Gevelot 11mm Sliding-Chamber Pinfire Rifle

Published on December 9, 2017
Duration: 8:33

This expert guide details the operation of the rare Gevelot 11mm Sliding-Chamber Pinfire Rifle, as explained by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers the unique sliding chamber mechanism, safety features, and the historical context of its development as a competitor to the Chassepot rifle. The video highlights the rifle's rarity and its place in firearms history.

Quick Summary

The Gevelot 11mm Sliding-Chamber Pinfire Rifle features a unique mechanism where an under-lever slides the chamber forward to enclose the cartridge against a fixed breech face. Developed in France to compete with the Chassepot, it used a specialized pinfire-like cartridge. Extremely rare, only about 120-150 were made, with just four known to survive today.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Gevelot Rifle
  2. 01:05Historical Context and Competition
  3. 03:22Sliding Chamber Mechanism
  4. 04:57Safety and Operation
  5. 06:57Rarity and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the unique mechanism of the Gevelot 11mm Sliding-Chamber Pinfire Rifle?

The Gevelot rifle features a distinctive sliding chamber mechanism. Instead of a moving bolt, its chamber slides forward via an under-lever to enclose the cartridge against a fixed breech face, a unique design for its era.

Why is the Gevelot 11mm rifle considered rare?

Production numbers for the Gevelot rifle were extremely low, estimated between 120-150 units. Today, only four examples are known to exist, making it a highly sought-after and exceptionally rare firearm for collectors and historians.

What cartridge type did the Gevelot 11mm rifle use?

The Gevelot utilized a specialized cartridge that bridged paper and metallic rounds. It featured compressed paper or cardboard construction with an internal pin or striker aligned with the bore, similar in principle to pinfire but adapted for the sliding chamber action.

What was the historical context for the Gevelot 11mm rifle's development?

The Gevelot rifle was designed in France during the late 1860s, aiming to compete with the successful French Chassepot needle-fire rifle. It represented an innovative approach to breech-loading mechanisms and cartridge design.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →