2nd Model Smith-Jennings Rifle

Published on August 13, 2016
Duration: 10:58

The 2nd Model Smith-Jennings Rifle, a direct predecessor to modern lever-action firearms, utilized Walter Hunt's 'rocket ball' ammunition and a separate pellet primer system for ignition. Loading involves gravity-feeding cartridges into a tube magazine, and firing requires cocking the hammer and cycling the lever action to chamber a round and prime the bolt. This historical firearm represents a crucial evolutionary step in self-contained firearm design.

Quick Summary

The 2nd Model Smith-Jennings Rifle, a pivotal firearm in lever-action history, predates modern lever-action rifles and utilized Walter Hunt's 'rocket ball' ammunition with a separate pellet primer system. Its design incorporated a gravity-fed tube magazine and a lever action with an elevator mechanism, laying the groundwork for future firearms like the Winchester.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to the 2nd Model Smith-Jennings Rifle
  2. 00:36Origins: Walter Hunt's Rocket Ball Ammunition
  3. 00:57Early Cartridge Design Flaws
  4. 01:27Manufacturing Challenges and Jennings' Improvements
  5. 02:24Palmer's Investment and Production Issues
  6. 03:03Influential Figures and Design Evolution
  7. 04:08Smith-Jennings Design Lineage and Precursors
  8. 05:14Tube Magazine and Rocket Ball Loading Mechanism
  9. 06:02Separate Pellet Primer Ignition System
  10. 07:34Firing Mechanism and Cork Backplate Function
  11. 08:29Bolt Design and Lack of Ejection
  12. 09:14Lever Action Cycling and Its Significance
  13. 10:11Historical Significance and Auction Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the 2nd Model Smith-Jennings Rifle historically significant?

The 2nd Model Smith-Jennings Rifle is significant as a direct predecessor to all lever-action rifles, including the Volcanic, Henry, and Winchester models. It incorporated key innovations like the tube magazine and lever action, representing a crucial step in firearm evolution.

How was the 2nd Model Smith-Jennings Rifle loaded and fired?

It was loaded by gravity-feeding 'rocket ball' cartridges into a tube magazine. Firing involved cocking the hammer, cycling the lever to chamber a round and prime the bolt with a separate pellet primer, and then pulling the trigger to ignite the propellant.

What type of ammunition did the 2nd Model Smith-Jennings Rifle use?

The rifle used Walter Hunt's 'rocket ball' ammunition, which was a hollow-based bullet filled with gunpowder and sealed with a cork backplate. It also required separate mercury fulminate pellet primers for ignition.

Who were the key figures involved in the development of the Smith-Jennings rifle?

Key figures include Walter Hunt (inventor of the 'rocket ball'), Arrowsmith (manufacturer), Lewis Jennings (designer of the lever system), and Horace Smith (who made improvements leading to the 2nd Model). Benjamin Taylor Henry and Daniel Wesson were also exposed to the design.

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