Morse Carbine: If the Army Says No, Sell it Commercially!

Published on April 28, 2019
Duration: 11:16

This guide details the operation and barrel-swapping procedure for the Morse / Muzzy Sporting Carbine, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers opening the top-lever action, the dual extractor mechanism, and the simple process of unscrewing and replacing barrels. The video highlights the advanced design for its time, including interchangeable carbine, rifle, and shotgun barrel options, and the adjustable rear sight. It also touches upon the historical context of its development and commercial failure due to ammunition costs.

Quick Summary

The Morse / Muzzy Sporting Carbine featured a unique interchangeable barrel system (carbine, rifle, shotgun) and a proprietary centerfire cartridge. Despite its advanced design and reliable top-lever action with dual extractors, it failed U.S. military trials in 1857 due to expensive ammunition and was commercially unsuccessful due to its high $125 price tag.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Morse / Muzzy Sporting Carbine
  2. 01:00Morse Cartridge Design
  3. 01:561857 Military Trials & Burnside Carbine
  4. 03:06Commercial Production & Interchangeable Barrels
  5. 04:05Mechanical Operation: Top-Lever Action
  6. 05:05Barrel Swapping Process
  7. 06:06Sights and Engraving
  8. 07:41Markings and Commercial Failure
  9. 08:25Military Conversion Contract
  10. 09:27Civil War and Later Years

Frequently Asked Questions

What was unique about the Morse / Muzzy Sporting Carbine?

The Morse / Muzzy Sporting Carbine featured a revolutionary interchangeable barrel system, allowing a single receiver to be fitted with carbine, rifle, or shotgun barrels. It also used George Morse's proprietary centerfire cartridge design.

Why did the Morse Carbine fail military trials?

Despite its reliability, the Morse Carbine lost to the Burnside Carbine in 1857 U.S. government trials because Morse's proprietary ammunition was more expensive and complex to manufacture, making it less practical for military use.

How does the Morse Carbine's action operate?

The Morse Carbine utilizes a top-lever breechloader action. Squeezing two buttons allows the top cover to lift, retracting the bolt and engaging dual extractors to remove the spent cartridge case from the chamber.

What was the price and market reception of the Morse / Muzzy Sporting Carbine?

The commercial sets were priced at $125 in 1857, an extremely high cost for the era. This led to poor sales and financial difficulties for George Morse, as the market could not sustain such a premium price.

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