Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Aug., 1886.
Complete Left, 20th June, 1887.
Complete Accepted, 9th Aug., 1887.
I, LUIGI ARMANNI, of 46, Langdon Park Road, Highgate, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, to be as
follows:-
This Invention relates to various improvements hereinaftor described, and which are
in part more especially applicable to fire-arms which are forined or fitted with a barrel
or barrels capable of longitudinal movement away from and towards the stock or
barrel of the fire arm and the movements of which are caused to be effective in placing
the cartridges in firing position, in cocking the hammer or striking detail, and in
automatically effecting other necessary operations.
The said improvements are also in part especially applicable to fire arms having a
barrel or barrels which occupies or occupy a fixed position in relation to the stock or
breech of the fire arm; and are also in part equally applicable to both such classes of
fire-arms.
Sliding barrels have hitherto been adapted to that class of fire arms which are
provided with an under tubular magazine from which the cartridges are singly ejected
and elevated into firing position:-and such barrel has been operated in its forward
movement (after firing and after being released from being held to the breech or
stock) by a spring the normal tendency of which has been to keep the barrel open, the
barrel being held before being released by contrivances which are operated or opened
by hand and being also brought back to the breech by hand.
There is a great disadvantage and liability of accident when a sliding barrel is applied
in this manner, and held, released and operated by such means needing manual
attention, and when the normal tendency of the spring is to draw or keep the barrel
forwards and open, as such movement is liable to be effected at any moment,
and before the cartridge is fired, and especially at the time of firing when the fingers
are being closed about the breech in the act of discharging the cartridge, and if pressure
is then unduly or accidentally exerted upon the devices which for the time retain the
barrel from moving forward it will be released and will fly forward and the user of
the gun will be liable to be injured by the explosion of the cartridge.
The improvements hereinbefore firstly referred to comprise certain improved

page_text: methods of applying the barrel and of operating it automatically, and of effecting the
said operations, and improved combinations of parts which simplify and improve the
action and render the principle of operation more generally applicable to other forms
of fire arms than have hitherto been adapted therewith.
Such improvements consist essentially in adapting a sliding barrel in other and
improved ways, to like and other classes of magazine fire-arms, and also to such
fire-arms as are charged with a single cartridge after and for each discharge,
and in retaining, releasing and operating the barrel in such improved manners
as that its normal tendency will be to remain closed against the breech-block or
stock, and all its movements will be automatically effected and independent of any
separate actuation by hand, so that the said danger of premature action will be quite
avoided, and as regards its forward movements will be dependent for actuation
upon the discharge of the contained cartridge, and cannot take place before, and
may be effected either by the agency of the air contained in the barrel forward
of the projectile as it is forcibly compressed and driven out by the projectile, or
by the agency of the projectile itself in being propelled along the bore of the burrel,
or by the agency of the gases of the exploded gunpowder before or after the
projectile has left the barrel, and which movements when thus automatically effected
by any of such means acting directly upon the barrel may be caused at any
desired period between the time the cartridge is actually fired and the time the
gases thereby generated escape from the barrel; and as regards its rearward
movements will be dependent upon the automatic expansion or contraction of a spring
or like means having a constant, tendency to close it and in which sufficient energy is
stored by the forward movements in parted to the barrel.
According to such improvements the barrel is guided and supported by a forward
extension or case which is fixedly secured to the breech or stock and has no separate
movement therefrom, and a helical spring is adapted between a rear external shoulder
of the barrel and a more forward part of the said case, or is otherwise conveniently
adapted so as to have a constant tendency to return and keep the barrel towards and
against the breech piece or stock. The barrel is provided with one or more rear
extensions, which serves or servo or to which may be attached suitable means, for
ejecting the fired cartridge case or an unfired cartridge, supplying a fresh cartridge,
and for cocking or setting back the striker, (so that the latter may be held by
such means as are usual, or by the improved means herein described) during the
forward movement of the barrel, so that the agency of the said air, projectile or
gas is caused to be instrumental through the medium of the sliding barrel, when
adapted in accordance with the present improvements, in effecting these said
operations. The agency of the said air, projectile, or gas, may, however, be used
simply for automatically advancing the sliding barrel to permit of the ejection of
the cartridge case, and the said movements of the parts at the breechi
may be
automatically effected by and during the rearward movement of the sliding barrel
effected by the said spring.
In a modification to which I will firstly refor, the said rear extension of the
barrel is reduced in thickness and made of a spring formation at its free extremity,
and is formed with two projections the forward one of which, in the forward movement
of the barrel, catches the cartridge case, the opposite or top edge of which
is, until then, held by a fixed hook or like device against the breech piece,
and expels it through a top opening in the case surrounding the breech end of the
barrel, and the rearward one of which projections catches the striker on the return
movement and forces it backward ready for the next discharge. The firing pin is
centred in the breech piece and in a rear part of the handle or stock, and is
normally kept out of firing position by a spring situated between the end of a
rocess in the rear of the breech piece, and a collar on the pin, and the striker,
which at the time of discharge operates the firing pin against the resistance of its
own spring, consists of a piece capable of sliding along the firing pin and of being
impelled forward into forcible contact with the said collar of the pin by a helical spring
surrounding the latter,

page_text: As the barrel reaches its rearmost position, the free end of the said rear extension
from the barrel is borne down by a roller on a fixed pin out of the way of the striker
after the latter has been forced back as described, and is held cocked or ready for
action, so that on the striker being released it is immediately impelled against the said
collar of the firing pin and discharges the cartridge.
When cocked or in position for firing the striker is detained by a catch controlled
by a spring the normal tendency of which is to cause the striker to be retained when
in firing position until released by pulling the trigger.
When the fire arm is fitted with a side magazine, the barrel is also formed with a
catch, which, at the proper time, actuates a laterally disposed lever centred in the
said case, in such a manner as to cause the free end of the lever, which passes through
an aperture in the side of the said laterally disposed magazine, to place the new
cartridge in position, immediately after which the barrel is automatically returned by
the said spring and encloses the stationary cartridge, and the barrel is automatically
locked and all is ready for firing. When thus adapted if a gentle pressure is kept
upon the trigger the contents of a magazine adapted to the fire-arm may be fired in
continuous succession without intermission.
The spent cartridge case may also be ejected from the side of the fire-arm, after the
barrel has sufficiently advanced, by means of the said lever thrusting a new cartridge
into position sideways, or by means of an under lever, in magazines fitted under the
barrel, for elevating such cartridges and ejecting the fired cases, the means for thrusting
back the striker remaining as already described.
As is hereinbefore mentioned, the forward movements of the barrel, may be caused,
in accordance with the present improved methods of automatically operating it, at any
period between the actual firing of the cartridge and the escape of the gases from the
barrel, whether such gases, the projectile itself, or the air in advance thereof, be the
agent used in effecting the forward movements of the barrel, or whether any two or
more of them be employed in conjunction, and in the meantime, that is, until the
barrel is required to be moved, it is held securely against the breech piece, by
other means than the said spring, which in its normal action automatically returns
it to and keeps it against the breech, and which other means are also automatically
operated.
This object may be attained in various ways, and (as an example) when the
projectile is used as the agent for moving the barrel forward, by an excess of frictional
contact with the same in some portion of its flight, this portion may commence or
be situated at any point between the forward end of the projectile when at rest in the
cartridge and the foremost end of the barrel, and from the point desired the barrel is made
of a slightly less diameter than the more rearward part to give a tighter frictional
hold on the projectile in order that the barrel may thus be carried forward by it.
When using the air in front of the advancing projectile, or the said gases in effecting
the forward movements of the barrel, the forward end of the latter may be enlarged
or chambered, so that the air being expelled, or the said gases before escaping from
the barrel, may expand into this chamber and act directly upon the barrel, and effect
the forward movement thereof, the projectile going on its way unimpeded.
In other arrangements which have been formerly proposed, and wherein an end wise
moving tube has been used in combination with and in advance of a fixed barrel, and
wherein the said gases have been used after issuing from the muzzle end of the barrel
in imparting a forward movement to such tube for causing it by rearward extensions
and connections to reverse the direction of such movement and to effect the withdrawal
of the empty cartridge by extracting it rearwardly from the fixed barrel, (which the
present improvements do not do,) the parts are very complex in their arrangements,
and the movements thereof after a very few discharges are altogether stopped by the
accumulation and lodgment of sooty matter or the unconsumed particles of powder
which is or are forcibly driven between the fixed barrel and movable tube, and what
utility (if any) such contrivance possessed, is thus completely nullified but, in the
present improved arrangement, this disadvantage cannot occur, as the said gases
cannot get between the movable barrel and the rearwardly surrounding fixed
:

page_text: supporting and guiding case, which need not be tubular, and a chamber is made in
the material of the barrel itself and within its own length, as that every succeeding
projectile necessarily keeps it cleared from any deposit or accumulation, however.
rapid the firing may be.
For the before mentioned purpose of retaining the barrel stationary until the
moment it is required to be advanced, there is situated a detaining contrivance either
at the forward end of the barrel, or at any part required in accordance with the time
it is required to be operated, and which consists essentially of a spring or other catch
centred in or carried by the said outer fixed case, and engaging with the barrel and
preventing its forward movement until the catch is released by a piece which is centred
and projects within the barrel and is automatically actuated at the moment the barrel
is required to be released, by the air being compressed, or by the passing projectile,
or by the following propulsive gases, and then allows the barrel to be automatically
advanced as desired.
In repeater fire arms constructed according to such improvements but in which it
is not required that the forward movements of the barrel shall be effected automatically,
but in which such movements may be operated by hand, in lieu of such automatically
operated retaining devices, I adapt an equivalent retaining device to one of the said
rear extensions of the barrel in such a position as that it can be automatically secured
until the firing of the cartridge and as that the barrel can be subsequently released
and thrust forward by it by hand.
In another modification of such improvements the action and operation of the parts
considered as a whole is substantially similar to that described in the preceding
modification, the principal differences consisting in immaterial variations in the
formation and arrangement of the breech mechanism.
This modification will be described as adapted to a pistol formed with an ordinary
magazine under the barrel, and from which the cartridges are rearwardly thrust by a
contained spring.
In this as in the preceding modification the first forward movement of the barrel
(when the magazine is fully charged) is effected by hand after releasing either of the
sáid barrel retaining devices, and this causes the first cartridge to be raised or pushed
into firing position into the rear end of the barrel at about the moment it reaches its
most advanced position, the return movement of the barrel perfectly enclosing the
cartridge and carrying it back between spring extractors occupying a fixed position
in relation to the breech or stock.
After the first cartridge is fired by pulling the trigger and releasing the firing pin,
whether the barrel he advanced automatically or by hand, one of its rear extensions is
slotted and carries forward a spring catch situated at its rear end and causes it to
engage with a slot in the firing pin and this catch in the return movement of the
barrel draws the pin back to firing position compressing its impelling spring and
rendering unnecessary the said spring in advance of the firing pin. At the time of
firing the spring catch is raised so as to release the firing pin by an upward continuation
of the trigger.
The rear end of the lever used for raising the cartridges expelled from the
magazine to firing position is centred above the trigger, and at a more forward
part it is pivotted to a second levor which is centred upon the trigger pin. This
second lever has upper and rear extensions the former of which is operated by the
rear extension of the barrel during its forward movement in such a manner as by the
connection of the parts to raise the cartridge lifting lever at the moment the barrel
has advanced the length of the cartridge elevating the cartridge to the level of
the firing position, the lifting lever is formed with a forward depending part which
prevents the issue from the magazine of any further cartridges until the lifting lever
is again in proper position, and it carries other parts centred to it at the rear of the
cartridge it lifts and which keep the cartridge level and at the proper moment impel
it into the end of the barrel which then immediately returns.
The movements of the parts are such that the elevation of the cartridge ejects the
discharged cartridge case through a top opening in relation to which the rear

page_text: extending parts of the barrel are so formed as that the charged cartridge is not itself
ejected, and the rear movement of the barrel causes the rear rim of the cartridge to
be thrust between two spring extractors which occupy a fixed position in relation to
the breech or stock and retain it in a position which will permit of its being ejected
after being fired by the raising to firing position of the new cartridge.
The rear extension of the said second lever is provided for causing the operation
of the said levers and connected parts to be reversed upon the return movement of
the barrel so that the cartridge lifting lever can be returned to its position for receiving
another cartridge.
In both the preceding modifications I prefer to dispense with the existing trigger
guard and to adapt to the front or to the rear of the trigger a guard piece fitting close
against it and remaining there excepting when it is required to pull the trigger when
it is laterally pushed from before it.
In the improvements hereinbefore secondly referred to in lieu of causing the barrel
to be advanced and returned as in the modifications hercinbefore described I cause a
part rearward of the barrel to receive such movements and excepting in the first of
such movements (which as in the preceding modification is effected by hand in order
to place the first cartridge in position for firing) the movements of such part away
from the barrel are effected by the explosion of the charge, which simultaneously
with propelling the bullet forward through the barrel propels the cartridge case
backward carrying the bolt with its contained firing pin with it within a tubular
part or casing in which the bolt is for the time automatically locked in position
the recoil of the bolt being taken up by a strong spring or by other suitable
means adapted to the rear end thereof after which the casing is automatically raised
about its centre of movement until its open front end is clear of the barrel, and simul-
taneously raises a new cartridge into line with the barrel, and when the case has
obtained such an elevation the bolt is released and caused by a surrounding spring
to eject, the discharged case from the casing, and simultaneously to impel the
unfired cartridge into firing position in the breech end of the barrel, immediately after
which the casing automatically falls into and can be locked in position behind the
barrel and contained cartridge, and the parts are all again ready for firing.
This modification will also be described as applied to a fire arm having an under
magazine of the kind hereinbefore referred to.
The said casing is arranged in the line of the barrel and its rear end is centred to
the hinder part of the stock. At its forward part it is tubular and adapted to
contain an inner bolt, and contains a spring for pressing the bolt forward. The bolt
contains a firing pin with a spring always tending to keep it from projecting beyond
its front end, and is connected to an under and forward extension outside the said
case and part of which serves as a locking detail and part as a means of impelling the
charged cartridge into the barrel when the said bolt is released as aforesaid. "The
forward end of the case is also connected to a lifter into which the cartridges are
impelled from the said under magazine and by which they are lifted up to a line with
the barrel so as to be impelled thereinto as the discharged case is ejected from the
casing, the said lifter being also so adapted as in the preceding modification, as to
prevent the explosion of any cartridge from the magazine until it is in the proper
position to receive it.
The rear end of the said under extension of the bolt is formed with an inclined
surface, which, when the bolt is driven back as aforesaid, drives the hammer back to
beyond its fully cocked position; the return of the hammer to its cocked position
caused by the operation of its spring is effective in re-acting upon the said inclined
surface and thus raises the said casing and its contents about its centre until the said
extension of the bolt escapes from its detaining spring, when the spring contained by
the casing impels the bolt forward and ejects the cartridge case so that when the
casing falls back into position behind the barrel the bolt is in its forward position
clear of the hammer and the firing pin is in position ready to bo struck by the hammer
when released.
The haminer is held by a double acting sear which in addition to detaining the

page_text: hammer as desired, at the time of releasing the hammer bears rearwardly against a
toe-piece of the said casing and tends to keep it rigidly in position at the time of
firing.
In this modification also I prefer in lieu of an ordinary trigger guard to adapt
behind the trigger a safety catch which will not permit of the trigger being actuated
until it is itself independently removed from locking it.
The improvements herein before referred to as applicable to both such classes of fire
arins consist in the application thereto of revolving magazines of two or more
chambers of a length to accommodate any required or convenient number of cartridges
and which magazines are adapted to the fixed or movable barrels in such a manner as
that they can be rotated thereabout by hand or automatically as each chamber is
exhausted.
When I desire to rotate the magazine by hand I adapt it with a spring catch for
retaining it in the desired fixed position in relation to the stock and barrel, and
which catch can be removed by hand so that the magazine can be turned about
the barrel as a centre to bring another of its chambers into position and can be there
automatically locked. But when I desire to rotate the magazine automatically, I
adapt to the action of the fire-arm a lever or suitably arranged part which is actuated
by the said rear extension of the barrel in the said firstly referred to improvements,
or by the said forward extension of the cusing in the said secondly referred to
improvements, in such a manner as that it is operated at each of such movements and
withdraws a detaining catch from securing the magazine in its desired position in
relation to the stock so that if no cartridges are left in the opposite chauber of the
magazine to permit of a helical spring secured between the barrel and the surrounding
magazine, and which is wound up in turning the magazine to charge its various
chambers, reversing the magazine, and as its next chamber comes into proper position
its contained spring gradually forces out its rearmost cartridge which catching against
the edge of the breech or the said carrier prevents any further movement of the
magazine, which is instantly after automatically locked in position by the return of the
parts operating its locking pin.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: Improvements in or Applicable to Fire Arms.
1, LUIGI ARMANNI, formerly of Langdon Park Road, Highgate, but now of Rich-
mond Road, Dalston, Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement
The present improvements are in part especially applicable to fire-arins which are
formed or fitted with a barrel or barrels capable of longitudinal movement away from
and towards the stock or breech of the fire arm, and the movements of which are
caused to be effective in placing the cartridges in firing position, in cocking the
bammer or striking detail, and in automatically effecting other necessary operations :
The improvements are also in part especially applicable to fire arins having a barrel
or barrels which occupies or occupy a fixed position relatively to the stock or breech
of the fire arm; and are also in part applicable to both such classes of fire-arms.
Sliding barrels have hitherto been adapted to that class of fire arms which are
provided with an under tubular magazine from which the cartridges are singly ejected
and elevated into firing position and such barrel has been operated in its forward
movement (after firing and after being released from being held to the breech or stock)
by a spring the normal tendency of which has been to keep the barrel open, the barrel
being held before being released by contrivances which are operated or opened by
hand and being also brought back to the breech by hand. ⚫
There is great disadvantage and liability of accident when a sliding barrel is applied
in this manner, and held released and operated by such means needing manual atten-
tion, and when the normal tendency of the spring is to draw or keep the barrel
forward and open, as such movement is very liable to be accidentally effected before
the cartridge is fired or at any moment and especially at the time of firing when the
fingers are being closed about the breech in the act of discharging the cartridge, and
if pressure is then unduly or accidentally exerted upon the devices which for the time
retain the barrel from moving forward it will be released and will fly forward and the
user of the gun will be liable to be injured by the explosion of the cartridge.
The improvements hereinbefore firstly referred to comprise certain improved
methods of applying the barrel and of operating it automatically, and of effecting the
said operations, and improved combinations of parts which simplify and improve the
action and render the principle of operation more generally applicable to other forms
of fire arms than have hitherto been adapted therewith.
Such improvements consist essentially in adapting a sliding barrel in the improved
manner hereinafter described to the said and other classes of magazine fire arms, and
in retaining releasing and operating the barrel in such improved manners as that its
normal tendency will be to remain closed against the breech block or stock, and all its
movements in its ordinary action will be automatically effected and independent of
any separate actuation by hand, so that the said danger of premature action will be
quite avoided; and as regards its forward inovements will be dependent for actuation
upon the discharge of the coutained cartridge, and cannot take place before, and will
be effected by the agency of the gases of the exploded gunpowder caused to act
directly upon the barrel, and as regards its rearward movements will be dependent
upon the automatic expansion or contraction of a spring or like means having a

page_text: constant tendency to close it and in which sufficient energy is stored by the forward
movements imparted to the barrel.
The improvements hereinbefore firstly referred to are illustrated on the accompanying
drawings in Figs. 1 to 4. (reference not now being made to the different constructions
of magazines illustrated in such Figs.) of which
Fig. 1, represents a sectional olevation of the first part of the present improve-
ments showing the parts in position for firing.
Fig. 2, represents a plan view thereof at the moment of firing, the breech being
shown in section through a-b. Fig. 1.
Fig. 3, represents a like view to Fig. 1, showing the position of the parts after
firing.
Fig. 4, represents a transverse section of Fig. 1, through c,—d.
1, represents the moveable barrel, which, according to such improvements, is guided
and supported by a forward case, 2, which extends from or is fixedly secured to the
breech or stock, 3, having no separate movement therefrom; and, 4, represents a
helical spring which is adapted between a rear external shoulder, 5, of the barrel and
a forward part, 6, of the case, 2, or is otherwise conveniently adapted so as to have a
constant tendency to return and keep the barrel towards and against the breech piece.
The barrel is further securely retained in such position until the moment it is about
to be advanced by means of a detaining contrivance situated at the forward part of
the barrel. This device consists essentially of a spring or other catch, 7, centred to
or carried by the case, 2, and engaging with the barrel, 1, and preventing the forward
movement of the latter until the resistance of its spring part or attached spring is
overcome and the catch is released by the direct pressure of the escaping gases through
the opening, 15, at the moment the barrel is required to be released.
The barrel is provided with one or more rear extensions, 10, which are formed with,
or to which are connected means for ejecting the fired cartridge case, 11, supplying a
fresh cartridge, 12, and for cocking or setting back the striker, 18, which is retained
by the improved means hereinafter described, these oporations being partly effected by
and during the forward movement of the barrel effected by the agency of the said
gases, and partly by and during the rearward movement of the barrel effected by the
spring, 4.
The forward movements of the barrel are effected by causing the explosive gases at
the moment the projectile is about leaving the barrel to expand into an enlargement
or chamber, 14, made in the barrel itself or attached thereto as an enlarged termina-
tion thereof, and thus to act directly upon the barrel, and effect its forward movement,
the projectile going on its way unimpeded.
I am aware that other arrangements have been formerly proposed wherein an end-
wise moving tube has been used in combination with and in advance of a fixed barrel,
and wherein the said gases have been used after issuing from the muzzle end of the
barrel in imparting a forward movement to such tube for causing it by rearward
extensions and connections to reverse the direction of such movement and to effect
the withdrawal of the empty cartridge case by extracting it rearwardly from the fixed
barrel (which the present improvements do not do) but in such arrangements the parts
are very complex, and the movements thereof after a very few discharges are liable to
be altogether stopped by the accumulation and lodgement of sooty matter or uncon-
sumed particles of powder which is or are forcibly driven between the fixed barrel
and moveable tube, and what utility (if any) such contrivanco possessed is thus
completely nullified; but in the present improved arrangement this disadvantage
cannot occur as the said gases cannot got between the moveable barrel, 1, and its
guiding case, 2, which it may be remarked need not be tubular throughout its
length but may be composed of tubular guide parts connected by longitudinal arms
or rods.
The modification represented in Figs. 1, to 4, is shown in connection with the
arrangement of inagazine herein after described with reference to the third part of the
present improvements, but it will be understood that such improvements may with
equal advantage be adapted to a pistol or other fire arm formed with an ordinary

page_text: magazine under the barrel and from which the cartridges are rearwardly thrust by a
contained spring.
It should be understood that the first forward movement of the barrel (when the
magazine is fully charged) is effected by hand after releasing the said barrel retaining
device, and this movement causes the first cartridge to be raised and pushed into the
rear end of the barrel at about the moment it reaches its most advanced position
ride Fig. 3, the return movement of the barrel perfectly enclosing the cartridge and
carrying it back between spring extractors, 17, occupying a fixed position in relation
to the breech or stock and by which it is retained until it has been fired and is
ejected.
Both of the said rear extensions, 10, of the barrel are slotted as at, 18, to permit of
their longitudinal movements past the inner projecting extractors, 17, and one of the said
extensions, 10, is formed with an inner projection, 19, which in its movements traverses
a slot, 20, cut in the breech block, 3, projecting therethrough and imparting motion
to a contained bolt, 21, by engaging with the ends of a recess, 22, made therein.
This bolt is of a tubular form as regards its forward part, and is of a forked form as
regards its rearward part; the firing pin, 23, is guided thereby and its impelling
spring, 24, is located in the tubular part of the bolt bearing against an enlarged
head, 25, formed on the firing pin. The firing pin is held in position ready for firing
by means of a spring catch, 26, which is supported and pinned between the forked
parts of the bolt and partakes of all movements of the latter, its forward movement,
which is effected by the corresponding movement of the barrel carrying the bolt from
the position indicated in Fig. 1. to the position indicated in Fig. 3. (the firing pin at
the time of firing having assumed the position indicated in Fig. 2. and projecting
through the aperture, 27, in the breech block) compressing the impelling spring, 24,
of the firing pin, and causing the spring catch, 26, to engage with a notch, 28, in
the upper face of the firing pin, the bolt and its contained and connectod parts being
then returned to the position indicated in Fig. 1. by the return movement of the barrel
effected by its said spring, 4.
The spring catch, 26, is made with a depending part, 29, which descends on both
sides of the firing pin and across below it and by means of such descending part the
catch is elevated and the firing pin released from its control at the time of firing by
means of an upward extension, 30, pivoted at 31, to the trigger, 32, but which is
normally kept out of operative position by means of a safety device consisting of a
rod, 33, pivoted at, 34, to the extension, 30, and adapted with a spring, 35, which
tends to keep the extension under a fixed part, 36, of the breech block and so prevents
the trigger, 32, from being actuated until pressure is also exerted upon the projecting
button, 37, of the device, 33, which removes the part, 30, from under the fixed part, 36,
to render the part, 29, of the catch, 26, and allows of the trigger being actuated so as
to elevate the spring catch, 26 and release the firing pin.
38, represents the lever used for raising the cartridges expelled from the magazine
to firing position, its rear end is centred to an under part, 39, of the breech block and
at a more forward part it is pivoted at, 40, to a second lever, 41, which is centred
upon the trigger pin, 42. The lever, 41, is formed with forward and rear
extensions, 43, 44, the former of which is operated by a part, 10x, depending
from one of the said rear extensions, 10, of the barrel, during its forward movement
in such a manner, vide, Fig. 3, as by the said connection of the parts, 38, to, 44, to
raise the cartridge lifting lever, 38, at the moment the barrel has advanced the length
of the cartridge, elevating the cartridge, 12, to the level of the firing position. The
lever, 38, is formed with a forward depending part, 45, which prevents the issue from
the magazine of any further cartridges until the said lever is again in the position.
indicated in Fig. 1. and it is adapted with a lever, 46, pivoted to it at, 47, which in
rising ejects the discharged cartridge case, 11, vide Fig. 3, from between the two
spring extractors, 17, through a top opening, 50, in the case, 2, and at the proper
moment impels the cartridge it has lifted into the end of the barrel, it being caused
to do so by means of a toe piece, 48, on the lever, 46, engaging with a slot, 49, in the
breech case, and being arrested and tilted forward at the end of its upward stroke ;
P

page_text: the barrel is then immediately returned and as its said extension, 10%, catches the
said rear projection, 44, of the lever, 41, it causes all the said parts, 38, to, 44, to be
carried back to the position indicated in Fig. 1.
The improvements hereinbefore secondly referred to are illustrated on the accom-
panying drawings in Figs. 5, to 9; (reference not now being made to the different
constructions of magazines illustrated in such Figures) of which
Fig. 5, represents a sectional elevation showing the parts in position for firing.
Fig. 6, represents a sectional plan view thereof, through the line, e, f.
Fig. 7, represents a like view to Fig. 5, showing the position of the parts after firing.
Fig. 8. represents a transverse section of Fig. 7, through the line, g, h, : and
Fig. 9. represents a transverse section of Fig. 5. through the line,
•
In such improvements, in lieu of causing the barrel to be advanced and returned
as in the modification hereinbefore described, I cause a piston, bolt or like part, 21,
rearward of the barrel or firing chamber to receive such movements, and excepting
in the first of such movements (which as in the preceding modification is effected by
hand in order to place the first cartridge in position for firing) the movements of such
part away from the barrel or firing chamber are effected by the explosion of the
charge, which simultaneously with propelling the projectile forward through the
barrel propels the cartridge case backward from its firing position carrying the bolt
(with its contained firing pin, 23, with it) within a tubular part or casing, 52, in which
the bolt is for the time automatically locked in position, the breech not being opened
until the projectile has loft the barrel. In the modification represented, this locking
is effected by means of a connected extension, 53; which in its rearward movement
enters between and is detained by opposite spring catches, 54, supported by a lever, 55,
the recoil of the bolt being taken up through the lever, 55, which is centred to the
stock at, 56, by a strong spring, 57, (composed of several plate springs) supported by
fixed parts, 58, of the stock, after which as hereinafter described, the casing, 52, is
automatically raised about its centre of movement, 59, until its opened end is clear of
the barrel, vide the dotted lines in Fig. 5, this movement simultaneously raising a new
cartridge, 12, into line with the barrel, and when the case has attained such an
elevation, the bolt, 21, is released and caused by a surrounding spring, 60, to eject
the discharged case, 11, from the casing, 52, and simultaneously to impel the unfired
cartridge into firing position in the breech end of the fixed barrel, immediately after
which the casing automatically falls into the position indicated in Fig. 5, and is locked
therein behind the barrel and contained cartridge at the part, 61, and the parts are all
again ready for firing.
The said casing, 52, is arranged in line with the barrel, 1, and its rear part is
centred to the hinder part of the stock at, 59. Its forward part is tubular and contains
the bolt, 21, and its impelling spring, 60. The bolt contains the firing pin, 23, with
a spring, 24, always tending to keep it from projecting beyond its front end, and is
connected to an under, outer and forward extension, 63, which serves as the means
of impelling the charged cartridge into the barrel when the bolt is reloased as
aforesaid.
The forward end of the case, 52, is connected by links, 51, to a lifter, 64, into which
the cartridges are impelled from the chamber of the magazine in line therewith, and
by which they are lifted up to a line with the barrel so as to be impelled thereinto as
and at the time aforesaid, the said lifter being also adapted as in the preceding modi-
fication with an extension, 45, which prevents the expulsion of another cartridge
from the magazine until the lifter is again in the proper position to receive it vide
Figs. 5. &. 7.
The rear end of the said under extension, 63, of the bolt is formed with an inclined
surface, 65, which, when the bolt is driven back as aforesaid, bears against the friction
roller, 71, on the hammer, 66, driving the latter back to beyond its fully cocked
position, vide Fig. 7. the immediate return of the hammer to its cocked position, vide
Fig. 5, caused by the operation of its main spring, 67, is effective in re-acting upon
the said inclined surface, 65, and thus raises the said casing, 52, and its contents about
its centre of movement, 59, vide the dotted lines in Fig. 5, until the said extension, 53,

page_text: of the bolt escapes from its detaining spring catches 54, when the spring, 60, contained
by the casing, 52, impels the bolt, 21, forward and ejects the cartridge case, 11, and
causes the extension, 63, to impel the cartridge, 12, raised by the lifter, into the breech
end of the barrel, vide Fig. 5, so that when the casing falls back into position behind
the barrel, which it does immediately, the bolt is in its forward position clear of the
hammer, 66, and the firing pin, 23, is in position ready to be struck by the hammer
when released.
The hammer is centred on the trigger pin, 42, and is held by a sear, 68, centred
at, 69. The movements of the sear are controlled by the trigger, 32, with which it
engages at, 72, and behind which is adapted a safety catch, 33, which engages with
the trigger at, 34, vide Fig. 5. and is held in such position by a detaining piece, 73,
and which catch will not permit of the trigger being actuated until both the part, 73,
and itself are firstly removed from locking it.
The locking catch, 61, hereinbefore referred to is operated in the modification
illustrated in Fig. 5. from a tumbler, 74, centred at, 75, by the connecting bar, 76,
the forward end of which engages with a projection, 77, on each chamber of the
magazine and then centres the latter relatively to the lifter, 64. In the modification
illustrated in Fig. 7. the connecting bar, 76, is operated from a lever, 78, centred on
the same pin, 69, as the catch piece, 33, and its forward end engages with a serrated
or notched ring, 77, which causes the proper centreing of the chambers of the
magazine as aforesaid.
As the catch piece, 33, is pressed and released from engaging with the trigger,
a projection, 79, with which it is formed bears against the tumbler, 74, causing its
free end to hear against the toe, 58×, of the casing, 52, retaining it firmly in position,
and as such pressure is released immediately after the firing, when the projectilo has
escaped from the barrel, the aforesaid action of the spring, 67, and hammer, 66, in
raising the case, 52, immediately follows, and the breech is not opened until then.
80, represents a handle part centred at, 81, and which is used when it is required
to raise the first cartridge into firing position which is effected by raising the part, 80,
to the position dotted in Fig. 5. and using it as a handle for raising the case and
withdrawing the bolt, 21.
In applying such improvements to a revolver or fire arm formed with a revolving
cartridge container and firing chamber, the cartridge would be fired in such chamber,
and the rear case into which the cartridge case is more or less impelled need have no
movement of elevation relatively to the barrel or firing chamber the cartridge case
locking such chamber until the projectile has left the barrel, and the return movement
of the said bolt or equivalent part within such case would be caused by suitable
connections to return the discharged cartridge case into the revolving chamber, and
to rotate the latter so as to bring a fresh cartridge into firing position in line with the
barrel.
The modification represented in Figs. 5, to, 9, is shown in connection with the
arrangement of magazine hereinafter described with reference to the third part of
the present improvements, but it will be understood that such improvements may be
applied or adapted to a fire arm formed with an ordinary magazine under or in
connection with the barrel.
The improvements herein before referred to as applicable to both such classes of
fire-arms consist in the application thereto of revolving magazines of two or more
chambers of a length to accommodate any required or convenient number of cartridges
and which magazines are adapted to the movable or fixed barrels in such a manner
as that they can be rotated thereabout automatically as each chamber is exhausted.
Various arrangements of such magazines are illustrated on the accompanying
drawings, in Figs. 1, to 3, and, 5, to, 7, herein before referred to, and in Figs. 10, 11,
12, 18. Sectional and end elevations of the respective modifications, and various
other means than these Figs. illustrate, for automatically operating the same, are
illustrated in the sectional elevations, Figs. 14, 15, 16.
In the modification represented in Figs. 1, 10, and 14, and 5, 6 and 11, the magazine
(which in any of such modifications may comprise any suitable number of chambers)

page_text: is so arranged as to turn about the barrel as a centre after each chamber is exhausted,
this turning movement being effected by a spiral or helical spring, 82, arranged as
represented in Fig. 14, or between the barrel and the surrounding magazine. Vido
Figs. 5, 6, (and which is wound up in turning the magazine to charge its various
chambers) reversing the movement of the magazine, and as its next chamber comes
into proper position relatively to the lifter, 38, or, 64, (vide Fig. 1. 5. & 7.) a contained
spring, 83, shifts the series of contained cartridges the rearmost one of which is slightly
projected vide Figs. 5. and 7. so as to prevent any further movement of the magazine,
which is instantly after automatically locked in position and centred as hereinbefore
described.
In the modification represented in Figs. 2, and 15, the magazine is partly rotated
after each firing operation, so that the consecutive cartridges which are fired are
received from following chambers of the magazine until the series thereof is exhausted.
In this modification the magazine is formed with a stepped periphery, 84, and an
outer case, 62, which moves with the barrel, is provided with an inner projecting
pin, 85, which engages in an angular slot, 86, in a loose ring, 87, situated between
the case and magazine, and formed or provided with a spring part, 88, which engages
with the stepped surface of the magazine, the operation of such parts being that each
forward longitudinal movement of the barrel and case, 62, partially rotates the ring
and causes the magazine to receive a corresponding motion.
In the modification represented in Fig. 16, the operating pin, 85, moves in a zig-zag
groove, 89, made in the periphery of the magazine and imparts motion thereto at each
longitudinal movement.
In the modification represented in Fig. 3, the magazine is made without internal
divisions and the cartridges are placed loosely therein in longitudinal and surrounding
rows falling by gravity to the lowest part thereof between spring catches, 90, which
are secured to and partake of the longitudinal movements of the case, 62, and carry
the bottom series of cartridges towards the breech at each backward movement of the
barrel and case, 62, in which position they are held during the forward movement
of the barrel and case by opposite spring catches, 91, secured to the fixed case, 2.
In the modification represented in Figs. 7, 12 and 13, the rotating magazine is
arranged below the barrel and as each chamber is exhausted the magazine is rotated
by its contained spring, 82, the cartridges being ejected by the spring, 83, with which
each chamber is provided. 92, represents a cleaning rod.
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. Constructing fire-arms with a barrel (or barrels) capable of longitudinal move-
ment away from and towards the stock or breech of the fire-arm, and the movements
of which are operated and caused to be effective respectively in the manner and for
the purposes hereinbefore described.
2. In fire-arms fitted or adapted with a sliding barrel (or barrels) effective in its
movements as aforesaid, the hereinbefore described improved method of adapting or
applying, retaining, releasing and operating the barrel, in which the parts are so
adapted and combined as that the normal tendency of the barrel is to remain closed
against the breech-block or stock, and all its movements are automatically effected
(independently of any separate actuation by hand oxcepting as aforesaid) in the
forward direction by the agency of the gases of the exploded cartridge charge acting
directly upon a forward part of the barrel, and in the return direction by means of a
spring having a constant tendency to close it against the breech.
In such fire-arms :-
3. The improved arrangement of means and combinations of parts herein before
described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.
4. The moveable barrel, 1, adapted with a front chamber or enlargement, 14, of any
suitable shape, an automatic detaining device, 7, and rear extensions, 10, in combina-
tion with the fixed guiding case, 2, extending from the breech or block, and with the
operating spring, 4, substantially as hereinbefore described.

page_text: 5. Automatically releasing the barrel and advancing it by the gases of the exploded
cartridge charge acting directly upon the detaining catch and upon the barrel at
the moment the projectile is leaving the latter, substantially as hereinbefore described.
6. The sliding barrel adapted with a front chamber or enlargement, automatic
detaining catch and rear extensions, and operated as aforesaid, in combination with
the levers, 38, 41, 46, adapted, connected and operated substantially as hereinbefore
described for ejecting a fired cartridge case and supplying and feeding a fresh
cartridge, substantially as hereinbefore described..
7. The sliding barrel adapted and operated as aforesaid, in combination with the
bolt, 21, and catch, 26, operating as aforesaid for cocking or setting back the striker
or firing pin and retaining the same, substantially as hereinbefore described.
8. The sliding barrel adapted and operated as aforesaid, in combination with the
levers, 38, 41, 46, adapted connected, operated and operating substantially as herein-
before described, and with the bolt, 21, and catch, 26, operating substantially as
hereinbefore described.
9. The lever, 38, adapted with the lever, 46, operated by the pin, 48, and slot, 49,
in combination with the lever, 41, formed as aforesaid and operated by the to and fro
movements of the rear extensions of the sliding barrel.
10. The lever, 38, for lifting the cartridge into firing position, in combination with
the lever, 46, for ejecting the fired cartridge case and operated by the pin, 48, and
slot, 49, for impelling the cartridge inio firing position.
11. The bolt, 21, notched firing pin, 23, and impelling spring, 24, in combination
with the spring catch, 26. formed with a depending part, 29, operated as aforesaid.
12. The trigger, 32, in combination with the extension, 30, and safety appliance,
33, 34, 35, 37, or equivalent means requiring to be actuated before the trigger can be
operated.
13. Ejecting the discharged cartridge case, and raising the fresh cartridge level with
the barrel and impelling it thereinto by means operated by a sliding barrel operated
by the gases of the exploded cartridge charge such as herein before described.
In firearms formed or fitted with a barrel (or barrels) occupying a fixed position in
relation to the breech stock :
14. Causing the gases of the exploded cartridge charge at the moment of firing, in
addition to imparting a forward motion to the projectile, to impart a rearward move-
ment for a greater or less extent to the discharged cartridge case from its firing
position (whether in the fixed barrel or in a revolver chamber or other firing chamber
behind the barrel) into a rearward surrounding or closed chamber which prevents
the opening of the breech end of the barrel or firing chamber until the projectile has
escaped from the barrel, and which movement is caused to operate upon a part within
such surrounding chamber which by suitably connections is caused to be effective in
effecting the various operations hereinbefore described.
15. The improved arrangement of means and combinations of parts hereinbefore
described with reference to Figs. 5. to 9. of the accompanying drawings.
16. The chamber or case, 52, having a movement of elevation relatively to the
fixed barrel, 1, about a rearward centre, 59, in combination with a contained cylin-
drical bolt, 21, having a longitudinal movement within the case relatively to the fixed
barrel, the rearward movements of which are effected by the gases of the exploded
cartridge charge, and the return movements of which are effected by the agency of a
spring contained within the case, the bolt being adapted with a contained firing pin,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
17. The case, 52, with its said contained bolt, 21, impelling spring, 60, firing
pin, 23, and retarding spring, 24, the case being adapted with the linked cartridge
lift, 64, and the bolt being adapted with the catch extension, 53, and cartridge feeding
projection, 68, inclined at, 65, in combination with the lever, 55, adapted with the
spring catches, 54, and laminated spring, 57, and with the hammer, 66, and operating
spring, 67, for automatically locking and raising the said case and ejecting the said
cartridge case and feeding a fresh cartridge into the barrel or firing chamber,
substantially as hereinbefore described.

page_text: •
18. The case, 52, adapted and centred as aforesaid, and connected cartridge
lifter, 64, in combination with the catch, 61. magazine centreing bar or rod. 76,
tumbler, 74, or lever, 78, the safety device, 33, 73, and toe, 58×, of case, 52, against
which the tumbler, 74, bears, substantially as hereinbefore described.
19. The hammer, 66, in combination with the lever. 68, trigger, 32, and safety
device, 33, 73, or equivalent means requiring to be actuated before the trigger can be
operated.
20. The application to fire arms constructed in accordance with the improvements
forming the subject of the first part of the present improvements, of automatically
revolving magazines of two or more chambers of a length to accommodate any
required or convenient number of cartridges, substantially as heroinbefore described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
21. The combination with fire-arms constructed in accordance with the improve-
ments hereinbefore described with reference to the first part of the present
improvements with reference to Figs. 1 to 1. of accompanying drawings; of the
arrangement of automatically revolving magazines herein before described with
reference to Figs. 1 and 10, and 5, 6, and 11 of the accompanying drawings.
22. The like combination with fire-arms constructed in accordance with such
improvements, of the arrangement of automatically revolving magazines herein-
before described with reference to Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings.
23. The like combination with firearms constructed in accordance with such
improvements, of the arrangement of automatically revolving magazines bereinbefore
described with reference to Figs. 7. 12. 13 of the accompanying drawings.
24. The application to firearms constructed in accordance with the improvements
forming the subject of the second part of the present improvements, of automatically
revolving magazines of two or more chambers of a length to accommodate any
required or convenient number of cartridges, substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
25. The combination with firearms constructed in accordance with the improve-
ments herein before described with reference to the second part of the present
improvements, with reference to Figs. 5, to, 9, of the accompanying drawings, of the
arrangement of automatically revolving magazine hereinbefore described with
reference to Figs. 7. 12. 13. of the accompanying drawings.
26. The like combination with firearms constructed in accordance with such
improvements, of the arrangement of automatically revolving magazines hereinboforo
described with reference to Figs. 1, and, 10, and 5, 6, and, 11., of the accompanying
drawings.
27. The like combination with firearms constructed in accordance with such
improvements, of the arrangement of automatically revolving magazines hereinbefore
described with reference to Fig. 3, of the accompanying drawings.
28. The several arrangements of automatically revolving magazines hereinbefore
described with reference to Figs. 1 and 10, and 5, 6, and 11; Fig. 3; and Figs.
7, 12, 13, of the accompanying drawings.
29. The several arrangements of magazine actuating mechanisms hereinbefore
described with reference to Figs. 1, 5, 6; Figs. 2 and 5; Fig. 14; Fig. 16; Fig. 7 ;
and Fig. 16. of the accompanying drawings.
30. The improved means of feeding the cartridges from the magazine to the
cartridge lifter hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 3. of the accompanying
drawings.
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