. In a repeating gun, the combination of the lock independent of the breech
piece, with the movement of this latter by means of an inclined surface W¹ and a
projection W for cocking the hammer, as described with reference to the annexed
drawings.
9. A safety-lock W hinged to the breech piece of a repeating gun, by the
operation of which the fall of the hammer may be prevented and the breech-piece

page_text: locked as described and illustrated upon Figures 25 and 25 of the annexed
drawings.
10. In a repeating gun, a cartridge ejector Y capable of being moved to two
different positions by the operation of the breech piece and by the fall of the
hammer so as to avoid the ejection of a non-fired cartridge and the delivery of a
second cartridge from the magazine, as described and illustrated upon the accom-
panying drawings.
11. In a repeating gun, the combination of a cartridge ejector Y capable of
being moved to two different positions, with a bell-cranked lever Z operated by
the fall of the hammer, as described and illustrated upon the accompanying
drawings.
12. The combination with an ejector Y and bell-crank lever Z, of a forked-rod
connecting said lever with the trigger U so as to cause the displacement of the
ejector by the action of the trigger, as described with reference to Figure 40 of
the accompanying drawings.
13. The arrangement for locking the ejector in such a position that the
contents of the magazine cannot be used, whilst allowing the gun to be
employed for ordinary firing, as described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
14. In a repeating gun the arrangement for suspending the magazine action by
locking the uppermost cartridge by means of a lever moving within the cartridge
chamber so as to keep the contents of the magazine in reserve while using the
weapon for ordinary firing, as described.
15. In a repeating gun the use of a movable plate F for closing the cartridge
magazine to prevent the accidental egress of a cartridge, as described.
Dated this 1911: day of December 1906
Dated this 12th day of December 1906
For the Applicant,
GEDGE & FEENY,
60 Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C., Chartered Patent Agents.