IMPROVE- MENTS IN MACHINE AND OTHER GUNS AND PISTOLS AND IN PROJECTILES THEREFOR to be as follows:
Year: 1885

page_text: I, HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM, of 57° Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Mechanical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINE AND OTHER GUNS AND PISTOLS AND IN PROJECTILES THEREFOR
to be as follows:-
"
My invention relates to machine and other guns and pistols, and to projectiles
therefor.
Heretofore projectiles containing shot or bullets have been used at short ranges
with the object of increasing the destructive effects produced by a single discharge
of a gun, by the spreading or dispersal of the said shot or bullets in their flight;
but such projectiles are useless at long ranges; therefore to enable a gun to be
used effectively at both long and short ranges, it has been necessary to use there-
with the ordinary solid projectiles in addition to projectiles containing shot or
bullets as above described.
One object of my present invention is to provide a gun and projectiles therefor,
which can be used with great advantage at both long and short ranges.
For this purpose I provide a projectile which is made up of several parts or
sections so formed and arranged that the exterior sections hold together the
interior sections and the whole forms practically one piece. This projectile can be
used at long ranges as advantageously as the ordinary projectiles which are formed
in a single piece. To provide for the effective use of my projectiles at short ranges,
I attach to the gun, at or near the muzzle thereof, means whereby, when one of
the said projectiles is discharged therefrom, the exterior sections of the said pro-
jectile will be cut or divided, either before or after the projectile leaves the muzzle
of the gun, so that, in the flight of the projectile, the several parts or sections will
be spread or dispersed.
My improved projectile is advantageously constructed as follows, viz: Two
sections or pieces are placed end to end and are so shaped that they form the

page_text: central portion, the head, and the point or apex of the projectile. Around the said
central portion, which is convex in longitudinal section, are fitted segmental pieces
which extend from the head to the point or apex of the projectile. One or more
rings or hollow cylinders are then fitted upon the said segmental pieces which are
thus held in place upon the central portion, and which, by reason of the convexity
of the said central portion, retain the first two named sections or pieces in place.
The several sections are then united by pressure so that the projectile is practically
one solid piece. When, however, it is fired from a rifled gun-barrel and the rings
or hollow cylinders are cut or divided as above described, the rotation of the
projectile causes the separation and dispersion of the several sections.
The sections of the projectile may be made of lead or a mixture of lead and tin
or of any other suitable material. In some cases I make the central portion in
one piece of tempered or hardened steel; or I make the point or apex of the said
central portion of such material in order to adapt the projectile for piercing or
penetrating armour plates, or I make the central portion of a pointed piece of
steel, and arrange a steel disc or plate at the base thereof, and a disc or cylindrical
piece of lead at the back of the said steel plate. This piece of lead serves to fill
the rifling of the gun-barrel and also to increase the effect of the projectile when it
strikes an object..
For the purpose of cutting or dividing the said rings or hollow cylinders I some-
times provide the gun with two or more bent levers pivotted to the barrel near
the muzzle thereof. The short arms of these levers are coupled to a rod extending
backward to the breech end of the gun and provided with means whereby it can
be moved longitudinally to and fro. The long arms of the said levers are provided
with rotary knives or cutters made in the form of wheels, or with knives or cutters
having a spiral form to correspond with the rifling of the barrel. By moving the
said rod in one or the other direction, these knives or cutters can be raised, so that
they will act upon a projectile as it issues from the muzzle of the gun, or lowered
so that a clear space will be left in front of the muzzle for the passage of the
projectile. Or I provide for effecting the cutting of the rings or hollow cylinders,
by so arranging knives or cutters within slots or apertures that the said knives or
cutters can be moved towards, or away from, the axis of the barrel for the purpose
specified. But other means may, if desired, be provided for cutting the said rings
or hollow cylinders either before or after the projectile issues from the gun.
The breech-mechanism of my improved gun comprises a crank-shaft, a slotted
breech-block connected therewith, and a vertically sliding carrier somewhat similar
to those described in the Specification of former Letters Patent dated 8th July 1885
N° 8281. I sometimes provide the means hereinafter described whereby the
explosion of a cartridge in the barrel will cause the recoil of the breech-block and
the partial rotation of the crank-shaft; that is to say, the bearings in which the
crank-shaft is supported are made with oval or elongated holes so that the said
shaft will have a slight amount of play therein. Å stop is provided upon the
frame of the gun above the centre of the crank-shaft, and a shoulder is formed
upon the crank-shaft in such a position that, when the breech is closed, the said
shoulder will bear against the said stop. If desired, two of these stops and
shoulders are employed, and, in some cases, the said stops are pivotted to the said
frame. The crank-pin and the curved slot in the breech-block are so formed that,
when the breech is closed, the crank-pin will be in contact with the edge of the
said slot at only one point, either on a level with, or slightly below, the axis of the
barrel. Therefore the force of the recoil will act through a line extending from
the point of contact of the crank-pin with the edge of the slot to the point of
contact of the shoulder on the crank-shaft with the aforesaid stop.
When a cartridge is exploded in the barrel, the crank-shaft will be turned
around or about the point of contact of its shoulder with the said stop until the
said shaft comes against the rear sides of the oval or elongated holes in its
bearings; the crank shaft, by reason of the momentum thus imparted to it will

page_text: then continue its rotation in its bearings in the ordinary manner, so that the
breech-block will be moved back, and various operations performed as described in
the said former specification. The return movement of the crank-shaft is effected
by one or more springs. In its return movement, the said shaft is rotated in its
bearings in the ordinary manner until its shoulder comes in contact with the said
stop. At this time the breech-block is not completely driven home. The crank-
shaft is then turned around or about the point of contact of its shoulder with the
said stop until the forward movement of the breech-block is completed.
When metal cartridges are to be used with my improved gun they must be
provided with movable bases or with shells or cases capable of elongation, in order
to permit a slight backward movement of the breech-block (while the crank-shaft
is moving backward around the point of contact of its shoulder with the said stop)
without injury to the cartridge. The ordinary paper cases of sporting cartridges
will yield or stretch sufficiently for this purpose without any special provision
therefor.
I make the vertically sliding carrier in such a manner that, after it has extracted
an empty cartridge-case from the barrel it will lower the same, and, in the next
forward movement of the breech-block, will push the said cartridge-case into a
tube or passage formed or fitted in the frame of the gun below the barrel. This
tube or passage is .so arranged that the empty cartridge-cases will be pushed
through the same, and will fall therefrom into such a position relatively to the
gun that they will not obstruct or impede the movements of the gunner.
The means which I employ for imparting the requisite vertical movements to
the said sliding carrier comprise a rack fixed or formed on the side of the said
carrier and gearing with a long pinion. This pinion is fitted to rotate in suitable
bearings in the said frame, and gears with another rack which is fitted to slide up
and down in suitable guides formed on, or attached to, the frame of the gun. The
last named rack is arranged to be operated by means of a lever or arm fixed or
formed on the crank-shaft. These parts are so arranged that, when the last
named rack is moved upward, the sliding carrier will be moved downward and
vice versa.
The breech-mechanism above described can be made so compact, that it is
advantageously applicable to military rifles, sporting guns, and other arms to be
fired from the shoulder; and also to pistols.
I provide the gun with a water-chamber for preventing overheating of the
barrel, which chamber surrounds the barrel and is connected there with by water-
tight joints, and I utilize the steam generated in this chamber by the heat of the
barrel (when the gun is in use) for lubricating the bullets or projectiles before
they are thrust into the barrel. For this purpose I connect a pipe with the said
water-chamber. This pipe extends from the said chamber into such a position
that steam escaping from the said chamber through the said pipe will be directed
upon a cartridge just before its insertion into the barrel. The said pipe is con-
nected with a cock or valve arranged within or upon the said chamber. Another
pipe is also connected with the said cock or valve and extends within the said
chamber to, or nearly to, the forward end thereof. The said cock or valve is so
constructed that, although steam can be permitted to escape through the said pipe,
whatever be the position of the gun, yet the escape of water through the said pipe
will be prevented. The steam issuing from the said pipe is condensed by contact
with the cool surface of the projectile, which is thus efficiently moistened before
the cartridge is inserted in the barrel.
By these means I provide for keeping the barrel of the gun clean and preventing
leading thereof.
When a cartridge belt is used with my improved gun, I sometimes provide a
reel or drum, upon which the. said belt can be wound, instead of being contained
in a box as described in the specification of former Letters Patent Dated
23rd February 1884, N° 3844. This reel or drum is fitted to rotate upon a rod

page_text: or shaft secured to the frame or support of the gun; or it is provided with journals
whereby it is held in bearings in the said frame or support.
To keep the cartridges in their proper position in the belt, when the said belt is
wound upon the reel or drum, I attach to the said belt, between the cartridges
pieces of metal, wood, or other suitable material, which are of the same length as
the cartridges. These pieces abut against the ends or flanges of the said reel or
drum and hold the belt centrally therein. This arrangement is also advantageous
when the cartridge-belt is laid or coiled in a box as described in the said former
specification N° 3844; the said pieces of metal or other material then abut against
the sides of the box.

page_text: I, HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM, of 57° Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Mechanical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of my 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 relates to machine and other guns or fire-arms and to projectiles
therefor.
The said invention comprises improvements whereby I adapt such guns for use
with the peculiarly constructed projectiles hereinafter described. It also comprises
improvements in the breech-mechanism of such guns, whereby I simplify the
construction and increase the efficiency of the said mechanism. And it comprises
various other improvements hereinafter set forth.
Projectiles have, in some instances, been made hollow and filled with shot or
bullets with the object of increasing the destructive effects of the said projectiles
by the dispersal of the said shot or bullets in their flight. Such projectiles, although
advantageous for short range firing, are useless for long range firing; therefore to
enable guns to be used effectively at both long and short ranges, it has been
customary to employ therewith the ordinary solid projectiles in addition to the said
hollow projectiles containing shot or bullets, the solid projectiles being used for
long ranges and the hollow projectiles for short ranges.
One object of my present invention is to obviate the necessity for providing
different kinds of projectiles.
For this purpose, I provide a projectile which is composed of many parts or
sections so formed and arranged that the interior sections are held or bound
together by the exterior section or sections, the whole forming a compact and
practically solid mass or body.
Projectiles thus constructed can be used at long ranges as advantageously as the
ordinary projectiles which consist of a single piece. To provide for the effective
use of my projectiles at short ranges, I attach to the gun at, or near, the muzzle
thereof, means whereby, when one of my projectiles is discharged therefrom, the
exterior section or sections of the said projectile will be cut or divided, either
before or after the projectile leaves the muzzle of the gun, so that the constituent
parts or sections of the projectile will be dispersed in their flight.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of a cartridge with one of my divisible projectiles
therein.
Figure 2 is a transverse section through the said projectile on the line x, x,
Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal central section of part of a gun-barrel provided with
means for cutting or dividing the exterior sections of my projectiles.

page_text: Figure 5 an end elevation, illustrating a slight modification of this part of my
invention.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal central section, and
Figure 7 an end elevation, shewing a further modification of this part of my
invention.
Figure 8 is a side elevation, partly in vertical central section, and
Figure 9 a rear elevation of a machine-gun with some of my present improve-
ments applied thereto.
Figure 10 is a transverse section on the line y, y, Figure 8, some of the parts
being removed.
Figure 11 is a perspective view, partly in vertical section, illustrating the action
of my improved gun and projectile.
Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the dispersal of the constituent parts of the
projectile when its external sectious have been cut or divided by means of two
knives or cutters placed opposite each other.
Figure 13 is a similar diagram illustrating the dispersal of the parts of the
projectile when its external sections have been cut or divided by means of four
knives or cutters arranged equidistant from each other around the muzzle of
the gun.
'T
Figure 14 is a sectional elevation illustrating the effect produced when an
armour-plate is pierced by one of my projectiles.
Figure 15 is a plan, partly in horizontal section.
Figure 16 a vertical longitudinal central section, and
Figure 17 a side elevation, showing the improved breech-mechanism hereinafter
described applied to a fowling-piece or sporting-gun.
Figure 18 is a transverse section on the line ¹, a¹, Figure 17.
Figure 19 is a vertical longitudinal central section showing my improved breech-
mechanism applied to a magazine or repeating rifle.
Figure 20 is a transverse section on the line a², x², Figure 19.
Figure 21 is a projection of a portion of a feed-wheel hereinafter described.
Figure 22 is a side elevation shewing a breech-block and sliding carrier herein-
after described.
Figure 23 is a plan, partly in horizontal section.
Figure 24 a vertical longitudinal central section, and
Figure 25 a side elevation, shewing a modification of my improved breech-
mechanism.
Figure 26 is a transverse section on the line ³, ³, Figure 25.
Figure 27 is a transverse section on the line x, x1, Figure 24.
Figure 28 is a side elevation shewing a further slight modification of my
improved breech-mechanism.
Figure 29 is a vertical longitudinal central section shewing my improved breech-
mechanism applied to a magazine or repeating pistol.
Figure 30 is a side elevation of part of a cartridge-belt hereinafter described.
Figure 31 is a section on the line x, x, Figure 30.
Figure 32 is a longitudinal section shewing a slight modification of the said
cartridge-belt.
Figures 33 to 38 are different views hereinafter described.
Referring to Figures 1 to 14 of the drawings, a is the gun-barrel, b is the
divisible projectile, c is the cartridge shell or case.
The projectile, which is clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a central portion b¹
of tempered or hardened steel. Around this central portion are placed four segmental
pieces or sections 6* of lead or other suitable material, provided with annular pro-
jections or ribs which fit into corresponding grooves 6* in the piece b¹. At the
rear of the said central portion and of the sections 6 is placed a disc or plate 6³ of
steel. At the back of this disc or plate is a piece b' of lead or similar material,
which forms the base of the projectile and serves as a gas-check by entering the

page_text: rifling of the barrel. Two hollow or tubular pieces or sections 6º, 6º of lead or
similar material are fitted upon the parts or sections arranged as above described.
The whole is then subjected to pressure in a suitable mould to force the substance
of the outer sections 65, 66 into annular grooves provided for the purpose in the
inner sections or pieces as shown, so that the exterior sections 65, 60 will hold the
interior sections or pieces compactly together, and the whole will form a practically
solid mass or body. The part 6 is made to cover the extremity of the part b¹,
and the cartridge-shell c is extended beyond the joint between the two parts 6º, 6º.
Therefore the cartridge with the projectile therein has externally the appearance
of an ordinary cartridge.
The sections 65, 66 of this projectile can be divided in the manner hereinafter
described to permit the dispersal of its constituent parts in their flight. The said
projectile is, moreover, very advantageous for use as a solid projectile for piercing
or penetrating armour-plates. When my projectile is discharged from a gun against
an armour-plate with sufficient force to ensure the piercing or penetration of the
said plate, the central portion b' enters or passes through the plate, whilst the disc b³
strikes the outer surface thereof and the lead collects in a mass against the said
surface, as illustrated in Figure 14, and then falls therefrom. But, by reason of the
small diameter of the portion b' and the great momentum imparted thereto by the
additional weight of the said disc 63 and the lead sections 63, 64, 65, 66, the pene-
trative capacity of the projectile is greater than that of the projectiles ordinarily
used.
In Figure 3, I have shown the gun-barrel a provided with two bent levers d
pivoted at d to lugs a' formed or fixed on the barrel a. These levers are made
with cutting edges at d². A sleeve e is fitted to slide to and fro on the barrel a
and is provided with slots or apertures e¹ through which extend the curved arms d³
of the levers d. By moving the sleeve e in one or the other direction along the
barrel, the cutting edges d² of the levers d can be moved towards or away from
the axis of the barrel. They are shown in the drawing in position to act upon the
projectile, as it leaves the muzzle of the gun, to cut or divide the external sections
of the said projectile for the purpose above specified. By moving the said sleeve
back wards on the barrel, the levers d are moved out of their operative position.
I usually connect with the sleeve e a rod f (Figures 8 and 11), which extends to, or
beyond, the breech of the gun and is provided with a handle f¹ to facilitate the
movement or adjustment of the knives or cutters by the gunner. When one of my
projectiles is cut or divided by means of these knives or cutters, its constituent
parts will be spread in their flight somewhat in the manner illustrated in Figure 12.
In Figures 4 and 5, and in Figure 8, I have shewn the gun-barrel a provided
with four levers d, which are provided with rotary knives or cutters d*. The said
levers are otherwise arranged substantially as above described with reference to
Figure 3.
e3
In Figures 6 and 7, I have shewn knives or cutters d³ so arranged within radial
slots or apertures a² in the barrel that they can be moved towards, or away from,
the axis thereof for the purpose above specified. In this case, the knives are made
with inclined flanges do and the sleeve e is formed with inclined surfaces e²,
which operate in combination with the said flanges to adjust the said knives or
cutters when the sleeve e is moved in either direction upon the barrel. When one
of my projectiles is cut or divided by means of four knives or cutters, such as are
shown in Figures 4 and 5, or in Figures 6 and 7, or in Figure 8, its constituent
parts will be spread in their flight somewhat in the manner illustrated in
Figure 13.
When the said knives or cutters are applied to a rifled gun, I prefer to arrange
them at an angle to the axis of the barrel corresponding with that of the rifling, as
shown in Figures 6 and 7.
Other means than those above described are, if desired, provided for cutting
or dividing the external section or sections of the projectile either before or
immediately after it has left the muzzle of the gun, or while it is leaving the same,

page_text: The construction of my projectile may be somewhat modified, if desired,
according to the purposes for which it is required. In some instances, I make
it as follows, that is to say;-I take two sections or pieces and place them together
erid to end. These pieces are so shaped that they form the central portion, the
head or base, and the point or apex of the projectile. Around the said central
portion, which is convex in longitudinal section, I arrange segmental pieces or
sections which extend from the head or base to the point or apex of the projectile.
I then fit one or more rings, tubes or hollow cylinders upon the said segmental
pieces, which are thus held in place upon the central portion, and which, by reason
of the convexity of the said central portion, retain the two first named sections or
pieces in place. The several sections are then united by pressure so that they
form a practically solid mass or body. When, however, the projectile is discharged
from a gun provided with knives or cutters as above described, and the said rings,
tubes or hollow cylinders are cut or divided, the constituent parts or sections of
the projectile are separated and dispersed in their flight.
The sections of the projectile may be made of lead, or of a mixture of lead and
tin, or of any other suitable material.
The above described improvements are applicable to guns of various kinds.
In the guns shown in Figures 8 to 10, and in Figures 15 to 27, and in the pistol
..shown in Figure 29, the barrel and breech-mechanism are carried by a frame B
fitted to slide to and fro and arranged to recoil in an outer frame A. The said
mechanism comprises a crank-shaft D which is fitted to turn in bearings in the
said inner frame, as described in the Specification of former Letters Patent granted
to me and dated 29th January A.D. 1885, N° 1307. In Figures 8 to 10, and in
Figures 15 to 18, this crank-shaft is provided with an arm D' which, in the recoil
of the inner frame and parts carried thereby, strikes a shoulder or projection A¹
fixed or formed on the frame A, and is thus caused to partially rotate the said
shaft as, and for the purpose, described in the said former specification.
The said mechanism also comprises a cartridge-carrier M, which is fitted to slide
up and down upon the forward end of the breech-block C, as, and for the purpose,
described in the specification of former Letters Patent granted to me and dated
8th July A.D. 1885, N° 8281. This sliding carrier is, according to my present
invention, provided with rack-teeth c¹ more clearly shown in Figures 10, 18
and 26; a rack d' having similar teeth is fitted to slide up and down in suitable
guides fixed or formed on the frame A, as in Figures 8 to 10, or on the frame B,
as in Figures 15 to 18. These racks are both geared with a long pinion e, in such
a manner that, when the rack d is depressed, the carrier M will be moved
upward, and, when the rack d' is raised, the said carrier will be moved downward.
Two arms f, fs are fixed upon the crank-shaft D for operating the said carrier as
hereinafter described.
In the gun shown in Figures 8 to 10, the pinion e' is carried in bearings in the
outer frame A, and is made of such length that the rack-teeth c¹ will remain in
gear there with notwithstanding the to-and-fro movement of the inner frame and
the breech-block. When the inner frame recoils and the crank-shaft is partially
rotated to draw back the breech-block, the arm f³ strikes a projection d³ on the
rack d' and moves the said rack upward, so that the carrier M is moved downward
to transfer the cartridge drawn out of the feed-belt by the said carrier in its
backward movement, into position to be thrust into the barrel. In the return
or forward movement of the crank-shaft, the arm f' strikes the projection d³ on
the rack d and moves the carrier M upward so that it engages with a fresh
cartridge in the feed-belt.
In the gun shown in Figures 15 to 18, the outer frame A is firmly secured to
the stock A, and the barrel a is dovetailed to the inner frame B. The breech-
block C is fitted to slide to and fro in the said frame B, and the crank-shaft is
coupled or connected to the breech-block by the crank-pin D¹ which works in a
slot C¹ in the said block as described in the said former specifications. E is the
I

page_text: magazine, which is arranged beneath the barrel and is provided with a spring E
for pushing the cartridges backward.
F is the firing pin or striker, which is made with a shoulder F and a notch F¹
C³ is a lever or sear carried by, and pivoted to, the breech-block C and acted upon
by a spring C which tends to press. it downward. These parts are arranged to
operate substantially as described in the said former Specifications.
C is another lever or sear also carried by, and pivoted to, the breech-block C
and also held down by a spring so that it engages with the shoulder F1 of the
firing pin. I is the trigger, which is arranged in combination with a lever J
pivoted at J to the frame A. a³ is a pin or rod, which is fitted to slide up and
down in suitable guides a fixed or formed on the breech-block C. The lower end
of this rod rests upon the long arm J2 of the lever J, and the said rod is arranged
to push the lever or sear C³ upward when the trigger is pulled, and thus disengage
the said lever from the shoulder F1 of the firing pin.
68 is a spring, which is firmly secured to the frame A, and the rear part of
which presses downward upon the trigger I. This spring is slightly curved or
bent upward at 69 so that, when the breech-block moves backward, it will press
upon the said spring and thus push forward the trigger with considerable force.
The object of this arrangement is to prevent the continued holding back of the
trigger after one shot has been fired, and the unintentional firing of two or more
shots in rapid succession. Without this arrangement, it would be difficult to
release the trigger soon enough, after firing one shot, to permit the sear C³ to
engage with the firing pin before the crank disengaged the sear C³ therefrom.
K is a spring and L is a buffer or elastic cushion for diminishing the shock
produced by the recoil of the frame B and parts carried thereby, and for effecting
or assisting to effect the return movement thereof.
I sometimes provide a serpentine or zig-zag spring g Figure 22, which is pivoted
at g¹ to the breech-block C and the free extremity of which enters a notch or
cavity M¹ in the carrier M. When the carrier is moved up or down, the spring g
is compressed until its free end has been raised above, or lowered below, the level
of its pivot g¹, the said spring then reacts to force the said carrier to either
extremity of its movement, and holds it in this position. By this means, the
proper action of the said carrier is more effectually ensured.
The forward part of the spring 68 is sometimes curved or bent upward, as at 61º,
Figure 16, so that, when the breech-block moves backward and the carrier M
draws a cartridge out of the magazine E, the said spring will rise and engage with
the flange of the next succeeding cartridge in the magazine and thus prevent the
pushing of the same therefrom by the spring E¹.
h is a bar which is fitted to slide in guides on the underside of the cover B' of
the frame B, and is provided with a stud h¹ which extends through a slot B³ in
the cover B2 and with a curved or inclined projection h' at its forward end. When
this sliding bar is in the position shewn in Figure 16, the gun can be fired by
pulling the trigger. When, however, it is desired to prevent the firing of the gun,
the said sliding bar is moved forward so that it will depress the sear C5 and rod a³,
and hold the said sear in engagement with the firing pin. By this means
accidental firing of the gun may be prevented.
When the breech-block moves backward, the carrier M draws a cartridge out of
the magazine E and simultaneously extracts the empty cartridge-shell from the
barrel. The arm f' then strikes the projection d³ on the rack d' thereby depressing
the said rack and raising the carrier M, so that, in the next forward movement of
the breech-block, the empty cartridge-shell will be pushed along on the top of the
barrel a and the cartridge raised by the carrier will be thrust into the barrel; the
arm f³ will then strike the projection d on the rack d' and thereby raise the said
rack and move down the carrier so that the said carrier will engage with another
cartridge in the magazine. The empty cartridge-shell will fall from the top of the
barrel when the carrier is thus moved down.

page_text: The operation of the gun shown in Figures 15 to 18, with respect to the crank-
shaft and breech-block, is similar to that of the guns shewn in the drawings
accompanying the said former specifications.
In Figures 19 and 20, I have shown a rifle designed for military purposes and
arranged to operate substantially as above described; but, in this rifle, I employ
a rotary magazine or feed-wheel N. This feed-wheel is fitted to rotate upon a
rod or shaft N¹ fixed in the frame A beneath the barrel. It is arranged to be
operated by an arm or projection on the barrel in the to-and-fro movement thereof.
For this purpose the forward part of the said feed-wheel is made with a zig-zag
groove or channel n extending around it. A stud on the extremity of a spring
arm attached to the underside of the barrel projects into this groove or channel.
The parts n of the said groove or channel are inclined outward from the centre
of the wheel towards the breech-end of the gun, and the parts n³ of the said groove
or channel are inclined outward from the centre in the reverse direction, so that
shoulders or projections are formed at n³. In the to-and-fro movement of the
barrel, the stud 2, acting upon one edge of the groove or channel n, intermittently
rotates the feed-wheel N in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 20,
and thus brings the cartridges therein successively into position to be withdrawn
by the carrier M. When the barrel arrives at either extremity of its movement,
the stud will drop from one of the shoulders or projections n³ into the lower end
of the next succeeding part of the groove or channel. The said arm i will,
therefore, act like a pawl to prevent the backward movement of the feed-wheel.
In the gun shewn in Figures 23 to 27, instead of employing an arm or lever on
the crank-shaft to operate in combination with a shoulder or projection on the
outer frame as described in the said former specifications, I construct and arrange
the crank-shaft as follows, that is to say:-The bearings in which the crank-shaft
is supported are made with oval or elongated holes, as at A³, so that the said shaft
will have a slight amount of play therein. A stop A is provided upon each side
of the frame A above the centre of the crank-shaft, and shoulders D³ are formed
upon the crank-shaft in such a position that, when the breech is closed, the said
shoulders will bear against the said stops. If desired, only one of these stops and
shoulders is employed. In some cases, the said stops are pivotted to the said frame.
The crank-pin D¹ and the curved slot C¹ in the breech-block are so formed that,
when the breech is closed, the crank-pin will be in firm contact with the edge of
the said slot at only one point, on a level with the axis of the barrel. Therefore
the force of the recoil will act through a line extending from the point of contact
of the crank-pin with the edge of the slot to the point of contact of the shoulders D³
with the stops A', as shown, for example, by the dotted line 1 in Figure 24.
When a cartridge is exploded in the barrel, the crank-shaft D will be turned
around or about the point of contact of its shoulder D³ with the stop A* until the
said shaft comes against the rear sides of the oval or elongated holes in its bearings ;
the crank-shaft, by reason of the momentum thus imparted to it, will then continue
its rotation in its bearings in the ordinary manner, so that the breech-block will be
moved back and various operations performed as described in the said former
specifications. The return movement of the crank-shaft is effected by one or more
springs as described in the said former specifications. In its return movement, the
said shaft is rotated in its bearings in the ordinary manner until its shoulder D³
comes in contact with the stop A*. At this time, the breech-block is not completely
driven home. The crank-shaft is then turned around or about the point of contact
of its shoulder with the said stop until the forward movement of the breech-block
is completed.
In the gun shown in Figures 23 to 27, and in the pistol shown in Figure 29, the
inner frame B is dispensed with and the barrel is fixed in the frame A. When
metal cartridges are used with these fire-arms, they must be provided with shells
or cases capable of elongation in order to permit a slight backward movement of
the breech-block (while the crank-shaft is moving backward around the point of

page_text: contact of its shoulder with the said stop) without injury to the cartridge. The
ordinary paper cases of sporting cartridges will yield or stretch sufficiently for this
purpose without any special provision therefor, but, in cartridges for military guns
of this class, a movable base or other means must be employed for permitting or
ensuring the elongation of the cartridge case.
When the breech-mechanism is constructed as above described with reference
to Figures 23 to 27, it may be made so compact that it is advantageously applicable
to military rifles, sporting guns, and the like, and also to pistols.
Figure 29 shows a pistol, which is constructed according to my present improve-
ments, and wherein the breech-mechanism is constructed and arranged to operate
substantially as above described with reference to Figures 23 to 27. In this pistol,
however, I dispense with the lever J above described, and arrange the trigger I to
act directly upon the pin or rod a³. I am thus enabled to shorten the space
required for the breech-mechanism. Moreover I employ separate springs 68, 611;
the spring 68 is curved upward at 69 so that the rod as will act thereon, in the
backward movement of the breech-block, to force the trigger forward, after a shot
has been fired, for the purpose hereinbefore described; the spring 6" is for retaining
the cartridges in the magazine during the backward and return movements of the
breech-block C and carrier M, as hereinbefore described.
In some cases, I provide the crank with an antifriction roller D' (Figure 28)
which is fitted to slide up and down and is free to rotate in a recess or cavity D
in the crank, and which bears against the edge of the slot in the breech-block C.
It is obvious that the force exerted upon the breech-block, when a cartridge is
exploded in the barrel, will act upon the crank in the direction indicated by the
dotted line 2. Therefore, when a cartridge is exploded in the barrel, the crank
will be partially rotated by the force developed by the explosion, the said roller
rotating in contact with the curved or inclined edge of the slot C₁ until the part of
the crank at the upper end of the recess or cavity Do comes in contact with the
said roller, and then sliding upon the said curved or inclined surface. In the return
movement of the crank, the roller will act in the reverse manner, that is to say, it
will first slide and then rotate in contact with the said curved or inclined surface.
Therefore the crank, during the first part of its rearward movement and the latter
part of its forward movement, will move very freely in the slot C¹.
When I use this roller in combination with the crank, I can, if desired, dispense
with the shoulders D³ and stops A. The force exerted upon the crank to rotate
the same will then act in a straight line extending from the point of contact of
the roller D' with the breech-block C to the centre of the crank-shaft D.
When the cartridges are to be inserted in a belt or band for feeding the same
into the gun, I provide for preventing the displacement of the said belt or band
relatively to the cartridges, when the said belt or band with the cartridges therein
is contained in the box or magazine or is wound upon a reel or drum as hereinafter
set forth. For this purpose, I combine, with the said belt or band 6, strips or other
pieces m of wood, metal, or other suitable material, which are secured to the said
belt or band in any convenient manner between the cartridges therein. In some
instances, these strips or pieces are secured to the outside of the belt as shewn in
Figures 30 and 31. In other instances, they are inserted and secured between the
two thicknesses of material forming the said belt as shown in Figure 32. By
making the said strips of the shape shown in Figure 30, they may be adapted to
bear against the cartridges and hold the same in place in the belt or band.
Instead of providing a box for containing the belt of cartridges as described in
the specification of former Letters Patent granted to me and dated 23rd February
A.D. 1884, N° 3844, I sometimes wind the said belt upon a reel or drum and place
the said reel or drum upon a stud or shaft in a convenient position to permit the
feeding of the said belt into and through the gun. In Figures 8 and 9, P is a reel
or drum which is fitted to rotate upon a stud P¹ fixed in a shield Q attached to the
gun-mounting. The belt is wound upon this reel or drum as shown,

page_text: By employing interchangeable reels or drums such as that shown, I am enabled
to provide for very rapidly supplying or feeding the gun with ammunition.
The metal or other strips m abut against the flange P2 of the reel or drum P and
hold the belt centrally between the two flanges thereof, so that, while the belt is
wound upon the said reel or drum, it cannot be displaced relatively to the cartridges.
When the gun has a water-chamber around the barrel for preventing overheating
thereof, I sometimes provide for utilizing the steam generated in this chamber
(when the gun is in use) for the lubrication of the bullets or projectiles before they
are thrust into the barrel.
Figure 33 is a longitudinal central section of part of the gun shown in Figure 8;
this and the following figures are drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 34 is a plan of a cock hereinafter described.
Figure 35 is a transverse section on the line x, x6, Figure 33.
Figures 36, 37 and 38 are horizontal sections through the said cock, showing the
plug in different positions.
p is a pipe connected with the water-chamber R. This pipe extends from the
said chamber into such a position that steam escaping from the chamber through
the said pipe will be directed upon the projectile in a cartridge as the latter is
drawn out of the feed-belt and just before its insertion into the barrel. The said
pipe is connected with a cock or valve q arranged within the said chamber.
Another piper is connected with the said cock and extends within the said
chamber to, or nearly to, the forward end thereof. The said cock is so constructed
that, although steam can be permitted to escape through the said pipe, whatever
be the position of the gun, yet the escape of water through the said pipe will be
prevented.
For this purpose the shell or casing is made with three ports or apertures q¹, q³, q³;
the pipe p is connected with the port q¹ and the piper with the port q². The
port q³ opens into the chamber R near the top thereof. The plug s is formed with
a way or passage 8¹ extending completely through it and with another way or
passage & extending partially through it at right angles to the passage 8. A
spring attached to the chamber R bears upon the plug and presses the same
firmly into its seat, whilst permitting the turning of the said plug.
The piper is closed at its forward end and has holes formed in its upper side
at to admit the steam into the said pipe. When the muzzle of the gun is
depressed so that it is lower than the breech. thereof, the plug s must be turned
into the position shown in Figure 36; the steam can then pass through the port q³
and through the plugs and pipe p, but the port q³ is closed so that no water from
the muzzle-end of the chamber R can pass through the plug 8. When the muzzle
of the gun is elevated so that it is higher than the breech thereof, the said plug
must be turned into the position shown in Figure 37, so that the port q³ is closed,
whilst the pipe r is placed in communication with the pipe p and steam can escape
from the muzzle-end of the chamber through the said pipe p, but the escape of
water from the breech-end of the said chamber is prevented. By turning the plug
into the position shown in Figure 38, the cock is closed, and communication between
the chamber R and pipe p thus cut off.
The steam issuing from the pipe p is condensed by contact with the cool
surface of the projectile, which is thus efficiently moistened or lubricated before the
cartridge is inserted in the barrel. By these means, I provide for keeping the
barrel of the gun clean and preventing "leading" thereof.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I wish it understood
that I claim :-
First. A divisible projectile, that is to say, a projectile composed of parts or
sections which, while united, constitute a practical y solid mass or body, but which,
by the cutting or dividing of the exterior section or sections, will be released so

page_text: that their separation and dispersal, during their flight, can be ensured as above
specified.
Second. A projectile consisting of one or more sections or pieces of steel enclosed
or surrounded by sections or pieces of lead or other suitable material, substantially
as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Third. The employment, in combination with a gun-barrel, of one or more
adjustable knives or cutters, for the purpose above specified.
Fourth. The combination, with a gun-barrel, of the levers pivoted thereto and
provided with the cutting edges or with the rotary cutters and arranged to be
adjusted by means of the sliding sleeve, substantially as, and for the purpose,
set forth.
Fifth. The modification of my invention (substantially as described with reference
to Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings) wherein the knives or cutters are fitted to slide
in transverse slots or apertures in the barrel, for the purpose specified.
Sixth. The employment of rack-and-pinion mechanism for imparting motion
from the crank-shaft to the sliding cartridge-carrier, for the purposes above specified.
Seventh. The combination, with the sliding cartridge-carrier, of a spring which
is compressed by the partial raising or lowering of the said carrier and then reacts
to force the same to, and hold it at, either extremity of its movement, substantially
as described with reference to Figure 22 of the drawings, for the purpose specified.
Eighth. A feed-wheel carried by a shaft supported in the outer frame, and
arranged to be intermittently rotated by an arm or projection on the barrel,
substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Ninth. The combination of the zigzag groove or channel in the feed-wheel,
and the spring-arm attached to the barrel, substantially as, and for the purpose,
set forth.
Tenth. The peculiar formation of the groove or channel in the feed-wbeel,
substantially as described, whereby I provide for enabling the spring-arm on the
barrel to act like a pawl in combination with the said groove or channel, for the
purpose specified.
Eleventh. The combination of the sliding cartridge-carrier with a rotary
magazine or feed-wheel, substantially as set forth.
Twelfth. The combination, with the firing pin, of the sear C³, and the sliding
bar having the inclined or curved projection, whereby the said sear may be held in
engagement with the firing pin and may be released to permit the firing of the gun
by the pulling of the trigger, substantially as set forth.
Thirteenth. The combination of parts comprising the pin or rod a³ fitted to slide
up and down in the breech-block, and the trigger I, with or without the lever J,
all substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Fourteenth. The employment, in combination with the trigger, of the spring 68
secured to the outer frame, substantially as set forth, whereby I provide for
preventing the unintentional firing of two or more shots in succession by only
once pulling the trigger.
Fifteenth. The employment of a spring attached to the outer frame and curved
or bent upward at its forward end so that it will abut against the rearmost
cartridge in the magazine and thus retain the cartridges therein while the carrier
is withdrawn therefrom, substantially as set forth.
Sixteenth. The employment of a crank-shaft supported in bearings having oval
or elongated holes, and provided with one or more shoulders or projections to
operate in combination with stops or projections on the outer frame, substantially
as described with reference to Figures 23 and 24 of the drawings, for the purpose
specified.
Seventeenth. The modification of my invention wherein the crank is provided
with a roller fitted to slide up and down and to rotate in a recess or cavity therein
so that it will roll upon an inclined or curved surface on the breech-block, (with or
without the shoulders Ds and stops A4) all substantially as described with reference
to Figure 28 of the drawings, for the purposes specified,

page_text: Eighteenth. The combination, with the cartridge-belt, of the strips of wood,
metal or other material attached thereto, substantially as, and for the purpose,
set forth.
Nineteenth. The employment, in combination with a machine-gun, of inter-
changeable reels or drums having wound thereon belts containing cartridges for
feeding or supplying the gun with ammunition, substantially as set forth.
Twentieth. The combination, with a gun provided with a water-chamber around
the barrel, of means for utilizing the steam from the said chamber for the lubrication
of the projectiles, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Twenty first. The employment, in combination with the water chamber, of the
cock or valve and pipes, substantially as described with reference to Figure 8 and
Figures 33 to 38 of the drawings, for the purpose specified.
Twenty second. The improved projectile consisting of the parts constructed and
combined substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the
drawings, for the purposes specified.
Twenty third. The improved machine-gun consisting of the parts constructed
and combined substantially as described with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 10 of
the drawings, and operating as above set forth.
Twenty fourth. The improved fowling-piece or sporting-gun consisting of the
parts constructed and combined substantially as described with reference to
Figures 15, 16, 17 and 18, or to Figures 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 of the drawings,
and operating as above set forth.
Twenty fifth. The improved magazine or repeating rifle consisting of the parts
constructed and combined substantially as described with reference to Figures 19, 20
and 21 of the drawings, and operating as above set forth.
Twenty sixth. The improved pistol consisting of the parts constructed and
combined substantially as described with reference to Figure 29 of the drawings,
and operating as above set forth.
Dated this 17th donne A 1000