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The Bored-Through Cylinder and the Self-Contained Cartridge (Rollin White, 1855) - History and How It Works
Beginner
About 15 minutes
Instructions
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Read White's patent
Read White's patent
His first claim: "Extending the chambers a a of the rotating cylinder A right through the rear of the said cylinder." (US 12,648, dated 3 April 1855.)
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How it works, in principle
How it works, in principle
With the chambers open at both ends, a cartridge (powder and ball made up as one unit) goes in from the back instead of being loaded loose from the front. White made the chambers slightly conical, smallest at the front, "in order that a cartridge may be inserted easily at the back, but that the ball may fit tight when it arrives in its place".
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What came of it
What came of it
Once cartridges carried their own powder, ball and ignition in a metal case, a revolver could be reloaded in seconds from the back. Smith & Wesson built their first cartridge revolvers under a licence of White's patent.
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Honest limits
Honest limits
From the text of US 12,648 (1855). His patent also describes a magazine and charging piston not covered here. This page gives no dimensions, charges or making steps, by design.
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