Why does this gun have a backwards trigger? The Werder rifle with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on September 22, 2021
Duration: 12:04

The Werder Model 1869 is a unique Bavarian breech-loading rifle featuring a distinctive 'backwards trigger' lever that operates the falling block and a powerful extractor. This design, based on the Peabody system, significantly sped up manual reloading compared to contemporary rifles. Originally chambered in 11x50mm Werder, many were later converted to 11x60mm Mauser. The rifle played a role in the historical context of the Franco-Prussian War.

Quick Summary

The Werder Model 1869 features a unique 'backwards trigger' lever that operates its falling block action and a powerful extractor. This mechanism efficiently ejects spent casings, significantly speeding up manual reloading compared to other contemporary rifles of its era.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Collection History
  2. 01:31Model Identification & Caliber
  3. 02:26Design Origins & Inventor
  4. 03:21The 'Backwards Trigger' Mechanism
  5. 04:40Comparison & Mechanical Analysis
  6. 06:24Variants & Sighting Systems
  7. 07:19Aptiert & Neuer Modell Conversions
  8. 09:19Historical Context: Franco-Prussian War

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'backwards trigger' on the Werder rifle?

The Werder rifle's 'backwards trigger' is a lever located forward of the conventional trigger position. Pushing this lever drops the breech block and activates a powerful extractor, efficiently ejecting the spent cartridge case to speed up reloading.

What is the Werder Model 1869 rifle?

The Werder Model 1869 is a single-shot, breech-loading rifle developed in Bavaria by Johann Ludwig Werder around 1868. It utilizes a Peabody-style falling block action and was designed to improve reloading speed.

What caliber was the Werder rifle originally chambered in?

The Werder Model 1869 was originally chambered in the 11x50mm Werder cartridge. Later conversions, particularly after the adoption of the Mauser 1871, re-chambered these rifles to the 11x60mm Mauser cartridge.

Who invented the Werder rifle?

The Werder rifle was invented by Johann Ludwig Werder, a German inventor. Its design was based on the Peabody dropping block system and was adopted by Bavaria around 1869.

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