IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING AND OTHER FIRE-ARMS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING THE RIFLING OF the BARRELS THEREOF
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Willian Soper, of Reading, in the County of Berks, Gun
Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING AND
OTHER FIRE-ARMS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING THE RIFLING OF the
BARRELS THEREOF."
Sealed the 24th February 1880, and dated the 29th August 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Soper at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th August 1879.
« IM-
WILLIAM SOPER, of Reading, in the County of Berks, Gun Manufacturer.
PROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING AND OTHER FIRE-ARMS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR
FACILITATING THE RIFLING OF THE BARRELS THEREOF.
»
My Invention relates to fire-arms and comprises a peculiar combination of parts
whereby the opening of the breech, the cocking of the piece, and the extraction of
the empty cartridge shell are simultaneously effected by one movement of the hand
upon an arm or lever connected with the mechanism, and without materially
changing the position in which the piece is held when being fired.
The said. Iuvention also comprises an improvement in the rifling of the barrels of
fire-arms, and improved tools for the purpose of effecting the same.
The first part of the said Invention is specially designed with a view to secure
the advantages of the aforesaid simultaneous operations at a smaller cost than is
possible with the mechanism I have heretofore employed for the purpose, and which
is described in the Specifications of former Letters Patent granted to me and dated
AD. 1865, August 19, No. 2151, and A.D. 1868, November 30, No. 3637, and
this part of the said Invention is carried into practice as follows, that is to say:-
The mechanism is chiefly enclosed within a metal block or shoe which extends
downward at the rear of the barrel. The breech-block slides vertically within
this shoe, and is at its highest position when the piece is ready to be fired, the
said breech block being caused to descend when the exploded cartridge shell
has to be removed. I arrange the breech block to slide in such a manner that
its upper surface will project above the bevel surface of the breech shoe, so as to
prevent the gas escaping from a defective cartridge taking a rearward direction:
In one form of my said improvements a slot or groove is provided at the lower
part of each side of the breech block, being cut at right angles to the line of
motion of the latter, and these two grooves are each designed to receive a stud

page_text: or pin on the end of the two arms of a tumbler hereinafter described, which
arms draw down and push up the breech block when the aforesaid lever in con-
nection therewith is depressed and raised. The said tumbler is constructed and
arranged as follows, that is to say:-The two arms are connected at their lower
end by a tubular cross rod which is in one piece with them, and which is keyed
or otherwise secured upon a spindle in such a manner that any motion imparted
to the spindle is transmitted to the arm. The spindle is fitted in the aforesaid
breech-shoe and at right angles to the axis of the barrel, and one end extends
outside the said shoe, the aforesaid operating or main lever forming part of the
said spindle, and extending outside rearwardly to a convenient position to be
raised and depressed by the hand of the person using the piece. The said spindle
which is in one piece with the operating or main lever may be secured to the
tumbler by forming a square hole in the latter, and shaping the spindle to fit the
same, or by forming two wings or projections on the spindle, which wings fit into
a corresponding slot provided for the purpose in the tumbler, or it may be secured
in any other suitable manner. A short arm, also forming part of the said tubular
piece, extends therefrom in a downward direction, and carries a stud or pin which
enters a slot in a connecting rod, the other end of the said rod being attached to
the cock or hammer in such a manner that when the tumbler is operated to depress
the breech-block the said cock or hammer is drawn back. The aforesaid slot in the
connecting rod is provided in order that when the cock is drawn back to full or
half cock the breech-block may be returned to its upper position behind the
breech without operating the cock itself." It will thus be seen that the said
connecting rod acts in a similar manner to the corresponding rod described in the
Specification of said former Letters Patent, No. 2151, and which rod is therein
called a swivel, the said rod being also described in the Specification of said former
Letters Patent, No. 3637.
Upon the aforesaid tubular piece I provide a spur or projection, which is so
arranged that when the breech block has descended to the required distance the
said spur comes in contact with the cartridge-extractor and imparts to the latter
the necessary movement to draw out the cartridge. I provide at the lower end of
the cartridge extractor a projection with which the breech block or the said
connecting rod is arranged to come in contact at the proper moment, giving to
the said extractor a sudden jerk when the cartridge shell has been nearly with-
drawn, so that the latter is thus thrown completely out.
The same parts which cause the extractor to act to expel an exploded cartridge
also cause the extractor to return to its position without the assistance of an extra
spring.
The aforesaid connecting rod passes across the space within which the breech
block slides, I therefore cut an aperture in the lower part of the latter in order
that the said connecting rod shall not obstruct the passage of the breech block.
I wish it to be understood that I am aware that connecting rods or swivels of
other forms than those described in the Specifications of my said former Patents
have been employed, but so far as I know they have been in all cases connected
directly to the main lever, whereas according to my present improvements it will
be seen that the connecting rod is not directly connected thereto.
I also provide a cock or hammer of peculiar construction made as follows, that is
to say, the striking arm is preferably of rectangular form in transverse section.
From the striking face it is carried backward and downward in a curved form, so
as to admit of its passing freely through a slot provided for the purpose in the tail
of the breech shoe, which may be fitted so closely as to prevent dirt or foreign
matter from entering the lock. Near the striking face a comb or projection is
provided to admit of the. manipulation of the lock, without the operator being at the
same time compelled to operate the breech mechanism. The other end of the cock
is so arranged that the ordinary V-shaped main spring and swivel may be used
with it; it is also provided with notches of a similar pattern to those described in
the Specification of the aforesaid former Letters Patent, No. 3637; I may also form

page_text: the nose or striking part of the cock in such a manner as to effectually prevent the
breech-block being blown downward in the event of a defective cartridge being
used. A trigger of a somewhat similar construction to that described in the last
named former Specification is also employed.
The breech block may be held in position for firing by means of a lever mounted
on a pin within the breech-shoe at the lower rear part thereof. The upper part of
this lever is arranged to project through the rear surface of the slot or space in
which the breech block slides, so that when the block is in position for the firing of
the piece, the top of the said lever can be pressed forward underneath the block,
and when held in this position will entirely prevent the block from descending.
This lever may be arranged to act in connection with a breech trigger somewhat
similar to the one described in the Specification of our said former Letters Patent,
No. 3637. Or a spring may be fixed on the breech-shoe so as to act upon the
tumbler or the outside or main lever to prevent the breech block from falling unless
a considerable pressure should be applied to the said outside or main lever; in this
modification I dispense with the lever within the breech shoe and the breech-
trigger.
I may modify the construction and arrangement of the parts as follows, that is
to say,
may form in the body of the cock a suitably shaped recess to receive the
end of the said connecting rod, link, or swivel in a somewhat similar manner to that
usually employed in cocks or tumblers for the fixing of an ordinary swivel, and on
the end of the said connecting rod I form suitable pins, horns, or projections to fit
in the said recess, and on the other end of the connecting rod I form a hook or a
projection, the surface of which will be nearly at right angles to the said rod, and
by dividing the arm of the tumbler, or cutting a slot in the same, the said
connecting rod may work in the slot and be held in its position by a pin or screw.
Or I may employ a sliding bar with projections at either or both ends, the inner
surface of which will be at right angles or nearly so to the said rod, the object in
this modification being to prevent the connecting rod from oscillating.
I may also modify the construction of the tumbler by cutting a slot through the
breech block, and putting a pin or screw through the arins of the tumbler and the
said slot. Or I may fix pins in the breech block and provide the arms of
the tumbler with suitable grooves or slots within which the pins will work.
It will be seen that by means of the outside lever which is connected with the
parts described, and which has a flattened and roughened part at its free end, the
breech block, the extractor, and the cock or hammer are all conveniently and
simultaneously operated.
By the arrangement of the parts according to my said Invention, the lock
mechanism may be protected from the foul matter which escapes from a defective
cartridge, and from sand, dirt, or other foreign matter which might otherwise
impede its action.
My said improvements relating to the rifling of the barrels of fire-arms is carried
into practice as follows, that is to say-By means of a tool, hereinafter described,
I shape the cutting surface of the rifling cutter in such a manner, that it shall
exactly conform to the segment of a circle whose circumference would be precisely
the same as that which the projectile is intended to have when it leaves the muzzle
of the barrel. In the surface of the cutter I provide one or more grooves in a
longitudinal direction, and preferably V-shaped, in order that when the cutter is
used for rifling the barrel, two or more grooves may be formed in the said barrel
at one operation. By this means I avoid the angles on the outside surface of the
projectile, which angles I believe to be objectionable in the well known "Henry"
rifle, and I not only retain the advantage of cutting two grooves at the same time
as the said "Henry" rifle, but I am enabled to cut three or more grooves at the
one operation; and I thereby obtain the advantage of a poly-grooved rifle at a
much less cost than is practicable by any methods heretofore employed.
An important feature of my improvements in rifling is that I obtain a number of
small angular lands or projections in the barrel serviceable for cutting the paper

page_text: envelope or covering of the projectile, and I also am enabled at the same time to.
form broad lands or projections, one of which may be between each two of the said
angular lands, or there may be two or more of the latter between each two of the
said broad bands.
For constructing the aforesaid rifling cutters I provide a tool which can
be fixed to turn freely between the two centres of an ordinary lathe. This
tool is formed with a slot or groove of suitable shape to receive the said rifling
cutter, so that when in its place it can be held by a screw or other device during
the operation of grinding the front or cutting surface of the rifling cutter. This
operation may be performed in a lathe, as before described, by bringing an emery
wheel in contact with the surface required to be ground, during which operation
the said tool carrying the rifling cutter can be sufficiently turned to and fro so as to
admit of the surface being correctly shaped, this being a matter of great importance.
The said cutter may be provided with one or more grooves before it is hardened,
preferably by means of small cutters in an ordinary milling machine, the rifling
cutter being held in a suitable holder.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Soper in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 28th February.
«IM-,
↓
1880.
WILLIAM SOPER, of Reading, in the County of Berks, Gun Manufacturer.
PROVEMENTS IN BREECH-LOADING AND OTHER FIRE-ARMS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR
FACILITATING THE RIFLING OF THE BARRELS THEREOF."
My Invention relates to improvements in fire-arms, and comprises a peculiar
combination of parts, whereby the opening of the breech, the cocking of the piece,
and the extraction of the empty cartridge shell are simultaneously effected by one
movement of the hand upon an arm or lever at the side of the gun without
materially changing the position in which the same is held when being fired.
The said Invention also comprises an improvement in the rifling of the barrels
of fire-arms, and improved tools for effecting such rifling.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section on the line x, x, Figure 6, of the breech.
mechanism of a fire arm constructed according to the first part of my Invention.
Figures 2 and 3 are similar views of the said breech-mechanism on the lines x, x',
and x, x, of the same Figure and,
Figure 4 is an underside view of a portion of the same.
Figure 5 is a side view of the breech of the said fire arm.
Figures 6 and 6 are transverse sections of the said breech mechanism on the
lines
y, y, y, y, Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a transverse section of the breech shoe on the line y², y², Figure.1,
shewing the rear face of the aperture in which the breech block slides and,
Figure 8 is a transverse section of the said breech-shoe on the line y³, y³, Figure 1,,
looking towards the front end of the gun.
Figure 9 is a front view.
Figure 10 is a rear or back view, and,
Figure 11 a longitudinal section of the breech block of my improved fire arm.
Figure 12 is a rear view of the breech tumbler detached, and,
Figure 13 is a longitudinal section of the said breech tumbler.
Figure 14 is a longitudinal section similar to Figure 2, shewing slight modi-
fications in the construction of the breech mechanism of my improved fire arm, and,
Figure 15 is a longitudinal section of the said breech mechanism on the line z, z,
Figure 6, shewing the said modifications, and,
.
Figure 16 is a side view of a portion of the same detached.
Figures 17 and 18 are transverse sections drawn to an enlarged scale, and
illustrating my improved manner of rifling the barrel of a fire arm.
Figure 19 shews my improved rifling tool in side view in an ordinary cutter box.
Figure 20 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the manner of grinding
the said rifling tool.
. Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawings.
a represents the barrel; b the stock; c the breech shoe; d the breech block;
e the trigger-plate; f the cock or hammer; g the main spring; h the main-trigger;
the striker or firing pin; j the extractor; k the breech tumbler, and the
operating lever. The remaining parts are hereinafter described.
The first part of the said Invention is more especially designed with the view to
secure the advantages of the aforesaid simultaneous operations more conveniently,
and with a smaller cost than is practicable with the mechanism I have heretofore
employed for the purpose, and described in the Specifications of my former Letters,
Patent, dated August 19th, A.D. 1865, No. 2151, November 30th, A.D. 1868,
No. 3637, and August 31st, A.D. 1877, No. 3327.

page_text: This part of the said Invention is carried into practice as follows, that is to
sayThe mechanism is chiefly enclosed within the metal breech-block or shoe c,
which extends downward at the rear of the barrel a. The breech block d slides
vertically within this shoe, and is in its highest position when the piece is ready to
be fired, the said breech-block being caused to descend when the exploded cartridge
shell has to be removed and a fresh one inserted. I arrange the said breech block d
to slide in such a manner that its upper surface d' will project above the level
surface of the breech shoe c, so as to prevent the escape of gas in a rearward
direction from a defective cartridge.
According to one form of my said improvements a slot. or groove d² is formed in
each side of the breech-block near the lower end of the same, the said grooves
being, cut at right angles to the line of motion of the said breech-block; each of
the said grooves is adapted to receive a stud or pin on the end of an arm 2 of
the tumbler. By reason of this arrangement of the said grooves in relation to
the arms the said arms 2 will depress or elevato the breech block d by direct
pressure, when the aforesaid lever in connection with the tumbler k is depressed
or raised. The said breech.tumbler is constructed and arranged as follows, that
is to say-The two arms are connected at their lower end by a tubular
transverse part ³, which is formed solidly or in one piece with them, as shewn in
Figures 12 and 13, and keyed or otherwise secured upon the spindle in such a
manner that the arms 3 participate in any motion imparted to the latter. The
said spindle extends through the breech-shoe c at right angles to the axis of the
barrel; one of its ends outside the said shoe. carries the operating lever which is
formed on or attached to the said spindle, and extends rearward to a convenient
position to be raised and depressed by the hand of the person using the fire-arm.
The spindle may be square and fitted to a square hole in the tumbler k, or I may
form on the said spindle two wings or projections, which fit into a corresponding
slot provided for the purpose in the tumbler, or the latter may be secured to the
spindle in any other suitable manner. I prefer however to form a flat or elongated
hole in the part of the said tumbler, and to form that part of the spindle which
passes through the same of corresponding shape as shewn in the Drawings, and
I secure the said spindle in the tumbler k by a set screw *, which by a half turn
will release the spindle and allow it to be withdrawn from the said tumbler. The
portions of the said spindle which extend through the breech-shoe are so fitted in
the same as to permit its being freely turned by the main or operating lever l.
A short arm, also forming part of the breech tumbler, extends downward from
the part 3, and carries a stud or pin which enters a slot m¹in a connecting
rod m, whose other end is attached to the cock or hammer fin such a manner that
when the tumbler is operated to depress the breech-block the said cock or
hammer will be drawn-back. The slot. m' in the connecting rod m is provided in
order that when the cock has been drawn back to full or half-cock, the breech-
block may be returned to its upper position behind the breech without operating
the said cock.
In Figure 1 I have shewn the connecting rod m attached to the cock f by
forming in the body of the latter a suitably shaped recess to receive the end of the
said connecting rod, link, or swivel in a somewhat similar manner to that usually
employed in cocks or tumblers for the fixing of an ordinary swivel, and on the end
of the said connecting rod I form suitable pins, horns, or projectious m² to fit in
the said recess.
Upon the aforesaid tubular part 3 of the breech tumbler & I provide a spur or
projection which is so arranged that when the breech-block & has been depressed
to the required distance the said spur will come in contact with the cartridge-
extractor, and impart to the latter the necessary movement to draw out the
cartridge I provide at the lower end of the cartridge-extractor j a short arm or
projection with which the breech block or the said connecting rod is arranged to
come in contact at the proper moment to give to the said extractor a sudden sharp

page_text: movement or jerk whereby the cartridge shell, which has been partially withdrawn
as above described, is completely ejected from the gun.
In order to facilitate the return of the said extractor to its normal position the
recess d, in which the end j¹ of the extractor enters when the breech block is fully
depressed, is so formed that the said extractor will be moved towards the barrel.
when the said breech block commences to rise; the said extractor is moreover
formed with an inclined portion with which the inclined surface on the upper
part of the breech block will engage when the latter is raised, so that the said
extractor if not carried back to its normal position by the action of the recess c³ on
its end will be fully returned to its normal position by the said inclined surfaces
without the assistance of an extra spring.
.
As the aforesaid connecting rod m extends through the lower part of the space
within which the breech block slides, I provide for the free movement of the said
breech block by forming an aperture d in the lower part of the latter, so that the
said connecting rod will not obstruct or interfere with its movement.
The cock or hammer f which strikes the firing pin i to explode the cartridge in
my improved fire-arm is constructed as follows, that is to say:-The striking.arm
fof the cock is preferably of rectangular form in transverse section, and from its
striking face is carried backward and downward in a curved form, as shewn, so as
to permit it to pass freely through a slot provided for the purpose in the tail of the
breech-shoe c; the said curved part may be fitted so closely within the said slot as
to prevent the entrance of dirt or foreign matter to the lock. Near the striking
face of the said cock a comb or projection f is provided thereon to permit the
operator to adjust the cock without affecting or changing the position of the breech-
mechanism. The other end of the cock is so arranged that the ordinary V-shaped
main spring g and the swivel n may be used in connection therewith. It is
provided with notches, or with a notched tumbler o formed in one piece with, or
separately, from the said cock; and an important feature of this part of my Inven-
tion is the placing of the said tumbler at one side or out of the plane of the cock or
hammer for the purpose of permitting the cock to strike the firing pin exactly in
line with the axis of the barrel. I prefer to form the nose or striking part of the
said cock with a projection f* which, when the piece is fired, enters a recess (7*
formed in the breech block below the nipple, as shewn in Figure 1, in such a manner
as to effectually prevent the said breech block from being forced downward by the
escape of gas from a defective cartridge, or otherwise.
The arrangement of the said projection for holding the cock below the nipple
permits the cutting away of the upper part of the breech block at 7º, and the arm
is thereby conveniently adapted for the use of an ordinary suap cap for the purpose
of instruction or drill. The trigger forming part of my improved breech-
mechanism is of the peculiar form shewn, and somewhat similar in its action to
that described in the Specification of the last named Letters Patent.
"
In order to prevent the accidental displacement or falling of the breech block I
in some cases fix a spring upon the breech shoe c to act upon the said breech block
or upon the tumbler k; or a spring may be arranged in connection with the outside
or main lever to prevent the falling of the said breech block, unless a considerable
pressure should be applied to the said main lever. de represents a slot which is
formed in each side of the breech. block, and into which pins or studs on the breech
shoe are arranged to enter and act as stops to limit the movements of the said
breech block.
the same.
In Figures 14, 15, and 16, I have shewn other convenient means for retaining the
breech block in position for tiring, and preventing the accidental misplacement of
For this purpose I employ a lever or latch mounted on a pin p¹ within
the breech shoe c at the lower rear portion thereof, as shewn. The upper portion p
of this lever is arranged to project through the rear surface of the aperture or space
in which the breech block & slides, so that when the said block is in position for
the firing of the piece the top of the said lever can be pressed forward underneath

page_text: the block and into a recess in the same, as shewn in Figure 15; so that when in
this position it will entirely prevent the descent of the block. This lever p' is
arranged to act in connection with a breech trigger q, as shewn, and which is
somewhat similar in construction and action to that described in the Specification
of my said former Letters Patent, No. 3637, and No. 3327.
Instead of forming the rod m with a slot m¹, as hereinbefore described, I may
modify the same by forming it with a hook or a projection, the surface of which
will be nearly at right angles to the said rod, the said projection being arranged to
work in the slot of the tumbler and be held in its position in the same by a pin
or screw.
In Figures 14, 15, and 16, I have shewn the sliding bar or connecting rod m pro-
vided with projections m² at both ends, the inner surface of the said projections being
at right angles or nearly so to the said rod. The object of this arrangement is to
prevent the oscillation of the connecting rod.
I also in some cases modify the construction of the breech tumbler c by cutting a
slot through the breech block d, and passing a pin or screw through the arms of
the tumbler and the said slot; or I may fix pins in the breech block, and provide
the arms of the tumbler with suitable grooves or slots, within which the said pins
will work.
It will be obvious from the above description that by means of the outside lever /
which is connected with the parts as above described, and which has a flattened
and roughened part 2 at its free end, the breech block d, the extractor j, and the
cock or hammer f may be all conveniently and simultaneously operated.
By the arrangement of the parts according to my said Invention the lock
mechanism may be protected from the foul matter which escapes from a defective
cartridge, and from sand, dirt, or other foreign matter which might otherwise
impede its action.
My said improvements relating to the rifling of the barrels of fire arms is carried
into practice as follows, that is to say:-By means of a tool, hereinafter described,
I shape the cutting surface of the rifling cutter in such a manner that it shall
exactly conform to the segment of a circle, whose circumference is precisely the
same as that which the projectile is intended to have when it leaves the muzzle of
the barrel. In the surface of the cutter I provide one or more grooves r¹ in a longi-
tudinal direction, and preferably V-shaped, in order that when the cutter is used
for rifling the barrel two or more grooves may be formed in the said barrel at one
operation, as shewn in Figure 17. By these means I avoid the angles on the outside
surface of the projectile, which angles I believe to be objectionable in the well
known "
Henry" rifle, and I not only retain the advantage of cutting two grooves
at the same time, as in the said " Henry" rifle, but I am enabled to cut three or
more grooves at the one operation, and I thereby obtain the advantage of a poly-
grooved rifle at a cost considerably less than is practicable by any method hereto-
fore employed.
An important feature of my improvements in rifling is that I can obtain a
number of small angular lands or projections in the barrel serviceable for cutting
the paper envelope or covering of the projectile, and I also am enabled at the same
time to form broad lands or projections s¹, one of which may be between each two
of the said angular lands s, as shewn in Figure 18, or there may be two or more of
the latter between each two of the said broad lands. The said tool is sharpened by
grinding the surface *.
For constructing the aforesaid rifling cutters I provide a tool t, which can be
fixed to turn freely between the two centres u of an ordinary lathe. This tool is
formed with a slot or groove of suitable shape to receive the said rifling cutter r,
so that when in its place it can be held by a screw t¹ or other device during the
operation of grinding the front or cutting surface of the rifling cutter.
operation may be performed in a lathe by bringing an emery wheel v in contact
with the surface to be ground, during which operation the said tool carrying the
This

page_text: rifling cutter r can be turned sufficiently to and fro so as to allow its surface to be
correctly shaped, this being a matter of great importance. The said cutter may be
provided with one or more grooves before it is hardened, preferably by means of
small cutters in an ordinary milling machine, the rifling cutter being held in a
suitable holder.
Having thus fully described my said Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, I wish it understood that I claim,―
First. In a fire arm which has a breech block not hinged or pivotted but sliding
vertically to open and close the breech, the combination of a lever arranged at the
side of the gun, with the parts or devices substantially as set forth, whereby the
opening of the breech, the cocking of the gun, and the extraction of the cartridge-
shell may be offected by one downward movement or depression of the said lever.
Second. Providing the cock or hammer of my improved fire-arm with the notched
tumbler or series of notches at the side of the same, arranged in combination with
an ordinary main-spring, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Third. The lip or projection on the said cock in combination with the recess in
the breech block below the nipple, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Fourth. The tumbler with its horns or projections fitted into the grooves in the
side of the vertically sliding breech block, and with its axis or spindle so arranged
in combination with the said breech-block that the latter will be depressed by the
direct downward action of the said horns when the tumbler is turned on its axis, as
above set forth.
Fifth. The peculiar construction and arrangement of the breech tumbler, whereby
the same is capable of operating simultaneously and directly the breech-block, the
extractor, and the connecting rod which actuates the cock, substantially as above
set forth.
Sixth. The extractor provided at its lower end with a short arm arranged in
combination with the vertically sliding breech-block, whereby the latter in rising
will actuate the said extractor, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Seventh. The devices for preventing the accidental depression of the aforesaid
Bide or hand lever, arranged and operating substantially as set forth.
Eighth. The improved mechanism comprising the lock and breech action, con-
sisting of the parts above described and shewn in the accompanying Drawing, and
operating as set forth for the purposes specified.
Ninth. The improved form of rifling, wherein I provide the small angular land
ΟΙ lands or projections in the grooves between the broad lands in the barrel, as
above described and shewn in the accompanying Drawing, and for the purpose
specified.
Tenth. The improved rifling tool with longitudinal grooves therein, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Soper, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord One
WILL. SOPER. (L.S.)