Barton Jenks' Model 1867 Rolling Block Trials Rifle

Published on April 6, 2020
Duration: 12:24

This video explores Barton Jenks' Model 1867 rolling block rifle, a unique design that competed in US military trials. Unlike the Remington system, Jenks' rifle features a self-locking breech block that automatically recocks the hammer upon opening, potentially allowing for faster operation. While ultimately unsuccessful in trials, likely due to cost or durability concerns, the rifle represents an interesting evolutionary step in breech-loading firearm design.

Quick Summary

The Barton Jenks Model 1867 rolling block rifle featured a unique self-locking action where the hammer automatically recocked upon opening the breech, unlike the Remington system. Despite this innovation, it failed to win US military trials, likely due to cost or durability issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Barton Jenks Rifles
  2. 00:35The Jenks Family Legacy
  3. 01:27Transition to Arms Manufacturing
  4. 02:32Post-War Breech-Loading Trials
  5. 03:20Model 1867 vs. Model 1870 Conversion
  6. 04:12Mechanical Design: Self-Locking Action
  7. 05:17Breech Block Details: Rimfire vs. Centerfire
  8. 09:13Sights and Furniture
  9. 10:01Trial Outcomes and Later Life

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Barton Jenks Model 1867 rolling block rifle unique?

The Barton Jenks Model 1867 featured a self-locking rolling block action. Unlike the Remington system, the hammer automatically recocked when the breech was opened, potentially allowing for faster operation during firing.

Did the Barton Jenks Model 1867 rifle succeed in US military trials?

No, the Barton Jenks Model 1867 rifle was unsuccessful in US Federal and New York State trials. Reasons likely included higher production costs, reliability issues, or durability concerns compared to competing designs.

What cartridges was the Barton Jenks Model 1867 designed for?

The Jenks rolling block system was originally designed for rimfire cartridges, specifically mentioning the .56 Spencer. However, later examples show evidence of conversions to centerfire ammunition.

What was the Jenks family's background before firearms?

The Jenks family had a long history of inventors. Barton Jenks' father, Alfred Jenks, ran a successful textile machinery business before pivoting to produce over 100,000 muskets for the Union during the Civil War.

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