Four-Barrel Mule Ear Custom Rifle from the 1850s

Published on August 9, 2025
Duration: 1:03

This guide details the operation of a rare Four-Barrel Mule Ear Custom Rifle from the 1850s, as presented by firearms expert Ian McCollum. It covers the unique 'mule ear' hammer system, barrel configuration, and safety features, providing a step-by-step approach to understanding its function. The information is presented with high authority due to McCollum's expertise in historical firearms.

Quick Summary

The Four-Barrel Mule Ear Custom Rifle from the 1850s, made in Ashtabula, Ohio, features a unique 'mule ear' action with side-mounted hammers and four .36 caliber barrels. It includes protective shields behind the percussion nipples for shooter safety, showcasing advanced 19th-century firearm design.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Mule Ear Rifle
  2. 00:12Barrel Configuration and Caliber
  3. 00:18Mule Ear Hammer Mechanism Explained
  4. 00:33Internal Trigger and Sear Function
  5. 00:42Safety Features: Protective Shields

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'Mule Ear' rifle?

A 'Mule Ear' rifle, like the 1850s custom example shown, is named for its distinctive side-mounted hammers that resemble a mule's ears. These hammers must be individually cocked to prepare each barrel for firing via percussion caps.

What were the safety features on this 1850s rifle?

This historical rifle incorporated metal protective shields positioned behind the percussion nipples. Their purpose was to deflect powder residue and fragments from percussion caps, offering a rudimentary form of eye protection for the shooter.

Where and when was the Four-Barrel Mule Ear Custom Rifle made?

The Four-Barrel Mule Ear Custom Rifle featured in the video was manufactured in Ashtabula, Ohio, during the early 1850s. This highlights regional craftsmanship in mid-19th century American firearms.

What caliber is the Four-Barrel Mule Ear Custom Rifle?

The Four-Barrel Mule Ear Custom Rifle is chambered in .36 caliber. This is evident from the close-up view of the muzzle, which reveals the four distinct rifled barrels.

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