Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle

Published on April 12, 2016
Duration: 7:04

This guide details the operation of the rare M.J. Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle, a unique percussion muzzleloader. Expert Ian McCollum explains its swivel mechanism, dual triggers, and innovative central ramrod storage. The video highlights the historical context and mechanical intricacies of this 19th-century firearm, emphasizing its rarity due to weight and balance issues.

Quick Summary

The Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle is a rare 19th-century percussion muzzleloader featuring three .40 caliber rifled barrels and one .410 bore smoothbore barrel. Its unique swivel-breech mechanism allows rotation of the barrel cluster for multiple shots, aided by dual hammers, dual triggers, and central ramrod storage. However, its extreme weight and front-heavy balance make it difficult to handle.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Swivel-Breech Firearms
  2. 01:00The Whitmore 4-Barrel Design
  3. 01:33The Whitmore Gunsmiths
  4. 02:20Weight and Balance Issues
  5. 03:55Firing Mechanism and Swivel Operation
  6. 05:18Unique Ramrod Storage

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle unique?

The Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle is unique for its four-barrel configuration (three .40 caliber rifled, one .410 bore smoothbore), its percussion firing system with dual hammers and triggers, and its innovative central ramrod storage. Its rarity is also notable due to significant weight and balance issues.

How does the swivel-breech mechanism work on this rifle?

The swivel-breech mechanism allows the barrel assembly to be unlocked via a trigger guard latch and rotated 180 degrees. This rotation aligns the second set of barrels with the firing pin and hammers, enabling multiple shots before needing to reload the entire firearm.

Who was M.J. Whitmore?

M.J. Whitmore was a 19th-century American gunsmith based in Potsdam, New York. He, along with his relative N.G. Whitmore, was known for producing various swivel-breech firearm designs, though the four-barrel configuration is exceptionally rare.

What are the main drawbacks of the Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle?

The primary drawbacks are its extreme weight and poor balance, making it very front-heavy and difficult to handle effectively. These practical limitations contributed to the rarity of four-barrel swivel guns.

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