Allen & Wheelock Lipfire Navy Revolver

Published on April 12, 2015
Duration: 8:09

This guide provides a mechanical overview of the Allen & Wheelock Lipfire Navy Revolver, detailing its single-action mechanism, unique loading gate, lipfire cartridge cylinder indentations, and sophisticated rack and pinion ejection system. It highlights historical patent context and potential modifications for rimfire ammunition. The information is presented with expert authority, drawing from detailed technical explanations.

Quick Summary

The Allen & Wheelock Lipfire Navy Revolver is notable for its unique lipfire cartridge system, requiring specific cylinder indentations. It features a single-action mechanism and an advanced rack and pinion ejection system. Due to ammunition scarcity, many were later modified to accept standard rimfire cartridges, a common practice in 19th-century firearm evolution.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Historical Context & Patent Law
  2. 01:33Allen & Wheelock Company History
  3. 01:54The Lipfire Cartridge Explained
  4. 03:41Mechanical Operation & Loading
  5. 05:09Rimfire Conversions
  6. 06:05Rack and Pinion Ejection System
  7. 07:05Provenance and Presentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Lipfire cartridge and how did it differ from other ammunition types?

A Lipfire cartridge is a variation of rimfire ammunition where the priming compound is contained within a small 'lip' on the cartridge rim. This design necessitated specific features in the firearm's cylinder, such as indentations, to properly seat the cartridge and its priming material.

How did the Rollin White patent affect firearms manufacturers like Allen & Wheelock?

The Rollin White patent granted Smith & Wesson exclusive rights to bored-through cylinders, a crucial feature for modern cartridge revolvers. This forced other manufacturers, including Allen & Wheelock, to develop innovative workarounds to produce their own cartridge-firing firearms without infringing on the patent.

What is the unique ejection system found on the Allen & Wheelock Lipfire Navy Revolver?

The Allen & Wheelock Lipfire Navy Revolver features a sophisticated rack and pinion ejection system. In this design, the trigger guard acts as a lever; its gear teeth engage with the ejector rod mechanism to efficiently punch out spent cartridges from the cylinder.

Were Allen & Wheelock revolvers always chambered for their original Lipfire cartridges?

Not necessarily. Due to the scarcity of Lipfire ammunition after production ceased, many Allen & Wheelock revolvers were later modified by gunsmiths. These modifications often involved milling the chamber mouths to accept more readily available standard rimfire cartridges.

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