Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle

Published on April 12, 2016
Duration: 7:04

This review explores the rare M.J. Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle, a unique muzzleloader featuring three .40 caliber rifled barrels and one .410 shotgun barrel. The design addresses the need for multiple shots before cartridges but suffers from extreme weight and poor balance, explaining its rarity. Key features include a percussion system with two hammers, a rotating barrel assembly, and an ingenious central ramrod storage.

Quick Summary

The M.J. Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle is a rare muzzleloader featuring three .40 caliber rifled barrels and one .410 shotgun barrel. It uses a percussion system and a swivel mechanism for multiple shots, but its extreme weight and poor balance limited its practicality.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Swivel-Breech Guns
  2. 01:00The Whitmore 4-Barrel Design Explained
  3. 01:33M.J. Whitmore & Gunsmithing History
  4. 02:20Weight & Balance Issues of 4-Barrel Guns
  5. 03:55Firing Mechanism & Swivel Operation
  6. 05:18Unique Ramrod Storage Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle unique?

Its uniqueness stems from its four-barrel configuration, combining three .40 caliber rifled barrels with one .410 shotgun barrel. This complex swivel-breech design was an attempt to increase firepower in muzzleloading era firearms, though it presented significant handling challenges.

Why were four-barrel swivel guns like the Whitmore rare?

The primary reason for their rarity was extreme weight and poor balance. The sheer mass of four barrels made the firearm very front-heavy, rendering it cumbersome and difficult to aim effectively, limiting practical application.

How does the Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle operate?

It uses a percussion system with two hammers and two triggers. A latch allows the barrel assembly to swivel 180 degrees, aligning different barrels with the firing mechanism for sequential shots.

What is the caliber of the Whitmore 4-Barrel Swivel-Breech Rifle?

The rifle features a mixed caliber configuration: three of its barrels are chambered for .40 caliber, while the fourth barrel is a .410 shotgun bore.

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