Improvements in the Extracting and Ejecting Mechanism of Drop-down Sporting Guns and Rifles.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 31st May, 1889
Complete Specification Left, 31st Mar., 1890-Accepted, 31st May, 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Extracting and Ejecting Mechanism of
Drop-down Sporting Guns and Rifles.
I, JAMES WILLIAM SMALLMAN, of Nuneaton, in the County of Warwick, and
59, Mostyn Road, Brixton, in the County of Surrey, Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The present improvements relate to the extracting and ejecting mechanism of drop-
down sporting guns and rifles; the objects of this invention being to provide means
for the better extraction of unfired cartridges, and to simplify the ejecting mechanism
and so arrange it that the ejector-springs are automatically released when the gun or
rifle is taken apart.
In carrying out this invention, I attach two plungers actuated by spiral springs to
the under side of the barrels; the plungers being in alignment with the split
extractor. In the fore-end I mount two sears or retaining devices, each of which, on
the fall of the corresponding tumbler, is caused to engage with one of the plungers
so as to hold it back until the gun is nearly opened; each sear or retaining device
being preferably disengaged by contact with the action-body, or with a limb projecting
therefrom, whilst the barrels are falling.
The action of the parts is as follows:-When the gun is opened, if neither barrel
has been fired, the split extractor is gradually forced out to the full extent or nearly
so by the plungers, which are assisted, if necessary, by the extractor-cam or -post.
If both barrels have been fired, the plungers are held back by the sears or retaining
devices, the split extractor being forced out by the extractor-cam or -post to the usual
extent, whereupon the plungers are liberated and the cartridge-cases ejected. Each
plunger acts independently, so, if only one barrel has been fired, only one cartridge-
case is ejected.
Instead of sliding plungers surrounded by spiral springs, pivoted arms actuated by
flat springs may be employed. Under such circumstances, the fore-end is slotted to
admit the box or frame in which the arms are mounted.
The sears or retaining devices, instead of being carried by the fore-end, may be
carried by the barrels. Means may be provided in the fore-end for effecting
communication between the sears or retaining devices and the locks.
For operating the sears or retaining devices, a sliding main-spring of the kind
described by me in the specification to Letters Patent No. 1,281, A.D. 1887, or a
rod jointed to the tumbler and caused to move to and fro thereby, may be employed
in each lock. A slide of the kind used in other ejecting mechanisms for tripping the
ejector-sear may likewise be adapted for the purposes of this invention. Instead of a
slide, a pivoted lever operated by the tumbler may be used if preferred.
Dand the 20th day of May 1980
JAMES W. SM.
CMATT MAAT
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Extracting and Ejecting Mechanism of
Drop-down Sporting Guns and Rifles.
I, JAMES WILLIAM SMALLMAN, of Nuneaton, in the County of Warwick, and
59, Mostyn Road, Brixton, in the County of Surrey, Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The present improvements relate to the extracting and ejecting mechanism of drop-
down sporting guns and rifles; the objects of this invention being to provide means

page_text: for the better extraction of unfired cartridges, and to simplify the ejecting mechanism
and so arrange it that the ejector-springs are automatically released when the gun or
rifle is taken apart.
In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 represents, partly in side elevation and
partly in section, extracting and ejecting mechanism constructed in accordance with
the present invention; the gun to which it is applied being closed and cocked: the
cocking mechanism shewn is of the kind described in the specification to Perkes'
Patent No. 1,968 of 1878. In Fig. 2, the gun is uncocked. In Fig. 3, the gun is
cocked and partly open.
In Fig. 4. the gun has been nearly cocked. In Fig. 5, the
gun is represented as fully opened after the firing of the right barrel; the empty
cartridge-case having been ejected and the unfired cartridge extracted to the full
distance. Fig. 6 illustrates the spring-actuated plungers in end elevation. Fig. 7 is
a view, partly in side elevation and partly in section, of the barrels and the spring-
actuated plungers; Fig. 8 being a view of the fore-end iron. Fig. 9 is an end
elevation of the ejector-sear; Fig. 9 being a corresponding side elevation. Fig. 10
is a diagram shewing in plan both ejector-sears, with their springs, and the extractor-
post the latter serving to trip the ejector-sears at the termination of the opening
movement. In Fig. 11, the ejector-sear, instead of being operated by the cocking rod
is thrown into the bent in the spring-actuated plunger by a sliding main-spring,
which moves to and fro as described by me in the specification to Patent No. 1,281
of 1887. In the modification illustrated in Fig. 12, the ejector-sear is both thrown
into bent and tripped by the sliding main-spring. In Figs. 11 and 12, the cocking
mechanism is of the kind described in the specification to Anson & Deeley's Patent
No. 1,833 of 1883. Fig. 13 is a plan of the modified ejector-sear. In Figs. 14
and 15, the ejector-sear is actuated by the cocking lever through the instrumentality
of a slide in these figures, the locks are cocked by an improved form of the cocking
mechanism described in the specification to Anson & Deeley's Patent No. 1,756 of
1875. In Fig. 16, the ejector-sear is held out of bent by contact with a cocking rod
of the kind described in the specification to Scott & Baker's Patent No. 761 of 1878.
In Fig. 17, the ejector-sear is shewn as having been allowed to snap into bent by the
withdrawal of the cocking rod on the firing of the gun. In Fig. 18, the ejector-
sear is thrown into bent by a slide of the kind described in the specification to
Holland & Robertson's Patent No. 11,623 of 1887. In Fig. 19, the ejector-sear is
actuated by an ordinary sliding rod operated by the lock. Fig. 20 is a side elevation
of the extractor-post. In the modified arrangement represented in Fig. 21, the
ejector-sear is caused to snap into bent by an ordinary flat sear-spring attached to
the fore-end iron: it is tripped by a projection on the main-spring. This design is
inferior to the original design, inasmuch as the unfired cartridges are not extracted to
the full distance.
In carrying out this invention, I prefer to attach two plungers a and a¹, actuated
independently by spiral springs, to the urder side of the barrels b; the plungers being
in alignment with the split extractor c. In the fore-end d, I mount two sears or
retaining devices e and e¹, each of which, on the fall of the corresponding tumbler, is
caused to engage with one of the plungers a or a¹ so as to hold it back until the gun
is nearly opened; each sear or retaining device being disengaged by contact with
the action-body or with a limb projecting therefrom or with the extractor-post or
-cam (according to the construction of the particular gun to which the invention is
applied) whilst the barrels are falling. Each sear or retaining device e or e¹ is held
in bent or out of bent by a friction-spring for f¹. Instead of friction-springs,
ordinary flat springs may be employed; such springs being arranged to keep the
sears or retaining devices normally out of bent.
The action of the parts is as follows:-When the gun is opened, if neither barrel
has been fired, the sears or retaining devices e and e¹ are inactive and the split
extractor c is gradually forced out to the full distance by the plungers a and a¹,
which are assisted, if necessary, by the extractor-post g, or by an extractor-cam. If
both barrels have been fired, the plungers a and a¹ are held back by the sears or
retaining devices e and e¹, the split extractor being forced out by the extractor-post

page_text: or -cam to the usual distance, whereupon the sears or retaining devices are tripped,
the plungers liberated, and the cartridge-cases ejected. Inasmuch as each plunger
acts independently, only one barrel has been fired, only the empty cartridge-case is
ejected, as represented in Fig. 5.
Instead of sliding plungers, pivoted arms may be employed. Under such circum-
stances, when the gun is put together, the box or frame in which the arms are
mounted lies within a recess in the fore-end iron. The scars or retaining devices,
instead of being carried by the fore-end, may be modified in shape and carried by the
barrels. Separate levers or other means may be provided for effecting communication
between the sears or retaining devices and the locks. Two distinct extractors working
in separate holes may be used instead of a "split extractor." I prefer, however, the
general construction illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
For operating the sears or retaining devices, a sliding main-spring, a rod moved
forward by the tumbler, a slide such as used in other ejecting mechanisms for tripping
the ejector-sear, or a pivoted lever actuated by the tumbler may be employed in each
lock.
In Figs. 1 to 5, the sliding cocking rod serves both for cocking the lock and for
throwing the sear into bent. The sliding cocking rod, if not hooked to the tumbler,
may be kept away from the ejector-sear when the lock is cocked by a spring: it is
caused to move back to cock the gun by a cocking stud ¹ on the fore-end iron. The
cocking rod may also be used for tripping the ejector-sear. In Figs. 11 and 12, the
sear e is thrown into bent by a projection k¹ on the sliding main-spring k. In Figs. 14
and 15, the sear e is thrown into bent by the cocking lever m m through the instru-
mentality of the slide n. The arm m of the cocking lever works in a slot in the fore-
end iron. When the tumbler is cocked, the arm m of the cocking lever is supported-
by a projection m² on the tumbler; the slide n being thus kept away from the sear e
until the lever m m' is moved by the tumbler when the lock is liberated. In Figs. 16
The
and 17, the sear e is caused to snap into bent by an ordinary flat sear-spring o.
sear is held out of bent when the gun is closed and the lock cocked by the end p¹ of
the cocking rod p. When the cocking rod is withdrawn by the tumbler upon the
lock being liberated, the spring o causes the sear e to snap into bent. Whilst the
gun is being closed, the sear e is forced into the position shewn in Fig. 16 by
the inclined end of the sear-arm sliding against the end p¹ of the cocking rod In
Fig. 18, the sear e is thrown into bent by a slider caused to move to and fro by a
part of the lock as described in the specification to Holland & Robertson's Patent
No. 11,623 of 1887. The slider may, however, be operated by the locking bolt as
described in the specification to Grant's Patent No. 4,360 of 1888. In Fig. 19, the
sear e is thrown into bent by an independent rod s, which is driven forward by the
tumbler. In Fig. 21, upon the gun being closed after recharging, the sear e is caused
by the spring o to snap into bent; the other sear likewise snapping into bent. If the
gun be then opened without being fired, the split extractor c and the extractor-post g
serve to extract the cartridges. The movement of the split extractor, is, however,
limited to the movement imparted by the extractor-post g; the spring-actuated
plungers being held back. When the gun is fired, one of or both the plungers is
or are released at the termination of the opening movement in order to eject the
empty cartridge-case or -cases.
p.
In Figs. 1 to 5, 11, 14, 15, 18, and 19, the ejector-sear is tripped by a projection g'
on the extractor-post g; in Figs. 12 and 21, by a projection on the sliding main-
spring; and in Figs. 16 and 17, by contact with the stop t formed in the action-
body.
The devices described above for operating the ejector-sear are given by way of
example only, as any known means may be employed either for tripping the ejector-
sear or for throwing it into bent.
The extractor-post serves both to start the split extractor and to prevent the
5 split extractor from being driven out too far. The extractor-post is also utilized for
forcing back the split extractor at the commencement of the closing of the gun; the
closing movement being hereby greatly facilitated.

page_text: If the gun be fitted with loose strikers and non-rebounding locks, I provide a
spring-stop a² (Figs. 16 and 17) which is normally held out of action by contact with
the fore-end iron. Upon the removal of the fore-end, the spring-stop is released and
serves, when the barrels are separated from the stock, to control the movement of the
-spring-actuated plungers and so prevent the split extractor from being forced out far
enough to catch against the strikers whilst the gun is being put together with the
locks down.
The invention is applicable to single-barrel guns and rifles.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
1. The herein-described extracting and ejecting mechanism in which the ejector-
springs are carried by the barrels ; each part of the split extractor acting inde-
pendently to partially withdraw an empty cartridge-case whilst the corresponding
spring-mechanism is being held back preparatively to its sudden release at the
termination of the opening movement.
2. In a drop-down sporting gun or rifle, the combination, with a split extractor,
of two spring-actuated plungers carried by the barrels, each plunger being held
back by a sear or retaining device which is disengaged at the termination of the
opening of the gun or rifle to effect the ejection of the empty cartridge-case, sub-
stantially as described.
3. In drop-down sporting guns or rifles, the construction of each lock-mechanism
in such a manner that, upon the cartridge being fired, a sear or retaining device
is caused to engage with a spring-actuated plunger carried by the barrel or barrels,
substantially as described.
4. In the ejecting mechanism of a single or double barrel drop-down sporting
gun or rifle, the combination of a spring-actuated plunger or its equivalent carried
by the barrel or barrels with a sear or retaining device carried by the fore-end,
substantially as described.
5. In a drop-down sporting gun or rifle, the combination of a spring-actuated
plunger carried by the barrels and a sear or retaining device by which its movement
is controlled with the cocking rod h, substantially as described.
6. In a drop-down sporting gun or rifle, the combination of a spring-actuated
plunger carried by the barrels and a sear or retaining device by which its movement
is controlled with a sliding main-spring, substantially as described.
7. In a drop-down sporting gun or rifle, the combination of a spring-actuated
plunger carried by the barrels and a sear or retaining device by which its movement
is controlled with the cocking lever m m³ and the slide n, substantially as described.
8. In a drop-down sporting gun or rifle, the combination of a spring-actuated
plunger carried by the barrels and a sear or retaining device by which its movement
is controlled with the cocking rod p, substantially as described.
9. In a drop-down sporting gun or rifle, the combination of a spring-actuated
plunger carried by the barrels and a sear or retaining device by which its movement
is controlled with the slide r, substantially as described..
10. In a drop-down sporting gun or rifle, the combination of a spring-actuated
plunger carried by the barrels and a sear or retaining device by which its movement
is controlled with the rod s, substantially as described.
11. In a drop-down sporting gun or rifle, the combination, with the split
extractor c and the extractor-post g, of the spring-actuated plungers a and a' carried
by the barrels and the sears or retaining devices e and e¹ carried by the fore-end,
substantially as described.
Dated this 31st day of March 1890
JAMES W. SMALLMAN.