Westley Richards Centerfire Monkey Tail Carbine

Published on April 18, 2022
Duration: 10:16

This video provides an in-depth review of the rare Westley Richards Centerfire Monkey Tail Carbine, detailing its unique breech-loading mechanism, historical context, and technical specifications. Ian McCollum highlights its development as a capping breech loader adapted for centerfire paper cartridges, its adoption by British Cavalry, and its use in frontier conflicts like South Africa. The review emphasizes the carbine's innovative 'monkey tail' lever, its .450 caliber, and the specific features of this centerfire variant, noting its rarity with only about 600 produced.

Quick Summary

The Westley Richards Centerfire Monkey Tail Carbine is a rare firearm, with only about 600 produced. It's chambered in .450 caliber and features a unique 'monkey tail' lever for breech loading. Developed in the late 1850s, it used combustible paper cartridges, offering breech-loading speed without costly metallic cases, making it popular for frontier use.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Monkey Tail Carbine
  2. 00:35History of the System
  3. 01:44Advantages and Military Use
  4. 02:43Mechanical Operation
  5. 03:45Cartridge and Sealing
  6. 05:45Markings and Rifling
  7. 06:58Technical Specifications and Rarity
  8. 08:53Final Developments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Monkey Tail' on the Westley Richards carbine?

The 'Monkey Tail' refers to the distinctive, long locking lever located on top of the firearm's action. This lever is lifted to open the breech for loading, giving the carbine its unique name and operating mechanism.

What caliber is the Westley Richards Centerfire Monkey Tail Carbine?

The Westley Richards Centerfire Monkey Tail Carbine featured in the video is chambered in .450 caliber. This was a common caliber for large-bore firearms of the 19th century, suitable for military and hunting applications.

How rare is the centerfire version of the Monkey Tail Carbine?

The centerfire version of the Westley Richards Monkey Tail Carbine is exceptionally rare. Approximately only 600 of these specific models were manufactured, making them highly sought after by collectors and historians.

What was the advantage of the Monkey Tail Carbine system?

The system offered the speed of a breech-loader without requiring expensive metallic cases. It used combustible paper cartridges, making it ideal for frontier use where components like percussion caps and lead were easier to source and transport.

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