Fosbery's Pump Shotgun: An AR15 Bolt in 1891

Published on September 21, 2017
Duration: 6:14

This entry details the unique 6-lug rotating bolt mechanism of the 1891 Fosbery Pump Shotgun, as explained by firearms historian Ian McCollum. It highlights the advanced design for its era, predating modern AR-15 bolt technology, and its historical context within firearm innovation. The shotgun's lack of commercial success due to prevailing preferences for break-action designs is also noted.

Quick Summary

The 1891 Fosbery Pump Shotgun is notable for its advanced 6-lug rotating bolt, which locks into a barrel extension using a cam mechanism. This design predates similar features found in modern firearms like the AR-15 by about 50 years, demonstrating significant early innovation in firearm mechanics, though it saw limited commercial success.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Fosbery Pump Shotgun
  2. 01:30Mechanical Overview and Slide Action
  3. 02:29The 6-Lug Rotating Bolt Explained
  4. 03:43Markings and Prototype Details
  5. 04:21Historical Context of Innovation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Fosbery Pump Shotgun's bolt design?

The 1891 Fosbery Pump Shotgun features a 6-lug rotating bolt that locks into a barrel extension via a cam mechanism, remarkably similar to modern designs like the AR-15 bolt, showcasing advanced engineering for its time.

Why was the Fosbery Pump Shotgun not commercially successful?

Despite its innovative design, the Fosbery Pump Shotgun failed to gain commercial traction in Britain because sportsmen of the era strongly preferred traditional break-action shotguns over newer pump-action mechanisms.

What historical firearm components were used in the Fosbery Pump Shotgun example?

The specific Fosbery Pump Shotgun examined utilized a barrel marked 'Winchester Repeating Shotgun 1909 Model,' indicating the use of Winchester components in this experimental prototype.

Did the Fosbery Pump Shotgun directly influence the AR-15 bolt design?

While mechanically similar, the Fosbery's 1891 design likely did not directly influence the AR-15 bolt due to its extreme rarity, lack of commercial production, and the independent development of firearm technologies over the intervening decades.

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