Rifle Breech-Locking Action

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jcastaway-breech-lock.png (244.36 KiB) Viewed 47055 times

Rifle Breech Locking Systems

Since the advent of gunpowder in the mid-13th century and the evolution of firearms thereafter, there has been an ongoing effort to enhance the breech-locking mechanisms of firearms. The strength and reliability of a rifle significantly depend on the interaction between the bolt face, the cartridge, and the chamber. Prior to the introduction of repeating firearms, numerous breech-locking systems were experimented with in single-shot rifles, achieving varied levels of success. These early systems laid foundational concepts for the more complex and effective locking mechanisms seen in modern firearms.

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jcastaway-cannon-lock.png (210.62 KiB) Viewed 47048 times

The "cannon lock" refers to what is more commonly known as the matchlock mechanism in firearms, an early ignition system developed in the late 15th century. There was not an actual lock.

This system used a burning match held in a serpentine arm to ignite gunpowder, allowing for a more controlled firing of cannon and hand-held firearms. Widely adopted for its simplicity and reliability at the time, matchlocks became pivotal in warfare and hunting until being superseded by more advanced mechanisms like the wheel-lock and flintlock in later centuries. Despite its limitations, such as slow reloading and vulnerability to weather, the matchlock significantly influenced military tactics and the broader development of firearms technology.

Historical Background:

• Origins: The cannon lock, also known as the matchlock mechanism, has its roots in the late 15th century. It evolved from earlier hand cannons which used a simple match to ignite the gunpowder.

• Development: The matchlock became more widespread in the 16th century, particularly in Europe, where it was seen as a significant advancement over simpler ignition methods due to its relative reliability and ease of use.

• Use: Matchlocks were used extensively in warfare and hunting during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were particularly popular in places like Japan, where they were known as "tanegashima" after the island where they were first introduced.

• Decline: The matchlock began to be phased out with the introduction of the more reliable wheel-lock and later flintlock mechanisms in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, matchlocks remained in use in various parts of the world, particularly in less industrialized regions, well into the 19th century.

Technical Description:
Mechanism:

• Match: A slow-burning match (wick) is held in a serpentine or S-shaped arm. This match is lit before engaging in combat or hunting.

• Trigger: When the trigger is pulled, the serpentine swings down, bringing the lit end of the match into contact with the gunpowder in the pan.

• Flash Pan: This is where the priming powder is placed. When the match touches the powder, it ignites, sending a flash of fire through a small hole (touch hole) into the main charge in the barrel, firing the weapon.

• Safety: Early matchlocks had no safety mechanisms, but later designs included features like a cover over the flash pan to prevent accidental discharge or to protect the priming powder from weather.

• Material: Typically made from iron or steel for durability, with wooden stocks. The serpentine might be brass for corrosion resistance.

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The "screwed breech system" introduced in the mid-1600s revolutionized firearm design by allowing for breech-loading, where the breech end of the barrel was threaded to accept a plug that could be screwed in. This system was first notably used in flintlock and later percussion rifles, providing a significant speed advantage in reloading over traditional muzzle-loading guns. One of the earliest practical applications was seen in the Ferguson rifle during the American Revolutionary War, which could be loaded by simply unscrewing the breech plug half a turn. This innovation marked the beginning of a shift towards breech-loading firearms, influencing military tactics and the evolution of personal weaponry.

Historical Background:

• Development: The Screwed Breech system emerged in the mid-17th century as a notable advancement in firearm technology, particularly for its application in flintlock and percussion firearms. This period marked a transition from muzzle-loading to breech-loading mechanisms, offering significant advantages in loading speed and ease.

• Early Examples: One of the earliest and most famous implementations was the Ferguson rifle, named after its designer, Patrick Ferguson, a Scottish officer. Developed in the 1770s, this rifle was revolutionary for its time, with the British Army adopting it for limited use during the American Revolutionary War.

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• Military Use: The screwed breech was the first breech-loading system to see military action, offering soldiers the ability to reload more quickly from the breech rather than the muzzle, which was especially beneficial in combat scenarios where speed was critical.

• Legacy: While the screwed breech did not become universally adopted in its original form, it laid foundational concepts for later breech-loading designs. Innovations in breech-loading continued, leading to more reliable and efficient systems in the 19th century, which eventually phased out muzzle-loading firearms entirely in military contexts.

• Cultural Impact: The development of the screwed breech system is a significant chapter in the history of firearms, illustrating human ingenuity in solving practical problems of warfare and hunting. It underscored the shift towards more user-friendly and tactically advantageous weapons, influencing the evolution of modern firearms.

Technical Description:

• Mechanism: The screwed breech system involved threading the end of the gun's barrel at the chamber. A breech plug, which was essentially the back part of the chamber where the bullet and powder would sit, was designed with matching threads.

• Loading Process: The breech plug was unscrewed by turning it (in the case of the Ferguson rifle, only half a revolution was needed due to its quick-thread design). The powder and ball could then be inserted directly into the chamber from the back, rather than from the muzzle. Once loaded, the plug was screwed back into place, sealing the chamber.

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Advantages:

• Speed: The primary advantage was the quicker reloading time compared to muzzle-loaders, which had to be loaded from the front, often necessitating tools like ramrods.

• Convenience: Breech-loading allowed for easier loading in various positions, not just standing, enhancing its utility in combat or hunting situations.

Disadvantages:

• Complexity: The threaded mechanism could be more complex to manufacture and maintain than simpler muzzle-loading designs.

• Durability: Over time, the threads could wear down or become fouled with powder residue, potentially leading to issues with sealing or ease of operation.

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The Hall breech-loading system, introduced in the early 19th century by John Hancock Hall, was significant as one of the first widely adopted breech-loading firearms in military use in the United States. Its innovative design allowed for faster reloading than the muzzle-loaders of the time, providing a tactical advantage on the battlefield during conflicts like the Mexican-American War. Hall's system was also pioneering for its use of interchangeable parts, which revolutionized firearm manufacturing by facilitating easier maintenance and repair. Despite issues like gas leakage, the Hall breech-loader laid foundational concepts for future breech-loading technologies, influencing the development of more efficient firearms in subsequent decades.

Historical Background:

• Invention and Development: The Hall breech-loading carbine was invented by John Hancock Hall, an American gunsmith. The design was patented in 1811, and the rifle version was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1819, with the carbine variant following in 1833. It was one of the first breech-loading firearms to be adopted on a wide scale by any military.

• Use and Legacy: Hall's carbines saw service in various conflicts, including the Mexican-American War, skirmishes with Native American tribes, and even in the early stages of the American Civil War. Despite its innovations, the Hall carbine faced criticism for its gas leakage issue and was eventually overshadowed by more advanced breech-loaders like the Sharps and Spencer rifles.

• Manufacturing: Produced at the Harpers Ferry Arsenal, the Hall carbine was also made by Simeon North, who introduced some refinements, notably the side-lever mechanism in the Model 1843 Hall-North carbine. Over 20,000 units were produced, with significant numbers still in use or storage during the Civil War, especially after being converted to percussion from flintlock.

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Technical Description:

• Breech-loading Mechanism: The Hall carbine used a unique breech-loading system where the breechblock would pivot to open for loading. This was done via a lever or sometimes directly by hand, depending on the model.

• Loading: The soldier would tilt the breechblock back, insert a paper cartridge or powder and ball directly into the breech, close it, and then place a percussion cap on the nipple for firing in later models.

Specifications:

• Caliber: Initially .58 caliber for rifles, with carbines in .52 or .64 caliber, depending on the model and year of manufacture.
  Barrel Length: Varied, but commonly around 21 inches for carbines, designed for cavalry use.

• Ignition: Transitioned from flintlock to percussion cap systems, with some carbines being reconditioned during the Civil War to fire Minie balls.

• Interchangeable Parts: Hall was an early adopter of interchangeable parts, which was revolutionary for the manufacturing process, allowing for easier repair and maintenance.

• Gas Leakage: A significant issue was the leakage of gas at the breech-barrel junction, which reduced muzzle velocity and efficiency compared to muzzle-loaders.

Modifications and Adaptations:

• During the Civil War, some Hall carbines were bored out to .58 caliber to use standard Minie balls, and sights were sometimes adjusted or added to improve accuracy.

• The "Hall Carbine Affair" during the Civil War involved the resale of these carbines at inflated prices to General John C. Fremont, highlighting issues of corruption or inefficiency in wartime procurement.

• Impact: While not universally loved due to its mechanical shortcomings, the Hall breech-loading carbine was a stepping stone towards more refined breech-loading technologies. It influenced the design of later American firearms by proving the military viability of breech-loading, even if its own design did not persist long-term.

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jcastaway-split-breech.png (103.87 KiB) Viewed 47036 times

The Geiger split-breech rolling-block, often simplified to the "split breech" or "Remington-Rider Civil War Carbine," marks an important chapter in the evolution of firearms from muzzle-loading to breech-loading systems. Here's a technical and historical summary:

Historical Context:

• Development: The design was pioneered by Leonard Geiger, who patented his breech-loading system in 1863. Almost concurrently, Joseph Rider, working for E. Remington & Sons, developed a very similar mechanism, leading to a patent in 1864. Due to the similarity, Remington acquired Geiger's patent to avoid legal complications, and this collaboration resulted in the production of the split-breech carbine.

• Usage: The carbine was ordered by the U.S. military in 1864 in calibers .46 rimfire (Type I) and .50-50 Spencer (Type II), but it never saw significant service during the Civil War. Instead, the majority were later sold to France as surplus.

• Successor: This design evolved into what would become the more famous Remington Rolling Block, which was widely adopted around the world post-Civil War due to its simplicity, strength, and reliability.

Technical Specifications:

• Action: The split-breech design involved a breechblock that split into two parts horizontally. When opened, the hammer passed through the breechblock to strike the rimfire cartridge. The breechblock was rotated back to expose the chamber for loading, a precursor to the rolling block action where the block rolls back and forth.

• Calibers: Initially produced in .46 rimfire and .50-50 Spencer (.512 bullet), these were low-pressure cartridges suited for the split-breech's design limitations.

• Range: Estimated at 25/250/500 (possibly referring to effective, maximum, and extreme ranges in yards).
  Damage (DAM): For gameplay or simulation purposes, often listed as 1d8+1d10 or 2d10, indicating potential damage in dice roll terms.

• Loading and Firing: Loading involved cocking the hammer, rolling back the breechblock with a split tab, which also extracted the spent casing, inserting a new cartridge, and rolling the breechblock forward to lock it in place.
  Firing was simple; once the breech was closed, pulling the hammer back fully would ready the rifle for firing.

• Production and Variations: There were two main sizes of carbines produced, with variations in frame size. The larger, more common was the Civil War carbine, while a smaller variety also existed, identifiable by different screw patterns on the receiver.

Impact and Legacy:

• The split-breech was a stepping stone to the rolling-block action, which Remington refined and popularized. The rolling-block mechanism was simpler, more durable, and versatile, leading to its widespread adoption internationally.

• The transition from split-breech to rolling-block marked a significant evolution in firearms technology, embodying the shift from rimfire to centerfire cartridges which were better suited for higher pressures and thus more powerful rounds.

• While the split-breech itself was not a commercial success, its conceptual contributions laid the groundwork for one of the 19th century's most durable and influential firearm designs.

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jcastaway-rolling-block.png (81.43 KiB) Viewed 47032 times

The rolling-block system's enduring legacy in firearms design lies not only in its historical military and civilian applications but also in its influence on subsequent firearm developments, showcasing Remington's innovation in the evolution from black powder to smokeless powder eras.

Historical Background

• Origin and Development: The rolling-block mechanism was initially patented in 1863 and 1864 by Leonard Geiger (see above post)

• Adoption and Use: The Remington Rolling Block rifle became one of the most widely adopted single-shot firearms of the 19th century. It was used by various militaries around the world, including the United States, where it was first purchased by the Navy in 1867 for carbines chambered in .50-45 centerfire. Its robustness and reliability made it popular in military contexts, notably with the Egyptian army in their conflicts, and for various South American and European nations.

• Civilian and Sporting Use: Beyond military service, the rolling-block design was adapted for a wide array of civilian uses. Remington produced sporting rifles, handguns, and even shotguns using this action, catering to hunters, target shooters, and general enthusiasts. These were chambered in numerous calibers, from .22 rimfire to .50-70 Government centerfire, showcasing the versatility of the system.

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Technical Summary

• Mechanism: The rolling-block action involves a breechblock shaped like a section of a circle that can rotate around a pivot pin. When the hammer is cocked, it allows the breechblock to rotate, opening the breech for loading. Once a cartridge is inserted and the breechblock is rotated back into place, the hammer locks it securely, preventing the cartridge from moving backward upon firing. This design ensures a strong seal at the breech, contributing to its reliability and safety.

• Safety: Some models, like the 1871 Army and Navy versions, incorporated a half-cocked safety mechanism where the hammer would fall to half-cock when the breech was closed, requiring manual cocking to fire.
  Versatility: The rolling-block could chamber both rimfire and centerfire cartridges, with some models like the 1867 Danish Rifle capable of firing both types.

• Durability: Known for its resistance to jamming from debris or rough handling, the rolling-block was favored for its ruggedness.

• Variations: Over time, Remington developed numerous models based on this action, including:
  Military Rifles and Carbines: From large frame military rifles to smaller carbines like the "Baby Carbine" for export markets.

• • Sporting Rifles: Models like the #1, #1-1/2, #2, and #4 catered to different shooting needs, from hunting to target shooting.
  • Handguns: The system was used in pistols for both military (like the US Navy and Army models) and civilian markets.
  • Production: Remington is estimated to have produced about 1.5 million firearms with the rolling-block action, highlighting its significance in firearm manufacturing history.

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The "Peabody-Martini" hinge-block system refers to the evolution of the Peabody rifle's action into what became known as the Martini-Henry rifle. The Peabody-Martini system was pivotal in the evolution of single-shot rifle technology, bridging the gap between early tilting block systems and more modern lever-action designs. Its influence extended beyond British use, impacting firearm design in various countries through its adoption and adaptation.

Historical Context:

• Peabody Action: Developed by Henry Oliver Peabody in 1862, this action was an early form of breechloading where a heavy breechblock tilted downwards across a bolt mounted in the rear, operated by a lever under the rifle. The action often used an external hammer. Although it didn't see widespread use during the American Civil War, it was notable in international trials like those in Norway-Sweden in 1866, where it lost to the Remington Rolling Block due to its complexity.

• Martini's Adaptation: Friedrich von Martini, a Swiss gunsmith, later adapted this action. He introduced an internal hammerless striker and a toggle mechanism for locking the action during firing, which was a significant improvement over Peabody's original design. This change helped reduce the number of parts and simplified the mechanism.

• Martini-Henry Rifle: This rifle was adopted by the British Army in 1871, combining Martini's action with rifling designed by Alexander Henry. The Martini-Henry rifle became the standard British service rifle for nearly two decades, used in various colonial conflicts, including the Anglo-Zulu War. It was known for its reliability and was faster firing than previous models like the Snider-Enfield.

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Technical Details:

• Action Mechanism: The Martini-Henry uses a falling block action where the breechblock is hinged at the rear. When the lever under the rifle is operated, the breechblock tilts down, exposing the chamber for loading. This action was an advancement from Peabody's design, as it provided a more secure lock with the internal striker and toggle lock.

• Cartridge Use: The Martini-Henry was initially designed for a .45 caliber cartridge, later known as the .577/450 Martini-Henry. This was a black powder cartridge with a unique bullet design for the time. The action's design allowed for effective extraction, although issues with cartridge extraction were noted during the Zulu War, mainly due to the quality of the brass used in the cartridges.

• Manufacturing and Use: The Martini-Henry was manufactured at the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield but was also widely copied, particularly in the North-West Frontier Province (now Pakistan), where local gunsmiths produced less reliable versions. These copies were often of inferior quality but maintained the basic design principles of the original.

• Legacy and Variations: The basic design was adapted for use by other countries, including Romania, which ordered rifles from Steyr in the late 19th century. The rifle's action was versatile enough to be used for shotguns and was adapted by companies like Greener for their firearms. The Martini action saw use well into the 20th century, with some variants still in use during World War I.

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The hinge-block breech system, with its trap door variant, represents a significant chapter in firearms history, offering insights into the evolution of weapon technology from the era of muskets to modern firearms. Its design catered to the need for simplicity and reliability in loading mechanisms before more complex systems became prevalent.

Technical Overview

Hinge-Block Mechanism:
The hinge-block breech system involves a breech block that pivots on a hinge located at the rear of the firearm's action. The block swings either up and forward or down and rearward to allow loading and unloading of the chamber. This design facilitates easier access for loading ammunition, particularly in single-shot firearms, by providing a clear pathway for inserting cartridges.

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Design Variations:

• The quality and strength of hinge-block designs vary significantly. Some designs were simplistic, leading to less reliability or strength, while others were robust and durable.

• Trap Door Mechanism: A notable example is the "trap door" breech block, where the block pivots upward and forward, exposing the chamber for loading.

Operation:

• Opening: To load, the user would unlock the breech, typically by lifting a lever or pulling a latch, causing the breech block to pivot open.

• Loading: Once open, a cartridge could be manually placed into the chamber.

• Closing: The block is then swung back down or up (depending on the design) and locked into place, sealing the breech for firing.

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Historical Context

Trap Door Springfield Rifles:

• The trap door breech-loading system became well-known through its use in the Springfield Model 1873 and subsequent "Trap Door" Springfield rifles. These were conversions from earlier muzzle-loading muskets, adapting them to breech-loading for increased efficiency and ease of use.

• The Trap Door Springfield rifles were significant in the U.S. military from the post-Civil War period through the late 19th century, serving in roles from the Indian Wars to the early Spanish-American War.

Adoption and Impact:

• The hinge-block system, particularly the trap door variant, was an important step in firearm evolution, bridging the gap between muzzle-loading and more modern bolt-action or lever-action systems. It allowed for quicker reloading compared to muzzle-loaders, which was critical in combat scenarios.

• While eventually surpassed by more advanced breech mechanisms, the hinge-block system was pivotal in demonstrating the advantages of breech-loading technology.

Legacy:

• The hinge-block design, especially the trap door, influenced further firearm developments. It was one of the methods used to transition military and civilian firearms from traditional muzzle-loading to more efficient breech-loading systems.

• Although not as common today in modern firearms, the principles of the hinge-block system can be seen in some single-shot rifles, shotguns, and even in some artillery pieces where ease of loading is prioritized over speed.

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The "Snider Converter" was a breech-loading conversion system developed by Jacob Snider, an American inventor, aimed at transforming existing muzzle-loading rifles into breech-loading firearms. This conversion was particularly applied to the Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-musket, resulting in what is commonly known as the Snider-Enfield rifle.

• Breech Mechanism: The Snider conversion involved installing a hinged breech block on the right side of the barrel. This block could be flipped open to allow loading of a metallic cartridge. The breech block contained a firing pin that was struck by the existing hammer of the rifle, which was adapted for this purpose. When the block was pulled back, it also facilitated the extraction of spent cartridges, although there was no automatic ejector; the spent case had to be manually removed by tipping the rifle.

• Cartridge: The Snider-Enfield used a .577 caliber metallic-cased cartridge, specifically designed for this conversion. This cartridge was a significant improvement over the previous muzzle-loading system, allowing for quicker reloading and firing rates. The cartridge case was of brass, and it used a Boxer primer, named after Colonel Edward Mounier Boxer, who developed an improved version of the ammunition for the Snider conversion.

• Performance: The conversion significantly increased the firing rate; soldiers could manage up to ten aimed rounds per minute compared to about three with the muzzle-loader. The conversion maintained the original barrel, lock, and hammer of the Enfield rifle, but added a steel breech block and a new firing system, enhancing both durability and accuracy.

Historical Summary

• Invention and Adoption: Jacob Snider, originally from Montgomery, Georgia, but later based in Philadelphia, patented his conversion system in the 1860s. The British Army, seeking to update their armament without the cost of entirely new rifles, adopted the Snider conversion in 1866. This system was one of several conversion methods considered but was chosen for its simplicity and effectiveness, altering the rifle with minimal structural changes.

• Usage and Impact: The Snider-Enfield saw extensive use across the British Empire, including in battles like the Battle of Magdala in Ethiopia in 1868. It was the British Army's primary service rifle until the introduction of the Martini-Henry rifle in the 1870s. Even after its official replacement, the Snider continued in service with various colonial and militia forces into the late 19th century.

• Legacy: The Snider rifle's impact was significant in demonstrating the tactical advantages of breech-loading over muzzle-loading. It was one of the first widespread adoptions of such technology by a major military power, paving the way for further advancements in firearm design.

• Jacob Snider's Fate: Despite the success of his invention, Jacob Snider died in poverty in London in 1866, while trying to recover compensation from the British government. He was survived by his wife Angelina and several sons. His legacy, however, lived on through the widespread use and influence of the Snider conversion

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Break-open or top-break actions trace their origins to the mid-19th century. The first break-action revolver was patented by Devisme in France and Britain in 1858. However, the design became more prominent with the introduction of metallic cartridge firearms.

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One of the most successful designs was the J. Stevens & Company Tip-Up. Founded in 1864 by Joshua Stevens in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, J. Stevens & Company was known for its innovative designs in firearms, including the tip-up action. Their earliest product was a tip-up action single-shot pistol, which laid the groundwork for their later developments.

Development of Tip-Up Action: The J. Stevens Tip-Up was one of the early designs where the barrel pivoted upwards, exposing the breech for loading. This was influenced by the Smith & Wesson Model 1, the first revolver designed for use with metallic cartridges, which also featured a tip-up action.

Technical Overview:

Action Mechanism:
Break-Open/Top-Break: The action involves a barrel hinged at the front, which swings downward or upward to expose the breech for loading or unloading. For J. Stevens' Tip-Up, the barrel pivoted upwards, similar to the Smith & Wesson tip-up revolvers. The barrel release catch is typically located on the sides of the frame before the trigger.

Simplicity: This design is notably simple, contributing to its popularity in single-shot pistols, rifles, and shotguns. It lacks the complexity of repeating mechanisms, hence reducing manufacturing costs and maintenance needs.

Advantages:

• Compactness: The break-open design is inherently compact due to the absence of reciprocating parts, allowing for a longer barrel in a firearm of similar overall length.

• Versatility: It's well-suited for firearms with interchangeable barrels, as evidenced by models like the Thompson/Center Contender.

• Safety: The action visually indicates whether a round is chambered, enhancing safety in group settings like shooting competitions.

Disadvantages:

• Strength: Break actions are not as strong as other designs like the falling-block; they are better suited for lower pressure cartridges.

• Wear: The action's longevity depends on the durability of the hinge and latch, which can wear over time.

Specific to J. Stevens Tip-Up:

• Models: Stevens produced various tip-up pistols, including the Stevens-Conlin No. 38, Stevens-Lord No. 36, and Stevens-Gould No. 37, each named after notable shooters or figures in the firearms world. These were single-shot pistols with a tip-up action for loading.

• Calibers: These pistols were typically chambered in .22, .25, .32 rimfire, with some models like the Stevens-Lord No. 36 being chambered in .32 Colt for custom orders.