Improvements in Breech-loading Small-arms.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 28th July, 1887
Complete Left, 30th Apr., 1888
Complete Accepted, 15th June, 1888
Improvements in Breech-loading Small-arms.
I, THOMAS BRAIN of Weaman Street, Birmingham in the County of Warwick,
Gun Action Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention has reference to breech-loading small-arms, of the kind called drop-
down guns and pistols; and my said invention consists first, in an improved
construction of breech ends of barrels-Secondly, in cartridge ejector mechanism.
Thirdly, in the means of working the gripping bolts. Fourthly, in trigger safety
mechanism, and fifthly, in the arrangement of parts in connection with the fore-end
I will first describe my invention in connection with a double barrelled hammerles
drop down gun.
The construction of the breech ends of the barrels, consists in making the said ends,
in one piece, thereby dispensing with the ordinary process of brazing the lumps to the
undersides of the barrels, which greatly weakens them, and prevents double extractor
rods being used in close proximity to each other, as there is insufficient space left to
form the holes wherein the rods should work.
In carrying out this part of my invention, I take a solid block of steel or other
suitable metal of about two inches in length, and of sufficient length, and breadth, to
embrace the lumps, and barrels in one direction, and the barrels in the other direction.
I then by means of shaping tools, give to the block, the required shape of a breech
end, with both back, and front lumps, the underflats of the barrels, and the extended
rib, all in one piece.
The front end, of this breech end portion or shoe, has a screwed neck part, which
screws into a corresponding screwed recess part in the ends of the other parts of
the barrels, or they may be connected by screwing the converse to this.
By this means, two extractor rods can be fitted into independent holes or recesses
made to receive them.
The ejector mechanism consists as follows:-Directed parallel to each other, and at
a short distance apart, two extractor rods pass longitudinally through the solid of the
metal on the undersides of the barrels, and each of them is provided with a split
extractor at their ends which when combined, make a complete extractor, which fits
into a recess at the breech ends of the barrels.

page_text: The forward ends of the extractor rods, are somewhat exposed, and with their
extreme front ends abuting against, two upright parts or plungers, directed upwardly
from ejector rods or slides, which work within brackets, on the underside of the fore
end iron. These ejector rods are encircled by coiled springs disposed between
the back side of the front bracket, and the near side of the parts, which are directed
upwardly, and against which the striker rods take their bearing.
Disposed a little below the rear ends of the said ejector rods, are two detents, or
catches, jointed and fulcrumed about their middles, to a hanging bracket, depending
from the underside of the fore end iron, next to the outside of the bow of the joint,
and with their rear ends passing through vertical slots cut through the metal of
the joint of the iron as aforesaid. The front ends of the said detents or catches
come against stops or shouldered parts, situated on the undersides of the ejector
rods, and near their rear ends; and which, said stops keep the spring in a state of
tension, until the detents are removed, for ejecting.
The detents are kept with their front always up to their work, by a forked spring,
which acts in common to them both.
The back extended ends of the detents are stepped, or made with the top extreme
end part to overhang the bottom part.
Working through the metal of the joint, of the body of the gun, and at a short
distance apart, and in a line with the inside faces of the tumblers, are two slides,
which are moved backwards and forwards, and under the direct influence of the
tumblers-Thus, these slides are stepped at their front parts, and carry at their
hind parts, double inclines, which are the means whereby the said slides are made
to traverse to and fro, for the liberation of the détents, as before referred to.
These inclined portions are so made, that the hammers in falling, come upon the
top inclines, and press forward the slides, so that if one hammer only be discharged,
then only one slide is worked, and its corresponding ejector rod liberated, which
in its turn on the opening of the barrels, presses suddenly outwards, the extractor
rod, and so ejects the cartridge case fired.
It is the tail ends of the tumblers that operate these slides in the forward
direction, and which ends alternate between the upper and lower inclines; so that
the falling of the hammer presses outwards or home the slides, through the joint,
and with their front stepped ends engaging under the stepped rear ends of the
detents, working within the holes cut in the joint of the fore end iron.
The motions of the tails on the cocking of the lammers again pass to their normal
positions by pressing back the slides by travelling over the bottom incline.
The slides are brought back from their acting positions by the rear ends of
the ejector rods or slides, through the intervention of the detent striking the front
parts of the slides, and so pressing them back to their normal or non-acting
positions.
The slides are retained in their respective positions, by Vs on the undersides of the
tail ends of the sear springs, engaging respectively within notches and shoulders cut
within, and formed upon the said slides.
The dogs or levers of the hammers, instead of their front ends passing through
continuous holes in the fore-end iron, I make them pass only into pocketed recesses
cut within the inside part of the joint of the fore-end iron.
The bracket which carries the detents, I propose making solid with the joint of the
fore-end iron.
The fore-end catch I propose to make fork-like, with the limbs separated from
each other through a distance, the breadth of a fore-end loop, and with slotted holes
in the said fore-end part, through which pins pass, and allow the slide to only
work perfectly central-Or the limb of the catch may be extended beyond the loop
glot.
The depending pillar of the top lever, which passes through the upper part of
the tang strap, is secured in position by a nut, with a screwed body part, which
fits within an inside part in the pillar, while the vertical axis, which is worked by
the lever, passes up the middle of the pillar, and is provided with a cranked or foot

page_text: lower end, which engages with a gap of an extended back portion of the gripping
bolt.
The top grip is effected, by making the front of the underside of the solid steel
grip lever, gapped and undercut, which when the lever is turned aside, embraces and
comes upon a corresponding-like part on the end of the extended rib.
The trigger safety consists of a single limb jointed and fulcrumed to the top
end of a solid upright bracket, carried by the trigger plate, and with the extended
upper end of the arm engaging with an ordinary slide on the tang strap, while
the lower short end, which has a face struck from the joint of the trigger plates,
comes upon inclines at the rears of the said trigger blades.
The arm is kept in its respective positions, by the V end of the spring, engaging
alternately with the shoulder and notch.
The arm is carried into a position of safe by a rod working horizontally, and
receiving its motion from the depending part or axis of the lever, by which the
gun is opened.
Working and sliding upon the tang strap, I arrange a third supplementary sight,
which works within a groove, and on being moved in one or other direction,
down or up the incline as aforesaid, the sight can be adjusted to the aim
required.
The extractors have additional guidances given to them by their top parts,
working within grooves or channels, on the underside of the extended rib; and
further, the extractors are limited in their motion by a stop, situated at a point beyond
the front lump, and crossing the extractor rods near their front ends.
The extractor rods may be limited in their motion, by coming against the extractor
cam-By this means, the extractor rods are prevented from coming too far forward,
and striking the break-off of the body.
I wish it to be understood that the construction of the breech ends of the barrels is
not only applicable to the gun as described, but to all drop-down breech loading guns
and pistols.
Dated this Twenty-seventh day of July 1887.
THOMAS BRAIN..
By Henry Skerrett,
Agent for Applicant.

page_text: Improvements in Breech-loading Small Arms.
I, THOMAS BRAIN of Weaman Street Birmingham, in the County of Warwick
Gun Action Manufacturer, 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 has reference to breech loading small arms, of the kind, called drop
down guns and pistols; and my said invention, consists first, in an improved con-
struction of breech ends of barrels. Secondly, in cartridge ejector mechanism.
Thirdly, in the means of working the gripping bolts. Fourthly, in trigger safety
mechanism, and fifthly, in the arrangement of parts, in connection with the
fore end.
I will first describe my invention in connection with a double barrelled hammerless
drop down gun.
The construction of the breech ends of the barrels, consists, in making the said
ends, in one piece, thereby dispensing with the ordinary process of brazing the lumps
and other parts to the barrels, which greatly weakens them, and prevents double
extractor rods being used in close proximity to each other, as there is insufficient
space left to form the holes, wherein the rods should work.
In carrying out this part of my invention, I take a solid block of steel or other
suitable metal, of sufficient length and breadth, to embrace the lumps, and barrels in
one direction, and the barrels in the other direction. I then by means of shaping
tools, give to the block, the required shape of a breech end, with back, and front
lumps, the underflats of the barrels, and the extended, and barrel ribs, all in one piece
with it.
The front end, of this breech end portion or shoe, has a screwed neck part, which
screws into a corresponding screwed recess part, in the ends of the other parts of
the barrels, or the barrels and shoe, may be connected by screwing the converse to the
aforesaid.
The ejector mechanism, consists as follows,-
Directed parallel to each other, and at a short distance apart, two extractor rods
pass longitudinally through the solid of the metal, on the undersides of the barrels,
and each of them, is provided with a split extractor, at their ends, which when
combined, make a complete extractor, which fits into a recess, at the breech ends of
the barrels.
The forward ends of the extractor rods, are somewhat exposed, and with their
extreme front ends, abuting against, two upright parts or plungers, directed upwardly,
from ejector rods, or slides, which work within brackets, on the underside of the
fore-end iron. These ejector rods, are encircled by coiled springs, disposed between
the backside of the front bracket, and the near side of the parts, which are directed
upwardly, and against which the striker rods, take their bearing.

page_text: Disposed a little below the rear ends of the said ejector rods, are two detents, or
catches, jointed and fulcrumed about their middles, to a hanging bracket, depending
from the underside of the fore-end iron, next to the outside of the bow of the joint,
and with their rear ends passing through vertical slots, cut through the metal of the
joint of the iron, as aforesaid. The front ends of the detents or catches, come against
stops or shouldered parts, situated on the undersides of the ejector rods, and near
their rear ends; and which said stops, keep the spring in a state of tension, until the
detents are removed, for ejecting.
The detents are kept with their fronts always up to their work, by a forked spring,
which acts in common, to them both.
The back extended ends of the detents, are stepped, or made with the top extreme
end part, to overhang the bottom part.
Working through the metal of the joint of the body of the gun, and at a short
distance apart, and in a line with the inside faces of the tumblers, are two slides,
which are moved backwards and forwards, and under the direct influence of the
tumblers. Thus, these slides are Vd at their front parts, and carry at their hind parts,
double inclines, which are the means whereby the said slides, are made to traverse
to and fro, for the liberation of the detents, as before referred to. These inclined
portions, are so made, that the hammers in falling, come upon the top inclines, and
press forward the slides, so that if one hammer only be discharged, then only one
slide is worked, and its corresponding ejector rod liberated, which in its turn, on the
opening of the barrels, presses suddenly outwards, the extractor rod, and so ejects
the cartridge case fired.
It is the tail ends of the tumblers, that operate these slides in the forward direction,
and which ends, alternate between the upper and lower inclines; so that the falling
of the hammer, presses outwards, or home, the slides, through the joint, and with
their front ends, engaging under the tips of the rear arms of the detents, working
within holes, cut in the joint of the fore end iron.
The slides are retained in their respective positions, by V or swells on the under-
sides of the tail ends of the sear springs, engaging respectively, within notches or
over shoulders, cut within, or formed upon, the said slides.
The dogs or lifters of the hammers, instead of their front ends passing through
continuous holes in the fore-end iron, I make them pass only into pocketed recesses,
cut within the inside part of the joint of the fore-end iron.
The bracket which carries the detents, I propose making solid, with the joint of
the fore-end iron.
The depending pillar of the top lever, which passes through the upper part of the
tang strap, is secured in position, by a nut, with a screwed body part, which fits
within an inside part in the pillar, while the vertical axis, which is worked by the
lever, passes up the middle of the pillar, and is provided with a cranked or foot
lower end, which engages with a gap, of an extended back portion of the gripping
bolt.
The top grip is effected by making the front of the underside of a solid steel grip
lever, gapped and undercut, which when the lever is turned aside, embraces and
comes upon a corresponding like part, on the end of the extended rib.
The trigger safety, consists of a single limb, jointed and fulcrumed to the top end
of a solid upright bracket, carried by the trigger plate, and with the extended upper
end of the arm, engaging with an ordinary slide, on the tang strap, while the lower
short end, which has a face struck from the joint of the trigger plates, comes upon
inclines at the rears of the said trigger blades.
The arm is kept in its respective positions, by the Vend of the spring, engaging
alternately, with the shoulder and notch.
The arm is carried into a position of safe, by a rod, working horizontally, and
receiving its motion from the depending part or axis of the lever, by which the gun
is opened.
Working and sliding upon the incline of the tang strap, I arrange a third or
supplementary sight, which works to and fro, for adjustment.

page_text: I will now proceed to describe with reference, to the accompanying drawings, the
manner in which the same is to be performed.
Figure 1 represents in longitudinal vertical section, the breech ends of the barrels,
of a double gun, constructed according to the first part of my invention.
Figure 2 represents partly in plan, and partly in horizontal section, the said breech
ends. It will thus be seen that the breech ends of the barrels, which are reduced in
diameter, and screwed externally about the middles of the said reduced parts, are
fitted or provided with, breech shoes, with which the hack and front lumps, the rib,
the extended rib, and the underflats of the barrels, are made all in one piece.
Figure represents partly in longitudinal section, and partly in elevation (see 1
sheet 3) a like view as figure 1.
Figure 4 is a section of the solid block, to form the shoe. Figure 5 is an end elevation
of the same. Figures 6 and 7 represent transverse and longitudinal sections of the
said blocks, partially shaped. Figure 8 represents the said block figure 7, fully
chambered and fully screwed. Figure 9 shows a vertical section of the finished shoe, 1
and figure 10 is a transverse section, or end elevation of the same.
To form the shoe, I take a forged block of steel, or other suitable metal figures 4
and 5, which is then bored, as in figures 6 and 7. I then step chamber, the borings
as aforesaid, and with the internal middle part, screwed, as in figure 8.
This said partially formed shoe, figure 8, which is interiorly finished, I then operate 2
exteriorly, by shaping tools, so as to give it, the shape, as in figures 9 and 10.
The breech ends of the barrels, are externally reduced and shaped, to the inside
diameter of the shoe, and with the middle of the reduced part, screwed, which takes
into a like screwed inside part in the shoe, as best seen in figures 1 and 2.
The same letters of reference, indicate corresponding parts in figures 1 to 10 both.
inclusive.
a are the barrels, a² are the reduced breech ends, b is the breech shoe, or jacket, to
the breech ends a², and made solid with it, is the rib 62, extended rib 63, under flats
of the barrels 4, back and fore-lump 15, 1.
Although I have shown the construction of the breech ends, as applied to a double
barrel, yet the same construction is equally applicable to single barrels of small arms
in general.
Figure 11 represents a breech loading hammerless double gun, provided with spent
cartridge case ejector mechanism means, for the working of the gripping bolts, trigger
safety mechanism, and other arrangements, constructed according to the second,
third, fourth, and fifth parts of my invention."
It will be seen that the gun figure 11, is shown with the parts in the positions,
which they normally assume, when the gun is fired.
2
Figure 12 represents a like longitudinal section as figure 11, but with the barrels
down, and a fired cartridge case in the act of being flirted or expelled from a chamber 4
of one of the barrels.
Figure 13 represents an end view of the breech ends of the barrels, and figure 14
shows a longitudinal section of the body part of the gun, but taken through a different
part of the arm, to that of figures 11 and 12. In this view, will be seen the top lever
axis, and the adjustable sight.
Figure 15 represents a part section, and part elevation, of the top lever, and parts
connected with it.
Figure 16 shows a side elevation and plan of the ejector slide.
The same letters of reference, indicate corresponding parts, in figures 11 to 16 both
inclusive.
a are the barrels, b is the break off, and b₁ is the body part of the arm, c is a split
extractor, with independent legs e², respectively directed longitudinally through the
solid of the metal, on the undersides of the barrels, and with the exposed fore parts c³,
of the said legs, abutting or taking their bearings against the rears of upright plungers
or striker parts d², carried by, and near the rear end of ejector rods d, which work
and slide within brackets e², directed from the underside of the fore end iron e, of the
fore-end e³.
4

page_text: Thus, the ejector rods d, have fore and rear parts d³, d'; and surrounding the fore-
parts d³, between the brackets e², and the plungers or strikers d², coiled springs f,
are disposed, which when suddenly released from a state of tension, expend their
released energy, upon the ejector rods, which are forced outwardly, with considerable
impetus.
The ejector rods d, are held in position, when their springs are compressed, by
rocking detents or catches g, with double arms ², g³, the former of which engage
within bents, on the rear underside of the plungers or strikers d², of the ejector
rods d.
The rear arms ³, are acted upon, by the fore part of the slides h, which work
within the body of the arm ', and are operated forwardly, by the toes of hammers
or tumblers i, of which j are the main springs, for throwing forward the said
hammers.
The fore parts of the slides h, are outwardly V, while the rear part carries
rearly V pillars or uprights ³, over which the toes of the tumblers or hammers i,
wipe.
-The undersides of the slides, have swells or teits ', over which the bulbous free
ends of springs ³, work for the keeping of the slides in their withdrawn or projected
positions. These springs are the fore parts of the sear springs k.
Thus, the slides are taken back into the positions as represented in figure 12, by the
arm gå, of the hanging or rocking detent or catch g, being struck by the end d, of the
ejector rod d.
I are the scars, m are the triggers, with trigger blades m², jointed at m³, and n are
the hammer lifters, with front underside projecting parts n², lying within pocketed
recesses e, cut within the inside part of the joint of the fore-end iron e.
The ejector mechanism, is operated, and works as follows:-
The discharge of one of the hammers, on the firing of the arm, (when the barrels
are closed) causes the underside of the toe 2, to impinge or fall upon the upper incline
of the rear ³, of the slide h, thereby causing the said slide to be urged forward, into
the position as represented in figure 11, and with the slide held in its forward position,
by the tail end 2 of the spring k, coming on the rear side of the protuberance, formed
on the underside of the slide.
It will be seen that the fore parts of the slide, which has counter inclines, extend
beyond the joint of the body part of the arm; so that on the breaking of the barrels,
the nose of the said slide comes upon the underside of the arm g³, of the rocking bent g,
so as to lift the said arm, which consequently lowers or takes the opposite end of the
arm from out of the bent do, and so releases the ejector slide, which is urged rear-
ward with considerable impetus, and strikes and forces outwardly the ejector c², by the
upwardly extended part d², thereby expelling the spent cartridge case o from the barrel
discharged.
The closing of the barrels, causes the lug 7, upon the joint of the body part 6', to
move inwardly the extractor rod c², forcing forwardly the ejector rods d, by plungers
or upright arms d²; and on the end of the arm g², of the detent or catch g, coming
in front of the bent d, it falls into it, and retains the ejector rod in the position as
represented in figure 11, with the spring under compression, disposed between the
inner bracket and plunger.
It will be observed, that the shooting rearwardly of the ejector rod, gives a
momentary blow to the rear arm of the detent, which in its turn, strikes the top
incline of the nose of the slide, which forces it inwards, with its nose end beyond,
or lying flush with the joint of the body part, and is there retained by the tail
end 2, of the sear spring k.
The top lever arrangement, for the working of the bolt, consists as follows.-(see
figure 14).
P is the top lever, with a depending pillar p², which passes through the inner
part of the tang strap and body b, 68, and secured in position, by a nut p³, taking
upon the externally screwed end of the said pillar, and with its upper-side taking its
bearing against an extension 68, of the body part b.

page_text: q is the locking bolt, connected to the tang lever p, by a foot or key r, which is
secured centrally within, and to the underside of the pillar p², by an upwardly
directed screw pin p¹.
The trigger safety arrangement, consists of a limb s, jointed at 2, and with its
upper ends, taking between underside depending parts of a slide t, which works
over a hole, made through the tang strap 68.
The front lower end of the limb s, has a foot st, with its forwardly extended end
made flat, to take upon a like flat m¹ upon the rear of the trigger blades m² of
triggers m, which are jointed at m³.
The rear underside of the limb s, has a double Vd or notched underside 55, over-
which or wherein, a V₁ end of a flat spring so, takes or engages.
Connection between the bolt, and main safety limb of the safety, is made by a rear
wardly jointed bar -Thus, when the lever p is turned aside, for the opening of the
barrels, the bolt is withdrawn, and forces rearwardly the rod, and turns the safety
limb upon its joint centre, and brings the foot s¹, in front of, or before the flat m¹
of the trigger blades m², thereby keeping the arm at safe; but on the arm requiring
to be fired, press forwardly the slide t, when the safety limb is turned upon its joint
centre, and with the foots, removed from in front of the flat on the trigger blades,
and with the V end of the spring s, engaging with the notch so, which retains the
limb in its non-safety position.
The sights consists as follows.
is the sight, with sight hole v² at its upper end, and with its lower part jointedly
connected to a knuckle w, carried upon the top side of a bowed and flat spring w²,
whose fore part w³ is V on its underside, and engages with the teeth 610 cut within
the top face of the lower end of the tang strap 18.
The knuckle w has a flat w4, upon its crown, upon which the flat underside of the
head of a piston like presser , takes its bearing, for retaining the sight in an
elevated, or inclined position, and which piston bearing part is pressed home by a
spring a².
The upwardly bowed and flat spring w², works within an open topped carrier y,
affixedly secured to the tang strap.
The sight is made adjustable, by applying pressure vertically to it, which flattens
the spring 2, and takes the fore part w³, from out of the teeth 60, which thus allows
the sight to be adjusted, by sliding upon the incline of the tang strap.
By moving the sight forwards or rearwards, its elevation is changed accordingly.
By thus mounting the sight upon the incline of the tang strap, it can be adjusted,
or its elevation changed, with the greatest precision.
In applying my invention to hammer guns, the slide is lengthened rearwardly, so
as to make its said rear end extend into the lock plate casing, and come against the
tumbler or its equivalent, carried upon a hammer axis.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
First Making or forming the breech end, or the breech ends, or the parts of the
breech end, or ends, of a single, or double barrel, or barrels, in one piece, either in the
form of a solid end or ends, or in the form of a breech shoe, which takes upon a
reduced end, or ends, of the breech end or ends of a single or double barrel or
barrels, substantially as described and set forth, in figures 1 to 10, both inclusive.
Secondly The construction of the ejector rod d, in which the plungers or upright
striker part d², is placed at a short distance from the rear of the said rod, thereby
obtaining fore and rear rod ends, of which the latter forms a means, for working
the slide, rearwardly, through the intervention of the detent, as set forth in figures 11
and 12.
Thirdly The construction, and mounting, of the double armed rocking detent, or
catch g, as set forth in figures 11 and 12.
Fourthly Taking back rearwardly, the slide h, to its normal position, by means of

page_text: the inner arm of the detent g, which is acted upon, by the rear end d*, of the ejector
rod d, as set forth in figures 11 and 12.
Fifthly The combination with the detent g, g, g³, and rear part d*, of an ejector
rod d, of a slide, with a nose h², as set forth in figures 11 and 12.
Sixthly The construction of the slide, and its parts h, h², h³, hª, as set forth in
figures 11 and 12.
Seventhly-Making the sear spring, and slide retaining spring k, k³, in one piece,
as set forth.
Eighthly The combination with the toe 2, of a hammer i, of an inclined end h³,
of a slide h, as set forth.
Ninthly The general construction and arrangements of the parts, of ejector
mechanism, as herein described and set forth in figures 11, 12, 13 and 16.
Tenthly Making the detent carrying bracket, solid, or in one piece, with the fore-
end iron, as set forth in figures 11 and 12.
Eleventhly The construction of the rear part of the lifter, and the pocketed recess,
within the joint of the fore end iron, wherein the said part lies, as set forth in figures 11
and 12.
Twelfthly Making or constructing the tang lever p, and its depending pillar
part p2, in one piece, as set forth in figure 14.
Thirteenthly Securing in position, the pillars, or the axes of top levers, by means
of a screw nut (or its equivalent) p³, taking upon the end of the said pillar, and
with its top side coming against a solid part of the body, and which said nut and
parts, are arranged, and fitted, substantially as set forth, in figures 14 and 15.
Fourteenthly The construction of the lower end parts 5, 6, of the safety limbs,
and the combination of the said lower end, with the rear flats m¹, of the triggers m m²,
as set forth in figures 11, 12 and 14 and 15, for firmly holding down, and gripping
the barrels.
Fifteenthly The construction and arrangement of the parts, of trigger safety
mechanism, as set forth in figures 11, 12 and 14.
Lastly Mounting peep-sights upon an inclined plane, preferably formed by the
rear of the tang strap; also the construction and arrangement of the parts, of peep
sights, and the means for adjusting and holding them in position, as set forth in
figure 14.
Dated this Twenty-seventh day of April 1888.