Roper Revolving Shotgun (now with dummy cartridges!)

Published on August 25, 2015
Duration: 11:43

This guide details the disassembly and operational cycle of the rare Roper Revolving Shotgun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers the unique open-bolt, manual hammer-cocked action, the reusable steel cartridge cases, and the process of unthreading the barrel for internal access. The demonstration highlights the mechanical intricacies and historical significance of this 19th-century firearm.

Quick Summary

The Roper Revolving Shotgun employs a unique open-bolt, manual hammer-cocked action with a four-round rotating magazine. Disassembly requires unscrewing the barrel assembly to access internal components like the firing pin extension and magazine follower. It uses reusable steel cases loaded with percussion caps, powder, and shot.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and History
  2. 01:50Mechanical Overview
  3. 03:34Loading and Firing Demonstration
  4. 06:25Cartridge Case Design
  5. 08:21Internal Components and Disassembly
  6. 11:06Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the action type of the Roper Revolving Shotgun?

The Roper Revolving Shotgun features a unique open-bolt, manual hammer-cocked action. Cocking the hammer retracts the bolt and rotates the magazine to the next round, ready for the trigger pull to chamber and fire.

How does the Roper Revolving Shotgun load and fire?

It uses a four-round rotating magazine. Cocking the hammer advances the next round. Pulling the trigger releases the bolt to chamber the round and fire. Recocking the hammer extracts the spent case and rotates the magazine again.

What type of cartridges does the Roper Revolving Shotgun use?

It utilizes reusable steel cases, similar to early Gatling guns, which are loaded with percussion caps, powder, and shot. These represent an early step towards modern metallic cartridges.

How is the Roper Revolving Shotgun disassembled?

Disassembly involves unscrewing the barrel assembly from the receiver. This reveals the internal firing pin extension and the magazine follower, allowing inspection of its sear mechanics.

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