William Soper's Direct Action Breech Loader
The William Soper Direct Action Breech Loader, patented in 1868, was a unique single-shot rifle designed for rapid reloading in tight ranks. Its high-leverage side action offered a significant mechanical advantage, allowing for impressive rates of fire, with historical accounts of 60 shots per minute. While its complexity may have hindered military adoption, it proved successful as a sporting arm.









