Remington Split Breech - Before It Was Famous

Published on April 1, 2018
Duration: 17:32

This entry details the Remington Split Breech Carbine, a precursor to the Rolling Block. It covers its patent history, manufacturing challenges during the Civil War, and its eventual sale as surplus. The video highlights the unique split breech action and compares the .44 and .50 caliber models, offering insights into 19th-century firearm development and military procurement.

Quick Summary

The Remington Split Breech Carbine, a precursor to the Rolling Block, featured a unique split breech action and was produced in .44 Rimfire and .50 caliber. Its development involved Geiger, Alger, and Rider, with manufacturing challenges during the Civil War leading to production by Savage. Most units were sold as surplus to France after the war.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Split Breech
  2. 01:12Patent History
  3. 02:59Civil War Production Challenges
  4. 04:56Manufacturing and Contracts
  5. 08:13Model Comparisons
  6. 09:02Mechanical Operation
  7. 11:15Markings and Sights
  8. 12:45Post-War History and Resale

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Remington Split Breech Carbine?

The Remington Split Breech Carbine is an early firearm design that served as a direct predecessor to the more famous Remington Rolling Block. It features a unique split breech action and was produced in .44 Rimfire and .50 caliber variants.

Who developed the Remington Split Breech Carbine?

The design originated from Leonard Geiger and Charles Alger in the early 1860s. Remington engineer Joseph Rider independently developed a similar concept, leading Remington to license Geiger's patent to avoid legal issues.

What were the production challenges for the Remington Split Breech Carbine?

During the Civil War, Remington was at full capacity. Securing manufacturing for the Split Breech carbines required a large order, eventually leading to production at the Savage Revolving Firearms Company.

What happened to the Remington Split Breech Carbines after the Civil War?

Most Remington Split Breech Carbines arrived too late for the Civil War. In 1870, the US government sold them as surplus to France for the Franco-Prussian War.

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