Improvements in Magazine or Repeating Rifles, and in Projectiles for use therewith.
Year: 1898

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Magazine or Repeating Rifles, and in Projectiles for
use therewith.
I, ANDRÉ VIRGILE PAUL MARIE BERTHIER, of 58bis, Chauseé d'Autin, Paris,
in the Republic of France, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion to be as follows:-
This invention relates to military or other small bore rifles furnished with a
magazine operating with or without a loader, and adapted for repeating action
as well as for firing single shots.
The invention has for its objects simplicity and lightness of the constituent
parts of the mechanisms of the rifle, and, great resistance.
simple, easy
The arrangements for dismounting and mounting the rifle are
and rapid, thus rendering the rifle very suitable for military purposes.
A rifle constructed according to this invention comprises a mounting or stock
made in one piece, preferably of aluminium and provided with a magazine guard
or frame; this mounting or stock is made hollow and is cut away or has
openings at parts thereof to reduce the weight and is provided with strengthening
ribs.
The butt end of the stock or mounting which bears against the shoulder of the
person when firing the rifle may be provided with a detachable plate fitting in
dovetail grooves formed in the stock to receive it the said plate and groove being
of such shape as to securely retain the plate in position without the necessity
of screws or other fastenings.
The rifle is provided with a movable breech block the head of which has two
tenons or projections which enter mortices or recesses in a cylindrical portion of
the bearing for the firing pin or bolt, and thus ensure the secure connection of
these parts during their rotary movements, their connection during their longi-
tudinal movements being ensured by a sleeve which does not turn, and a tenon
or projection thereon which engages a corresponding recess or mortice in an
extension of the cylindrical bearing of the firing pin. This sleeve is provided
with two other tenons or projections arranged in line with those on the movable
head of the breech block whereby the guide grooves for the breech block in
breech case or chamber are stopped, so that in case of any escape, the ignited
gases arising from the combustion of the powder at the moment, when the shot
is fired is prevented from being expelled in rearward direction.
Grooves are provided in this sleeve which serve for the passage of the tenons
or projections on the movable head of the breach block for the purpose of un-
mounting and remounting, but they are arranged in such a position, that when
the breech is in the breech case, these pieces cannot be separated without first
withdrawing the breech block from the breech case.
A projection on the sleeve ensures the firm connection of the cylinder and of
the sleeve when the lever is turned down.

page_text: A cartridge extractor is provided having a tail or projecting part which enters
a groove provided for it in the interior of the sleeve and is thereby prevented
from turning.
When the breech is closed, and the hook or claw, of the extractor is engaged
with the flange of the cartridge, the tail or projecting part of the said extractor
which is in the groove in the sleeve yields and at the same time, owing to the
inclined form of the heel of the extractor engaging in a circular groove in the
movable breech head the body of the extractor rises and slightly recoils.
For effecting the extraction of the cartridge the body of the extractor has
a hook engaging the groove of the cartridge so that the greater the resistance,
offered by the cartridge to the extraction, the greater will be the tendency of
the extractor, to cause the said hook to enter further into the groove of the
cartridge.
The tail of the extractor acts as a spring in the direction in which the flange
is passed over, and by traction, exerted on the head of the said extractor alone,
which, for this reason, is more rigid than the tail, in the direction in which the
cartridge is extracted, this being more advantageous than in the case of extractors
as formerly used, where the same portion of the piece which acted as a spring
had to undergo a traction.
The connection of the firing pin with the hammer or striker is effected by
means of an indented sleeve.
The stem of the firing pin is provided with flattened portions and with a row
of indentations upon its rear end which engages under slight friction with the
body of the hammer. A sleeve carrying indentations, corresponding to those
in the firing pin and bearing against the flattened portions of its bed, permits
of these three pieces being firmly connected by applying one quarter turn.
A rim on this sleeve is provided with recesses with which the end of a spring
fixed to the hammer engages, whereby the sleeve is secured in the united as well
as in the dismounted position. The head of this spring is formed so as to serve
as a stop or plug to prevent the entrance of dirt or foreign matter into the space
or orifice in which the spring moves.
A safety pin or breech stop is provided consisting of a rod having a longi-
tudinal but non-axial incision or saw cut therein so as to form two parts or arms
of different thickness the thinner arm acting as a spring relatively to the thicker
arm.
The thin arm has a projection by which the pin is secured in position when
the breech is dismounted.
The thicker arm also has a projection which under normal conditions passes
through an opening in the breech case and arrests the movement of breech in its
back movement by engaging one of the projections on the sleeve of the movable
breech head.
The head of this split safety pin is provided with a checkered knob or projection
by means of which a bevelled portion of the head can be engaged with a notch
of the hammer or striker so as to prevent the movement of the hammer and the
firing pin independently of the trigger.
The object of the bevelled part is to cause the hammer to slightly recoil, so as
to disengage the head of the sear from contact with its catch.
The ejector is provided with flattened pivots which displace themselves in their
bearings in the breech case. In order to put it in place, it is necessary to intro-
duce the same vertically, so that the flat part of the pivots may pass. in the
groove of their bearing.
The same is turned down horizontally when its pivots have arrived in the
circular part.
The sear is mounted on a flattened pivot in the mounting and acted on by
a spring which constantly tends to force the sear out of engagement with the
breech case.

page_text: A trigger is connected by a pin to the sear the said trigger having shoulders
which bear against the bottom of the breech case.
A rifle constructed according to my invention is provided with a magazine
which may or may not be provided with loaders as the employment thereof is
not absolutely necessary.
In the case of the magazine not requiring loaders the said magazine is closed
below by an elevator pivotted to the stock or mounting, the said elevator com-
prising a plate which closes the bottom of the magazine and two arms or levers
acted on by a flat S shaped spring provided with rollers.
One of these arms or levers directly supports the cartridges and is connected
to the other arm by a hollow rivetted pin and the receding movement of the two
arms is limited by a suitable stop.
One of these arms is connected at one end to the supporting plate before
mentioned by flattened pivots and the other end terminates in a hook which
bears against the pin forming a pivot on which the whole elevator turns.
On this arm are two projections between which the flat S shaped-spring is
engaged. One end of this spring bears against the other arm, while the other
end is provided with a roller, which bears upon the supporting plate.
For the purpose of loading the rifle, the supporting plate of the elevator is
disengaged by pressing against a projection so as to disengage catches which
retained the elevator in its normal position, the supporting plate then opens, and
turns on its pivots.
The rifle is then turned bottom upwards and the supporting plate being open,
cartridges are placed in the magazine with their projectiles forward, the cart-
ridges arranging themselves automatically. The plate is then closed whereby
the arms are moved and the S shaped spring compressed.
"
This kind of magazine requires three additional parts viz. "a cartridge stop"
a repetition stop" and "a distributor." The repetition stop cooperating with
the cartridge stop permits of single shots being fired, when the magazine is loaded.
The cartridge stop consists of a spring mounted in the breech case, and pro-
vided with a head of suitable shape to stop the top-most cartridge in its ascending
movement; it having a rib which, when the cartridge stop is in operation, bears
against the breech case and prevents the cartridge stop from any outward displace-
ment. On the contrary, when the cartridge-stop is lowered, its whole back part
is disengaged and it is enabled to be freely displaced laterally toward the exterior
under the pressure, exerted by a cartridge, introduced through the top part of
the breech case, namely in the case of the partial or even total re-filling of the
magazine through the breech case.
The "repetition stop" mounted on the pivot in the breech case, permits of
lowering the cartridges by the intermediary of the "cartridge stop," and thus
constitutes the repetition-stop enabling single shots to be fired.
For this purpose a disc is provided with a notch to engage with a lever on
the repetition-stop. When the lever is in one position, the cartridge-stop can
freely move and admit of cartridges being either inserted into the magazine by
hand (in which operation the stop descends and subsequently moves laterally
out of the way) or, if the magazine contains cartridges, it permits of repetition
firing. When the lever occupies the position in the notch of the stop the trans-
verse movement of the stop is prevented. If there be any cartridges in the
magazine, they are then lowered, and the weapon may be used as a rifle for
ordinary firing, while saving the cartridges contained in the magazine.
The lever of the stop is provided with a projection which, by entering into
recesses in the breech case, imparts stability to this lever in its two positions.
The <6
distributor" is formed by a spring fixed at one end to the mounting,
and having a projection which enters the breech case and stops the cartridges,
unless, after the breech having been closed, the lever be turned down, whereby
this projection is caused to re-enter the breech case and the cartridges are enabled

page_text: to freely ascend, owing to the action of the inclined plane of the reinforced part
of the cylinder upon the end portion of the distributor, a claw is provided to
prevent the distributor from being turned too far.
In the case of a magazine being provided with loaders the magazine is closed
below by a plate engaging by a tenon and mortice with the rear wall and with
the front wall by a tenon or projection which engages with a helicoidal groove
in the head of a slotted or split pin held in place by projections on the two
members of the split pin engaging with the stock or mounting of the rifle so
as to permit of the bottom plate being placed in its normal position or removed
by simply applying a half turn to the split pin; so that the magazine can be
easily inspected and cleaned without dismounting anything beyond the elevating
apparatus.
The upper plate of the elevator is provided with a rib, so arranged as to
direct the first cartridge into place, while the others arrange themselves auto-
matically.
A suitable spring is provided which tends to lift the upper plate and the
cartridges, in order to present them opposite the breech block which slides them
into the cartridge chamber in the barrel; when the breech is open, and the
magazine provided with cartridges, lips on the breech case prevent the cartridges
from freely leaving the magazine. They only project therefrom, to such an
extent as is necessary, in order that the breech block may push them forward in
its closing movement.
When the magazine is empty, the rib in placing itself opposite the breech
block, prevents the latter from closing. It is then necessary to either re-fill the
magazine with cartridges by means of a loader, or to force down the plate by
hand, in order to cause the rib to descend and to subsequently pass the breech
block over it.
The loader serving to maintain the cartridges in their position after having
been introduced into the rifle, is formed of a single sheet metal plate folded up
upon its own axis in direction of its length, so as to form blades which serve
to retain the cartridges by their groove; these blades are narrower at and near
their ends than at the central part the wider central parts forming ears.
central portion forms the base of the loader; cut or split parts acting as springs,
keep the cartridges in place and prevent them from sliding by the pressure of
the flange upon the blades.
The
The cut out parts may be extended and terminate in a hook to engage with
a heel piece. This hook prevents the cartridges from sliding during the time
the loaders are operated. On inserting the loaders into the breech case, the heel
piece enters a notch, which causes the lower hook to recede, and the cartridges
slide with ease in the magazine. The springs are not necessarily arranged
axially they may be arranged sideways. The heel piece may also be suppressed,
in which case the hook recedes under the pressure of the cartridges at the moment
of their insertion into the magazine.
A frame or case of vulcanized fibre or any other insulating material may be
provided to cover the barrel and the mounting, in order to protect the hand of
marksman from the heat developed in the barrel, the cover extends from the
breech case to the upper band and is provided with a slot for the passage of the
breech-sight; and is provided with a slide to fill the slot at the back of the
breech-sight.
The upper band which secures the barrel to the stock of the gun comprises
a bar having a head formed like a screw key, which serves to facilitate the dis-
mounting of the weapon.
In connection with this rifle (especially in the case where it serves as a cavalry
carabine) a breech-sight of special form is provided.
This breech sight is placed upon the left side of the rifle. This sight is
mounted on the upper end of a plate provided with notches into which enters

page_text: the end of a spring, whereby the breech-sight is held in the various positions,
corresponding to the various distances of aim.
The movement of the said plate is limited by a suitable stop.
The spring is dovetailed into the mounting and the sheath or protecting cover
has an appropriate opening, corresponding to the shape of the breech-sight.
The movement of the breech-sight plate can be effected by a toothed pinion,
gearing with a rack-bar.
This rifle is intended more particularly for use with projectiles of special con-
struction, as hereinafter described.
The noze of the projectile is the same as in ordinary projectiles, but it is
continued in a cylindrical form to the first groove and between the first and second
groove it is of truncated-conical form the base of which conical part is equal in
diameter to that of the bottom or base of the projectile which is such as to ensure
a forcible insertion. The projectile consists of an interior of hardened lead and
a cover or exterior of harder metal thus preventing the rifling from becoming
clogged with lead, which decreases in thickness from the noze to the first
groove and then continues of the same thickness to the bottom or base of the
projectile. The grooves in projectile are utilized for placing in them grease
or any other lubricant and for fixing the projectile in the cartridge case by
choking or contraction, by centre-punching or otherwise. A considerable diminu-
tion of friction is thus obtained in the bore and consequently a more efficient
utilization of the losses of speed due to this friction.
Dated this 97th day of January 1898.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.
Improvements in Magazine or Repeating Rifles, and in Projectiles for
use therewith.
I, ANDRÉ VIRGILE PAUL MARIE BERTHIER, of 58 bi", Chaussee d'Antin, Paris,
in the Republic of France, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion 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 military or other small bore rifles furnished with a
magazine operating with or without a loader and adapted for repeating action
as well as for firing single shots.
The invention has for its object simplicity and lightness of the constituent
parts of the mechanisms of the rifle, and, great resistance.
The arrangements for dismounting and mounting the rifle are simple, easy
and rapid, thus rendering the rifle very suitable for military purposes.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood I will describe the same
with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:-
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a rifle constructed according to my
invention.
Figure 2 a section on line A B of Figure 1.
Figure 3 a section on line C D of Figure 1.
Figure 4 a vertical section through the axis of the rifle shewing the mechanism,
in case of a magazine without a self loader being used.
Figure 5 is an elevation of one end of the firing pin provided with indentations.

page_text: Figures 6, 7 and 8 represent in end elevation and longitudinal section the
indented sleeve.
Figures 9 and 10 are views at right angles to each other of the hammer.
Figures 11, 12 and 13 are respectively a longitudinal section, a plan, and an
end view of the cylinder with lever or handle.
Figures 14, 15 and 16 are similar views of the ring carrying the extractor.
Figures 17 and 18 are respectively a side view and a plan of the extractor.
Figures 19, 20 and 21 represent in longitudinal section, plan and end view
respectively the movable head proper.
Figures 22 and 23 elevation and plan of the spring-actuating the ejector.
Figures 24 and 25 shew in elevation and plan respectively the slotted safety
pin or breech stop.
Figures 26, 27 and 28 represent three positions of the head with the pin or
stop corresponding to the stopping position for the breech block the position for
dismounting and the position of safety.
Figures 29, 30 and 31 are respectively a plan a longitudinal section and an
end view of the breech case.
Figure 32, a transverse section through the magazine, shewing the distributor
and the cartridge stop.
Figure 33 is a side elevation of the distributor.
Figures 34 and 35 are views at right angles to each other of the cartridge
stop and Figures 36 and 37 are similar views of the repetition feed stop.
"
Figure 38 shews the arrangement of the repetition stop on the breech-case,
and also the slotted pin "safety bolt or breech block stop in its bearing.
Figure 39 a horizontal section of the magazine, shewing the means for closing
the plate which supports the elevator.
Figure 40 a section through E F G H of Figure 39.
Figure 41 is a longitudinal section of the rifle with a magazine combined
with a loader.
Figure 42 a vertical section through the magazine on the line J K Figure 41.
Figure 43 a horizontal section, shewing the ribs on the aluminium frame which
ribs guide the cartridges in their ascending movement.
Figure 44 is a plan of the spiral spring in form of a truncated pyramid, for
elevating the cartridges.
Figures 45 to 48 are views of the loader.
Figures 49 and 50 represent a slight modification of the loader.
Figures 51 and 52 are respectively a transverse section and a longitudinal
section of the protecting case made of vulcanized fibre or any other insulating
material.
Figures 53 to 55 are views of the steel heel plate of the stock.
Figures 56 and 57 are views at right angles to each other of the upper band
and screw key cross-piece.
Figures 58 and 59 illustrate a breech-sight adapted to my rifle when employed
as a cavalry carbine and Figures 60 and 61 are similar views of the corresponding
muzzle-sight.
Figure 62 is a part section and part elevation of a projectile for use in my
improved rifle.
A rifle constructed according to my invention comprises a mounting or stock 1,
made in one piece, preferably of aluminium magnesium or other metal of com-
paratively light weight with a magazine guard or frame; the said mounting
or stock being hollow and having openings therein or parts cut away to reduce
the weight and provided with ribs 1 as shewn in Figure 2 to increase its strength.
The butt end or heel of the stock which bears against the shoulder of the
person firing the gun is provided with a detachable plate 2 shaped as shewn
in Figures 53, 54 and 55, and having chamfered edges or dove-tail projections
to enter corresponding recesses in the mounting or stock 1 so as to securely
retain the plate 2 in place.

page_text: The movable breech block as shewn in Figures 19, 20 and 21 is provided with
a head 3 having two tenons or projections 4, which enter mortices or recesses 5
in the front end of the cylinder 5 Figures 11, 12 and 13 which carries the firing
pin or bolt and thus ensures the secure connection of these parts during their
rotary movements, their connection during the longitudinal movements of
translation being ensured by a non-rotating sleeve 6 Figures 14, 15 and 16 which
is connected to the cylinder 5 by a tenon or projection 7 thereon engaging in
a recess or mortice 7 in an extension 5* of the cylinder 5. This sleeve 6 is
provided with two tenons or projections 6%, which engage in grooves in the
breech case, in line with those on the movable head of the breech block whereby
the guide-grooves in the breech case are stopped so that any escape of the
ignited gases arising from the combustion of the powder at the moment, when
the shot is fired, is prevented in rearward direction.
Grooves 8 and 9 are provided in the sleeve 6 which serve as guides for the
passage of the tenons or projections 4 on the movable head of the breech block
when unmounting and remounting, but they are arranged in such a position,
that when the breech block is in the breech case, these pieces cannot be separated
without first withdrawing the breech block from the breech case.
A projection 10 on the sleeve 6 ensures the connection of the cylinder 5* and
of the non rotating sleeve 6, when the lever on the cylinder is turned down, by
the said projection engaging the mortice 7*.
A cartridge extractor 14 Figures 17 and 18 is provided, having a tail or
projecting part 11 which enters the groove 8 in the sleeve 6 and is thereby
prevented from turning.
When the breech is closed a hook or claw 13 on the extractor engages the flange
of the cartridge; the tail 11 yields, and at the same time, owing to the inclined
form of the heel 12 of the extractor and of a circular groove in the movable
breech head with which it engages, the body of the extractor rises and slightly
recoils.
For effecting the extraction, the body of the extractor is secured against the
movable head and the hook 13 in the groove of the cartridge so that the greater
the resistance, offered by the cartridge to its extraction, the greater will be the
tendency of the hook 13 to further engage with the rim of the cartridge. The
tail 11 of the extractor acts as a spring in the direction to force the hook 13
over the flange or rim of the cartridge, whilst the head of the said extractor
alone exerts traction on the cartridge to extract it and for this reason is made
more rigid than the tail, in the direction in which the cartridge is extracted,
this being more advantageous than in the case of extractors hitherto in use
wherein the same portion of the piece which acted as a spring had to bear the
tractive strain.
The connection of the firing pin 15 with the hammer or striker 16 is effected
by means of an indented sleeve 17.
The stem of the firing pin 15 is provided with flattened portions 18 and with
a row of indentations 19 upon its rear end which engages with slight friction
the body of the hammer. A sleeve 17, having indentations, similar to those in
the firing pin and bearing against flattened portions 20 on its bed 21 permits
of these three pieces being firmly connected by applying one quarter turn.
The sleeve 17 is provided with recesses 22 and 23, and inclined planes 24. A
spring 25 is fixed to the hammer 16 by means of a screw pin 26 the end of the
said spring engaging one or other of the recesses 22 23, whereby the sleeve 17
is secured in the united as well as in the dismounted position. The head 27 of
this spring is formed so as to serve as a stop or plug to prevent the entrance of
dirt or foreign matter into the space or orifice in which the spring moves.
A safety pin or breech stop 28 Figures 24 and 25 is provided consisting of
a rod having a longitudinal incision or saw cut 29 therein the said incision being
non-axial so as to form two arms of different thickness the thinner arm acting
as a spring relatively to the thicker arm.

page_text: The thin arm has a projection 30, by which the pin is secured in position when
the breech is dismounted.
The thicker arm also has a projection 31 which under normal conditions
passes through an opening 32 (Figure 30) in the breech case and arrests the
movement of the breech in its back movement by engaging one of the projections
on the sleeve 6 of the moveable breech head.
The head of the split safety pin 28 is provided with a checkered knob or
projection 33, by means of which the tail end 34 having a bevelled part 35 can
be caused to engage with a notch 36 in the hammer or striker 16 to prevent the
movement of the said hammer and the firing pin independently of the trigger.
The object of the bevelled part 35 is to admit of a slight recoil of the hammer
so as to disengage the head of the sear from its bent or catch. If this precau-
tionary device were not provided, there would be danger that after the rifle has
been set at half-cock and after having acted upon the trigger, the head of the
sear would not take up its position opposite the bent or catch, also owing to the
play resulting from wear there would be liability of the disengagement of the
tail 34 from the recess 36 when the rifle is discharged.
<<
Figures 26, 27 and 28 represent respectively, the positions of the breech
stopping pin" for stopping the breech, for dismounting the breech; and for
dismounting the pin, the projection 31 being then opposite the groove 38, in
which it can slide, and into the safety-bent.
The cartridge ejector 39 is provided with flattened pivots 40 (Figures 22 and 23)
which displace themselves in their bearings in the breech case. To place the
ejector in position it is necessary to introduce the same vertically so that the
flat parts of the pivots may pass narrow grooves, into their bearings and then turn
into horizontal position in which position the broad faces of the pivots cover
the narrow entrance grooves.
A spring 42 integral with the ejector bears against the mounting, and has
the constant tendency to cause the head 44 to leave its bearing; but which is
prevented from so doing by the breech except when the latter has to eject the
empty cartridge case; it then rises in the groove 45 in the head 3 of the movable
breech.
The sear 46 is mounted on flattened pivots 47, and is acted on by a spiral
spring 48 which has a bearing on a cross piece 49 and constantly tends to force
the head 50 of the sear out of its bearing in the breech case.
A double shouldered trigger 51 is connected by a pin to the sear the shoulders 52
of which trigger bear against the bottom of the breech case.
The spiral spring 48 which acts on the sear may be replaced by a leaf spring 53,
as shewn in Figure 41.
A rifle constructed according to my invention is provided with a magazine
which may or may not be fitted with a loader.
In the case of the employment of a magazine without loader, the said magazine
is closed below by an elevator or supporting plate 69 pivoted at 70 to the stock
or mounting and fastened to the mounting by means of catches 71.
The said elevator comprises the elevator-supporting-plate which closes the
bottom of the magazine two arms 72 73 and a flat S shaped spring 73 provided
with a roller 74.
The upper arm 73 which directly supports the cartridges, is connected to the
bottom arm 72 by a hollow rivetted pin 75, and the receding movement of the
two arms is limited by heel pieces 76 on the arms.
The bottom arm 72 is connected to the supporting plate 69 by flattened
1 pivots 77 and terminates in a hook 78, which bears against the pin 70, forming
the pivot, on which the whole elevator turns.
On this arm 72 are two projections 79 and 80 between which the flat S shaped
spring 73 is engaged. One end of the spring bears against the upper arm 73.
while the other end is provided with a roller 74 which bears on the supporting
plate 69.

page_text: When it is required to load the magazine the supporting plate 69 is disengaged
by pressing the catches 71; the supporting plate then opens, turning on the
pivot 70. The rifle is now turned bottom upwards, the supporting plate being
kept open, the cartridges are placed in the magazine with their projectiles for-
ward, the cartridges arranging themselves as indicated in Figure 32. The
plate 69 is then closed, whereby the arms 72, 73 compress the S shaped spring 73*.
This magazine is provided with "a cartridge stop,' a repetition-stop
66
" 66
and
a distributor." The repetition-stop in co-operation with the cartridge-stop
permits of single shots being fired, when the magazine is loaded.
The cartridge-stop consists of a spring 81, Figures 34 and 35, mounted by
a flattened pivot in the breech case, by inserting it perpendicularly to the rifle
and subsequently turning it parallel thereto, while the tail piece engages a
rebate 82.
The head 83 of this part cut according to the shape represented in Figure 32,
comprises a projection 84 which stops the top-most cartridge in its ascending
movement, and a rib 85 which, when the cartridge stop is in operation, bears
against the breech case and prevents the cartridge stop from outward displace-
ment. On the contrary, when the cartridge-stop is lowered, its whole back part
is disengaged and it is enabled to be freely displaced laterally toward the exterior
under the pressure, exerted by a cartridge, introduced through the top part of
the breech case.
The repetition-stop" 86, mounted on the pivot 87 into the breech case, per-
mits of lowering the cartridges by the intermediary of the "cartridge-stop," to
enable single shots to be fired.
For this purpose a disc on the pivot 87, is provided with a notch 89. When
the lever 86 is in the position represented in Figure 38, the notch 89* allows
the cartridge stop to freely move, and admit of cartridges being inserted into the
magazine by hand, (in which operation the stop descends and subsequently moves
laterally out of the way) or, if the magazine contains cartridges, it permits of
repetition firing. When the lever SG occupies the position indicated by the
axial dotted line in Figure 38 the disc 88 has entered the notch 89 of the stop
owing to the rotary motion, and has lowered the same, while at the same time
preventing transverse movement. If there be any cartridges in the magazine,
they are then lowered, and the weapon may be used as a rifle for ordinary firing,
while saving the cartridges contained in the magazine.
The lever 86 is provided with a projection 90 which, by entering into recesses
in the breech case, imparts stability to this lever in its two positions.
The "distributor" is formed by a spring 91 fixed by its tail piece 92 to the
stock or mounting, and has a projection 93 which enters the breech case and
stops the cartridges, unless, after the breech has been closed, the lever is turned
down, whereby this projection is caused to re-enter the breech case and the
cartridges are enabled to freely ascend, owing to the action of the inclined plane
of the reinforced part of the cylinder upon the end portion 94 of the distributor,
the claw 95 serving as a guide and preventing the distributor from being turned
too far.
In the case of a magazine being provided with loaders, the repeating mechanism
comprises the magazine 54, Figure 41. It is closed below by a plate 55, engaging
with the rear wall by a tenon and mortice, and with the front wall by a tenon
or projection 56 which engages with a helicoidal groove in the head of a slotted
or split pin 57. The pin 57 is held in place by hooked projections 58 on the
two members of the split pin engaging with the stock or mounting. The bottom
plate being placed in position or removed by simply applying a half-turn to the
split pin, so that the magazine can be easily inspected and cleaned without dis-
mounting anything beyond the elevating apparatus.
The supporting plate 59 is provided with a rib 60 so arranged as to direct
the first cartridge into place, while the others arrange themselves automatically
in place thereon.

page_text: A steel wire spring 61 serves to press against the recesses, provided at the
front and rear ends of the plate 55, and tends to lift the supporting plate 59
and the cartridges, in order to present them opposite the breech block which
slides them into the cartridge chamber in the barrel; when the breech is open,
and the magazine provided with cartridges, lips 62, on the breech case prevent
the cartridges from freely leaving the magazine. They only project therefrom
to such an extent as is necessary, in order that the breech block may push them
forward in its closing movement.
When the magazine is empty, the rib on the supporting plate 60 is opposite
the breech block, and prevents the latter from closing. It is then necessary
to either re-fill the magazine with cartridges by means of a loader, or to force
down the plate by hand, in order to cause the rib to descend and to subsequently
pass the breech block over it.
The spring 61 is both spiral shaped and truncated-pyramidal, so that the
windings enter one another on being compressed.
The loader serving to maintain the cartridges in their position after having
been introduced into the rifle is formed of a single sheet metal plate folded up
upon its own axis in direction of its length, as is represented in Figures 45 to 50.
Blades 63 serve to retain the cartridges by their groove; these blades have at
their centre part projections or ears 64. The portion 65 forms the base of the
loader and is maintained rigid by the fold 66; cut out parts 67, acting as springs
to keep the cartridges in place and prevent them from sliding by the pressure
of the flange upon the blades 63.
In Figures 49 and 50 the parts 67 are extended each terminating in a hook
the end of one of the said parts having a heel piece or projection 68. The
hooked ends prevent the cartridges from sliding during the time the loaders are
operated. On inserting the loader into the breech case, the heel piece 68 enters
a notch, which causes the lower hook to recede, and the cartridges slide with
ease into the magazine. The springs 67 are not necessarily arranged axially
they may be arranged sideways. The heel piece 68 may also be dispensed with
in which case the hook recedes under the pressure of the cartridges at the moment
of their insertion into the magazine.
A frame or case 95 Figures 51 and 52 of vulcanized fibre or of any other
non-heat conducting material is provided to cover the barrel and the fore stock,
in order to protect the hand of the marksman from the heat developed in the
barrel, the said cover extending from the breech case to the upper band and
being provided with a slot for the passage of the breech-sight, and with sliding
piece 96 fitting the hollow part at the back of the breech-sight.
The upper band 97 Figures 56 and 57 comprises a cross bar 98, serving to
form piles of arms, and having a head 99, formed like a screw key, to facilitate
the dismounting of the weapon for cleaning and repair.
In connection with this rifle especially in the case where it serves as a cavalry
carbine, a breech-sight of special form is provided on the left side of the rifle.
This sight 106 is mounted on the upper end of a plate 107, provided with
notches 108, into which enters the end of a spring 109, whereby the breech-sight
is held in the various positions, corresponding to the various distances of aim.
The movement of the said plate is limited by a screw 110 entering a groove 111
in the plate 107.
t
The spring 109 is dovetailed into the mounting and the sheath or protecting
cover has an opening, corresponding to the shape of the breech-sight. The
adjustment of the breech-sight plate can be effected by a toothed pinion, gearing
with a rack-bar.
The muzzle or fore-sight 112 is situated on one side of the axis of the barrel,
as is clearly shewn in Figures 60 and 61.
The rifle is intended more particularly for use with projectiles of special con-
.struction, as hereinafter described.

page_text: The nose 100 of the projectile is the same as that of an ordinary projectile,
but it is continuous with a cylindrical part 101 extending to the first groove 102.
The part 103 between the groove 102 and the second groove 104 is conical, and
from the groove 104 to the base 105 of the projectile it is cylindrical and of a
diameter such as to ensure a forcible insertion into the breech chamber. The
interior of the projectile is of hardened lead and the cover or exterior portion
is of harder metal, serving to prevent the rifle from becoming clogged with lead.
The metal cover or exterior decreases in thickness from the nose to the first
groove 102, and is of uniform thickness from groove 102, to the base 105. The
grooves are utilized as receptacles for grease or any other lubricant and for
fixing the projectile in the cartridge case by choking or contraction, by centre-
punching or otherwise. A considerable diminution of friction is thus obtained
in the bore of the rifle and consequently a more efficient speed of the projectile,
the result being either an increase in the initial speed at an equal pressure, or
a diminution of pressure at an equal speed, whilst the over-heating of the barrel
is prevented and its wear and tear considerably reduced.
To load the rifle when provided with a magazine without a loader, the magazine
is first opened, as before described, while the breech is closed, cartridges are then
inserted into the magazine, with their projectiles forward; the magazine is then
reclosed. Then on opening the breech the cartridge, which had been brought
in contact with the lower side of the breech block bears against the upper cart-
ridges in the magazine; on closing the breech, this cartridge is forced into the
breech chamber, the following cartridge being stopped by the head of the dis-
tributor, the lever of which is turned down. At this moment the next cartridge
assumes the position which was occupied by the first cartridge, after the extraction
and ejection of the first cartridge, the breech is re-closed."
If repetition firing is to be stopped, the locking lever 86 is pushed forward;
the cartridges in the magazine are lowered and single shots can be fired.
During the repetition-firing the magazine may be refilled, when the breech
is open, by introducing cartridges one by one through the breech case; the
cartridge-stop is thus lowered and moved away in like manner as the distributor.
In order to load a rifle provided with magazine and with loaders, the breech
is first opened and a loader with projectiles forward is placed above the breech
case and caused to slide along the grooves 106 until it is stopped by its ears.
If the loader be provided with hooks, the tail piece 68 has forced the latter to
move out of the way and to enter a mortice provided in the breech case, and the
cartridges are then enabled to enter the magazine and to properly arrange them-
selves therein.
On closing the breech the breech block forces a cartridge into the chamber
of the barrel and the loader pushed by the moveable head, oscillates about its
point of support and is thrown out of the rifle, the hook of the extractor seizes
the flange and, after the shot has been fired, rearwardly withdraws the cartridge
case, causing it to come into contact with the ejector by which the case is ejected,
the same operation is repeated after each shot. When the magazine is empty,
the rib 60 of the plate prevents the rifle from being closed and thus notifies that
the magazine requires to be refilled.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is:-
:-
1. In a magazine or repeating rifle the combination with the movable breech
piece or cylinder (5) of a movable head (3) connected thereto by the intermediary
of an extractor supporting sleeve (6), having tenons or projections engaging in
mortices or recesses in the breech piece and in the breech case or mounting, a fixed
extractor, connected to the movable head by the non-rotating sleeve (6), a springy
tail, to the extractor to take up the efforts of flexion when the hooked end of

page_text: the extractor is passing over the rim
a
a cartridge,
or flange of
rigid head on the extractor to bear the efforts of traction, during the extraction
of the cartridge case, an inclined bearing or recess at the rear of the
head, of the extractor, which bearing prevents the forward hooked end of the
extractor from releasing the flange of the cartridge while being extracted, sub-
stantially as described with reference the accompanying drawings.
2. In a magazine or repeating rifle, the combination with a cartridge extractor
of a spring cartridge ejector having flattened pivots by which it is mounted in the
breech case of the rifle substantially as described with reference to the accom-
panying drawings.
3. In a magazine or repeating rifle, the combination with the hammer of a
firing pin connected thereto by means of a sleeve and a spring connected to the
hammer engaging in inclined notches in the sleeve to retain the sleeve in either
of two positions for connecting and disconnecting the parts substantially as
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
4. In a magazine or repeating rifle, a trigger device characterized by the
combination of a pivotal connection of the sear, and a spring bearing at one end
against the stock or mounting and at the other end against the sear, substantially
as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
5. In a magazine or repeating rifle, an arrangement limiting the rearward
movement of the breech piece and serving at the same time as a safety vent,
while, moreover, greatly facilitating the dismounting substantially as described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
6. In a magazine or repeating rifle, the combination of a magazine for cart-
ridges which will admit of repetition-firing and of firing single slots, the said
magazine comprising an armed elevator leaf spring carried thereby, the said
elevator being pivotally connected to a pivoted elevator-supporting plate, held
in position by bolts or catches, a distributor, actuated by a part of the breech
cylinder, a cartridge-stop; and a repetition stop, with its bolt or catch, admitting
of single shots being fired, and of the magazine being loaded through the breech
case, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
7. In a magazine rifle a magazine for cartridges comprising two plates one
above the other and connected by a conical spiral spring constituting the elevator
spring, the lower plate being fixed by a tenon or projection, and a recess or
mortice on both sides and a slotted pin with helicoidal groove, substantially as
hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
8. In a magazine rifle, the combination of a magazine for cartridges, a loader
consisting of a steel plate folded longitudinally on to itself and holding in
position the cartridges simply by the elasticity of the plate, or by hooks which
move out of the way, when the loaders are inserted into the breech case, sub-
stantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
9. In a magazine or repeating rifle the combination with a breech-sight situated
on the left hand side of the rifle of a muzzle sight arranged on the left side of
the barrel, and means for raising and lowering the breech-sight, and for main-
taining it in its adjusted positions, substantially as herein before described.
10. In a magazine or repeating rifle a stock or mounting made in one piece
of aluminium, magnesium or other metal of comparatively light weight, the said
mounting being formed with a magazine guard and having openings therein
to reduce the weight as far as possible, without impairing its resistance, sub-
stantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
11. In a magazine or repeating rifle, a sheath or cover of fibre, or other suitable
non-heat conducting material for protecting the hands of the marks man from
the heat developed in the rifle, substantially as described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
12. In a magazine or repeating rifle, the combination with the upper band of
a cross piece terminating in the form of a screw key blade, by which the rifle

page_text: can be readily dismounted and remounted for cleaning and repairs substantially
as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
13. A projectile used with rifles, the said projectile being substantially as here-
inbefore described with reference to Figure 62, of the accompanying drawings.
14. The combination of parts constituting the improvements in magazine or
repeating rifles substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
1000
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,