Improvements in Drop-down Guns
Year: 1894

page_text: :
Reprinted as amended in accordance with the decision of the Supervising Examiner
acting for the Comptroller-General, dated the 24th day of February 1908.
"
Improvements in Drop-down Guns",
I, JOHN ROBERTSON, trading as Boss & Co., of 73 St. James Street, Pall Mall,
in the County of Middlesex, Gunmaker, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
In the Specification of my prior Patent No. 20873 dated 3rd. November, 1893,
and also in that of my pending application for Patent No. 5897, dated 21st.
March, 1894, 1 have described means whereby the two barrels of a double-barreled
drop-down gun can be fired in succession by the action of a,single trigger, this
effect being produced by causing the first pull of the trigger which fires one
barrel to shift or move a part in the action so as to bring it into the necessary
position for acting on the sear of the other barrel when the trigger is again
pulled.
In practice I find that in the act of making the first pull on the trigger an
involuntary action of the firing finger frequently occurs and which results in
relaxing the pressure slightly on the trigger and then immediately pulling the
trigger hard again. The effect of this is to allow the trigger to descend sufficiently
so that when the subsequent hard pull comes the shifting part (which has already
moved so that it engages the second sear) will act on the second sear, and both
barrels are thus discharged practically simultaneously, the second one of course
unintentionally.
The object of the present invention is to prevent this occuring, and the
means I employ while capable of application to the constructions described in the
specifications of my prior patents above referred to, can also be applied to
guns of any other construction, and may be varied to suit different constructions.
The means I employ for this purpose consist essentially in the use of an inter-
ceptor which acts in conjunction with the movable part, which is shifted by the
first pull of the trigger, so that the latter cannot effect its complete movement
which is requisite to cause it to engage the second sear, until the trigger has beeu
first pulled to effect the firing of the first barrel and after the involuntary pull has
occurred.
As above stated the invention is capable of realization in various ways, but in all
cases the essential feature consists in the use of suitably shaped projecting surfaces
formed on the shifting part and which act in conjunction with correspondingly
shaped surfaces formed either on the trigger itself, or on one of the sears, or on a
fixed part of the action, and which prevent the full movement of the shifting part
until after the trigger has been once raised and the involuntary movement(due to the

page_text: recoil) has occurred, and the trigger then allowed to descend again to its full extent,
that is to say that if both hammers are cocked without charging the barrels, in order
to release the two hammers in succession three distinct pulls of the trigger would
be necessary, the first pull at once releasing the hammer of the first barrel, the
second pull (which in the case of the gun being loaded would be effected by the
recoil, and the extent of which pull may be either a full pull or any portion thereof)
would have no effect with regard to the releasing of the second hammer, but simply
permit the shifting part to move to the requisite position for enabling same to
effected.
release such second hammer when the third pull on the trigger
The return movement of the shitting part to its original position is effected by
the action of opening and closing the gun for charging, and may be produced
through any suitable connection either directly with the locking bolt of the barrels
or with the lever actuating same, or through the intermediary of the safety bolt
when same is employed, or directly from the safety bolt.
The shifting part is also preferably provided with a projection which absolutely
blocks the sear of the second barrel, by being situated in the path of travel of same
in its movement which is necessary to release the hammer it locks or retains, until
after the first barrel has been fired, so that the shock of the recoil due to such
discharge cannot possibly release the sear of the second barrel.
12 Beth dov of Naveinber 1894
ALLISON BROS.
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Drop-u
I, JOHN ROBERTSON, trading as Boss & Co., of 73 St. James Street, Pall Mall, in the
County of Middlesex, Gunmaker, 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 :-
In the Specification of my prior Patent No. 20873 dated 3rd November 1893, and
also in that of my prior Patent No. 5897, dated 21st March 1894, I have described
means whereby the two barrels of a double barreled drop-down gun can be fired
in succession by the action of a single trigger, this effect being produced by causing
the first pull of the trigger which fires one barrel to shift or move a part in the
action so as to bring it into the necessary position for acting on the sear of the other
barrel when the trigger is again pulled.
In practice I find that in the act of making the first pull on the trigger an
involuntary action of the firing finger frequently occurs and which results in
relaxing the pressure slightly on the trigger and then immediately pulling the
trigger hard again. The effect of this is to allow the trigger to descend sufficiently
so that when the subsequent hard pull comes the shifting part (which has already
moved so that it engages the second sear) will act on the second sear, and both
barrels are thus discharged practically simultaneously, the second one of course
unintentionally.
The object of the present invention is to prevent this occurring, and the means I
while-capable-of-application-to-the-constructions--described-in the-specifica-
tions-of-my-prior-patents-above-referred-to-ean--also-be-applied-to-guns-of-any-other
employ
construction,-and-may-be-varied-to-suit-different-constructions.
The means-I-employ for-this-purpose consist essentially in the use of a rotary
tumbler mounted on a vertical or substantially vertical post situated near the free
ends of the sears and capable of vertical movement thereon and having an-intereopter

page_text: which acts-in-conjunction-with-the--movable-part,--which-is-shifted-by-the-first-pull
of-the-trigger, co-that--the--latter-cannot--effect--its-complete--movement-which-is
requisite-to-eanse-it-to-engage-the-second-sear, antil-the-trigger-has-been-first-pulled
to-effect-the-firing-of-the-first-barrel-and-after-the-involuntary
pull-has-occurred.
but-in-all
eases-the-essential-feature-consists-in-the-use-of suitably shaped projecting surfaces
formed-on-the-shifting-part--and which act in conjunction with correspondingly
shaped surfaces formed either on the trigger itself, or on one of the sears, or on a
fixed part of the action, and which prevent the full rotary movement of the tumbler
which is necessary to enable the second barrel to be discharged shifting-part until
after the trigger has been pulled to discharge the first barrel and the involuntary
pull has also onee-raised--and--the--involuntary--movement--(due-to-the-recoil)--has
occurred, and the trigger being then released allowed-to-deseend-again to its full
extent,. that-is-to-say-that-if-beth-hammers-are-eeeked-without-charging the barrels,
in-order-to-release-the-two-hammers-in-succession-three-distinet-pulls-of-the-trigger
would-be-necessary,-the-first-pull-at-once-releasing the hammer-of-the-first-barrel,
the-second-pull-(which-in-the-ease-of-the-gun-being-loaded-would-be-offeeted-by-the
recoil,-and-the-extent-of-which-pull-may-be-either-a-full-pull-or-any-portion-thereof)
permit-the--shifting-part-to--more--to--the--requisite--position--for-enabling-same-to
release-sueh-second-hammer-when-the-third-pull-on-the-trigger-is-effeeted.
As-above-stated-the-invention-is-capable-of-realization-in-various-ways,
would-have-no-effect-with-regard-to-the-releasing-of-the-second hammer, bat-simply
The return movement of the shifting part or tumbler to its original position is
effected by the action of opening and closing the gun for charging, and may be
produced through any suitable connection either directly with the locking bolt of
the barrels or with the lever actuating same, or through the intermediary of the
safety bolt when same is employed, or directly from the safety bolt.
The shifting part is also preferably provided with a projection which absolutely
blocks the sear of the second barrel, by being situated in the path of travel of same
in its movement which is necessary to release the haminer it locks or retains,
until after the first barrel has been fired, so that the shock of the recoil due to such
discharge cannot possibly release the sear of the second barrel.
But in order that my invention inay be fully understood I will now proceed to
describe same by the aid of the accompanying sheets of drawings, in which
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of the lock of a gun with one
arrangement for applying my invention thereto.
Fig. 2 a sectional plan view of same.
Fig. 3 a transverse section through the lock.
Fig. 4 a plan view of the top side of the end of one of the sears.
Fig. 5 a side elevation of saine, and
Fig. 6 a plan view of the under side of such sear.
Figs. 7 to 14 are detail views showing the parts in the different positions they
occupy during the complete action of discharging both barrels of the gun, each
position being shown in side elevation and in plan respectively.
Figs. 15-to-26-melusive-illustrate-the-application-of-my-invention-by-means-of-a
stationary-interceptor-fixed-on-the-trigger-plate,
Fig. 5 being a longitudinal sectional-elevation-of-such-arrangement,
Fig. 16-a-sectional-plan-view-of-same;-and
Figs. 17-to-20-being-detail-views-showing-the-parts-in-the-different-positions-they
eeeupy, each-position-being-shown-in-end-elevation-and-in-plan-respectively.
Figs. 27 to 39 inclusive illustrate a slightly modified form of iny invention in
which both the rotary tumbler is provided with a interceptor-and-the projection
for blocking the sear of the second barrel are-employed,
Fig. 27 being a longitudinal sectional elevation of such arrangement,
Fig. 28 a sectional plan view of same,
Fig. 29 a transverse section thereof, and
Figs. 30 to 39 being detail views showing the parts in the different positions
they occupy, each position being shown in side elevation and in plan respectively.

page_text: Figs. 40 to 50 inclusive illustrate a further modification, of my improved rotary
tumbler and block to lock the second scar,
Fig. 40 being a longitudinal sectional elevation of same,
Fig. 41 a plan view of Fig. 40, and
Fig. 42 a transverse section of Fig. 40.
Figs. 43 to 50 inclusive are detail views showing four different positions of the
parts in side elevation and in plan.
Figs. 51 to 53 inclusive are detail views of one method I employ for returning
the tumbler to its original position by the action of opening the gun for
recharging.
Figs. 54 to 56 inclusive are detail views of the form of trigger I employ in the
arrangement shown in Figs. 40 to 50 inclusive,
Fig. 54 being a side elevation of such trigger,
Fig. 55 an end view, and
Fig.
56 a similar view to Fig. 54 but showing the parts in a different position.
Fige-57-to-67-inclusive-show-a-further-modification-of-my-invention,
Fig. 57-being-a-longitudinal-sectional-elevation-of-this-arrangement,
Fig. 58-a-sectional-plan-view-of-same;
Fig. 50-a-transverse-section,-and
Fige: 60 to 67-detail-views-showing the-parts in-the-different-positions they occupy, 2
each-position-being-shown-in-side-elevation-and-in-plan-respectively.
Figs. 68 to 78 inclusive illustrate an a-similar arrangement of an ordinary
sliding piece te-that-shown-in-Fige:-67-to-67, with the addition of a part for blocking
the sear of the second barrel until after the involuntary pull had occurred.
Fig. 68 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of this arrangement,
Fig. 69 a sectional plan view, and
Fig. 70 a transverse section thereof.
Figs. 71 to 78 inclusive are detail views showing the parts in different positions,
each position being shown in side elevation and plan respectively.
In-Figs. 70-to-88 inclusive is illustrated-an-arrangement which-Imay employ when
applying my invention-to-an-external hammer-gun,
Fig-79-being-a-longitudinal-sectional-elevation-of-same,
Fig-80-a-sectional-plan-view,-and
Fige. 81-to-88--inclusive--detail-views-of-the--different--positions--which-the-parts
occupy-each-position-being-shown-in-side-elevation-and-in-plan
Figs.
80-to-08-inclusive-show-the-application-of-my-invention-to-guns-in-which-the
trigger-is-provided-with-a-vertical-pivotted-limb-or-part-operating-after-the-firing-of
the-first-barrel-to-move-into-position-for-acting-on-the-sear-of the-second-barrel.
Fig. 80-is-a-longitudinal-sectional-view-illustrating-this arrangement,-and
Fig.-00-a-sectional-plan-view-of-same.
Fige 01-to-98-inclusive-are-detail views showing the parts-in-the-different positions
they-occupy,-each-position-being-shown-in-side-elevation-and-in-plan-respectively.
Fig 99 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of one arrangement for returning the
shifting part which enables the second barrel to be discharged back to its original
position by the action of opening the gun, so as to always discharge the same barrel
of the gun by the first pull of the trigger after the gun has been reloaded.
Fig. 100 is a sectional plan view of same with the parts in one position, and
Fig. 101 a corresponding view with the parts in another position.
In the arrangement illustrated in Figs. 1 to 14 A is the single trigger, over the
top of which the end of the sear B for firing the right hand barrel is situated, so that
the pulling of the trigger will effect. such firing of this barrel in the usual manner.
The shifting part or tumbler C by means of which the second barrel is discharged
is mounted so that it can turn on a pivot D and is acted upon by any suitable spring
such as E continuously tending to throw it to the position shown in Figs. 13 and 14,
where a projection or arm C' on such tumbler is situated under the end of the sear Bi-
of the left hand barrel. A projection A' on the rear of the trigger engages a recess
in the tumbler C, and as the latter as well as turning on its pivot D can also rise
1

page_text: vertically thereon, it will be seen that when the parts are in the position shown in
Figs. 13 and 14, a pull on the trigger will by raising tumbler C cause its arm C¹ to
raise sear B' and to release the hammer of the left hand barrel.
The tumbler C also has a second arm or projection C2, which when both hammers
are cocked bears against a corresponding projection or abutment 6 on the right hand
Bear B, (as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8) so that the spring cannot cause the tumbler
to turn on its pivot D. The sear B is also provided with an intercepting projection
or abutment F (shown in detail in Figs. 4 to 6) which is pivoted to such sear and is
acted upon by a spring f normally acting to force it outwards.
The action is as follows:-
:-
The gun being loaded and both hammers cocked, when the parts are in the
position shown in Figs 7 and 8, the first pull of trigger A by raising sear B fires the
right hand barrel. Upon the pull on the trigger being relaxed (owing to the recoil),
as sear B remains raised, while the trigger and with it the tumbler C descend, the
arn C on the latter will clear the abutment b on sear B, and tumbler C then turns
slightly on its pivot D under the action of spring E to the position shown in Figs. 9
and 10, until its arm comes in contact with and is arrested by the interceptor F
on the sear B. The tumbler C cannot consequently turn sufficiently on its pivot D
to enable its arın C² to come under the left hand sear B', so that if an involuntary
pull of the trigger A occurs the left hand barrel will not be discharged. When the
trigger A is again pulled allowed-to-descend-further, the arm C of tumbler C
then will clears the interceptor F, and the tumbler under the action of its spring E
then will turns to the position shown in Figs. 11 and 12. In this position the arm C¹
of tumbler C comes in contact with the end of the left hand sear B¹, and the
tumbler consequently still cannot turn to its full extent, and it is only when
the trigger A and with it tumbler C have descended right down (by the pull on the
former being completely removed) and whereby the arm C₁ clears the end of sear B
that such arm can pass under this sear to the position shown in Figs. 13 and 14.
When this has occurred, the next time the trigger A is pulled, the sear B¹ will be
raised by the arm C, and the left hand barrel then-be discharged.
To return the tumbler C to its original position after the left hand barrel has
been discharged, the end of the locking bolt G when actuated in the usual way by
the lever G¹ for the purpose of opening the gun, will in its backward movement
force back a sliding rod H which it engages (as shown in Figs. 1 and 2), the move-
ment bringing the rear end of such rod against one side of the tumbler C and
causing it to turn on its pivot D to the position shown in Figs. 7 and 8, and as the
action of opening the gun will in the usual way have cocked the haminers and
consequently depressed the rear ends of the sears B, B¹, the arm C² will again abut
against the projection 6 on sзar B, and hold tumbler C in the position to which it
has been shifted.
Referring-now-to the-arrangement illustrated-in-Figs. 15-to-26-inclusive of the
drawings, in this arrangement-the-tumbler--C-is--pivotted-to-the-upper-forward-end
of-the-trigger-A-and-is acted-upon-by-the-spring E tending-to-force-it-to-the-position
shown in Figs. 25-and 26, while-the-interceptor-is-fixed-to-the-trigger-plate,-and
consists-of-two-vertical-plates-F--F', as shown. When the- tumbler--G--is--in-the
position-shown-in-Figs. 15,-16,-17-and-18-the-rear-end-Cl-of such-tumbler-is-beneath
the right hand-sear--B,-and-is--retained--in--such--position-by--engaging-the-noteh-or
projection-b-en--the-under-side--of-such-sear; -as-shown in Fig. 17, so that-when
trigger-A-is-pulled-and-the-tumbler-C-consequently-raised the-arm-or-end-C¹-thereof
will-raise-the-right-hand-sear-and-se--discharge--the--barrel-on-that-side-Upon-the
pull-on-the-trigger-being-relaxed-the-tumbler-G-will-deseend-and-its-arm-C'-elear
the-projection--on-rear-B-(which-latter-remains raised). The-tumbler C will-then
by-the-action-of-spring-E-turn-slightly on-its-pivot-until-its-arm-C1-is-arrested-by
coming-in-contact-with-the-first-plate-F-of--the-interceptor,-as-shown-in-Figs.19
and-20 This-plate--F--has--a-recess-or-cut--away-part-f-and-when--the-trigg-r-is
allowed-to-descend-further-the-arm-C-of-the-tumbler-C-comes-opposite-sneh-recess
or-eat-away-portion,-so-that-such-tumbler--ean then -turn-further-on-its-pivot-until

page_text: the-arm-C-is-again-arrested-by-coming-in--contact-with-the-second-plate-F¹-of-the
on-the-trigger-A-the-arm-C-of-the-tambler-will-be-raised-clear-of-the-top-edge-of
the-plate--of-the-interceptor,-and-the-tumbler-will--then--turn-further-on-its-pivot
nterceptor,-as-shown-in-Figs. 21-and-22,-Upon-the-involuntary-pull-being-exerted
until-its-arm-C-is-arrested-by-coming-in-contact--with--the end-of-the-left-hand
sear B-as-shown-in-Figs. 23-and-24.-Upon-the--trigger--being--then--released-the
arm-C-will-clear-the-end-of-gear-B'-and-by-the--tumbler--turning-to-its-fall-extent
en-its-pivot D-such-arm-C'--will-come--under-the-left-hand-gear-B',-as-shown-in
Fige 25 and 26,-so-that-when-the-trigger-is-again--pulled--aneh-sear-will-be-raised
and-the-left-hand-barrel-consequently-discharged.
For--the--sake--et--clearness--the--arrangement-for-returning-the-tumbler-to-its
original-position-when-the-gun-is-opened-is-not-shown,-but-it-may-be-of-similar-con-
struction-to-that-described-in-connection-with-the-arrangement-illustrated in Fige-1
to-14.
Referring now to the arrangement shown in Figs. 27 to 39 inclusive, in this case
the tumbler C can only rise after same has turned on its pivot to the position for
firing the left hand barrel, instead of rising with each pull of the trigger, as in
beth-of the arrangements previously described, and further such tumbler is pro-
vided with an arm which remains over the sear of the left hand barrel so that
same can only rise when the tumbler rises, so that the left hand sear is blocked or
locked and prevented from accidentally rising and firing the left hand barrel until
this position of the tumbler is attained.
When the parts are in the position shown in Figs. 27 to 31 inclusive of the
drawings the end of the right hand sear B being over the trigger A, when the latter
is pulled such sear would be raised and the right hand barrel consequently
discharged. Until this occurs the arm C² of tumbler C is in contact with the end
of sear B and the tumbler C is consequently prevented from turning on its pivot
under the action of its spring E. As soon as sear B is raised the arm C² of
tumbler C clears the end of sear B, and the tumbler C turns on its pivot until
arın C comes in contact with the end of the trigger A as shown in Figs. 32 and 33.
Upon the trigger being allowed to descend the arm C clears the end of the
trigger A and the tumbler C turns further on its pivot until another arm C³ on the
tumbler comes in contact with the end of such trigger as shown in Figs. 34 and 35.
When the involuntary pull on the trigger occurs a recess or cut away portion a of
the trigger comes opposite the arm C3 of the tumbler, and the latter then turns
further on its pivot until the arm C of the tumbler comes in contact with the end
of such trigger, (as shown in Figs. 36 and 37) and the further movement of the
tumbler on its pivot is consequently arrested. When the pull on the trigger is
released the cut away portion a comes opposite the arm C₁ of the tumbler which
can then turn to the full extent on its pivot, so 18 us to bring the rear portion of
the arm C under the left hand sear B', to the position for discharging the left
barrel. As the forward end of the arm C₁ then engages the recess or cut away
portion a of the trigger while its backward end is under the left hand sear B¹, and
the action of the tumbler turning to this position has brought a slot c made in the
upper surface of such tumbler opposite a cross pin d inserted in the pivot D on
which the tumbler turns, when the trigger is again pulled the tumbler will be
raised and by acting on sear B' will discharge the left hand barrel.
tumbler C is at its upper end provided with an arm or projection C which always
remains over the left hand sear B' except when in the position for recocking the
left hand hammer, the left hand sear will be always locked thereby and can only
rise with the tumbler, so that the left hand sear is effectually blocked or locked
until the tumbler assumes the position for discharging the left hand barrel.
As the
The arrangement shown for effecting the return of the tumbler to its original
position in the construction last described consists of an arm X' on the safety
bolt X, which latter when shifted back comes over the trigger A so as to prevent
same being pulled, such the arm X¹ acting on a projection Y on one side of the

page_text: centre of tumbler C, when the safety bolt is moved backwards, so that the action
of placing the gun at safety will return the tumbler C to its original position.
The safety bolt X is preferably actuated automatically by the action of opening
the gun by the arrangement shown in Figs. 99 to 101 of the drawings, in which
the end of the locking bolt G when operated in the usual manner by the lever G¹
would in its backward movement force back the sliding rod H, the rear end of which
bears against the safety bolt X, and so also force the latter backwards to the
safety position. whereby the arın X' of such safety bolt acting on projection Y of
tumbler C, will return same to its original position, and as the gun will be recocked
in the usual way by opening it, the sears will have descended to their original position,
and the tumbler C will consequently be prevented from turning on its pivot. When
the safety bolt X is shifted forward to permit of the gun being again fired it will
release the tumbler C so that same will again be free to turn when the trigger is
actuated in the inanner previously described.
In the arrangement illustrated in Figs. 40 to 56 inclusive of the drawings
the trigger A when first pulled acts directly on the sear B on one side, and
such sear then remains raised until the hammer on that side is recocked by the
usual movement in opening the gun for recharging.
The tumbler C which must turn on its pivot to enable it to come into position
to be raised and thus act on the tail end of the other sear B' so as to fire the
second barrel, is during the first pull prevented froin so turning by the contact of
an arm C² thereon against the end of the first sear B as shown in Figs. 43 and 44.
But as soon as this latter is raised the tumbler is then free to turn under the action
of its spring E towards the position for bringing another arm C¹ on the tumbler
under the tail end of the second sear B', as shown in Figs. 49 and 50.
latter position a lug or projection C on the tumbler C enters a notch a of the
trigger A, and a slot c in the tumbler comes opposite a pin d on the stud or pivot D
on which it turns. The tumbler C is thus free to rise vertically when the trigger A
is again pulled and by contact of its arm C' with the tail end of sear B', the latter
will be raised and the barrel on this side of the gun consequently be fired.
In this
The form of interceptor I employ in connection with this arrangement is
as follows:-
I make the trigger in two parts A, A2, (Figs. 54 to 56) the part A being formed in
one with the pull and being pivotted to part A2 at a², so that the part A can move
upwards a certain distance before the part A is made begins to rise with it. The
part A is acted upon by a spring Q which keeps samne normally in its lowermost
downward position, as shown in Fig. 54. This part A has an ear or projection a³
which extends above part A2, when the part A is in its raised position, as shown in
Fig. 56., and the part A2 is made thin at its free end so that a space x is formed
between the parts A, A2, see Fig. 55.
The arm Con tumbler C besides bearing against the end of sear B when the latter
is in bent, so as to prevent the tumbler C turning on its pivot as above described,
also acts in conjunction with the two parts A, A, of the trigger, in order to serve as
an interceptor and prevent the full movement of the tumbler until the desired moment.
The tumbler C has also another arın or extension C+, which serves to lock the
second sear B¹, until the tumbler has turned to the position to fire the second barrel.
Referring to Figs. 43 and 44, where the parts are in the position for firing the
barrel controlled by sear B, it will be seen that the intercepting arm C2 is bearing
against the end of such sear B, so that the tumbler cannot turn on its pivot,
whilst the arm or extension C is right over the tail end of sear B¹, so that the
latter cannot possibly rise to release the hammer it controls, thus effectually
locking such sear B¹.
When the trigger A is pulled the first movement is to raise part A of same to its
full upward extent in relation to part A2, after which the two parts rise together
until on contact with sear B they raise the latter and so discharge the first barrel.
The rising of sear B has removed the end of same above the arın C of
tumbler C, and the latter at once turns slightly under the action of its spring until

page_text: arın C comes in contact with the side of part A² of the trigger, as shown in
Figs. 45 and 46 In this position the arm or extension C' of tumbler C is still over
the end of sear B₁, and the latter consequently remains locked. The involuntary
release action due to the recoil now occurring the parts A, A2, of the trigger now
descend te-a-certain-extent, and arm C² consequently clears the top of part A²,
whereby permitting the tumbler C can to turn slightly further round on its pivot,
but until the arin C then comes in contact with the ear or projection a³
on part A, which ear, as the part A is in its raised position in relation to part A,
projects above the top of the latter and will be retained in its raised position by
the frictional engagement of the arm c² with the projection a³. The parts are
shown in this position in Figs 47 and 48, where it will be seen that tumbler C is
still unable to turn sufficiently to bring it to the position for actuating sear B¹, and
further that such sear still remains locked by the arm C of such tumbler. The
involuntary pull then occurs with the result that the parts A, A2 will be raised_
the arm C being at such time located in the space x-until the part A Upon-the
pull-on--trigger-A--being-released-however--part-A-it-onee-descends-and-arm-C₁-of
tumbler-C-then clears the top of the arm C permitting the tumbler to turn ear-or
projection a³, when until its arm C strikes against the end of sear B.
voluntary release then takes place and the tumbler immediately turns to its full
extent, thereby unlocking sear B₁, by removing arın C from over the tail of saine,
and at same time bringing the arin C¹ of such tumbler under such sear B₁, which
will consequently be actuated thereby when the tumbler is raised in the manner
herein before described when the trigger is next pulled. The last named position
of the parts is shown in Figs. 49 and 50.
The
Figs. 40, 41, 42, 51, 52, and 53 show one method of shifting tumbler C back to
its original position when the gun is opened for recharging, such inethod consisting
in the employinent of a sliding rod H connected at one end with the tail end of
locking bolt G, and its opposite end bearing against one side of the tumbler, so
that when the locking bolt lever G₁ is turned the rod H will move backwards
and so shift the tumbler back to its original position, and as the action of opening
the gun will recock the hammers, and so bring the sears back to their original
position, the arin C will again come in contact with the end of sear B and thus
retain the tumbler in such position, until the first barrel has been again fired.
This return movement of the tumbler C may be effected in various other ways
than that above described.
In-the-modification-of-my-invention-illustrated--in--Figs:-87-to-67-inclusive-of-the
drawings-it-will-be-seen-that-I-employ-a-sliding-piece--Gneting-in-conjunction-with
longitudinally-in-relation-thereto,-the-extent-of-this-movement-being-determined-by
trigger-A-This-sliding-piece-C-18-mounted--on-the-trigger- o-us-to-be-able-to-move
e-in-a-working-in-a-slot-c'-in-the sliding-piece-C-Such-shding peee-is-neted-upon
by-a-spring E-in-such-a--manner--as-to-cause-it-to normal'y-occupy-the-position-for
Beting-on-the-sear-B₁-and-so-eausing-the-firing-of-the-left-hand-barrel-by-its-arm-C¹
taking-under-such-sear B';-as-shown-in-Fige-66-and-67.
The-sliding-preee C-is-guided in-its-movement-by-its-arm-C-extending-through-a
slot-a-in-the-trigger-A,-and-as-such-arm-C'-cannot leave the slot-in-this arrangement
it-will-be-seen-that-each-time trigger-A-16-pulled-the-sliding--piece-C-will-be-raised
with it. In-addition-to-arm-C-the-sliding--piece-has--an-arm-C-which-in-adapted
when-the-gun-is-recocked-(by-the-nction-of-doing-which-sach-sliding-piece-is--toreed
back against-the-netion-of-its-spring-E-to-the-position-shown in Fige. 57, 58, 59, 60
and-61)-to-take-under-the-end-of-right-hand-sear- B,-which-thereby-holds-it-and
prevents-it-from-returning-to-its-normal-position-under-the-nction-of-its-spring.
In-this arrangement-when-trigger-A-has-been-pulled-for-releasing the-sear-B-und
so-firing-the-right-hand-barrel,-sueh-sear-B-remains in its raised position,-and-con-
sequently-when-the-pull-on-such-trigger-is-relaxed owing to the-recoil-of-the-gun-the
arm-C-of-sliding-piece-C-will-be-released-from-its-engagement-with-the-end-et-sneh
sear. Under-the-netion-of-its-spring-E--it-will-then-move-forward-until-its-arm-C¹
comes-in-contact-with-the-rear-of-interceptor F,-which-in-this-arrangement--consists

page_text: of-a-block-screwed into-the-trigger-plate-This--position-is-shown-in-Figs.-62-and
63-of-the-drawings-On-the-involuntary- pull-on-the-trigger-A-taking-place-such
arm-C-of-sliding--piece-C-will-be-raised-so-as-to-elear-the-interceptor-E-and-the
sliding-pieee-will-then-again-move-forward-under-the-action-of-its-spring-E-until-it
comes-in-contact-with--the-back of--the-left--hand-sear-B';-as-shown-in-Figo.-64-und
65. When-the-pressure-on-trigger-A-16-next-relaxed-the-sliding-piece-will-agum
move-forward-as-soon-as-its-arm-G-is-able-to-clear--the--back-of-bear-B',-and-such
arm-C-will-thereby-be-brought-under-such-sear-B-in-the-position--(shown-in-Figs.
66-and-67)-for-firing-the-left-hand barrel-when-the-trigger-A-is-again-pulled:
The chiding-pieee-C may-be--returned-to-the-position-for-firing the-right hand-barrel
by-means-of-the-rod-H (shown in broken lines in Fig. 57)-operated by the locking belt
G-aeting-against-the-projection-Y-of-the-sliding-piece-C,-and-so foreing-and-holding
same-back-until-the-gun-is-reeocked,-when-the-sear--B-will--be-brought-down-to-the
forward-under-the-action-of-its-spring-until--the--right-hand--barrel-has-been-again
position-shown-in-Figs. 57-to-61-and-so-hold-the-sliding--piece-C-from-again-moving
discharged.
The-rear-of-arm-G¹-and-the-front-of-intereeptor-Fare- made-with-inclined surfaces
which-acting-together--will--cause-the-arm-C-to-be-raised--and--so--pass--over-the
intereeptor-F-when-the-sliding-piece-C-is-being-forced-back-to-its-rearward-position.
A-modification-of-the-arrangement-last-described-is-show-in. In Figs. 68 to 78 1
show means for preventing inelusive-of-the-drawings,-and-in-which-as-will-be--seen-
a-block-is-provided-to prevent the accidental discharge of the second barrel owing
to the jar or recoil of the gun in an arrangement in which the second sear is put
into operative connection with the trigger by a sliding piece, but I wish it to be
understood that I do not claim the principle of action of the sliding piece and the
interruption of its travel by the interceptor.
In this arrangement the sliding piece C does not act on the right hand sear B
when trigger A is pulled to discharge the right hand barrel, the raising of the right
hand sear being effected by extending the latter over the trigger itself, which con-
sequently acts directly on sach sear. The arm C of the sliding piece C is so
placed that when the right hand barrel is to be discharged it will be outside the
slot a in the trigger, and therefore will not be raised when the trigger is first
pulled.
The arin C of the sliding piece C is extended downward and provided with a
hook c adapted when the sliding piece is in its most rearward position (that is in
the position shown in Figs. 68 to 72, when the right hand barrel is to be discharged)
to engage with a projection c³ of a block attached to the trigger plate. Such
sliding piece is thereby prevented from rising when trigger A is pulled to lift sear B
and discharge the right hand barrel.
The interceptor I employ in this arrangement consists of a small block F on the
trigger plate, and is situated immediately in front of the projection c* of
block c'.
It will be seen that the sliding piece C is retained in its rearmost position against
the action of its spring E by means of the sear B, which as already stated passes
over the top of trigger A (on the left hand side of which the sliding piece C is
situated) and then engages against a projection C at the top of the sliding
piece.
The parts being in the position shown in Figs. 68 to 72, when trigger A is pulled
sear B will be raised and so discharge the right hand barrel. As such sear reinains
in its raised position it will have released projection C³ of sliding piece C and so
allow spring E to move such sliding piece until the lower end of its arm C' comes
in contact with interceptor F. This however cannot take place until the arın C² of
sliding piece C can enter the slot a in trigger A when the pressure on the latter is
relaxed to a sufficient extent under the recoil, but as soon as this has occurred the
sliding piece C moves forward until its arm C¹ comes in contact with the inter-
ceptor F, as shown in Figs. 73 and 74. The involuntary pull then takes place and
as arm of the sliding piece C has entered the slot a in trigger A such sliding

page_text: piece will be raised with the trigger and so arm C¹ will clear the interceptor F, when
spring E will again move sliding piece C forward to the position shown in Figs 75
and 76, when as will be seen the arm C¹ is in contact with the back of sear B¹. On
the pull on the trigger being again removed the arm C₁ of sliding piece C will
descend and move forward until it is under the sear B¹, as shown in Figs. 77 and 78,
and on the trigger being again pulled sear B¹ will be raised and the left barrel
discharged.
As-in-the-previous-arrangement-the The sliding piece C is connected to the
trigger A by means of a pin a passing through a slot c¹ in the sliding piece, the
backward and forward movement of which in relation to the trigger is thereby
determined.
It will be seen that in this arrangement a block C is provided on the sliding
piece C, this block being so placed as to extend over the end of left hand sear Bi
when the right hand barrel is fired. Such left hand sear B¹ is thereby blocked or
locked so that it cannot possibly be raised by the shock due to the recoil of the
gun on the discharge of the right hand barrel.
After the discharge of the left hand barrel the sliding piece C may be returned
to the position for discharging the right hand barrel by any suitable means, the
front of the interceptor and the rear of the arm C¹ of the sliding piece being
made with inclined faces so as to raise the latter over the interceptor in such
return movement.
In-Fige: 70-to-88-inclusive-a-modification-of-this-arrangement-suitable-for-appli-
eation-to-external-hammer-guns-is-illustrated.
In-this-arrangement-the-sliding-piece-C-18-connected-to-the-trigger-block-by-a-pin
and-slot-connection-similar-to-that-employed-in-the-two-constructions-lust-dese+ibed,
but-instead-of-its-spring-E-acting-to move-it-forward-or-towards-the--barrels-of--the
gun-such-spring-aets-to-force-the-sliding-piece-backward. The-arm-C-of-the-shding
piece-extends-through-the-slot-a-in-the-trigger-A;-and-sneh-piece-is-raised-with-each
pull-of-the-trigger-The-right-hand-sear-B-is-formed-with-a-shoulder--which holds
the-sliding-pieee-C-in-its-forward-position-(as-shown-in-Figs. -70-to-82--inclusive)-by
reason-of-its-arm-C2-taking-over-the-end-of-the-sear-when-the-latter-is-depressed-for
firing-the-right-hand-barrel.
When-the-parts-are-m-the-positions--illustrated-in--Fige-70-to-$2 -inelus've,--on
trigger-A-being-pulled-the-arm-C-of-sliding-piece-C-will-be--released--from--sear--B
(which-remains-in-its-raised--position-until- the-hammer-is-recocked);-and--spring--E
will-then-on-the-pressure-on-the-trigger-being-relaxed-cause-the-sliding-piece-to-move
backward-until-the-arm-C-comes-in-contact-with-interceptor-F-(which-consists-of-a
block-serewed-into-the-trigger-plate) as-shown-in-Figs:-S3-and-84--The-involuntary
pall-then-eeeurs-and-the-effect-of--this-is-to--raise--the--arm--6--of-the-sliding--preee
antil-it-ean-pass-over-the-interceptor-F--when-its-spring--E-will-cause--the--sliding
pieee-te-move-to-the-position-shown-in-Figs.-85-and-86--with its-arm-C2-in-contact
with-the-front-of-the-tail-of-sear-B-for-the-left-barrel-On-the--pull--being--relaxed
the-arm-C-will--pass--under-the-sear-B-into-the-po ition-shown in Figs. 87-and-88
ready-for-diseharging-the-left-hand-barrel-on-the-next-pull-of-the-trigger.
In-this-arrangement-the-sliding-piece-C-may-be-returned-to-the-position-for-firing
the-right-hand-barrel-by-means-of-a-pin-1-working-in-a-slot--i-in-the-sliding-piece
C-such-pin-I-being-arranged-on-the-right-hand--external--hammer--below-its-piret,
and-in-such-a-position-that-when-such-hammer--is-eeeked-in-the-nsnal-way- the--pin
will-pull-the-sliding-piece-C-forward-against-the-action-of-spring-E-into-the-position
for-engaging-the-right-hand-sear-B-which-letter-would-then-descend-and-hold-same
in-such-forward--position:-The-parts-would-then-be-again-in-the-position-for-firing
the-right-hand-barrel.
Fige 80 to 08-inclusive-illustrate-the-application-of-my-interceptor-to-single-trigger
double-barrelled-guns-of-the-class-in-which-a-moving-part-pivoted on--the-trigger-is
arranged-se-as-to-fire-one-barrel-and-then-turn-on-its-pivot-to-the--position-le-firing
the-second-barrel.

page_text: According te-this-arrangement-the-trigger-A-is-provided--with-a-vertical--moving
pieee-C-pivoted-at-D,-and-acted-apon-by-a-spring-E-to-normally-throw-it-over-to-the
position shown-in-Figs:-07-and-08,-which-is-the--position-for-raising--the-sear-of-the
left-hand-barrel.
The-pivoted-piece-C-has-a-shoulder--c-at-its-top-in-which-the-sear-B-of-the-right
hand-barrel-rests-when-the-parts-are-in-the-position for firing such-right-hand-barrel,
as-shown-in-Figs.-89-to-92-inclusive:
The-intereeptor-F-in-this-construction-consists-of-am-apright-post-serewed-into-the
trigger-plate-in-such-a-position--that--an-arm-C--of--the--pivoted--piece--C-comes-in
contact-therewith-after-the-right-hand-barrel-has-been--discharged.-This-position-is
shown-iu-Figs-03-and-01,-in-which-it-will-be-seen-that-sear B-has-been-ra sed-to
discharge-the-barrel-on-the-right-hand-side-of-the-gun,-and-the--part--C-has-turned
on-its-pivot-D-until-arrested-by-its-arm-C--coming-in-contact-with-interceptor-F:
As-seen-as-the-involuntary pull-due-to-the-reeail-of-the-gun has occurred-to-a-cuffierent
extent-to-allow--arm-C-to-clear-interceptor-F,-spring-E-will-cause-part-C-to-turn-on
its-pivot--until-another--arm-C-on--such- pivoted--part-comes-in--contact-with-the
back-of-the-senr-B'-of-the-left-hand-barrel,-as-shown-in--Figs. 05-and--06:-On--this
C-of-which-will-then-be-enabled-to-pass-under-sear-B¹-ready to--discharge--the--left
pull-being-relaxed-trigger-A-will-descend-earrying-with-it--pivoted--part-C,-the-arm
hand-barrel-when-the-trigger-is-again-pulled;-this-position-being-shown--in-Figs.-07
and-08:
The-pivoted part-C-in-this-construction-may-be-returned-to-the-position-for-firing
the-right-hand-barrel-in-any-suitable-manner.
It-will-be-readily--understood--that-the-various-arrangements-deseribed--may--be
modified-indefinitely, the essential feature-being-that-the-part-for-aetuating-the-second
seur-be-provided-with-an-intereepting-surface-or-surfaces-netin -in-conjunction-with
a-corresponding-surface-or-surfaces-(carried-by-the-trigger-or-other-suitable--part-of
the-action);-and-which-will-effectually-prevent-the-full-mevement-of-such-part-to-the
position-necessary for-enabling-the-second--burret-to-be-discharged,-until-after--the
involuntary-action-due-to-the-recoil-has-occurred,-and-also-preferably--at-same-time
loeking-the-seur-for-effecting-such-see ond-discharge-until-the-part-has-completed its
full-movement.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the saine is to be performet, I declare that what I
claim is:-
In single trigger double barrel drop down guns.
1. The combination with a single trigger, two seats and a movable part in the
form of a rotary tumbler mounted on a post and capable of vertical movement
thereon which tumbler by the action of firing one barrel is permitted to rotate in a
direction towards the position in which it puts the sear retaining the hammer of the
second barrel into operative connection with the trigger, of an interceptor acting in
conjunction with the rotary tumbler to prevent the latter from assuming the said
position until after the involuntary pull on the trigger has occurred, all substantially
as specified.
2. The combination with a single trigger, two sears and a movable part in the
form of a rotary tumbler mounted on a post and capable of vertical movement thereon
which tumbler by the action of firing one barrel is permitted to rotate in a direction
towards the position in which it puts the sear retaining the hammer of the second
barrel into operative connection with the trigger, of an interceptor acting in con-
junction with the rotary tumbler to prevent the tatter from assuming the said position
until after the involuntary pull on the trigger has occurred, the said rotary tumbler
and interceptor being constructed as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 14 and described herein-
before with reference thereto.
3. The combination with a single trigger, two sears and a movable part in the
form of a rotary tumbler mounted on a post and capable of vertical movement thereon
which tumbler by the action of firing one barrel is permitted to rotate in a direction

page_text: towards the position in which it puts the sear retaining the hammer of the second
barrel into operative connection with the trigger, of an interceptor acting in con-
junction with the rotary tumbler to prevent the latter from assuming the said position
until after the involuntary pull on the trigger has occurred, the said rotary tumbler
and interceptor being constructed as illustrated in Figs. 27 to 39 and described
hereinbefore with reference thereto.
4. The combination with a single trigger, two sears and a movable part in the
form of a rotary tumbler mounted on a post and capable of vertical movement thereon
which tumbler by the action of firing one barrel is permitted to rotate in a direction
towards the position in which it puts the sear retaining the hammer of the second
barrel into operative connection with the trigger, of an interceptor acting in con-
junction with the rotary tumbler to prevent the latter from assuming the said position
until after the involuntary pull on the trigger has occurred, the said rotary tumbler
and interceptor being constructed as illustrated in Figs. 40 to 56 and described
hereinbefore with reference thereto.
5. The combination with a single trigger, two sears, a movable part which by the
action of firing one barrel is shifted to the position for acting on the sear which
retains the hammer of the second barrel, and an interceptor, acting in conjunction
with such movable part, which prevents the latter from assuming the position
necessary to act on the second seur until after the involuntary pull on the trigger has
occurred, of a locking arm or projection on the movable part, which prevents the
second sear from being actuated until such movable part his moved to the position
requisite for effecting this, all substantially as specified.
In-single-trigger-double-barrel-drop-down-guns.
The combination-with-a-single-trigger, two-sears--and--a-movable-part-which
by-the-action-of-firing-one-barrel-is-shifted--to-the-position-for--aeting-on-the-sear
which retains-the-hammer-of-the-second-barrel,-of-an-interceptor-neting in conjunction
with-sneh--movable -part-which-prevents-the--letter-from--assuming-the--position
necessary-to-act-on the second-sear, until-after-the-involuntary-pull-on-the-trigger-has
occurred;-ail-sabstantially-as-specified.
2. The combination-with-a-single-trigger,-two-sears,-a-movable-part-which by the
action-of-firing-one-barrel-is-shifted--to--the--position-for-seting-on--the-sear which
retains-the-hummer-of-the-second--barrel,--and--an--intereeptor-aeting-in-conjunction
with-such-movable-part--which--prevents--the-latter-from--assuming--the--position
necessary-to-act-on the second-sear, until after-the--involuntary-pull-on-the--trigger
has-ocenrred,-of-a-locking-arm-or-projection-on-the-movable-part;-which-prevents-the
second-sear-from-being-actuated-until-sueh-movable--part-has-moved--to-the-position
requisite-for-effeeting-this, all-substantially-as-specified.