North & Skinner Wedge-Lock Revolving Rifle

Published on March 25, 2019
Duration: 11:30

This guide details the disassembly and mechanical operation of the North & Skinner Wedge-Lock Revolving Rifle, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of the cylinder and highlights the unique wedge-lock system designed to mitigate the cylinder gap issue common in early revolving rifles. The explanation emphasizes the historical context and mechanical ingenuity of this 19th-century firearm.

Quick Summary

The North & Skinner Wedge-Lock Revolving Rifle featured an innovative wedge-lock mechanism designed to seal the cylinder gap, a critical safety issue for revolving rifles where escaping gas could injure the shooter's support hand. This lever-action percussion firearm advanced the cylinder forward to create a near gas-tight seal against the barrel, showcasing ingenuity in 19th-century firearm design.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to North & Skinner Rifle
  2. 01:02The Cylinder Gap Problem
  3. 01:59History of North & Savage
  4. 03:22Second Generation and Patent
  5. 04:38Mechanical Operation
  6. 05:24The Wedge-Lock Gas Seal
  7. 07:07Disassembly and Internal Features
  8. 08:52Markings and Sights
  9. 09:57Loading and Production Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main problem with early revolving rifles that the North & Skinner Wedge-Lock addressed?

Early revolving rifles suffered from a significant cylinder gap. Unlike handguns, a rifle's forward support hand is near this gap, making escaping hot gas and lead fragments a serious injury risk. The North & Skinner's wedge-lock system aimed to create a near gas-tight seal to mitigate this hazard.

How does the wedge-lock mechanism on the North & Skinner rifle work?

The wedge-lock mechanism advances the cylinder forward when the lever action is closed. Beveled chamber mouths on the cylinder mate with a corresponding bevel on the barrel, creating a seal that significantly reduces gas leakage during firing.

Who were the key figures involved in the development of the North & Skinner rifle?

The rifle's design evolved from the earlier North & Savage partnership. Key figures in its specific development were Henry North and Chaussee Skinner, who patented the design. The company's origins trace back to Simeon North and Elisha Cheney in 1799.

What is the historical significance of the North & Skinner Wedge-Lock Revolving Rifle?

It represents an important experimental phase in firearm design during the 1850s, attempting to solve critical issues with revolving rifle technology. Its wedge-lock system was an innovative solution to the dangerous cylinder gap problem, paving the way for future advancements.

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