Improvements in Magazine Small Arms.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Mar., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 27th Dec., 1893-Accepted, 3rd. Feb., 1894
TRUVIDIUNA DI BUITRATION.
Improvements in Magazine Small Arms.
A communication by DUNCAN EDMUND GRANT, of 14, St. Amable Street, Quebec,
in the Province of Quebec and Dominion of Canada, Manufacturer.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street,
Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster, and 323, High Holborn, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows :-
This invention consists in certain improvements in the magazine and the
operating mechanism of breech-loading fire arms, whereby a gun may be constructed
which can be operated with great rapidity as a single shot weapon, while the
contents of the magazine are held in reserve; and can also be fired continuously as
a repeater until the magazine is exhausted, without shifting the grip of either hand
on the gun, and without removing the gun from the shoulder, the finger from the
trigger, or the eye from the object aimed at ; and which will at all times distinctly
indicate by the position of the cover of the feed opening whether the magazine is
in, or out of gear; and which will also always show how many cartridges there are
at the time in the magazine..
All the mechanism is enclosed within the frame or casing of the gun, and thereby
protected from rain, snow, or dust.
The discharge opening is closed by an automatic sliding cover attached to the
breech-bolt carriage and travelling with it.
The feed opening is closed by an independent sliding cover, which also operates
the magazine "cut off," throwing the magazine into action when slid forward so as
to close the opening, and throwing it out of gear when drawn backward so as to
uncover the opening.
This arrangement is specially of advantage for military arms, as, by making the
cover conspicuous either by form, or by being coloured differently from the casing,
the magazine cannot be used without that fact being clearly indicated, and the
company officers are thereby enabled to control tbe consumption of ammunition.
There are two triggers, the right-hand one operating the hammer or firing-pin,
and the left-hand one serving as a latch to prevent the movement of the heel-plate
and consequently of the mechanism, should the pressure of the gun against the
shoulder be relaxed.
A "safety," by means of which both triggers may be simultaneously locked, so as
to prevent their accidental movement, is placed within the rear end of the trigger-
guard where it can be conveniently operated by the right hand, and is at the same
time securely protected by the trigger-guard, and the fingers of the right hand as
they grasp the "grip" of the gun.
The spring of the firing-pin, which forms the hammer or striking apparatus, is
only put under tension during the locking of the breech-bolt, and the connection
between the trigger and the sear, which travels with the breech-bolt, is not
completed until the breech-bolt is locked, so that discharge of the cartridge before
the breech is locked is impossible.
The magazine is a revolving one, but instead of being`placed eccentric with the
barrel, it is placed concentric with the barrel, and the cartridges are fed from it by
gravity into a receiver passing through its centre from whence they are transferred
to the barrel by the breech-bolt; and the empty shell when withdrawn from the
barrel is discharged from the receiver by gravity through one of the chambers, or
compartments of the magazine.

page_text: The magazine shown in the drawings has seven compartments, but it may be
made with either a greater or smaller number.
By means of a figure on the magazine which is visible through the feed opening
in the casing, and which changes with each reduction of the contents of the
magazine, the number of cartridges contained in the magazine at the time is always
indicated.
In the accompanying drawings,—
Figure 1 is a side elevation of this improved gun;
Figure 2, a vertical sectional view, with some of the parts in elevation, of that
portion of the gun enclosed by the bracket 2-3, Figure 1;
Figure 3, a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the same with the mechanism
in the position it assumes when the empty shell has been withdrawn from the barrel
and discharged from the receiver.
Figure 4, a longitudinal sectional view of that portion of the gun embraced by
the bracket 4-5, Figure 1, this view being a continuation of the view illustrated
in Figure 2;
Figure 5, a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the same with the parts in a
position corresponding to the position of the parts represented in Figure 3, of which
figure this is a continuation.
Figures 6, 7 and 8 are vertical transverse sectional views taken on the lines 6-6 ;
7-7 and 8-8 of Figure 3.
Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figures 6 and 7.
Figures 10 and 11 are end views of the oscillating receiver;
Figure 12, a side view of the rotatable magazine ;
Figure 13, a vertical longitudinal sectional view through the breech-bolt, its
carriage and attendant parts;
Figure 14, a front end view of the same;
Figure 15, a vertical transverse sectional view of the same on the line 15-15 of
Figure 13;
Figure 16, a horizontal sectional view on the line 16-16 of Figure 19, taken
through the rear end of the breech-bolt ;
Figure 17, a longitudinal sectional view showing the manner of pivoting the
extractor;
Figure 18, a top plan view of the firing-pin carriage or block;
Figure 19 is a transverse sectional view on the line 19-19 of Figures 2 and 16;
Figure 20, a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the tube or hollow block in
which the breech-bolt is mounted ;
Figure 21, a vertical transverse sectional view of the same on the line 21-21 of
Figure 10;
Figure 22, a rear end view of the same;
Figure 23, a side view of a portion of the gun showing the opening through
which the magazine is rotated by hand.
Figure 24 is a plan view of the trigger-guard plate; and
Figure 25, a plan view of the safety device.
A, Figures 4 and 5, indicates the butt made in the form of a sleeve to encircle
the rear end of the stock B; C, Figures 2 and 3, is the main frame or casing of the
gun D, Figures 2 and 3, the barrel; E, the ridge formed or placed above
the barrel and within which the cleaning rod is placed; and E', Figure 3, is the
fore end.
Secured to the end of the butt or sleeve A is a heel plate E³, Figures 4 and 5, to
which is secured the rear end of a bar E³ which will preferably be made tubular
throughout a portion of its length, as shown in Figure 5.
This bar or rod E3 is encircled by a coiled spring Et, which bears at one end
against the inner face of the heel-plate, and at its opposite end against a shoulder E'
which forms the bottom of a socket or recess E³ made in the rear end of the
stock B, the tendency of the spring being to keep the parts distended as shown in
Figure 5.

page_text: The bar or rod E³ extends forwardly through a hole or opening E', formed in
the stock, and is connected at its forward end by means of a pin or screw a,
Figures 3 and 13, with the rear end of the reciprocating firing-pin carriage F,
which latter is mounted in the breech-bolt carriage I, Figures 3, 13, 14 and 15.
This carriage I, as shown in said figures, comprises the two side plates a¹ a¹,
having on their inner faces the ribs or flanges a³, and connected at their forward
lower ends by a cross bar a³.
On its upper face or top, the carriage I is provided with two circular or ring-
shaped projections a* and a', which are perforated to receive the rear end of the
breech-bolt G, as clearly shown in Figures 3, 13 and 16.
The extreme rear end of the breech-bolt G is threaded externally to receive a
nut a, Figures 2, 3, 13 and 16, which, by bearing against the rear face of the
collar a and drawing the annular flange a' of the breech-bolt against the front face
of the ring a, securely locks the breech bolt to its carriage and prevents any
longitudinal movement of the one in relation to the other.
Mounted loosely upon the breech-bolt G between the collars at and as, is a
wheel as, Figures 3, 13, 14, 15 and 16, which has a series of arms or projections aº,
and a pin or stud a10, for a purpose presently explained.
To prevent any movement of the breech-bolt carriage, except when the gun is
being operated, a latch or trigger O, Figures 2 and 3, is provided.
This trigger is a lever pivoted to the trigger-guard platej by the pin j³, with the
forward end urged upward by the rear end of a spring 10, Figure 3, the
arrangement being such that, when in the act of loading, the trigger is passed under
both carriages, and reaches the rear end of the firing-pin carriage, it is raised by
the spring into engagement with the rear end of the firing-pin carriage, as shown
in Figure 2, and prevents any movement of the coiled spring E* or the mechanism
of the gun, should the pressure of the gun against the shoulder be relaxed.
Projecting from the left hand side of the head of the trigger is a lug j³,
Figures 2 and 3, for the reception of which, when the breech-bolt carriage passes
over the head of the trigger, a recess is cut in the floor of the trigger-guard plate,
as shown at 3, Figure 24.
This lug, by bearing on the lower edge of the left hand wall of the breech-bolt
carriage prevents the trigger O from being raised by the spring '10 until it
reaches the rear end of the firing-pin carriage, as shown in Figure 2.
The breech-bolt G is made hollow, as shown in Figures 3, 13 and 16, to receive
the firing-pin H, which in turn is mounted in the firing-pin carriage F, which
latter, as before stated, is connected to the forward end of the rod or bar E³, and
adapted to slide longitudinally with reference to the breech-bolt carriage a limited
distance.
This firing-pin carriage frame or block F has a vertically extending arm b, which
is provided with a forwardly extending portion b¹ designed to fit and slide within
the bore of the breech-bolt, as shown in Figures 3, 13, 15 and 16, the lower side of
the breech-bolt being slotted or cut away at its end as shown at 62, Figures 13
and 16, to allow the upright arm to move back and forth therein.
The firing pin H is provided at its rear end with a head or enlargement, and
toward its forward end with a collar or nut 6', which passes loosely through the
forwardly projecting portion 6' of the carriage.F, and moves freely in the bore of
the breech-bolt.
A coiled spring ³ encircles the firing-pin, and bears at its forward end against
the nut or block, and at its rear end against the portion 6' of the firing-pin
carriage.
In the upper face of the main body of the firing-pin carriage F, there is formed
an inclined groove or cam way 6, Figures 13 and 18, into which the pin or stud a¹º,
Figure 15, of the wheel a³ enters.
From this it will be seen that, as the firing-pin carriage F is reciprocated
relatively to the breech-bolt carriage, or vice versa, the pin or stud a¹⁰ working in

page_text: the inclined groove & will turn or rotate the wheel as in one direction or the other
according to the direction of movement of the carriage F or the carriage I.
The firing-pin carriage F is further provided with a lever or rocking dog J,
Figures 3, 13, 14 and 15, which bears at its lower end upon the floor bottom or
cross-bar of the breech-bolt carriage I, the dog being held in such position by
means of a spring c which is coiled about the axis of the lever and has one end
extended forward to bear upon the lever, while the other end bears against a pin c¹,
which passes through the carriage F and projects into the slots 2 formed in the
side walls of the breech-bolt carriage for the purpose of limiting the movement of
the carriage F with reference to the carriage I to the length of the said slots c², as
clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3.
When the breech-bolt carriage moves forward relatively to the firing-pin
carriage, or the firing-pin, carriage F moves rearward relatively to the breech-bolt
carriage I, the nose or lower end of the dog J will ride off the cross-bar a³ or
bottom plate of the carriage I, and will, by the action of its spring c, be thrown
downward so as to engage the rear wall of said cross-bar a³, as clearly shown in
Figure 3, thus preventing any forward movement of the firing-pin carriage
independently of the breech-bolt carriage, or any rearward motion of the breech-bolt
carriage relatively to the firing-pin carriage.
Projecting from the rear face of the flange e of the tubular shell or casing K,
Figures 3 and 20, is a pin i adapted to enter the firing-pin carriage as the gun is
drawn against the shoulder in the act of loading, and to pass between the roof of
the carriage and the upper end of the lever J, so as to tilt the latter, and throw
its lower end out of engagement from the floor of the breech-bolt carriage I, as
indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 2.
The hollow breech-bolt G is provided, at its forward end, with a lateral pin or
stud c³, shown in Figure 14, and is also provided with longitudinal laterally
extending flanges c', between which the extractor e is pivoted, as shown in
Figures 2, 14 and 17.
This extractor e is connected at its rear end to a spring co, also mounted between
the flanges e as shown in Figure 17, the forward end of the spring where it is
connected with the extractor being slotted vertically and horizontally, so as to
afford a sliding connection between the extractor and the spring.
Upon reference to Figure 16, it will be observed that the conical nut a, before
referred to, is slotted on the right hand side as at d, to receive the sear d', whose.
rear end is adapted to engage the head or enlargement d³ of the firing-pin. The
sear dis designed to be rocked and to be thrown out of engagement with the
firing-pin, by means of a lever d pivoted in the casing of the gun, as shown in
Figure 16, the said lever d being adapted to be actuated by means of an
upright arm d³, Figures 3 and 16, which works between the rear end of said
lever and the tubular shell K, into and through which the breech-bolt moves
back and forth.
The arm do just referred to, which is shown in Figures 3, 16 and 19, is secured
to the forward end of the trigger L, Figures 2, 3 and 19, so that, when it is
desired to fire the gun, it is only necessary to pull the trigger L and move the upper
end of the arm do forwardly and thereby rock or tip lever d', which in turn rocks
or tips the sear d' and throws the latter out of engagement with the firing-pin.
As soon as the firing-pin is thus released, the spring ³, which was put under
compression when the breech-bolt carriage 1 moved backward relatively to the
carriage F, immediately carries the firing-pin forward and effects the discharge of
the gun.
The trigger L is pivoted to the trigger-guard plate at k, Figure 3, and its
forward end engages with a flat spring k¹, shown by dotted lines in Figure 3,
which returns the trigger to its normal position after it has been pulled.
The safety device P, Figures 2, 3 and 25, consists of three pieces, an upper
plate l, a flat spring 1', and a lower plate, which are riveted or otherwise fastened
together as shown.
A

page_text: The upper plate slides in grooves formed in the trigger-guard plate, and
when "on" projects over the rear ends of both triggers and prevents their
movement.
The spring, which is slightly curved outward, holds the safety stationary in
the different positions in which it is placed, by pressing on the trigger-guard plate,
while the lower plate l' has formed on it a handle, and is so arranged that its
rear end, which projects under a portion of the casing of the gun, acts as a
cover for the opening into the interior of the casing when the safety device is
pushed forward.
The tubular shell K, which has been referred to before, is shown in
longitudinal section in Figures 2, 3, 16 and 20, and in transverse section in
Figures 21 and 22.
Upon reference to these figures, it will be observed that a slot, of a width of
about one-fourth the circumference of the shell, is cut in the lower side, from
the flange at the forward end to the rear end which rests against the casing of
the gun.
The shell is provided at a point between its ends, on its exterior, with a lateral
projection or flange e which forms a brace for the circular casing C, and a bearing
for the lever d, Figure 16, and for the cut-off spring hereinafter referred to.
The rear end of shell K is seated in a recess made to receive it in the frame of
the gun, while its forward end is provided with a recessed flange or head e which
fits upon a shoulder formed on the rear face of the cross walle rigidly affixed in
position within the gun case or frame, (see Figure 16).
The main body of the shell or casing K is slotted or cut away on its under side
as described above and as shown at e2, Figures 20, 21 and 22, so as to allow of the
passage of the connections between the breech-bolt and its carriage as the gun is
moved in relation to the breech-bolt.
It will also be noticed, upon reference to Figures 20 and 22, that the inner face
of the shell or casing is, for the greater part of its length, provided with
longitudinally extending grooves e which correspond in size, position and number
with the arms or projections a' formed upon the wheel as of the breech-bolt
carriage, the construction and arrangement being such that, when the arms a are
brought opposite the grooves in the shell or casing K, the breech-bolt and
attendant mechanism may move relatively to the said shell or casing K, or vice
versa; but, when the arms a' of the said wheel are brought into line with the ways
or ribs e, longitudinal movement of the breech-bolt and its carriage relatively to
the shell or casing K, or vice versa, is prevented.
M, Figure 12, indicates a rotary or rotatable magazine, which comprises two
rings and connected by the bars 2. The bars fare V-shaped in cross
section, are larger at one end than at the other, and are separated a distance
from each other equal to the width of the cartridge, as clearly shown in Figures 6
and 7.
Along the edge of each bar is a longitudinal flange or web f³, all of the webs
of said bars except one being provided with a transverse slot, as clearly shown
in Figures 6 and 12, to allow the end of a screw ƒ³, shown in Figure 6, to project
into the slot.
From this arrangement it will be seen that; when the magazine is rotated or
turned around to such a point that the bar, not having the groove, comes in contact
with the screw, the latter will prevent further rotation of the magazine in that
direction.
The magazine is journalled concentric with the barrel, the front ring f, Figure 6,
being seated in a circular recess in a block f secured rigidly in position within the
frame of the gun, as clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3, while the rear ring,
which is seated in a similar recess in the transverse wall e', Figures 1 and 2, is
provided on its outer edge with a series of notches or recesses f', Figure 12, corre-
sponding in number and position to the ribs or bars of the said magazine; the

page_text: said ring or end piece f¹ being further provided with a series of ratchet teeth f³,
Figure 7, on its inner face or circumference for a purpose presently explained.
The notches or recesses f7 cut in the periphery of the rear ring f' are adapted
to receive the V-shaped pawl or dog f, Figures 2, 3 and 7, which is urged upward
and held in engagement with the ring by means of a flat spring f10, the engage-
ment being such that, while the magazine is prevented from accidental rotation by
the pawl or dog, yet the latter is readily depressed and thrown out of engagement
with the notch when the magazine is turned or rotated in the proper manner.
On the rear face of the forward ring f¹are placed the figures 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0,
(see Figure 6) which show the number of cartridges in the magazine.
When the magazine is full, the figure 5 is visible through the feed opening,
indicating that that number of cartridges is then in the magazine, and as, each time
the magazine rotates a space, the number of cartridges in the magazine is reduced
by one cartridge dropping into the receiver, the figure that is visible to the eye is
changed correspondingly.
By this means, the figure visible at any time through the feed opening indicates
the number of cartridges that are at that time remaining in the magazine.
Through the centre of the magazine passes the receiver N, Figures 2, 3, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10 and 11, which is also journalled concentric with the barrel; the front portion
of said magazine being supported by the block f6, while the rear end is supported
by the transverse cross wall e¹.
This receiver, as will be seen upon reference to Figure 7, forms the inner side or
wall of the compartments for the cartridges; the cup-shaped portion fo of the
casing forms the outer side of these compartments, while the bars f2 form the
division walls.
In the longitudinal slot g in the outer face of the receiver is secured the spring
pawl g', Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, which, when in the position shown in
Figure 7, engages whichever tooth f of the magazine happens to be opposite it.
In the rear face of the cross wall e¹ is cut a broad groove in which is mounted a
cut-off plate g², which has an opening sufficiently wide to permit the head of the
receiver to pass freely through it and long enough to admit of a transverse move-
ment of the plate relatively to the head of the receiver, as is more clearly
illustrated in Figure 8.
The lower end of this central slot or opening in the plate g² is cut on the same
radius as the head of the receiver N, while the upper end of the plate is fashioned
into or provided with a pin or stud 93 which passes through an aperture in the
casing of the gun and enters a slot g' formed on the inner face of the sliding
cover g, as clearly shown in Figures 8 and 9.
It will be noticed, upon reference to Figure 9, that this slot g' in the under face
of the cover g' has the form of a cam or is inclined, so that, when the cover is
moved backward, the cut-off plate may be raised to the position shown in
Figures 8 and 9, by means of its spring go, Figures 3 and 8, but, when the cover is
slid forward, the plate will be moved inward, or depressed against the tension of its
spring 96.
When this plate is in the position shown in Figures 8 and 9, the lower wall of its
slot or central opening bears against the spring pawl g¹ and holds the said pawl
within its slot g and out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 8 on the inner face
of the ring, f; but, when the cover is slid forward and the plate is depressed or
pushed inward, the said spring pawl g' is free to engage the ratchet teeth f³, as
clearly shown in Figure 7.
Spring 96, Figures 8 and 9, is considerably stronger than the spring of the spring
pawl g, and keeps the upper end of the pin 98 of the cut-off plate constantly
pressed upward against the bottom of the slot 9 in the sliding cover 9, so that,
when the cover is drawn back, the cut-off plate will be carried upward by its
spring 9, and will also carry the spring pawl g¹ upward and into its slot in the receiver
and clear of the teeth of the magazine as the receiver oscillates.

page_text: At the rear end of the slot 9 there is a short portion where the upper side
of the slot is sloped in the opposite direction from the forward portion (see
Figure 9) to enable the pressure of the pin on the said slot to hold the cover
stationary in its forward position.
h'
The receiver N is provided on its inner wall with a long sloth, comprising a
straight portion parallel with the axis of the receiver, and an inclined or spiral
portion h³, as clearly shown in Figure 9, the said slot being designed to receive a
pin or stud c³, Figure 13, formed on the forward end of the breech-bolt G, the
arrangement being such that, as the receiver in the act of loading is drawn back
relatively to the breech-bolt, the stud 3, acting upon the spiral portion 2 of the
slot h, will revolve the receiver to the right until the horizontal portion of the slot
is reached, whereupon the revolution of the receiver will cease.
This slot is so disposed with reference to the opening in the casing of the gun,
that, when the receiver has been turned or rotated as just described, the opening h
in the receiver will come opposite the feed opening ³ in the casing of the gun, as
shown in Figure 6, so as to allow a cartridge to pass directly from the magazine
into the receiver, if the magazine be in gear, or, if the magazine be out of gear, to
permit a cartridge to be dropped through the feed opening and the vacant com-
partment of the magazine under it, into the receiver.
When in the act of unloading, the receiver is moved forward relatively to the
pin on the breech-bolt, the magazine will be turned or rotated to the left, and its
opening will be brought opposite the discharge opening h° formed in the casing
of the gun, as shown in Figure 7, so that the exploded shell may roll through the
vacant compartment in the magazine, which is always opposite the discharge opening,
and out of that opening in the casing.
Attached to the breech-bolt carriage at its forward end is a cover or door Q,
Figure 2, which passes through an aperture on the left hand side of the cross
wall e¹, and closes the discharge opening in the casing of the gun when the
mechanism is in the firing position; but which, when the gun is moved forward in
the act of unloading, is withdrawn, thereby opening the discharge port ³ for the
exit of the empty shell.
On the right hand side of the casing C is an opening R through which the
magazine may be turned with the finger, as will be described when the filling of
the magazine is referred to, and to close the opening, a curved cover S, sliding
in grooves in the casing, is provided, as shown in Figure 23.
In this same figure is shown the head of a screw m, which, passing through the
casing of the gun, enters the cross wall e' for the purpose of preventing the shell or
casing K from turning within the casing of the gun.
The action of the magazine, when the gun is used as a single shot weapon, is as
follows:
In loading, the cover 9 is drawn back to the position shown in Figure 9, the
rear trigger O is pressed, and the mechanism allowed to assume the position shown
in Figure 3. A cartridge is then dropped into the feed opening, and the gun
drawn against the shoulder with both arms.
As the spring E is compressed, the rod E³ holds the firing pin carriage F
stationary, and the lever J being in engagement with the floor of the breech-bolt
carriage I, the breech-bolt G and its carriage are also held stationary along with
it, while the main body of the gun and other mechanism are drawn rearward.
At the commencement of this movement, the breech-bolt pin c is in the rear end
of the inclined portion 2 of the slot h, and as the inclined right wall of the slot is
drawn against it, the receiver N revolves to the right hand until the horizontal
portion of the slot is reached and the revolution of the receiver ceases.
As this point is reached, the opening in the receiver N has come opposite
the compartment in the magazine into which the cartridge was dropped through
5 the feed opening; and the cartridge descends by gravity into the receiver in
front of the breech-bolt, and as the receiver continues to be drawn over the
breech-bolt, the barrel is drawn over the cartridge until the cartridge is entirely

page_text: within it, the hook of the extractor e rising over the flange of the cartridge, and
dropping again in front of it as the cartridge is finally driven "home" in the
barrel.
As the cartridge is about driven "home" in the barrel, the knock-off pin i comes
in contact with the upper end of lever J and raises its lower end out of engage-
ment with the breech-bolt carriage I, and the breech-bolt and its carriage
commence to be drawn backwards with the main body of the gun, while the
firing-pin carriage F alone remains stationary.
In this way, the pin a" of the locking-wheel as is drawn against the inclined rear
wall of the slot which turns the wheel to the left until its teeth a' are opposite
the ends of the ribs e' of the tube K and the breech-bolt is locked.
The teeth of the locking wheel are slightly bevelled on the rear face, as shown in
Figure 2. When this final locking movement is in progress, the firing-pin spring 63
is being put under tension by the firing pin H (whose head is in engagement with
the sear which is pivoted to the breech-bolt nut a) being drawn through the
arm of the firing-pin carriage, thereby compressing the spring 1³ between the
rear end of the collar or nut , and the forward end of the arm b', as shown in
Figure 13.
'
As the movement ceases, the forward end of the rear trigger 0 (which has been
drawn under the breech-bolt and firing-pin carriages) reaches the notch cut in
the left hand wall of the breech-bolt carriage I for the accommodation of the lug
and permits the trigger O to be raised by its spring f into engagement with the
rear end of the firing-pin carriage, thus preventing any movement of the main body
of the gun with relation to the butt or heel-plate and therefore of the mechanism,
should the pressure of the gun against the shoulder be relaxed.
This completes the act of loading, and the forward trigger L may be pulled and
the gun discharged.
In unloading, the rear trigger O is pulled, and, as its forward end is disengaged
from the rear of the firing-più carriage, the spring E* is permitted to move the gun
forward, while the firing-pin carriage I is held stationary by the rod E³ which
connects it with the heel-plate, which is resting against the shoulder.
The pin al of the locking wheel as being pressed forward against the forward or
right hand wall of the spiral slot 6, Figure 18, cut in the firing-pin carriage, the
wheel is turned to the right until its teeth a come opposite the corresponding
spaces or slots e, Figure 22, in the tube K, and at the same time the pin c¹ has
passed along the slots c², Figure 2, in the side walls of the breech-bolt carriage,
and its rear ends rest against their rear ends, thus holding the breech-bolt carriage
also stationary.
The main body of the gun still continuing its advance, and the empty shell being
held stationary by the extractor, the barrel of the gun is drawn off it, and the
receiver drawn over it.
Then, as the rear end of the receiver approaches the head of the breech-bolt, the
forward end of one of the ribs e of the extractor lever c³, with which it has a
sliding connection, raises the head of the extractor until it is clear of the flange of
the empty shell.
The empty shell is thus left in the receiver, but, as that takes place, the left wall
of the inclined portion of the receiver strikes against the pin c³ projecting from
the breech-bolt G and the receiver N is revolved to the left until the opening in it
comes opposite a vacant compartment in the magazine in line with the discharge
opening of the casing C, and the empty shell rolls down the inclined plane thus
formed, and out of the discharge port, and the act of unloading is complète.
If the gun is to be again used as a single shot weapon, another cartridge is
at once dropped into the feed opening ³, the gun drawn against the shoulder,
and the operations described repeated.
To fill the magazine-the mechanism being in the position of Figure 3, and
the feed aperture open-the gun is grasped with the left hand forward of the
trigger guard, and the butt rested against the right thigh. The sliding cover S;

page_text: Figure 23, of the opening R on the right hand side of the magazine is then drawn
down with the fore finger of the left hand.
The cartridges (six of which can be conveniently held at a time between the
fingers and thumb of the right hand) are dropped one at a time into the feed
opening in the top of the frame, and, as each one is dropped in, the bar f' of the
magazine M which is exposed through the opening R, is drawn down with the fore
finger of the left hand as far as the opening in the casing will admit, and an empty
compartment is thus presented below the feed opening for the reception of the next
cartridge.
When the magazine has in this way been turned five spaces or compartments,
and received five cartridges, its movement is stopped by the pin ³, Figure 6,
projecting from the block or casing f; and, if a sixth cartridge he dropped in the
feed opening, then, when the gun is raised to the shoulder and pressed against it,
that cartridge will descend into the receiver, and be transferred by the breech-bolt
to the barrel; so that, at each filling, five cartridges may be placed in the
magazine, and one in the barrel.
To remove the cartridges from the magazine when not required for use, the
mechanism is placed in the position of Figure 3, and the gun turned so that the
feed opening is downward, while the magazine is revolved in the opposite direction
from which it was when it was being filled, and each cartridge drops out as it
comes opposite the feed opening.
When the gun is used as a repeater, the cover 96 of the feed opening is pushed
forward so as to close the opening, and throw the magazine into action by pushing
the "cut-off" g clear of the receiver N, thus permitting the spring pawl g¹ to
emerge and engage the tooth ƒ³ of the magazine ring f¹ which is presented to it,
and shift the magazine one space as the receiver oscillates to the left in the act of
unloading, thus bringing the first cartridge to the right of the feed opening directly
under that opening.
Then, when, in the process of loading, the receiver oscillates to the right, its
pawl g travels backward over the back of the next ratchet tooth 8 of the
magazine (which is being held stationary by the V-shaped click ) and drops in
front of the tooth f ready for the next oscillation of the receiver to the left, and
the cartridge in the compartment under the feed opening drops into the receiver in
front of the breech-bolt and is transferred by it to the barrel.
This process is repeated with each reciprocation of the gun until the magazine
has been shifted five times, when it ceases to revolve, the pawl g₁ of the receiver
having reached the blank space in the magazine ring f' where there are no ratchet
teeth (see Figure 7) and the magazine being empty.
The operation of the rest of the mechanism is the same when the gun is used as
a repeater as when it is used as a single shot weapon, and bas already been
described; but, when used as a repeater, the gun need not be taken from the
shoulder or the grasp of either hand on it shifted, until the contents of the
magazine have been exhausted.
To use the gun with the greatest possible speed as a repeater, the rear trigger
may be kept continuously drawn back by the second finger of the right hand,
and the gun worked backwards and forwards as fast as the forward trigger can
be manipulated by the fore finger of the same hand.
That portion of the casing under the feed opening cover when the latter is in its
furthest forward position should be white or some other colour forming a contrast
to the colour of said cover; so that, when the feed opening is closed, the gun will
present a uniformly neutral colour to the eye and indicate that the magazine is in
gear, but, when the cover is drawn back, the patch of white or other contrusting
colour which was underneath it will be displayed, thereby indicating conspicuously
that the magazine is out of gear.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Magazine Small Arms.
A communication by DUNCAN EDMUND GRANT, of 14, St. Amable Street, Quebec
in the Province of Quebec and Dominion of Canada, Manufacturer.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S. M.I.M.E. of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors 6, Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street,
Manchester both in the County of Lancaster and 323 High Holborn in the County
of Middlesex, Civil Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :--
This invention consists in certain improvements in the magazine and the operating
mechanism of breech-loading fire-arms, whereby a gun may be constructed which
can be operated with great rapidity as a single shot weapon, while the contents of
the magazine are held in reserve; and can also be fired continuously as a repeater
until the magazine is exhausted, without shifting the grip of either hand on the
gun, and without removing the gun from the shoulder, the finger from the trigger,
or the eye from the object aimed at; and which will at all times distinctly indicate
by the position of the cover of the feed opening whether the magazine is in, or out
of gear; and which will also always show how many cartridges there are at the
time in the magazine.
All the mechanism is enclosed within the frame or casing of the gun, and thereby
'protected from rain, snow or dust.
The discharge opening is closed by an automatic sliding cover attached to the
breech-bolt carriage and travelling with it.
:
The feed opening is closed by an independent sliding cover, which also operates
the magazine "cut off,"-throwing the magazine into action when slid forward so
as to close the opening, and throwing it out of gear when drawn backward so as to
uncover the opening.
This arrangement is specially of advantage for military arms, as by making the
cover conspicuous either by form, or by being colored differently from the casing,
the magazine cannot be used without that fact being clearly indicated, and the
company officers are thereby enabled to control the consumption of ammunition.
There are two triggers, the right hand one operating the hammer or firing-pin,
and the left-hand one serving as a latch to prevent the movement of the heel plate
and consequently of the mechanism, should the pressure of the gun against the
shoulder be relaxed.
A "safety," by means of which both triggers may be simultaneously locked, so
as to prevent their accidental movement, is placed within the rear end of the trigger-
guard, where it can be conveniently operated by the right hand, and is at the same
time securely protected by the trigger-guard, and the fingers of the right hand as
they grasp the "grip" of the gun.
The spring of the firing-pin, which forms the hammer or striking apparatus, is
only put under tension during the locking of the breech-bolt, and the connection
between the trigger and the sear, which travels with the breech-bolt, is not
completed until the breech-bolt is locked, so that discharge of the cartridge before
the breech is locked is impossible.
:
The magazine is a revolving one, but, instead of being placed eccentric with the
barrel, it is placed concentric with the barrel, and the cartridges are fed from it by
gravity into a receiver passing through its centre, from whence they are transferred
to the barrel by the breech-bolt; and the empty shell, when withdrawn from the
barrel, is discharged from the receiver by gravity through one of the chambers, or
compartments of the magazine.
The magazine shown in the drawing has seven compartments, but it may be made
with either a greater or smaller number,
8

page_text: By means of a figure on the magazine, which is visible through the teed opening
in the casing, and which changes with each reduction of the contents of the
magazine, the number of cartridges contained in the magazine at the time is always
indicated.
In the drawings accompanying the Provisional Specification,
Figure 1 is a side elevation of this improved gun:
Figure 2, a vertical sectional view, with some of the parts in elevation, of that
portion of the gun enclosed by the bracket 2-3, Figure 1:
Figure 3, a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the same with the mechanism
in the position it assumes when the empty shell has been withdrawn from the barrel
and discharged from the receiver:
Figure, a longitudinal sectional view of that portion of the gun embraced by
the bracket 4-5, Figure 1, this view being a continuation of the view illustrated
in Figure 2:
Figure 5, a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the same, with the parts in a
position corresponding to the position of the parts represented in Figure 3, of which
figure this is a continuation. .
Figures 6, 7 and 8 are vertical transverse sectional views taken on the lines 6-6,
7-7, and 8-8 of Figure 3.
Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figures 6
and 7.
Figures 10 and 11 are end views of the oscillating receiver:
Figure 12, a side view of the rotatable magazine :
Figure 13, a vertical longitudinal sectional view through the breech-bolt, its
carriage and attendant parts:
Figure 14, a front end view of the same :
Figure 15, a vertical transverse sectional view of the same on the line 15-15 of
Figure 13:
Figure 16, a horizontal sectional view on the line 16-16 of Figure 19, taken
through the rear end of the breech-bolt :
Figure 17, a longitudinal sectional view showing the inanner of pivoting the
extractor :
Figure 18, a top plan view of the firing-pin carriage or block.
Figure 19 is a transverse sectional view on the line 19-19 of Figures 2 and 16.
Figure 20, a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the tube or hollow block in
which the breech-bolt is mounted :
Figure 21, a vertical transverse sectional view of the same on the line 21-21
of Figure 20:
: Figure 22, a rear end view of the same:
Figure 23, a side view of a portion of the gun showing the opening through which
the magazine is rotated by hand.
་
i
Figure 24 is a plan view of the trigger-guard plate: and
Figure 25, a plan view of the safety device.
A, Figures 4 and 5, indicates the butt made in the form of a sleeve to encircle
the rear end of the stock B: C, Figures 2 and 3, is the main frame or casing of
the gun D, Figures 2 and 3, the barrel: E, the ridge formed or placed above the
barrel and within which the cleaning rod is placed and E', Figure 3, is the fore
end.
"
:
Secured to the end of the butt or sleeve A is a heel plate E', Figures 4 and 5,
to which is secured the rear end of a bar E³, which will preferably be made tubular
throughout a portion of its length, as shown in Figure 5.
This bar or rod E' is encircled by a coiled spring Et, which bears at one end
against the inner face of the heel plate, and at its opposite end against a shoulder E'
which forms the bottom of a socket or recess E made in the rear end of the
stock B, the tendency of the spring being to keep the parts distended, as shown in
Figure 5.
The bar or rod E³ extends forwardly through a hole or opening E', formed in

page_text: the stock, and is connected at its forward end by means of a pin or screw a,
Figures 3 and 13, with the rear end of the reciprocating firing-pin carriage F,
which latter is mounted in the breech-bolt carriage I, Figures 3, 13, 14 and 15.
This carriage I, as shown in said figures, comprises the two side plates a', a',
having on their inner faces the ribs or flanges a², and connected at their forward
lower ends by a cross bar a³.
On its upper face or top, the carriage I is provided with two circular or ring-
shaped projections a' and a, which are perforated to receive the rear end of the
breech-bolt G, as clearly shown in Figures 3, 13 and 16.
The extreme rear end of the breech-bolt G is threaded externally to receive a
nut a, Figures 2, 3, 13 and 16, which, by bearing against the rear face of the
collar a and drawing the annular flange a' of the breech-bolt against the front face
of the ring a, securely locks the breech-bolt to its carriage and prevents any
longitudinal movement of the one in relation to the other.
Mounted loosely upon the breech-bolt G between the collars a' and a', is a
wheel as, Figures 3, 13, 14, 15 and 16, which has a series of arms or projections a³,
and a pin or stud a10, for a purpose presently explained.
To prevent any movement of the breech-bolt carriage, except when the gun is
being operated, a latch or trigger O, Figures 2 and 3, is provided.
This trigger is a lever pivoted to the trigger-guard platej by the pin j¹, with the
forward end urged upward by the rear end of a spring f10, Figure 3, the arrange-
ment being such that, when, in the act of loading, the trigger is passed under both
carriages, and reaches the rear end of the firing-pin carriage, it is raised by the
spring into engagement with the rear end of the firing-pin carriage, as shown in
Figure 2, and prevents any movement of the coiled spring E or the mechanism of
the gun, shonid the pressure of the gun against the shoulder be relaxed.
Projecting from the left-hand side of the head of the trigger O is a lug,
Figures 2 and 3, for the reception of which, when the breech-bolt carriage passes
over the head of the trigger, a recess is cut in the floor of the trigger-guard plate,
as shown at 3, Figure 24.
This lug, by bearing on the lower edge of the left-hand wall of the breech-bolt
carriage, prevents the trigger O from being raised by the spring f10 until it
reaches the rear end of the firing-pin carriage, as shown in Figure 2.
The breech-bolt G is made hollow, as shown in Figures 3, 13 and 16, to receive
the firing-pin H, which, in turn, is mounted in the firing-pin carriage F, which
latter, as before stated, is connected to the forward end of the rod or bar E³, and
adapted to slide longitudinally with reference to the breech-bolt carriage a limited
distance.
This firing-pin carriage frame or block F has a vertically extending arm b, which
is provided with a forwardly extending portion designed to fit and slide within
the bore of the breech-bolt, as shown in Figures 3, 13, 15 and 16, the lower side of
the breech-bolt being slotted or cut away at its end, as shown at 62, Figures 13
and 16, to allow the upright arm & to move back and forth therein.
The firing-pin H is provided at its rear end with a head or enlargement, and
toward its forward end with a collar or nut 6', which passes loosely through the
forwardly projecting portion 61 of the carriage F, and moves freely in the bore of
the breech-bolt.
A coiled spring 63 encircles the firing-pin, and bears at its forward end against
the nut or block 6*, aud at its rear end against the portion b¹ of the firing-pin
carriage.
In the upper face of the main body of the firing-pin carriage F, there is formed
an inclined groove or cam-way b³, Figures 13 and 18, into which the pin or stud a¹º,
Figure 15, of the wheel as enters.
From this it will be seen that, as the firing-pin carriage F is reciprocated
relatively to the breech-bolt carriage, or vice versa, the pin or stud a¹º, working in
the inclined groove 6, will turn or rotate the wheel as in one direction or the other
according to the direction of movement of the carriage F or the carriage I.

page_text: The firing-pin carriage F is further provided with a lever or rocking dog J,
Figures 3, 13, 14 and 15, which bears at its lower end upon the floor bottom or
cross-bar of the breech-bolt carriage 1, the dog being held in such position by
means of a spring c which is coiled about the axis of the lever and has one end
extended forward to bear upon the lever, while the other end bears against a pin c',
which passes through the carriage F and projects into the slots c² formed in the
side walls of the breech-bolt carriage for the purpose of limiting the movement of
the carriage F with reference to the carriage I to the length of the said slots c², as
clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3.
When the breech-bolt carriage moves forward relatively to the firing-pin
carriage, or the firing-pin carriage F moves rearward relatively to the breech-bolt
carriage I, the nose or lower end of the dog J will ride off the cross-bar a³ or
bottom plate of the carriage I, and will, by the action of its spring c, be thrown
downward so as to engage the rear wall of said cross-bar a³, as clearly shown in
Figure 3, thus preventing any forward movement of the firing-pin carriage
independently of the breech-bolt carriage, or any rearward motion of the breech-
bolt carriage relatively to the firing-pin carriage.
Projecting from the rear face of the flange e of the tubular shell or casing K,
Figures 3 and 20, is a pin i adapted to enter the firing-pin carriage as the gun is
drawn against the shoulder in the act of loading, and to pass between the roof
of the carriage and the upper end of the lever J, so as to tilt the latter, and throw
its lower end out of engagement from the floor of the breech-bolt carriage I, as
indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 2.
The hollow breech-bolt G is provided at its forward end with a lateral pin or
stud c, shown in Figure 14, and is also provided with longitudinal laterally extending
flanges between which the extractor is pivoted, as shown in Figures 2, 14
and 17.
This extractor is connected at its rear end to a spring c, also mounted
between the flanges c, as shown in Figure 17, the forward end of the spring,
where it is connected with the extractor, being slotted vertically and horizontally
so as to afford a sliding connection between the extractor and the spring.
Upon reference to Figure 16, it will be observed that the conical nut aº, before
referred to, is slotted on the right hand side as at d, to receive the sear d', whose
rear end is adapted to engage the head or enlargement d of the firing-pin. The
sear d' is designed to be rocked and to be thrown out of engagement with the firing-
pin, by means of a lever d pivoted in the casing of the gun, as shown in Figure 16,
the said leverd being adapted to be actuated by means of an upright arm d³,
Figures 3 and 16, which works between the rear end of said lever and the
tubular shell K, into and through which the breech-bolt moves back and forth.
The arm d just referred to, which is shown in Figures 3, 16 and 19, is secured
to the forward end of the trigger L, Figures 2, 3 and 19, so that, when it is
desired to fire the gun, it is only necessary to pull the trigger L and move the
upper end of the arm d forwardly and thereby rock or tip lever d', which in
turn rocks or tips the sear d' and throws the latter out of engagement with the
firing-pin.
As soon as the firing pin is thus released, the spring b³, which was put under
compression when the breech-bolt carriage I moved backward relatively to the
carriage F, immediately carries the firing-pin forward and effects the discharge
of the gun.
The trigger L is pivoted to the trigger guard plate at k, Figure 3, and its forward
end engages with a flat spring k¹ shown by dotted lines in Figure 3, which returns
the trigger to its normal position after it has been pulled.
The safety device P, Figures 2, 3 and 25, consists of three pieces, an upper
plate l, a flat spring, and a lower plate 12, which are riveted or otherwise
fastened together, as shown.
$1
The upper plate slides in grooves formed in the trigger guard plate, and when
projects over the rear ends of both triggers and prevents their movement.
on

page_text: The spring, which is slightly curved outward, holds the "safety" stationary
in the different positions in which it is placed, by pressing on the trigger guard
plate, while the lower plate 2 has formed on it a handle, and is so arranged that
its rear end, which projects under a portion of the casing of the gun, acts as a
cover for the opening into the interior of the casing when the safety device is
pushed forward.
The tubular shell K, which has been referred to before, is shown in longitudinal
section in Figures 2, 3, 16 and 20, and in transverse section in Figures 21 and 22.
Upon reference to these figures, it will be observed that a slot, of the width of
about one fourth the circumference of the shell, is cut in the lower side, from the
flange at the forward end to the rear end which rests against the casing of the gun.
The shell is provided at a point between its ends, on its exterior, with a lateral
projection or flange e, which forms a brace for the circular casing C, and a
bearing for the lever d, Figure 16, and for the cut-off spring hereinafter referred to.
The rear end of shell K is seated in a recess made to receive it in the frame of
the gun, while its forward end is provided with a recessed flange or head e which
fits upon a shoulder formed on the rear face of the cross wall e' rigidly affixed in
position within the gun case or frame (see Figure 16).
The main body of the shell or casing K is slotted or cut away on its under side,,
as described above and as shown at e2, Figures 20, 21 and 22, so as to allow of the
passage of the connections between the breech-bolt and its carriage as the gun is
moved in relation to the breech-bolt.
It will also be noticed, upon reference to Figures 20 and 22, that the inner face
of the shell or casing is for the greater part of its length provided with longi-
tudinally extending grooves e³ which correspond in size, position and number with
the arms or projections a' formed upon the wheel as of the breech-bolt carriage, the
construction and arrangement being such that, when the arms a' are brought
opposite the grooves in the shell or casing K, the breech-bolt and attendant
mechanism may move relatively to the said shell or casing K, or vice versa; but,
when the arms a' of the said wheel are brought into line with the ways or ribs e*,
longitudinal movement of the breech-bolt and its carriage relatively to the shell or
casing K, or vice versa, is prevented.
M, Figure 12, iudicates a rotary or rotatable magazine, which comprises two
rings and connected by the bars/2. The bars f2 are V-shaped in cross section,
are larger at one end than at the other, and are separated a distance from each
other equal to the width of the cartridge, as clearly shown in Figures 6 and 7.
•
Along the edge of each bar is a longitudinal flange or web f³, all of the webs of
said bars except one being provided with a transverse slot, as clearly shown in
Figures 6 and 12, to allow the end of a screw f³, shown in Figure 6, to project into
the slot.
From this arrangement, it will be seen that, when the magazine is rotated or
turned around to such a point that the bar, not having the groove, comes in contact
with the screw f', the latter will prevent further rotation of the magazine in that
direction.
The magazine is journalled concentric with the barrel, the front ring f, Figure 6,
being seated in a circular recess in a block f secured rigidly in position within the
frame C of the gun, as clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3, while the rear ring f³,
which is seated in a similar recess in the transverse wall e¹, Figures 1 and 2, is'
provided on its outer edge with a series of notches or recesses f', Figure 12,
corresponding in number and position to the ribs or bars f' of the said magazine;
the said ring or end piece f¹ being further provided with a series of ratchet
teeth f8, Figure 7, on its inner face, or circumference, for a purpose presently
explained.
The notches or recesses f, cut in the periphery of the rear ring f1, are adapted
to receive the V-shaped pawl or dog f, Figures 2, 3 and 7, which is urged upward
and held in engagement with the ring by means of a flat spring ₤10, the engage-
ment being such that, while the magazine is prevented from accidental rotation by '

page_text: the pawl or dog, yet the latter is readily depressed and thrown out of engagement
with the notch when the magazine is turned or rotated in the proper manner.
On the rear face of the forward ring f are placed the figures 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0,
(see Figure 6) which show the number of cartridges in the magazine.
When the magazine is full, the figure 5, is visible through the feed opening,
indicating that that number of cartridges is then in the magazine, and, as each time
the magazine rotates a space, the number of cartridges in the magazine is reduced
by one cartridge dropping into the receiver, the figure that is visible to the eye is
changed correspondingly.
By this means, the figure visible at any time through the feed opening indicates
the number of cartridges that are at that time remaining in the magazine.
Through the centre of the magazine passes the receiver N, Figures 2, 3, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10 and 11, which is also journalled' concentric with the barrel; the front portion
of the said magazine being supported by the block, while the rear end is
supported by the transverse cross wall e'.
'
This receiver, as will be seen upon reference to Figure 7, forms the inner side or
wall of the compartments for the cartridges; the cup-shaped portion of the
casing forms the outer side of these compartments, while the bars få form the
division walls.
In the longitudinal slot g in the outer face of the receiver is secured the spring
pawl g, Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, which when in the position shown in
Figure 7, engages whichever tooth f of the magazine happens to be opposite it.
In the rear face of the cross wall el is cut a broad groove in which is mounted a
cut-off plate g, which has an opening sufficiently wide to permit the head of the
receiver to pass freely through it and long enough to admit of a transverse move-
ment of the plate relatively to the head of the receiver, as is more clearly illustrated
in Figure 8.
'
:
The lower end of this central slot or opening in the plate 3 is cut on the same
radius as the head of the receiver N, while the upper end of the plate is fashioned
into or provided with a pin or stud g³ which passes through an aperture in the casing
of the gun and enters a slot g' formed on the inner face of the sliding cover 9%, as
clearly shown in Figures 8 and 9.
It will be noticed upon reference to Figure 9 that this slot g' in the under face of
the cover g has the form of a cam or is inclined, so that, when the cover is moved
backward, the cut-off plate may be raised to the position shown in Figures 8 and 9,
by means of its spring 96, Figures 3 and 8, but, when the cover is slid forward, the
plate will be moved inward, or depressed against the tension of its spring gº.
When this plate is in the position shown in Figures 8 and 9, the lower wall of
its slot or central opening bears against the spring pawl g' and holds the said pawl
within its slot g and out of engagement with the ratchet teeth f on the inner face
of the ring f; but, when the cover is slid forward and the plate is depressed or
pushed inward, the said spring pawl g' is free to engage the ratchet teeth f³, as
clearly shown in Figure 7.
Spring 9, Figures 8 and 9, is considerably stronger than the spring of the
spring pawl g, and keeps the upper end of the pin 3 of the cut-off plate constantly
pressed upward against the bottom of the slot in the sliding cover y³, so that,
when the cover is drawn back, the cut-off plate will be carried upward by its
spring g, and will also carry the spring pawl g' upward and into its slot in the
receiver and clear of the teeth of the magazine as the receiver oscillates.
At the rear end of the slot g there is a short portion go where the upper side of
the slot is sloped in the opposite direction from the forward portion (see Figure 9)
to enable the pressure of the pin on the said slot to hold the cover stationary in its
forward position.
The receiver N is provided on its inner wall with a long slot h, comprising a
straight portion parallel with the axis of the receiver, and an inclined or spiral
portion as clearly shown in Figure 9, the said slot being designed to receive a
..:

page_text: pin or stud c³, Figure 13, formed on the forward end of the breech-bolt G, the
arrangement being such that, as the receiver, in the act of loading, is drawn back
relatively to the breech-bolt, the stud 3, acting upon the spiral portion ² of the
slot h, will revolve the receiver to the right until the horizontal portion of the slot
is reached, whereupon the revolution of the receiver will cease.
.5
This slot is so disposed with reference to the opening in the casing of the gun,
that, when the receiver has been turned or rotated as just described, the opening h
in the receiver will come opposite the feed opening h³ in the casing of the gun, as
shown in Figure 6, so as to allow a cartridge to pass directly from the magazine
into the receiver, if the magazine be in gear, or, if the magazine be out of gear, 1
to permit a cartridge to be dropped through the feed opening and the vacant
compartment of the magazine under it, into the receiver.
When, in the act of unloading, the receiver is moved forward relatively to the
pin on the breech-bolt, the magazine will be turned or rotated to the left, and its
opening will be brought opposite the discharge opening ' formed in the casing.1
of the gun, as shown in Figure 7, so that the exploded shell may roll through the
vacant compartment in the magazine, which is always opposite the discharge
opening, and out of that opening in the casing.
Attached to the breech-bolt-carriage at its forward end is a cover or door Q,
Figure 2, which passes through an aperture on the left hand side of the cross 2
wall e', and closes the discharge opening in the casing of the gun when the
mechanism is in the firing position; but which, when the gun is moved forward in
the act of unloading, is withdrawn, thereby opening the discharge port /³ for the
exit of the empty shell.
On the right hand side of the casing C is an opening R through which the 2
magazine may be turned with the finger, as will be described when the filling of
the magazine is referred to, and to close the opening, a curved cover S sliding in
grooves in the casing is provided, as shown in Figure 23.
In this same figure is shown the head of a screw m, which, passing through the
casing of the gun, enters the cross wall e' for the purpose of preventing the shell a
or casing K from turning within the casing of the gun.
The action of the magazine when the gun is used as a single shot weapon is
as follows:-
In loading, the cover go is drawn back to the position shown in Figure 9, the rear
trigger is pressed, and the mechanism allowed to assume the position shown in
Figure 3. A cartridge is then dropped into the feed opening, and the gun drawn
against the shoulder with both arms.
As the spring E is compressed, the rod E³ holds the firing-pin carriage F
stationary, and the lever J being in engagement with the floor of the breech-bolt
carriage I, the breech-bolt G and its carriage are also held stationary along with it, 4
while the main body of the gun and other mechanism are drawn rearward.
At the commencement of this movement, the breech-bolt pin c³ is in the rear end
of the inclined portion ² of the slot h, and, as the inclined right wall of the slot is
drawn against it, the receiver N revolves to the right hand until the horizontal
portion of the slot is reached and the revolution of the receiver ceases.
As this point is reached, the opening in the receiver N has come opposite the
compartment in the magazine into which the cartridge was dropped through the
feed opening; and the cartridge descends by gravity into the receiver in front of
the breech-bolt, and, as the receiver continues to be drawn over the breech-bolt, the
barrel is drawn over the cartridge until the cartridge is entirely within it, the hook 5
of the extractor crising over the flange of the cartridge, and dropping again in
front of it as the cartridge is finally driven "home" in the barrel.
As the cartridge is about driven "home" in the barrel, the knock-off pin i comes
in contact with the upper end of lever J and raises its lower end out of engagement
with the breech-bolt carriage I, and the breech-bolt and its carriage commence to
be drawn backwards with the main body of the gun, while the firing-pin carriage F
alone remains stationary.

page_text: In this way, the pin a¹ of the locking-wheel as is drawn against the inclined
rear wall of the slot 68 which turns the wheel to the left until its teeth a' are
opposite the ends of the ribs e¹ of the tube K and the breech-bolt is locked.
The teeth of the locking wheel are slightly bevelled on the rear face, as shown in
Figure 2. When this final locking movement is in progress, the firing-pin spring
is being put under tension by the firing-pin H (whose head is in engagement with
the sear d' which is pivoted to the breech-bolt nut a) being drawn through the
arm 6 of the firing-pin carriage, thereby compressing the spring between the
rear end of the collar or nut 6, and the forward end of the arm b', as shown in
Figure 13.
,
As the movement ceases, the forward end of the rear trigger 0 (which has been
drawn under the breech bolt and firing-pin carriages) reaches the notch it cut in
the left hand wall of the breech-bolt carriage I for the accommodation of the lug j
aud permits the trigger O to be raised by its spring f into engagement with the
rear end of the firing-pin carriage, thus preventing any movement of the main body
of the gun with relation to the butt or heel plate and therefore of the mechanism,
should the pressure of the gun against the shoulder be relaxed.
This completes the act of loading, and the forward trigger L may be pulled and
the gun discharged.
In unloading, the rear trigger O is pulled, and, as its forward end is disengaged
from the rear of the firing-pin carriage, the spring E is permitted to move the gun
forward, while the firing-pin carriage I is held stationary by the rod E3 which
connects it with the heel-plate, which is resting against the shoulder.
The pin a of the locking wheel as being pressed forward against the forward or
right hand wall of the spiral slot 6, Figure 18, cut in the firing-pin carriage, the
wheel is turned to the right until its teeth a' come opposite the corresponding
spaces or slots es, Figure 22, in the tube K, and, at the same time, the pin e' has
passed along the slots c, Figure 2, in the side walls of the breech-bolt carriage,
and its rear ends rest against their rear ends, thus holding the breech-bolt carriage
also stationary.
The main body of the gun still continuing its advance, and the empty shell being
held stationary by the extractor, the barrel of the gun is drawn off it, and the
receiver drawn over it.
Then, as the rear end of the receiver approaches the head of the breech-bolt, the
forward end of one of the ribs ct of the extractor lever c, with which it has a
sliding connection, raises the head of the extractor until it is clear of the flange of
the empty shell.
The empty shell is thus left in the receiver, but, as that takes place, the left wall.
of the inclined portion of the receiver strikes against the pin projecting from
the breech-bolt G, and the receiver N is revolved to the left until the opening in it
comes opposite a vacant compartment in the magazine in line with the discharge
opening of the casing C, and the empty shell rolls down the inclined plane thus
forined, and out of the discharge port, and the act of unloading is complete..
If the gun is to be again used as a single shot weapon, another cartridge is at
once dropped into the feed opening ³, the gun drawn against the shoulder, and the
operations described repeated.
To fill the magazine-the mechanism being in the position of Figure 3 and the
feed aperture open-the gun is grasped with the left hand forward of the trigger
guard, and the butt rested against the right thigh. The sliding cover S, Figure 23,
of the opening R on the right hand side of the magazine is then drawn down with
the fore finger of the left hand.
The cartridges (six of which can be conveniently held at a time between the
fingers and thumb of the right hand) are dropped one at a time into the feed
opening in the top of the frame, and, as cach one is dropped in, the bar of the
magazine M which is exposed through the opening. R, is drawn down with the fore
finger of the left hand as far as the opening in the casing will admit, and an empty
C

page_text: compartment is thus presented below the feed opening for the reception of the next
cartridge.
When the magazine has in this way been turned five spaces or compartments, and
received five cartridges, its movement is stopped by the pin 5, Figure 6, projecting
from the block or casing f; and, if a sixth cartridge be dropped in the feed
opening, then, when the gun is raised to the shoulder and pressed against it, that
cartridge will descend into the receiver, and be transferred by the breech-bolt to
the barrel; so that, at each filling, five cartridges may be placed in the magazine,
and one in the barrel.
To remove the cartridges from the magazine when not required for use, the
mechanism is placed in the position of Figure 3, and the gun turned so that the
feed opening is downward, while the magazine is revolved in the opposite direction.
from which it was when it was being filled, and each cartridge drops out as it comes
opposite the feed opening.
When the gun is used as a repeater, the cover of the feed opening is pushed
forward so as to close the opening, and throw the magazine into action by pushing
the "cut-off" 92 clear of the receiver N, thus permitting the spring pawl g to
emerge and engage the tooth 8 of the magazine ring f₁ which is presented to it,
and shift the magazine one space as the receiver oscillates to the left in the act of
unloading, thus bringing the first cartridge to the right of the feed opening directly
under that opening.
Then, when, in the process of loading, the receiver oscillates to the right, its
pawl gtravels backward over the back of the next ratchet tooth f8 of the magazine
(which is being held stationary by the V-shaped click f) and drops in front of
the tooth ready for the next oscillation of the receiver to the left, and the
cartridge in the compartment under the feed opening drops into the receiver in
front of the breech-bolt and is transferred by it to the barrel.
This process is repeated with each reciprocation of the gun until the magazine
has been shifted five times, when it ceases to revolve, the pawl g¹ of the receiver
having reached the blank space in the magazine ring f' where there are no ratchet
teeth (see Figure 7) and the magazine being empty.
கர்
The operation of the rest of the mechanism the same when the gun is used as
a repeater as when it is used as a single shot weapon and has already been described;
but when used as a repeater, the gun need not be taken from the shoulder or the
grasp of either hand on it shifted, until the contents of the magazine have been
exhausted.
To use the gun with the greatest possible speed as a repeater, the rear trigger
may be kept continuously drawn back by the second finger of the right hand, and
gun worked backwards and forwards as fast as the forward trigger can be
manipulated by the fore-finger of the same hand.
the
That portion of the casing under the feed-opening cover when the latter is in its
furthest forward position should be white or some other colour forming a contrast
to the colour of said cover or the rest of the gun; so that, when the feed opening
is closed, the gun will present a uniformly neutral colour to the eye and indicate
that the magazine is in gear, but, when the cover is drawn back, the patch of white
or other contrasting colour which was underneath it will be displayed, thereby
indicating conspicuously that the magazine is out of gear.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me by
my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is:-
1. In a magazine gun, a rotatable magazine mounted concentric with the barrel
of the gun and provided with peripheral openings.
2. In a magazine gun, a rotatable magazine having figures or markings thereon
to indicate the number of cartridges in the magazine.
3. In a magazine gun, a rotatable magazine comprising the end rings ff¹ and

page_text: the separated bars ƒ³ connecting the rings, and forming the division walls of the
cartridge compartments.
4. In a magazine gun, a rotatable magazine comprising the separated bars f2
and the end rings to which the bars are connected, and a stationary casing
encircling the rotatable magazine and forming the outside wall of its compart-
ments.
5. In a magazine gun, a rotatable magazine provided with openings in its
periphery, in combination with a receiver mounted centrally within the magazine
and forming the inside wall of its compartments.
6. In combination with the rotatable magazine, the receiver within the same, and
the cup-shaped block encircling the magazine.
7. In combination with the gun frame provided with the feed opening 43 and
discharge opening, the rotatable magazine, the oscillating receiver mounted
within the magazine, and a pawly adapted to connect the magazine with the
receiver.
8. In a magazine gun, the combination with a frame, of a magazine, a cut-off
mechanism therefor, a feed opening in the frame, and a cover for the feed-opening
which operates the cut-off mechanism.
9. In combination with the gun frame having the openings ³ and the
cover g for the opening 3, the rotatable magazine, the receiver, the pawl con-
necting the receiver and the magazine, the cut-off plate for throwing the pawl
out of action, and the spring go for actuating the plate said plate being controlled
by the cover in such manner that, when the opening is uncovered, the cut-off"
plate is permitted to rise and sever the connection between the receiver and the
magazine, and when the opening ³ is covered, the cut-off plate is depressed so as
to allow the receiver to resume its connection with the magazine.
10. In combination with a gun frame or casing, provided with a feed-opening, a
rotatable magazine, means for rotating the latter, and a cover for the feed opening
controlling the said means, and preventing the rotation of the magazine when the
cover is off the opening.
11. In a magazine gun, the combination with a rotatable magazine, of means
for rotating the magazine, and the gun frame or casing provided with an opening R
in its side wall through which the magazine may be operated by hand.
12. In combination with the frame or casing, the rotatable magazine having all
the bars except one, notched as at +, means for rotating the magazine, and the
screw projecting from the frame into the notches, as and for the purpose set
forth.
13. In combination with the frame or casing, the rotatable magazine provided
with the rings and " and the bars, the said ring being provided with
teeth or shoulders the receiver N° provided with a pawl g' to engage the
shoulders, and means for oscillating the receiver.
14. In combination with the frame or casing provided with the feed-opening h³, .
the rotatable magazine having the toothed ring the receiver N mounted
within the magazine and provided with a spring pawl or dog to engage the
teeth of the ring, a cut-off plate encircling the receiver and its pawl or dog and
provided with a pin or study, a cover for the opening 42, provided with an
inclined groove to receive the pin ³, and a spring for urging the plate into
contact with the pawl of the receiver.
15. In combination with a rotatable magazine concentric with the barrel, a
receiver mounted within the magazine, and a breech belt adapted to oscillate the
receiver as the receiver passes over it.
16. In combination with a rotatable magazine concentric with the barrel, an
oscillating receiver mounted centrally therein and forming the inner wall of the
cartridge compartments of the magazine, said receiver being slotted or cut away
longitudinally as shown, whereby when the slot or opening in the receiver comes
opposite the feed opening of the gun, the cartridge contained in the compartiment
:

page_text: of the magazine which is in line with the feed opening, may fall into the receiver,
in line with the barrel.
17. In combination with a rotatable magazine, an oscillating receiver, and inter-
mediate devices operatively connecting the magazine and receiver to turn the
magazine when the receiver turns in one direction and to leave the magazine at
rest when the receiver turns in the opposite direction.
18. In combination with a frame or casing having the feed opening 3 and the
discharge opening, a rotatable magazine mounted concentric with the barrel, and
an oscillating receiver within the magazine, having its mouth brought alternately
opposite the openings 3 and 4.
19. In combination with the breech-bolt, the firing-pin mounted therein, the
scar d to engage the firing-pin, the lever bearing upon the sear at one end, and
the trigger L provided with the upright arm to engage the lever d³.
20. In combination with a breech-bolt and its carriage, a firing-pin mounted
within the breech-bolt, and provided with a carriage mounted within the breech-
bolt carriage, and means for moving one of said carriages in relation to the other.
21. In combination with the breech-bolt and its carriage, the firing-pin and its
carriage, a rocking dog or lever J adapted to connect the carriages, and a pin or
"knock-off" adapted to tip or rock the lever J out of engagement with the
breech-bolt carriage as the said pin i moving relatively to the carriages comes in
contact with the upper end of the lever J.
22. In combination with the breech-bolt carriage 1 having slots e², the firing-pin
carriage F provided with a pin c¹ to enter the said slots for the purpose of limiting
the movement of the carriages, with reference to each other, a dog or lever J
adapted to connect the carriages so that they shall move forward together, and a
stop to tip or rock the dog J out of engagement with the breech-bolt carriage.
23. In combination with the breech-bolt carriage, an armed wheel as mounted on
the breech-bolt and provided with a pin a; the firing-pin-carriage provided with
a slot to receive the pin a¹0; a tube or shell K through which the wheel moves,
provided with one or more grooves e³ and abutments e corresponding to the arms
or teeth of the wheel as, and means for moving one of the carriages in relation to
the other so as to turn the wheel and bring its arms into or out of alignment
with the grooves in the tube for the purpose of unlocking or locking the breech-
bolt.
24. In combination with the carriage I provided with the rings a and a³, the
shouldered and threaded breech-bolt passing through the rings, the wheel as mounted
upon the bolt between the rings, the retaining nut a, the firing-pin-carriage
movable relatively to the carriage I, and provided with a cam slot to receive a pin
on the wheel, and the grooved shell K through which the bolt and attendant parts
move.
25. In combination with the hollow breech-bolt slotted at its rear end, the firing-
pin carriage provided with the arms band ', the firing-pin passing through the
arm and provided with a nut or shoulder at its forward end, and the spring b³
bearing at its ends against the shoulder and arm b'.
26. In combination with the shell or casing K provided with a rib e', an extractor
consisting of a lever pivoted to the breech-bolt, and urged upward at its rear end
by a spring which has a sliding connection with the lever and which is adapted
to be depressed by the rib e', as it passes over it in the act of unloading so as to
raise the forward end of the extractor sufficiently to release the flange of the
cartridge from the hook.
27. In a breech-loading gun, the combination with the frame and stock-portion B,
of the butt or heel-plate portion A, the interposed spring E, the reciprocating
breech-bolt and firing-pin carriages, a rod connecting the firing-pin carriage with
the heel-plate, and a trigger O adapted to engage the said firing-pin carriage to
prevent the unlocking of the breech-bolt and consequent movement of the breech-
loading mechanism.

page_text: 28. In combination with the locking trigger O and the firing-pin-trigger L, the-
sliding safety plate F moving over the top of the triggers to prevent the actuation
thereof.
29. In a gun, a "safety" consisting of a plate adapted to slide over the rear ends
of the triggers, a friction spring to hold it stationary and a handle capable of moving
within the rear end of the trigger guard.
30. In a breech-loading gun, the combination, with the main frame or casing in
which the lock and attendant parts are mounted, of a sleeve or butt portion A
mounted upon the stock portion B to which the main frame is secured, a coiled
spring urging the said portions A and B in opposite directions; and a rod secured
at one end to the butt portion and at the other end to the operative mechanism of
the gun, whereby the reciprocation of the gun relatively to the sleeve or butt
portion which surrounds its stock shall effect the operations of loading and
unloading.
31. In combination with the breech-bolt, a rotatable magazine, an oscillating
receiver actuated by the breech-bolt, a sleeve or butt portion A encircling the main
body of the gun stock B, the interposed spring E, and a positive connection within.
the gun between the breech-bolt and the said sleeve or butt portion A.
32. In a breech-loading gun, a rotary magazine, and an oscillating receiver
mounted within the magazine to receive and discharge by gravity through the
chamber of the magazine.
33. The use or employment, in a magazine gun, of the cover for the feed
opening, as an automatic indicator for showing whether the magazine is in or out of
gear, the said cover also constituting the means whereby the cut off mechanism is
operated, substantially as set forth.
34. In a gun, the combination, with the magazine, of an indicator for showing
whether the magazine is in or out of gear, said indicator consisting in making a
portion of the casing-which is concealed by the cover of the feed opening when
the latter is in its furthest forward position--of a colour constituting a strong
contrast to the colour of the cover or the rest of the gun, so that, when the feed
opening is closed, the gun will present a uniformly neutral colour, and indicate the
magazine is in gear, but when the cover is drawn back, the patch of white or other
contrasting colour which was underneath it will be displayed, thereby indicating:
conspicuously that the magazine is out of
gear.
Dated this 22nd day of December 1893.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,.
Agents for the Applicant.