Improvements in Breech Loading Small Arms and in Manufacturing Tools therefor.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Apr., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 26th Jan., 1891-Accepted, 28th Feb., 1891
Improvements in Breech Loading Small Arms and in Manufacturing
Tools therefor.
I, REGIS DARNE, of No. 13, Rue du Bas-Tardy, Saint Etienne, in the Depart-
ment of the Loire and Republic of France, Gunmaker, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a gun without apparent cocks presenting the following
qualities, obtained either by the mechanism, or by the method of manufacture which
I employ
10 Regularity in the shooting, obtained by the fixed barrel.
2° Grouping or clustering of the shot.
3° Simple mechanism concentrated in a single bed or recess and of the same size
for all calibers (this mechanism being protected from escapes of gas).
4° Automatic expulsion from the barrel of the spent cartridge.
Upon the accompanying drawings:
:―
Figure 1 represents in sectional elevation a portion of a gun embodying my
improvements, the breech being closed, and
Figure 2 a similar view of same with breech open,
Figures 3 and 4 being detached parts of same.
Figure 5 is a sectional elevation of a portion of a gun with breech closed, showing
a modification hereinafter described and
Figures 6 to 11 inclusive are detached parts of my improved gun.
The regularity of the shooting is obtained by the principle of the fixed barrel and
of a movable breech which pivoting around the axle B comes down backward (see
Fig. 2) to permit the introduction of the cartridges into the barrel.
The grouping or clustering of the shot is secured by the form and finish of the
barrel which I obtain by the tool hereinafter described and specially manufactured
for the making of my fire arm.
The very simple mechanism is lodged in the stock F of the gun. It is of the
same size for the various calibers of gun, that is to say that the distance apart from
centre to centre of the cartridges is obtained by the inclination more or less great of
the firing pins (Figure 6). The gases which may escape by the holes or vents of
the firing pins find a sufficiently large exit to pass to the outside without entering
into the mechanism.
Finally the expulsion of the spent cartridge is produced by a disconnection or
releasing prepared by the departure of the hammer has hereinafter explained.
Referring to Fig. 1 which shows the gun closed and represents the mechanism
and the play of the different pieces of which it is composed.
To open the arm the lever or key J is moved from left to right giving it of a
turn. In this movement the firing pins G are brought backward by the incline
given to the lever (Figs. 1, 2, 8) so that the point of percussion no longer projects
outside. At the same time the tail end of the lever in form of a T comes from
under the shoulder of the cartridge ejector L. Then, throwing the movable breech
backward around its axle B, as shown Fig. 2, the axle m passes from the back to
the front of the axle B and pushes forward the rod n. This rod n in its turn
pushes forward the piece o and the main rod and by means of the piece o causes
the cocking of the hammer h. At this moment, the main springs R are in tension
and ready to actuate the hammers acting as cocks in striking on the firing pins when
the gun is again closed and the triggers pulled.
The main rod p which as aforesaid is moved either forward or backward by the
intermediary of the rod accordingly as the inovable breech is opened or closed,

page_text: serves: 1° To free the cartridge, which may stick, by bringing the extractors
backward, to the extent of a few millimeters, after the firing, by the intermediary of
the lever S. 2°. For the release of the ejector catches T when the gun has been
fired, by means of small inclined planes A. (see Fig. 3) placed on both sides of the
main rod p. This release or disconnection permits the ejection of the right hand
cartridge alone if the right hand barrel only has been discharged, or the cartridge
on the left, if the left barrel only has been fired, or finally both cartridges at once
if both barrels have been discharged.
I will now explain in what manner :-
I'
0
Suppose the gun to be open. If it is closed by bringing the movable breech down.
forward, this breech causes the extractors to retire and bring backward the pieces
and p by the intermediary of the rod n coupled to the movable breech by the pin m.
In this movement the piece by its notch K causes the pieces u to pivot around
their axle e and brings them to the cocked position where they are kept by the two
catches T which fall into the stop-notch (Fig. 1). As on the other hand when the
breech was opened the hammer had cocked itself and the sear g having seized the
notch had kept it in this state, it follows that the gun is cocked on the side of
the percussion, and on the side of the ejection, and that the springs R are in
tension. If now for example the right hand trigger W is pressed upon, the hammer
on the right strikes the firing pin on its side and the gun is fired. In this movement
the hammer draws backward the chain or link attached to it at j, (sce. Figs. 1, 2)
and this latter by its notch inclined in this backward movement causes the catch T
to lower to bring it to the position T¹ half out of its notch v. If the gun is then
opened the rod p is pushed forward and slides in the coupling X the right wing of
the inclined plane A of this rod meeting the end t, in form of inclined plane, of
the catch T, when it is in the position T', causes it to escape completely from its
notch e. The piece becomes free and the spring R acting causes it to pivot on its
axle e and its end a to strike violently on the rod of the extractor L and throws the
empty cartridge case out of the barrel.
:
The left side has not been fired; the link on its side has therefore not acted and
the left catch T is still engaged in the notch of the left piece u. The left wing. A
of the rod p passes under the left catch without touching it, but the piece s actuated
by the rod has slightly retired the left cartridge to permit its being replaced if
desired by the shooter.
The barrel of my fire arm is easily dismounted. The securing of the barrel to
the fore-end of the stock is effected by a catch y covered at its front (side opposite
the hook) by a hinged plate serving at the same time as stop-piece to the two
extractors when the barrel is dismounted.
The extractors are of special form, the rod flat and broad has two ribs.
Finally the safety arrangement is composed simply of a piece or rod of a
particular form Fig. 7. The two small shoulders are placed upon the catches or
tumblers to prevent their action when it is desired to be at safety. When on the
contrary it is desired to be ready slightly push back this piece and the catches
entering its notches a permit their working.
The same gun may also be made without automatic ejector. In this case there
is only one extractor with round rod and the following pieces are suppressed': the
pieces i, the catches T, the double branched spring R, the pieces u, and the piece p
is connected to the piece S by a hinge.
Without. changing the principle of the fire arm it may also be simplified by
dispensing with the ejection.
The arm thus modified is composed of a breech movable around the axle B (séc
Fig. 5) as above described. The piece is directly attached by the aid of a pin m
to the breech.
At a and y arc axles serving to produce the extraction of the
cartridge without ejection. The cock is composed simply of a hollow cylindrical
box closed at one of its ends and open at the other; the closed end (in the
front) has a point or projection forming firing pin. There is within the cylinder
a spiral spring resting on one side upon the closed part forward and on the

page_text: other upon the bottom of the hole of the movable breech. A cocking chain or
link of a T shape permits in opening the movable breech bringing the hollow
cylinder backward and consequently to compress the spring until the catch g seizes
the stop-notch.
It will be understood that, pressing on the trigger, the catch.g leaves the stop-
notch and that the spiral spring distending pushes forward the cylindrical box
forming firing pin and fires the cartridge. It will also be understood that in the
opening movement of the movable breech the rod p by the play of its joints m, a, y
determines the backward movement of the extractors and the extraction of the
cartridge cases without ejection.
I will terminate this description by that of the tool, represented Figures 10
and 11..which permits me to obtain the calibering and a perfect polishing of the
inside of the barrel. The calibering is obtained by means of a long metal rod the
section of which is shown Figure 10. A plate a with two sharp angles a, a, and
an adjusting screw with countersunk head B. Two plates dovetailed into the piece
and with rounded projections c form the burnisher. When this tool is passed into
the barrel and it has well regulated and cylindered it, the operation is terminated
by the polishing with the tool Figure 11 using lead and emery. C is a steel rod
slit at the end d, d into two parts.forming spring and each covered with lead at P.
A piece M sliding along the rod provided with a groove permits giving to this rod
by hand a rotary movement around its axis.
Dated this Twenty-eighth day of Auril 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Breech Loading Small Arms and in Manufacturing
Tools therefor.
I, REGIS DARNE, of No. 13, Rue du Bas Tardy, Saint Etienne, in the
Department of the Loire and Republic of France, 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:-
This invention relates to a gun without apparent cocks presenting the following
qualities, obtained either by the mechanism, or by the method of manufacture
which I employ
1° Regularity in the shooting, obtained by the fixed barrel.
2° Grouping or clustering of the shot.
3° Simple mechanism concentrated in a single bed or recess and of the same size
for all calibers (this mechanism being protected from escapes of gas).
4° Automatic expulsion from the barrel of the spent cartridge.
Upon the drawings left with the Provisional Specification
:-
Figure represents in sectional elevation a portion of a gun embodying my
improvements, the breech being closed, and
Figure 2 a similar view of same with breech open,
Figures 3 and 4 being detached parts of same.
Figure 5 is a sectional elevation of a portion of a gun with breech closed, showing
a modification hereinafter described and
Figures 6 to 11 inclusive are detached parts of my improved gun.
The invention is shewn applied to a double barrelled
gun.
The regularity of the shooting is obtained by the principle of the fixed barrel
and of a movable breech which, pivoting around the axle B comes down backward
(see Figure 2) to permit the introduction of the cartridges into the barrel.
The grouping or clustering of the shot is secured by the form and finish of the
barrel which I obtain by the tool hereinafter described and specially manufactured
for the making of my firearm.
.
The very simple mechanism is lodged in the stock F of the gun. It is of the

page_text: same size for the various calibers of gun, that is to say that the distance apart from
centre to centre of the cartridges is obtained by the inclination more or less great
of the firing pins (Figure 6). The gases which may escape by the holes or vents
of the firing pins find a sufficiently large exit to pass to the outside without entering
into the mechanism.
Finally the expulsion of the spent cartridge is produced by a disconnection or
releasing prepared by the departure of the hammer has hereinafter explained.
Referring to Figure 1 which shows the gun closed and represents the mechanism
and the play of the different pieces of which it is composed.
To open the arm the lever or key J is moved from left to right giving it
of a turn. In this movement the firing pins G are brought backward by the
incline given to the lever (Figures 1, 2, 8) so that the point of percussion no
longer projects outside. At the same time the tail end of the lever in form of
a T comes from under the shoulder of the cartridge ejector L. Then, throwing
the movable breech backward around its axle B, as shown Figure 2, the axle m
passes from the back to the front of the axle B and pushes forward the rod . This
rod n in its turn pushes forward the piece o and the main rod and by means of
the piece o causes the cocking of the hammer At this moment the main springs R
are in tension and ready to actuate the hammers acting as cocks in striking on the
firing pins when the gun is again closed and the triggers pulled.
The main rod p which as aforesaid is moved either forward or backward by the
intermediary of the rod n accordingly as the movable breech is opened or closed,
serves: 1° To free the cartridge, which may stick, by bringing the extractors
backward, to the extent of a few millimeters, after the firing, by the intermediary
of the lever S. 2° For the release of the ejector catches T when the gun has been
fired, by means of small inclined planes A (see Figure 3) placed on both sides of
the main rod p. This release or disconnexion permits the ejection of the right hand
cartridge alone if the right hand barrel only has been discharged, or the cartridge
on the left, if the left barrel only has been fired, or finally both cartridges at once
if both barrels have been discharged.
I will now explain in what manner :-
り
Suppose the gun to be open. If it is closed by bringing the movable breech down
forward, this breech causes the extractors to retire and bring backward the pieces o
and p by the intermediary of the rod n coupled to the movable breech by the pin m.
In this movement the piece p by its notch K causes the pieces u to pivot around
their axle e and brings them to the cocked position where they are kept by the two
catches T which fall into the stop-notch (Figure 1). As on the other hand when
the breech was opened the hammer had cocked itself and the tumbler having
seized the notch had kept it in this state, it follows that the gun is cocked on the side
of the percussion, and on the side of the ejection and that the springs R are in
tension. If now for example the right hand trigger W is pressed upon, the
hammer on the right strikes the firing pin on its side and the gun is fired. In
this movement the hammer draws backward, the chain or link attached to it
at (see Figures 1, 2) and this latter by its notch inclined in this backward
movement causes the catch T to lower to bring it to the position T half out of
its notch e. If the gun is then opened the rod p is pushed forward and slides
in the coupling X; the right wing of the inclined plane A of this rod p meeting
the end t, in form of inclined plane, of the catch T; when it is in the position T
causes it to escape completely from its notch c. The piece u becomes free and
the spring R acting causes it to pivot on its axle e and its end u to štrike
violently on the rod of the extractor L and throws the empty cartridge case out of
the barrel.
The left side has not been fired; the link on its side has therefore not acted
and the left catch T is still engaged in the notch of the left piece w. The left
wing A of the rod p passes under the left catch without touching it, but the piece s
actuated by the rod P has slightly retired the left cartridge to permit its being
replaced if desired by the shooter.

page_text: The barrel of my firearm is easily dismounted. The securing of the barrel to the
fore-end of the stock is effected by a catch y covered at its front (side opposite the
hook) by a hinged plate serving at the same time as stop-piece to the two extractors
when the barrel is dismounted.
The extractors are of special form, the rod flat and broad has two ribs.
Finally the safety arrangement is composed simply of a piece or rod of a particular
form Figure 7. The two small shoulders are placed upon the catches or tumblers
to prevent their action when it is desired to be at safety. When on the contrary it
is desired to be ready slightly push back this piece and the catches entering its
notches a permit their working.
This same gun may also be made without automatic ejector. In this case there
is only one extractor with round rod and the following pieces are suppressed: the
pieces i, the catches T, the double branched spring R, the pieces u, and the piece p
is connected to the piece S by a hinge.
Without changing the principle of the firearm it may also be simplified by
dispensing with the ejection.
:-
The arm thus modified is composed of a breech movable around the axle B (see
Figure 5) as above described. The piece pis directly attached by the aid of a pin m
to the breech. At x and y are axles serving to produce the extraction of the
cartridge without ejection. The cock is composed simply of a hollow cylindrical
box closed at one of its ends and open at the other; the closed end (in the front)
has a point or projection forming firing pin. There is within the cylinder a spiral
spring resting on one side upon the closed part forward and on the other upon the
bottom of the hole of the movable breech. A cocking chain or link of a shape
permits in opening the movable breech bringing the hollow cylinder backward and
consequently to compress the spring until the catch g seizes the stop notch.
It will be understood that, pressing on the trigger, the catchy leaves the stop
notch and that the spiral spring distending pushes forward the cylindrical box
forming firing pin and fires the cartridge. It will also be understood that in the
opening movement of the movable breech, the rod p by the play of the joints m, x, y
determines the backward movement of the extractors and the extraction of the
cartridge cases without ejection.
I will terminate this description by that of the tool represented Figures 10 and 11,
which permits me to obtain the calibering and a perfect polishing of the inside of
the barrel. The calibering is obtained by means of a long metal rod the section of
which is shown in Figure 10, a plate A with two sharp angles a, a, and an adjusting
screw with countersunk head B. Two plates dovetailed into the piece and with
rounded projections c form the burnisher. When this tool is passed into the barrel
and it has well regulated and cylindered the operation is terminated by the polishing
with the tool Figure 11 using lead and emery. C is a steel rod slit at the end d, d
into two parts forming spring and each covered with lead at P. A piece M sliding
along the rod provided with a groove permits giving to this rod by hand a rotary
movement around its axis.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The small arm with fixed barrel above described, having my system of breech,
which by the nearness of the two axles B and m gives great easiness to the
movements. This movable breech pivoting upon an axle B placed at a somewhat
considerable distance (about 5 to 7 centimetres) from the edge of the barrel is
exactly in the axis of the two barrels; the fixing of this closure being effected by
a half key or lever which returns with great force.
2. The principle of construction and the shape of the movable breech above
described permitting the uncovering of the back orifice of the barrels sufficiently
for the introduction and the extraction of the cartridges.
3. The hinge with lengthened tail and two interior pieces in the axis of the pin

page_text: whereby it cannot disjoint except by causing the movable breech to move forward
about 14 millimetres, so that when the gun is closed the movable breech can never
escape under the pressure of the gases, but that on the contrary the resistance is
the greater the more violent the shock."
4. The system of ejection by the same spring as for the percussion, the ejection
only taking place when the firearm is open in profiting by the tension of the
spring to obtain the disconnection of the ejection of the spent cartridge.
5. The system of springs R in tension only when the breech is closed for the
percussion and ejection, and which therefore cannot be put into action for the
percussion excepting when the gun is closed and for the ejection when it is open.
6. The process and tools above described permitting me to obtain a perfect
calibering and polishing of the interior of the barrel.
7. The above described automatic ejection of the spent cartridge or cartridges in
guns with double fixed barrels.
8. Breech loading small arms in principle in their entirety such as above
described complete or simplified, that is to say with or without ejection, and the
percussion determined either by the hammer h or by the spiral spring actuating the
percussion box shown in Figure 5 of the drawing.
Dated this Twenty-sixth day of January 1891.