Year: 1886

page_text: I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, 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 :-
This invention relates to that class of fire-arms known as magazine guns, and the
objects of the same are to produce a gun more rapid and certain in its action,
stronger in those parts of its mechanism which in arms of this character are
commonly of a complicated and delicate character, and containing fewer parts than
those heretofore made; and capable of the same action or result.
the
The general principle of the manipulation or operation of the improved fire-arm
is similar in certain respects to that of others now in use, that is to say,
cartridges, to a certain number are placed in a cylindrical magazine under and
along the barrel. In this they are subjected to spring pressure which forces them
backward towards the breech, while the operations of loading, ejecting the empty
shells and reloading are effected by the movement of a pivoted lever which serves
as the trigger-guard. The improvements are chiefly in the breech mechanism
operated by this lever and through the instrumentality of which the several
operations named are performed.
Heretofore magazine guns have been devised in which the breech-block was
capable of a vertical movement or one at right angles to the breech, and various
devices have been proposed for imparting to such breech-block an intermittent
movement by a continuous movement of the operating lever or trigger-guard.
The main advantages of this form of gun are that it dispenses with the usual bolt
for forcing the cartridges in the chamber and sustaining the explosion. ' In
addition to this there are secured in the present case, other advantages which will
be set forth in the subsequent description of the features that constitute the
invention.
The gun containing the improvements referred to is constructed in the following
general manner.
It has a barrel of the usual construction screwed or otherwise.
°

page_text: a
secured to a metal case which contains the breech-mechanism and joins the barrel
to the stock. Beneath the barrel and entering this case is the magazine and spring
therein for delivering the cartridges successively to be inserted in the chamber by
the breech mechanism. The hammer and trigger are of the usual pattern, the
former being connected to the lever under the trigger so that it is cocked by the
downward movement of the lever.
The breech is flush with the forward wall of the breech case. Against this wall
slides the breech-block which is practically solid. At the rear of the breech-block
are stout guides forming part of the case itself, and which restrict the movement of
the block to a path at right angles to the barrel.
In one side of the breech-block is a slot of irregular shape,, in which enters a pin
carried by an arm rigidly connected.to the rock-shaft operated by the trigger-guard
or lever. On the opposite side of the breech block is an arm pivoted to the side of
the breech case and connected with the aforesaid rock-shaft by a lever that imparts
to it an oscillating movement corresponding to the movement of the trigger-guard.
This arm extends upward alongside the breech block and is there connected with
the extractor and injector.
These parts are so constructed and combined that a forward and downward
movement of the trigger-guard produces a downward movement of the breech
block, but as 'soon as this has cleared the breech, the pin carried by the actuating
arm enters a portion of the slot in which it ceases for a time to impart any
movement to the block. While this is taking place the extractor is operated and
thrown backward sufficiently to partially or wholly withdraw a cartridge or shell
from the chamber. The breech-block is then encountered again by the pin moving
through the slot in its side and moved further downward until it passes below the
opening of the magazine. Here it takes up a cartridge and by the reverse
movement of the trigger guard the cartridge is raised to a level with the breech
and then, while the breech-block remains stationary, it is forced into the chamber
which is immediately closed. These the principal features in the cycle of operation,
are attended by certain others which contribute to the more successful action of
the arm, and which are brought about by certain details which will be hereinafter
described.
°
In the accompanying drawings:-
i
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of. the gun with the breech mechanism in
elevation.
Figure 2 is a similar view of the gun. when, at half-cock.
Figure 3 is a similar view from the opposite side of the gun.
Figure 4 is a partial section for illustrating the operation of the retractile
mechanism.
:
.
Figure 5 shows the gun at full cock, and in position to receive a charge.
Figure 6 is a horizontal section through the gun barrel and breech mechanism.
Figure 7 is a detail of the devices for loading.
"
Figure 8 is a detail of the breech-block. The letter A designates the barrel,
A¹ the magazine B the stock, and B the breech-case of the gun.
The barrel is screwed or otherwise firmly united to the breech-case B, and the
magazine is similarly secured, both entering the forward end of the case. and
ending flush with its inner wall. The breech-case is extended in tubular form and
secured to the stock in any convenient manner.
C is the hammer carried by a pin a¹ that passes through the sides of the rear
portion of the breech-case. The hammer is actuated by a spring band sprung by
al trigger c, in the usual manner.
D, is the breech-block, which is of hard metal and practically solid. It contains
a spring-actuated firing pin c¹, shown in figure 8 and its upper portion is formed
with a cylindrical chamber in which the cartridge lies. In order that the breech-
block may not move too freely or independently by its own weight in the.casing it
has attached to it a spring d that presses against the side of the casing. The
purpose of this will subsequently more fully appear.

page_text: The breech-block extends from the front to the rear of the chamber formed for
it in the breech-case B and is restricted by these guides to a vertical movement.
It does not, however occupy all of this chamber, spaces being left on each side of it
for the arms or levers that control its movement and operate the extractor. The
construction in this particular, however, may be somewhat modified as recesses for
the last named instrumentalities may be provided in the sides of the case B.
E is the trigger guard. It is pivotted to the forward and lower part of the
breech-case, and, so far as the principle of this invention is concerned, its manner
of connection may be greatly varied. In the present case it is carried by a spindle
or rock-shaft E¹ to which it imparts a partial revolution when it is turned. Its
normal position is shown in figure 1 in which it is held against the stock by a
spring catch c¹.
A curved arm F is carried by the axle or spindle of the hammer and is
connected to the lever E by link F¹. Below the fulcrum of the hammer is a pin e
that extends into the path of the arm F so that when the lever E is depressed the
arm F is drawn forward and the gun cocked.
In one side of the breecn-block is a slot with double cam faces. The
general direction of the slot is at right angles to the line of movement of the
breech-block but the rear portion is lower or nearer the bottom of the block and is
connected with the higher and forward portion by a nearly vertical part.
An arın G is rigidly secured to the rock-shaft E¹ and at its end carries a pin g
that enters the slot f. The tendency of this arm is to lower the breech-block when
the lever E is depressed by the contact of the pin g with the lower cam face of the
slot, and to raise the breech-block when the lever E is raised by the pressure of
the pin g upon the upper cam face of the slot.
When the breech block is in its highest position the pin g is in the forward end of
the slot. By depressing the lever E it is moved backwards along the slot and the
breech-block is drawn downward. After a certain backward movement of the ping
however, it enters the vertical portion of the slot f, but here, as it encounters for a
certain part of its path no part of the breech-block, the latter remains stationary.
As soon as the pin reaches the lower face of the lower and rear portion of the slot f
however the breech-block is again set in movement and carried to its lowest
position. The converse of this takes place when the lever E is raised. Thus it will
be seen that, although the movement of the lever E between its limits of movement,
is continuous, the breech-block which is controlled by it, stops for a time in its path.
On the opposite side of the breech-block is an arm H, on a stud h secured to the
side of the breech-case B. The end of this arm is bifurcated and engages with a
pin h¹ set in a block i that is carried in a guide k. To this block is secured a
spring catch ¹ which serves as the extractor and injector.
A second arm His pivotted on a stud k¹ set in the side of the breech-case, and
the end of this arm which is bifurcated engages with a pin 7 set a short distance
from the fulcrum of the lever H. The arm H¹ may be carried by the rock-
shaft E¹, but with the double purpose of economizing space and imparting a sudden
movement to the extractor; the following means of operating the arm H by the
rock-shaft E are employed.
The arm H¹ above the fulcrum is cut away leaving two points n, n'. The arm
is so placed that the rock-shaft E¹ lies in the cut away portion. Over the arm H¹
is a hub o on the rock-shaft, one half of which is cut away, or two lugs on opposite
sides of the shaft would serve the same purpose. A stout spring o' secured to the
breech-case bears upon the end of the arm H¹ just below the point n.
Now when the lever E is depressed and the rock-shaft E¹ turned, the rear edge
of the hub o or the lug which may be used in its stead encounters the point n¹ and
turns the arm H' downward. This imparts a movement to the lever or arm H and
draws the extractor away from the breech. After a short downward movement
the spring o' comes into play and forces the arm H' by a sudden movement through
the remainder of its path and brings the point n up against the forward edge of
the hub o. When the lever Ę is raised again, the arm H' is therefore forced.

page_text: There is a slight
positively upwards by the pressure of the hub upon the point n.
play between the hub and the points n, n¹, so that the lever E is moved through
a certain space without imparting movement to the arm H¹ and the extractor.
The extractor slides on the guides up into a recess p in the breech, and
operates upon a cartridge or empty shell through a slot a, in the side of the.
cartridge chamber. Its position at the time when a cartridge is received by the
In its forward
breech-block and presented to the breech is shown in figure 4.
movement the spring catch i¹ engages with the rim of the shell and forces or
draws the cartridge into the breech-chamber. When the cartridge is thus driven
home, the spring catch slips over the rim of the shell and into the recess p and
along side of the cartridge. When the lever E is again depressed, the spring catch
engaging with the opposite side of the cartridge rim forces the same out of the
chamber.
The operation of the gun is in details as follows:-A suitable number of
loaded shells are introduced into the magazine, by dropping the breech-block and
inserting the shells through an opening in the side of the breech-case and the gun
brought into condition for firing, by raising the lever E.
When
The means for loading or inserting the cartridges are illustrated in detail in
figure 7. In the side of the breech-case is a slide t, carrying a spring t¹.
the opening in the case is closed by the slide this spring bears upon a shoulder S.
When the slide is forced forward the spring presses upon a spring catch S¹ and
forces it over the edge of the magazine orifice. When a cartridge is forced into the
magazine it is held within the same by the catch S¹ until another is inserted and
so on. As soon as the spring is carried out of engagement with the catch S¹
the cartridges are free to slide out of the magazine into the chamber in the breech-
block when the latter is depressed to its fullest extent. After discharging the
piece, the lever E is depressed. This draws down the breech-block as hereinafter
explained. When the breech-block has passed below the level of the breech-
chamber, or reached the position shown in figure 3 it stops for a certain time while
the pin g is travelling downwards through the vertical part of the slot f.
It is during this time that the extractor works, the adjustment of the parts
being such that just at the time when the downward movement of the breech-
block is suspended the hub o comes in contact with the point n' and imparts a
positive movement to the extractor. The empty shell is thus forced out of the
breech chamber by a positive action, and when free from the breech is ejected by
the rapid movement of the arm H caused by the spring o', through the opening at
the rear of the breech-case.
At the moment when this is effected the breech block is again set in motion
and drawn down to its lowest point, the hammer in the mean time being cocked.
A fresh shell is then forced out of the magazine into the chamber in the breech-
block and the lever E raised. At this point it rests while the pin g is moving up
through the vertical portion of the slot f. But while this is taking place, the hub o
engages with the point n and the arm H is driven positively forward. By this
means, and while the breech-block is stationary the shell is forced home in the
breech-chamber. The breech-block then starts upward, closes the breech and the
lever E is locked. The piece is then in coudition for a second discharge.
'
Of the details of mechanism here shown which. are common to other guns, no
specific description is given as their functions and mode of operation are well
understood.
The details of the construction of the gun may be varied in many particulars and
the invention is not limited to those which are shewn and specifically described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
First. In a magazine gun the combination with a breech block capable of a
movement at right angles to the barrel and adapted to close the breech when in

page_text: its highest or firing position, of a lever pivotted to the breech-case in position to be
turned or operated by hand, an arm operated by said lever and, engaging with a
slot in the side of the breech-block, the said slot being so formed as to permit the
engaging arm to move through it, during a certain portion of its path of move-
ment, without imparting movement to the breech-block, whereby by a continuous
movement of the lever up or down, an intermittent movement is imparted to the
breech-block, as and for the purpose specified.
Second. In a magazine gun, the combination with a breech-block capable of a
movement at right angles to the barrel and adapted to close the breech when in its
highest or firing position, of a hand lever pivotted to the breech-case, an extractor
and injector connected with and operated by said lever, and an arm operated by
said lever and engaging with a slot in the breech-block, said slot being so formed
as to permit the engaging arm. to move through it, during a certain portion of its
path of movement, without imparting movement to the breech-block, whereby by
a continuous. movement of the lever up or down, an intermittent .movement is
imparted to the breech-block, as, and for the purpose specified.
Third. The combination, in a magazine gun of a vertically movable. breech-
block, adapted when in its highest position, to close the breech, a reciprocating
extractor and injector and a pivotted- arm or lever connected therewith, a hand.
lever connected with and operating. the extractor lever, and an arm or lever turned
or operated by the hand lever and engaging with a slot in the side of the breech-
block said slot being. so. formed. as to cause the breech block by a continuous
movement of the hand lever to be moved intermittently up or down in the breech-
case as herein described.
.
Fourth. The combination, in a magazine gun of a vertically movable breech-
block adapted, when in its highest position, to close the breech, a reciprocating
extractor and injector, the path of movement of which is parallel to the axis of
the barrel, and a pivotted arm or lever connected therewith, a hand lever connected
with, and operating the extractor lever and an arm or lever turned or operated by
the band lever and engaging with a slot in the side of the breech-block, said slot
being so formed as to permit the breech-block to remain stationary for a certain
time during the movement of the arm or lever and while the extractor or injector
is operating, as set forth.
Fifth. The combination in a magazine gun with a vertically movable breech-
block adapted, when in its highest position, to close the breech, and provided with
a slot in its side, of an arm or lever pivotted within the breech-case and engaging
with a slot, which is so formed as to cause an intermittent movement to be imparted
to the breech-block by a continuous movement of the lever, a second lever placed
on the opposite side of the breech-block, an extracting and injecting device
operated thereby, and a hand lever without the breech-case connecting with, and
operating the two levers, these parts being constructed and arranged for operation
in substantially the manner set forth.
Sixth. The combination in a magazine gun with a breech-block adapted to be
moved vertically in the breech-case, and in its highest position to close the breech,
of an arm or lever engaging with a slot in the side of the breech-block, a guide
supported in the breech-case, an extractor and injector arranged to slide therein, an
arm or lever for operating the said extractor and injector and a hand lever
operatively connected with the two arms or levers, all as set forth.
Seventh. A breech mechanism for magazine guns consisting of the following
devices combined. for operation in the manner set forth, to wit:-a vertically
movable breech-block adapted in its highest position to close the breech, and having
a slot substantially as described in one of its sides, an extractor and injector
arranged to slide in a guide placed beside the breech-block and in line with the
bore or chamber, a rock-shaft in the lower forward part of the breech-case, a lever
or arm connected therewith and engaging with the slot in the breech-block, a
system of levers operated by the rock-shaft and connecting with the extractor and

page_text: injector and a hand lever without the breech-case for imparting movement to the
rock-shaft, all as set forth.
Eighth. A breech mechanism for magazine guns consisting of the following
instrumentalities combined for operation in the manner set forth, to wit:-a breech-
block arranged to move vertically in the breech-case, and having a slot in one of
its sides, an extractor and injector arranged to slide in a guide placed beside the
breech-block and in line with the bore or chamber, a rock-shaft in the lower
forward part of the breech-case, an arm or lever rigidly connected therewith and
engaging with the slot in the breech-block, a lever connected with the extractor
and pivotted in the lower part of the breech-case, an arm or lever operated by the
rock-shaft and connected with the extractor lever whereby a movement of the
rock-shaft is caused to move the extractor and injector in its guide, and a lever
without the breech case for imparting movement to the rock-shaft as described.
Ninth. In a magazine-gun the combination with a vertically movable breech-block
and mechanism for operating the same, consisting of a hand-lever and rock-shaft
operating an arm that engages with a slot in the side of the breech-block, of an
extractor and injector arranged to move in a guide on one side of the breech-block
and in line with the barrel, a bifurcated lever pivotted below the guide and
engaging with the extractor, and a bifurcated connecting arm or lever operated by
the rock-shaft, and hand lever, and engaging with the extractor lever as and for
the purpose set forth.
Tenth. The combination with the breech-block arranged to move vertically
within the breech-case and to close when in its highest position, the breech of a
rock-shaft below and in front of the breech-block, an arm or lever carried by said
rock-shaft and entering or engaging with a slot in the side of the breech-block
which slot has such shape that for a certain time during the movement of the lever
or arm the latter moves in the slot without imparting movement to the breech-
block, and extracting and injecting devices adapted to be operated or brought into
operation by the rock-shaft during the time when the breech-block is at rest as and
for the purpose. described.
Eleventh. The combination, with a breech-case, of a vertically movable breech-
block, an extractor and injector placed to one side of the breech-block, means for
imparting an intermittent movement to the breech-block, and for operating the
extractor and injector while the. breech-block is stationary, a firing pin passing
through the breech-block and a hammer pivotted in the rear of the breech-case, all
as set forth.
Twelfth. In a magazine gun the combination with a breech-block and mechanism
for imparting a vertical movement thereto, of an extractor and injector moving in
line with the barrel or chamber, and a breech-case enclosing the parts named and
having an opening in its rear and above the hammer to permit the ejecting of the
shells withdrawn by the extractor as set forth.
Dated this 4th
A 1000
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.