The First Black Rifle?

Published on March 30, 2017
Duration: 10:41

This video explores the rare Norwegian Pillar Breech rifle, a firearm notable for its original black ordnance paint, earning it the nickname 'first black rifle.' It details the rifle's evolution from a 1774 Dutch smoothbore musket through 19th-century conversions to percussion and rifled barrels, culminating in the unique pillar breech mechanism. The video highlights how this system used a heavy ramrod to force a solid-base projectile against an internal pillar, expanding it to engage the rifling, a distinct approach compared to Minie ball technology.

Quick Summary

The Norwegian Pillar Breech rifle, nicknamed the 'first black rifle' for its original black ordnance paint, featured a unique mechanism. It used a heavy ramrod to expand a solid-base projectile against an internal pillar, ensuring engagement with the rifling.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Norwegian Pillar Breech Rifle
  2. 01:07Historical Evolution: From 1774 Dutch Musket
  3. 02:1019th Century Conversions: Percussion & Rifling
  4. 02:49Pillar Breech vs. Minie Ball Technology
  5. 04:20The Role of the Heavy Ramrod
  6. 06:44Transition to the Kammerlader
  7. 09:09Conclusion: Rarity and Functionality

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Norwegian Pillar Breech rifle unique?

Its uniqueness lies in the pillar breech mechanism. Unlike Minie balls, it used a solid-base projectile and a heavy ramrod to expand the bullet against an internal pillar, ensuring a tight fit in the rifled barrel for improved accuracy.

Why is the Norwegian Pillar Breech rifle called the 'first black rifle'?

It earned the nickname 'first black rifle' due to its original black ordnance paint finish. This distinctive coloration set it apart and is a key visual characteristic of this rare firearm.

How did the Norwegian Pillar Breech rifle evolve over time?

Originating as a 1774 Dutch smoothbore musket, it was converted to percussion in 1841. By 1851, it received rifled barrels, iron sights, and the innovative pillar breech loading system.

What replaced the Norwegian Pillar Breech system?

Norway eventually transitioned to the Kammerlader, an early breech-loading rifle. While different in loading mechanism, it shared similar sights and projectile calibers with the earlier pillar breech rifles.

More from Iraqveteran8888

View all →