Merwin & Bray .42 Caliber Cupfire Revolver

Published on April 5, 2015
Duration: 6:16

This review explores the Merwin & Bray Cupfire revolver, a unique firearm designed to circumvent the Rollin White patent. It details the innovative 'cupfire' cartridge system, which loaded from the front and used an internal primer struck by the hammer, avoiding cylinder drilling. The video also covers the revolver's physical features like the sheath trigger and half-cock notch, its disassembly, and the common practice of converting these revolvers to more modern ignition systems.

Quick Summary

The Merwin & Bray Cupfire revolver was designed to bypass the Rollin White patent by using a 'cupfire' cartridge. This brass cartridge loaded from the front and had an internal primer in an inverted cup at the rear, allowing the hammer to strike it without drilling through the cylinder.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Historical Context
  2. 00:38The Cupfire Cartridge Design Explained
  3. 01:51Physical Features & Operation
  4. 02:42Disassembly & Internal Mechanics
  5. 03:51Cylinder Details & Conversions

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Merwin & Bray Cupfire revolver unique in its design?

The Merwin & Bray Cupfire revolver used a unique 'cupfire' cartridge. This design allowed it to bypass the Rollin White patent by loading cartridges from the front and striking an internal primer within an inverted cup shape at the rear, avoiding the need to drill through the cylinder.

How did the Merwin & Bray Cupfire avoid patent infringement?

It circumvented the Rollin White patent, which prohibited drilling through revolver cylinders. The Cupfire's design loaded from the front, and its special cartridge had a primer in a cup at the rear, so the hammer struck this cup without needing a hole through the cylinder's back.

What are some notable physical features of the Merwin & Bray Cupfire revolver?

The Merwin & Bray Cupfire features a sheath trigger without a guard, a half-cock notch for safe handling, and an ejector rod. It was produced in .30 and .42 calibers, with approximately 20,000 units made.

Can Merwin & Bray Cupfire revolvers be converted to modern ammunition types?

Yes, many Merwin & Bray Cupfire revolvers were later converted to fire rimfire or centerfire cartridges by drilling out the rear of the cylinder. However, this modification often reduces their value to collectors.

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