Improvements in Small Arms.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Jan.. 1387
Complete Left, 27th Oct., 1887
Complete Accepted, 27th Jan., 1838
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Small Arms.
I, JAMES WILLIAM SMALLMAN, of Camp Hill Grange, Nuneaton, in the County of
Warwick, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates more especially to improvements in the cocking, ejecting, and
discharging mechanism of hammerless sporting guns and rifles, but is partly applicable
to other small arms.
For cocking the tumblers, I employ in each lock a sliding main spring having two
limbs, the lower limb engaging with one of the tumblers (at a point above the tumbler-
pivot and between the tumbler-pivot and the joint-pin) and the upper limb bearing
against the action-body. The front end of each main spring, when the tumblers are
down, abuts either directly or indirectly against the fore-end (or against a limb or
lever moving with the barrels), so that whilst the gun is being opened the springs
are forced backward and cock the tumblers. During the process of closing the gun,
the springs remain stationary; but, if preferred, they may be caused to travel
forward. In the former case, the springs regain their normal positions by the action
of the tumblers; and, in the latter case, by the use of inclined planes, the power
requisite for cramping the main springs may be divided between the opening and
closing movements.
For ejecting the empty cartridge-case or cases, I use, in conjunction with a split
extractor, a split extractor-cam or post; each half of the latter is acted upon by an
independent spring attached to the fore-end. By these means, the extracting
mechanism in connection with each barrel is rendered independent. The free end of
each spring, in addition to acting on one half of the split extractor-cam or post, is
also adapted to engage with a sear pivoted in the fore-end; each sear-tail is lifted at
the proper time, either by means of a stop formed on or actuated by one of the
sliding main springs previously referred to (or its equivalent) or by means of a stop
forming part of or operated by a limb rotating about a centre coinciding or nearly

page_text: coinciding with the centre of the joint-pin. The action of the parts is as follows:-
After the empty cases have been ejected and whilst the gun is being closed, the split
extractor is forced forward, causing the split extractor-cam or post to assume its
normal position, thereby compressing the two extractor-springs in the fore-end and
enabling each extractor-spring-scear to snap into its particular bent. After both
barrels have been discharged and whilst the gun is being opened, the split extractor-
cam or post acts upon the split extractor and gradually forces out the cartridge-cases
in the usual way, until the tails of the extractor-spring-scears arrive in contact with
the stops hereinbefore alluded to; the extractor-springs are then liberated and strike
the split extractor-cam or post with sufficient force to eject the empty cases already
partially withdrawn. If only one barrel is discharged, the ejecting mechanism apper-
taining to that barrel is alone thrown into action; the loaded case remains in position
in the chamber of the other barrel. Spiral instead of flat extractor-springs may,
if
preferred, be employed.
For enabling two barrels of a small arm to be separately discharged by means of a
single trigger, provide the scear first acted upon by the trigger-blade with an
additional limb extending towards and above the tumbler-pivot and having its
movement limited, during the requisite period, by a cam or its equivalent formed on
the corresponding tumbler; the object of this construction is to prevent the trigger
liberating the lock-mechanism appertaining to the second barrel before the first
barrel has been discharged; that is to say, before the additional limb on the scear
is free of the tumbler-cain.
In combination with a trigger adapted for separately discharging two barrels of a
sporting firearm, an additional trigger capable of discharging the second barrel only
may be employed.

page_text: I, JAMES WILLIAM SMALLMAN, of Camp Hill Grange, Nuneaton, in the County of
Warwick, and Brixton, in the County of Surrey, Engineer, 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 more especially to improvements in the cocking, ejecting, and
discharging mechanism of hammerless sporting guns and rifles, but is partly applicable
to other small arms.
In order that this invention may be readily understood, 1 will proceed to describe
the same with reference to the accompanying drawings.
g.
In Figures 1 and 2, the tumbler a in each lock is cocked by means of a sliding
main spring b having two limbs and 2, the former of these limbs engaging withi
the notch a in the tumbler and the latter bearing against the action-body c. The
forward end of the main spring is pivoted to a slide d; the latter may be entirely
operated by the barrels, e, acting through the forward lump f. or through an
independent limb or lever, or partly by the barrels and partly by the fore-end
During the process of opening the gun, the spring is forced backward towards the
tumbler, and, acting as a thrust-rod, causes the latter to rotate about its pivot until
the scear a snaps into the tumbler-bent; at the same time, the spring is partly
compressed. During the process of closing the gun, the main spring is brought
back to its original position, and is also completely cramped by means of the inclined
plane formed by the tumbler-notch, or by an inclined plane provided in the action-
body e for the upper arm b² to travel along. As a modification, the main spring b,
instead of being pivoted to the slide d, may be pivoted to a link or lever h, as
represented in Figure 3; the action of the parts under such circumstances being,
however, almost the same as in the original construction. The slide d serves for both
locks; the link or lever h, by embracing the lump, may likewise answer for both
locks, though a separate link or lever may be employed in each lock, if preferred.
Instead of partly cramping the main springs during the opening and partly during
the closing movement, they may be entirely cramped whilst the barrels are falling, if
the inclined planes be dispensed with. Or, if preferred, the main springs may be
allowed to remain in the backward position until driven forward automatically by the
tumblers, as represented in Figures 4 and 5. The latter plan is particularly applicable
for use with ejector-mechanism.
For ejecting the empty cartridge-case or cases, I use, in conjunction with a split
extractor kk, a split extractor-cam k¹k', Figures 6 to 10, or a split extractor-post;
cach half is acted upon by an independent spring or attached to the fore-end g.
By these means, the extracting mechanism in connection with each barrel is rendered
independent. The free end of each spring, in addition to acting on one half of the
split extractor-cam or post, is also adapted to engage with a scear m or m¹ pivoted in
the fore-end. The scears m, m¹ are provided in the usual way with suitable flat

page_text: springs, which are, however, omitted in the drawings. Each scear-tail is lifted at the
proper time by means of a stop in the action-body. The simplest form of stop is
represented in Figures 4 and 5, in which the stop n is merely a projection on the
sliding main spring. When the latter is in the backward position, the said stop is
just out of the path of the extractor-scear-tail, and is inoperative; but, when the lock
is liberated, the stop is brought further forward than is necessary for actuating the
ejector-mechanism. Then, whilst the barrels are falling, the stop n is gradually driven
from under the scear-tail, and, at the same time, the latter gradually approaches the
stop, until, just before the scear snaps into the tumbler-bent, the stop and the scear-
tail arrive in contact with each other and the ejecting mechanism is liberated. If,
however, it be desired to release the ejecting mechanism after the scear has snapped
into the tumbler-bent, then, instead of using a stop of the kind above described, I
employ a separate stop actuated by means of the sliding main spring, or its equivalent.
Such mechanism is illustrated in Figures 11, 12, and 13. The stop n' is cam-shaped,
and is pushed into the path of the ejector-scear-tail by the sliding main spring and
withdrawn out of action, whilst the gun is being closed, by means of the additional
arm m² on the ejector-scear. Whilst the ejector-scear is in the bent of the extractor-
spring, the arm m² is inoperative; but, when the ejector-mechanism has been
liberated and the ejector-scear is out of the said bent, the arm m² is in position to act
on the cam-shaped stop and force it back. The arm m is permitted to bear against
the spring when disengaged from the bent in the said spring (Figure 13), in order
that the additional arm m² may be adequately supported. The arm m2 may be
dispensed with and the stop n' forced back by means of an incline or projection on
the fore-end, or by the barrels, whilst the gun is being opened. Or, a pivoted lever
actuated from the extractor-spring or a slide operated by the ejector-scear may, if
preferred, be employed for forcing back the stop n'. In Figures 14 and 15, I have
shewn one method of applying a stop similar to the one illustrated in Figures 12
and 13 to the "Scott" hammerless gun; the sliding cocking rod o (which is the
equivalent of the sliding main spring hitherto shewn) is provided at its forward
extremity with a groove o¹ for the reception (when the tumbler is cocked and the
stop in the inoperative position) of an additional arm n² on the stop n'. Whilst the
sliding cocking rod is being drawn back by the falling tumbler, the arm n² is
depressed and the stop n' thrown into its active position. As a modification, the
stop n may take the form of or be operated by a limb rotating about a centre
coinciding or nearly coinciding with the centre of the joint-pin and actuated without
the use of sliding mechanism; for instance, a pivoted lever operated directly by the
tumbler may be employed for throwing such a stop into the path of the ejector-scear.
I prefer, however, the original arrangement.
The action of the parts is as follows:-After the empty cases have been ejected and
whilst the gun is being closed, the split extractor is forced forward, causing the split
extractor-cam or post to assume its normal position, thereby compressing the two
extractor-springs in the fore-end and enabling each extractor-spring-scear to snap
into its particular bent. After both barrels have been discharged and whilst the gun
is being opened, the split extractor-cam or post acts upon the split extractor and
gradually forces out the cartridge-cases in the usual way, until the tails of the
extractor-spring-scears arrive in contact with the stops hereinbefore alluded to; the
extractor-springs are then liberated and strike the split extractor-cam or post with
sufficient force to eject the empty cases already partially withdrawn. If only one
barrel is discharged, the ejecting mechanism appertaining to that barrel is alone
thrown into action; the loaded case remains in position in the chamber of the other
barrel.
In Figure 16, I have shewn one method of applying spiral instead of flat extractor-
springs to the split extractor-cam. Figure 17 is a separate view of one of the
plungers r. prefer to provide each plunger with a joint, as indicated, in order to
diminish friction.
By an extractor-post, as distinguished from an extractor-cam, I mean an arrange-
ment in which the extractor is operated by means of a stop which bears throughout

page_text: the movement of the barrels (or at all events until acted upon by the ejector-
mechanism) the same relative position with regard to the action-body. For the
purposes of this invention, I prefer to employ a split extractor-cam, and merely
mention the split extractor-post as a possible modification.
For enabling two barrels of a small arm to be separately discharged by means of a
single trigger, I provide the scear first acted upon by the trigger-blade with an
additional limb a³, Figures 18 and 19, extending towards and above the tumbler-pivot
and having its movement limited, during the requisite period, by a cam or cam-like
projection at formed on the corresponding tumbler; the object of this construction is
to prevent the trigger liberating the lock-mechanism appertaining to the second barrel
before the first barrel has been discharged; that is to say, before the limb a³ is free
of the tumbler-cam. The shape of the latter may be varied at will, according to
whether it be desired that the scear and consequently the trigger should advance,
retire or remain stationary during the fall of the tumbler and whilst the pressure of
the finger is maintained. As a modification, it is obvious that a slide actuated by
the tumbler might be substituted for the cam. The trigger employed in conjunction
with this mechanism is of the ordinary construction, and is consequently omitted
from the drawings; it has, however, about twice as far to travel as a trigger employed
for discharging one barrel only. The additional arm a³ and the tumbler-cam a or
tumbler-slide may be used as a stop in combination with other single trigger
mechanism.
In combination with a trigger adapted for separately discharging two barrels of a
sporting firearm, an additional trigger capable of discharging the second barrel only
may be employed. In this case, the first trigger, instead of acting directly on the
seear appertaining to the second barrel, may be arranged to lift the second trigger and
consequently the second scear after the first barrel has been discharged.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim in respect of small arms is :-
1. In each lock-mechanism, a flat sliding main spring actuated substantially as set
forth, and so arranged in relation to the tumbler-pivot as to be capable of performing
the function of a thrust-rod for cocking the tumbler besides acting as the main
spring of the lock.
2. In each lock-mechanism, a flat sliding main spring so arranged in relation to the
tumbler-pivot as to be adapted both for cocking the tumbler and acting as the main
spring of the lock, without being in contact with that portion of the tumbler behind
the tumbler-pivot when the lock is liberated.
3. In each lock-mechanism, a flat sliding main spring cramped during the opening
movement and by means of which the tumbler is cocked.
4. In each lock-mechanism, a sliding main spring partially cramped during the
opening movement, the process or cramping being completed during the closing
movement, and by means of which the tumbler is cocked.
5. In each lock-mechanism, a sliding main spring propelled in one direction by the
fore-end and in the other direction by the barrels, substantially as set forth.
6. In each lock-mechanism, a sliding main spring employed for cocking the lock
and propelled in one direction by the barrels or the fore-end and in the other direction
automatically during the fail of the tumbler.
7. In each lock, the modification of the mechanism claimed in the preceding claiming
clauses, substantially as described with reference to Figure 3, in which the main spring
is linked to the action-body.
8. The combination with a split extractor of a split extractor-cam pivoted in the
fore-end or a split extractor-post held in the action-body, both halves of the split
extractor-cam or post acting in unison, whilst the barrels are falling, to gradually
force out the split extractor to the usual extent; each half being, however, in communi-
cation with separate mechanism for afterwards enabling it to act independently upon
the corresponding half of the split extractor, so that only one of the cartridge-cases

page_text: may be thrown out or both simultaneously ejected, according to whether one or both
of the barrels has or have been discharged, substantially as set forth.
9. A split extractor-cam actuated by spiral extractor-springs, substantially as set
forth.
10. In each ejector-mechanism, a scear engaging directly with the free end of a
single or double flat extractor-spring, substantially.as set forth.
11. In each ejector-mechanism, the combination with a scear of the kind described
in the preceding claiming clause of a suitable stop in the action-body; the said stop
being provided for the purpose of actuating the said scear prior to the empty case
being ejected.
12. For liberating each ejector-mechanism, a stop forming a solid part of or attached
to a movable main spring, substantially as set forth.
13. For liberating each ejector-mechanism, an independent stop rotating in the
action-body and actuated indirectly from the tumbler by means of a sliding main
spring, a rod, or a pivoted lever.
14. For liberating each ejector-mechanism, a pivoted stop thrown into the path
of the ejector-scear-tail by means of a sliding main spring, a cocking rod, an
independent rod or slide, or a pivoted lever, and withdrawn out of action either during
the closing or the opening movement, substantially as set forth.
15. For liberating each ejector-mechanism, a limb pivotod at one extremity to the
action-body, actuated at the other extremity, and formed as a stop, substantially as set
forth.
16. For liberating each ojector-mechanism, a vertical or nearly vertical limb formed
as or actuating a stop and rotating about a centre in the action-body, substantially as
set forth.
17. In single trigger mechanism, an additional limb on the scear or on the trigger
acting in combination with a cam or its equivalent formed on or actuated by the
tumbler, substantially as set forth.
18. The combination with a trigger capable of releasing both locks in succession of
a trigger adapted for liberating the second lock only.
19. The improvements in small arms, substantially as described and illustrated.
D I 111
JAMES W. SMALLMAN.