North & Skinner Revolving Rifle

Published on November 3, 2013
Duration: 4:17

This review of the North & Skinner Revolving Rifle, presented with high authority, delves into its unique pre-Civil War design. It highlights the 1852 patent, the limited production of approximately 600 units by Savage & North between 1856-1859, and the innovative wedge mechanism designed to mitigate the dangerous cylinder gap common in other revolving firearms of the era. The analysis also covers the specialized sighting system.

Quick Summary

The North & Skinner Revolving Rifle, patented in 1852 and produced by Savage & North from 1856-1859, featured a unique wedge mechanism to seal the cylinder gap, reducing gas and lead spray. Its unconventional sighting system included an offset rear sight and a modified hammer.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction to North & Skinner Revolving Rifle
  2. 00:30History, Designers, and Production
  3. 01:15The Cylinder Gap Problem Explained
  4. 01:50Mechanical Operation and Wedge Mechanism
  5. 03:12Sighting System Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What was unique about the North & Skinner Revolving Rifle's design?

The North & Skinner Revolving Rifle featured a wedge mechanism designed to cam the cylinder forward, sealing it against a shield. This innovation aimed to mitigate the dangerous cylinder gap, which typically sprayed hot gas and lead onto the shooter's arm in other revolving firearms of the era.

When and by whom was the North & Skinner Revolving Rifle produced?

The North & Skinner Revolving Rifle was patented in 1852. Approximately 600 units were produced by Savage & North between the years 1856 and 1859, making it a relatively rare piece of pre-Civil War firearms technology.

How did the North & Skinner Revolving Rifle address the cylinder gap problem?

It employed a wedge mechanism that pushed the cylinder forward to seal against a shield. This was a significant design improvement over other revolving rifles of the period, like the Colt 1855, which suffered from excessive gas and lead spray from the cylinder gap.

What was unusual about the sighting system on the North & Skinner Revolving Rifle?

The rifle featured an offset rear sight and a hammer that was hollowed out on the left side. This configuration was necessary to provide a usable sight picture, overcoming a common challenge with the ergonomics and design of early revolving long guns.

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