US1615385A - Firearm - Google Patents

Description

.3 Sheets-Sheet l M W HOWELL FIREARM Flled Aprll 29 1926 Jan. 25 1927.

1,615,385 Jan- 25 1927 M. w. HOWELL FIREARM Filed April 29. 1926 Z5 Sheets-Sheet :L

314 vaten Mam w HW u wxga@ 61H0: n uf Jan- 25 w27 M. w. HOWELL FIREARM Filed April 29. 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Jan. 25, 1927.

GFFICE.

FIBEARM.

Application iled April 29, 1926. Serial No. 105,528.

This invention relates to improvements in rearms.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of improvements in firearms, particularly Well adapted to be used by mesf sengers and the like, asia means of self-defense, in case of hold-up; the improved firearm device being capable of being worn in v a secreted relation upon the body of a mes- !0 senger, and being capable of imperceptible operation when a persons hands are held overhead with the fingers extended.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved self defense gun or firearm for use by messengers embodying a novel and compact arrangement of parts, by means of which a large number of bullets may be discharged therefrom, in a small space of time.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved messenger gun operating device, which may be disposed in an efiicient relation upon a messenger or operator, in such a manner that a gun on the 35 pei'son of the opeiator may be fired when the operators hands are in the air, and open.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved firearm adapted to be worn on the garment in front of the operator, preferably on the breast, the same having an improved non-rotatable cartridge barrel, and a novel firing means therefor, having improved safety and operating attachments. Y Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanyingT drawings, forming a part of this specification` and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding paits throughout the several views,

Figure l is a perspective view of the improved firearni as placed upon a messenger or operator` showing the operating means in the hand of the messenger.

Figure Q is a fragmeutarv enlarged front elevation of the improved firearm.

Figure 3 is a sez-tional view taken through the improved firearm substantially on the line 8-8 of Figure 2.

Figure 4; is an enlarged sectional view taken through the safety operating means substantiallyY on the line 4-4 of Figure Q.

Figures 5 and 6 are sectional views taken substantially on their respective lines in Figure 3 of the drawings.

Figure 7 is a transverse sectional view taken through the cartridge cylinder end of the firearm, with the retaining ring thereof removed, showing novel structural features of the firearm.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view taken v substantially on the line 8-8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevation of the improved firearm.

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 10-10 of Figure 3.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary View taken substantially on the line 11-11 of Figure 12, transversely through the improved firearm, looking forwardly, and showing the trigger restraining ratchet wheel and safety catcn.

Figure 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken through the safety catch. substantially on the line 12-12 of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the cartridge supporting barrel of the improved firearm, looking from the inside thereof, showing the retaining ring assembled thereon.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary perspective view of the safety catch ring. showing the cam slot-or recess therein for controlling the safety catch.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown only a preferred embodiment of thevinvention, the letter A may generally designate the improved messengers gun or firearm. which may comprise a supporting casing B adapted to receive therein in a stationary manner the cartridge supporting cylinder or magazine C, upon which improved firing means D operates, which in turn is operated by means E controlled by the messenger or other operator. Means F is provided for attaching the gun firearm to the person of the operator.

The casing construction B preferablv comprises a supporting base 15, preferably of 100 dise-like formation, having an annular shallow ring 16 projecting from the front face 18 thereof, and at the center thereof projecting from the rear face 19 preferably having a bulbular centering projection 20. 105 On the base plate 15 laterally outwardly of the shallow ring abutment 16 areprovided the circumferentially elongated slots Q1, which are adapted to receive the shanks QQ and rotatablepspring urged heads 23 of conn0 ventional snap fasteners which constitute part of the means F for attaching the supporting base. or plate 15 to the garment of an operator, in the osition illustrated 1n Fi re 1 of the drawings.

ncluded as part of t e casing B is a .substantially ring-shaped firing pin supporting and safety catch supporting member 25, provided with \arelatively largefce/ntral opening 26 therethrough, adapted to rotatably receive a portion of the firing means D to be subsequently described. The body of this ring-shaped member 25, as is illustrated in Fi re 5 of the drawings is preferably provieud with a plurality of firin pin supporting sockets 27 therein, arrange 1n a circumferential series about the axis of the firearm A, having the forward ends thereof reduced,

like firing pins 30 are received, of cylindrical like form, having pointed ends 31 adapted to extend thru the reduced openings of the sockets 27, for hitting the caps of the various cartridges su ported in the cylinder C, in a manner wlflch will be subsequently described. The member furthermore includes an annular fiange 33 at the outer margin thereof, extending rearwardly from the rear face 34 thereof, which is' adapted to abut against the front face 18 of the base plate 15, inwardly of the annular abutment projection 16; the plate 15 and the said flange 33 being provided with aligning screw threaded openings for receiving attaching Screws or members 35, by means of which to forwardly connect the supporting ring or member 25 in a fixed relation with the at the rear face 41 of said body, where the mounting base or plate 15. as is readily apparent from Figure 8 of the drawings. When so assembled an annular compartment 38 is provided inwardly of the annular fiange 33 between the body of the member 25 and the front face of the plate 15. wherein the firing mechanism D is received, as will be subsequently described.

The cartridge magazine or cylinder C preferablya includes a substantially cylindrical shaped body portion 40 recessed inwardly from the rear face 41 thereof to provide a ocket or compartment 42 adapted to rotatab y receive a portion of the firing means .D to be subsequently described. In the body 40 laterally of the recess or pocket 42 are provided a plurality of parallel cartridge passageways .44, arranged in annular series about the axis of the cylinder 40, extending to the front face 45 and opening passageways 44 are enlarged for receiving the retaining flanges 46 of cartridges 47 of conventionalstructure. The body 40 at the rear end thereof is provided with an outwardl extending annular fiange 48, which may e termed an attaching flange, and

which is adapted to be connected to the supporting member 25 `by a retaining rin l50 of novel construction, so that the cartri ges at their cap ends may be aligned with the firing pins 30. lInwardly of the rear face 41 the cylinder 40 is provided with safety recesses 52 for the firing pins 30, alternating with the cartridge recelving passafveways 44; these recesses 52 being concave with their concaved surfaces sloping onto the rear surface 41 of the cylinder 40, to permit the insertion of the pin ends of the firing pins 30 thereinto, for the same distance as said firing pins'are inserted into the cartridge, duringV impact. to fire the same; it being proposed to have th\firing pins 30 align with the safety recesses 52, under certain safety eircumstancesftdplace them out of firing relation with respect to the cartridge 47.

The retaining ring 50 preferably com rises the annular body port1on'55, inwar y of the forward edge 56 of which are provided bayonet slots 57 to detachably receive retaining pins 58 which radially extend from the supporting member 25, at the outer circumference thereof, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 9 of the drawings. The outer periphery of the retaining ring may be knurled at 59, to facilitate its rotation, and it is also preferably provided with a finger engaging knob 60, illustrated in Figure 3, to facilitate its rotation for'connection or disconnection with respect to the pins 58. ring 50 furthermore includes-the front attaching flange 61, annularly-extending inwardly from the rin -shaped body thereof, for receiving there ehind the attaching flange 48 of the cartridge cylinder C; this flange 61 defining an opening 63 thru the retaining ring construction 50, forwardly thru which the body 40 of the cartridge cylinder C projects. as is illustrated in Figures 3 and 8 of the drawings. It is readily apparent that merely by a slight rotation of the retaining ring 50 relative to the supporting member 25, the cylinder C may be connected or disconnected with respect to the supporting member 25. The cylinder C may be rotated in the retaining ring relative thereto, for a purpose which will be subsequently described.

Between the body55 of the retaining ring 50 and the annlnar projection 16 above mentioned, a safety catch operating ring 65 is provided, rotatably supported annularly about the supporting member 25, in a snug position for rotation between the rear edge of the body 55 of the retaining ring. and in abutment with the front edge of the shallow annular extension 16, as is illustrated in the drawings. This safety catch operating ring (i5 has a function which will be subsequently described.

Referring to the firing means D, the same The retaining llll preferabl comprises a spring receivingbarrel or cy inder 70, which is rotatably disposed in the aligning passageways 26 and above described it tie axis of the gun; said barrel prefera ly being in abutment at its outer circumference with the surface defining the passageway 2G, and at the ,front end thereof the same having the wall 71 in the nature of an annular flange extending inwardly towards the axis of the firearm having a passageway 72 therethrough for slidably receiving a clutch part 73 of a clutch construction 74 to be subsequently described. At its rear end the barrel 'T0 is provided with an outwardly extending annular flange 77, which is preferably in abutment at its rear surface with the front surface of the base plate 15, and which flange 7 Ta operates within the pocket 34, and at its outer periphery the same being provided with teeth 75 having abrupt radially disposed faces 76 all facing in one direction, for dctent engagement with a trigger 77, which is illustrated in Figure 6, and operated by the operating means E, in order to normally restrain the tendency of a spiral spring 80 to rotate the sleeve 7 0 and cam supporting plate 77a. Forwardly on the plate 77 is provided a cam 80, which is in a path adapted to successively contact against the plunger-s or firing pins 30, incident to rotation of the sleeve 70 and flange 77a, to impact the firing pins against the cartridges to successively lire the cartridges. 0f course the cam 80 is inclined in order to permit the same to ride over the firing pins 30 and reciprocate the same for such tiring impact against the cartridges.

A supporting shaft 82 is screw threaded at 83 in the bodi,v 40 of the cylinder C, having its screw threaded end extending from the front end of the said cylinder, where the same receives a lock nut 84 to support the shaft 82 is a rearwardly extending relation axiallyy through the pocket 42. The shaft or bolt 82 extends axially through the gun, and at its rear end has a step bearing 84: in a socket centrally provided in the base plate 15.

The clutch construction 74 above mentioned preferably comprises a stationary clutch part 86 having an attaching plate 8T bolted or screwed at 88 to the cylinder body 40; the clutch part 86 having an annularly toothed part surrounding the shaft 82, with which the sliding clutch part 73 may engage. A spring 90 at its rear end engages a detachable plate 91 which may be connected at 92 to the spring sleeve 70; said spring 90 at its opposite end engaging against the clutch part 73 to urge the same into engagement at its front toothed end with the teeth of the clutch part 86.

The spiral spring 80 is the spring which operates the firing mechanism and it is disposed within the' spring sleeve 70, at its outer end being secured to the spring sleeve 70, and at its inner end being secured at 90 to the slidable clutch part 73.

Referring to the feature of winding the spring 80, it is to be noted that through the clutch mechanism t'the cylinder C is Connected with the inner end of the actuating spring 80. Therefore, in order to hold the spring 80 under its winding tension, detents 95 are pivotally mounted at 96 in substantially tangential slots 97 provided in the supporting ring or member 25; these detents 95 having springs 98 also supported by the member 25; normally urging the detent ends 99 thereof toward the retaining flange 48 of the cartridge cylinder C. This flange 48 inwardly of the outer edge 100 thereof is provided with a plurality of polygonal shaped notches or recesses 101, in annular arrangement thereabout, into which detent ends 99 of the detents 95 engage, to prevent the force of the wound springY 8O from rotating the cartridge cylinder C, after the spring has been wound. Of course the pawls 95 are rounded at 102, to permit the pivoting of the pawls 102, when the spring 80 is being wound to tension the same, by moving the cylinder C. These detents are best illustrated in Figures 7 and 9 of the drawings, where an idea of their operating features can be readily ascertained.

.ls to the winding of the main actuating spring 80, bearing in 'mind that the spring sleeve T0 to which the ratchet flange 77a is attached, is held stationary by the normal action of thc trigger 77 of the operating means E, it is readily apparent that when the operator grasps the knurled annular hand 105, to rotate the cylinder C to the right. the same incident to engagement of the clutch 7l will cause a winding of the spring 80, to compress the same. The safety paWls 95 are so placed with respect to the firing pins 30, that the latter will align with the cartridge chambers` when the pawls are in the notches 101, in the firing positions illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, so that it merely requires a release of the trigger 77 to cause the spring to rotate the ratchet wheeler cam supporting member 77, and cause the cam 80 to ride into successive and quick engagement with the firing pins 30 to push the same. into impact and firing relation with respect to the cartridges 47, for exploding the latter in rapid succession.

A safety position of the firing plungers with respect to the cartridge compartment is desired, and to this endl a spring urged safety catch or detent 110 is supported in the outer marginal portion of the supporting ring 25, in a passageway 111 therein; the same having a spring 112 normally urging forward the detent thereof into engagement with the notched flange 48 of the cylinder C, so that said detent end will ride into the notches 101, and in this position the detent 110 will hold the cylinder C in position to align the safety recesses 52 with the firing plungers-or pins 30, in the position illustrated in Figure 8 of the drawings, and in this position the cartridges are then disposed between the firing pins, out of firing relation therewith, and the detents 95 will then be positioned intermediate adjacent notches 101, in an inoperative location. This safety detent or catch 110 may be set to an operative' or an inoperative location, by means of the safety catch controlling ring 65 above mentioned, which as is best illustrated in Figure 14 of the drawings is proy vided with a. cam shaped notch or recess 66a 'inwardly of the outer periphery 67 thereof; this recess 66 including a deep portion 68 into which the laterally extending end 69a of the safety catch 110 may ride, under actua! tion by the spring 112, to permit said safety catch to operate in restraining relation in the cylinder notches 101 as above mentioned. The recess 66a also includes the shallower portion 7 0a at the opposite end thereof, which operates against the lateral portion 69a to hold the safety catch 110 withdrawn with respect to the notches 101 if the cylinder C, so that the safety catch is inoperative when the spring 112 is compressed. Between the deeper and shallower portions 68u and 70a of the safety ring recess 66, is an inclined surface over which the lateral portion 69il may readily ride, as is obvious from Figures 12 and 14.

There are eight of the notches 101 to correspond rwith the eight cartridge chambers in the cylinder C, and it is readily apparent that when the safety operating ring 65 is turned to the left` so that the indicator 115, which moves with said ring. as illustrated in Figure 7` indicates on 116, as delineated on the base plate 15, the safety catch arm 69a 'will then operate in the deeper portion 68 of the cam notch 66 under action of the spring 112. and when this is done, upon turning the cylinder C to the right. just 11E of a turn, the safety catch 110 will lock in a cylinder notch 101, to hold the cylinder with the Dlungers half-way between the cartridge compartments thereof. lVhen the safety ring is again turned so that the indicator 115 designates the off position at 117 the safety catch will have been withdrawn by the cam action in the slot 66a. out of projection with the notches 101, and the automatic action of the main spring 80 will rotate the cylinder C for f of a turn` until the detents 95 engage in the notches 101, and this aligns the cartridges or cartridge chambers with the firing pinsv 30, so that upon release of the trigger 77 the cam 80 may readily operate the firing pins for impact against the cartridges to explode the same.` It is to be readily noted that the clutch 74 permits of the flexible operation of the spring, and holds the same wound in so far as the cylinder C is concerned. but permits the unwindin of the spring sleeve and ratchet ange 7, as Well as the sleeve part 73 responsive to spring action when the cam is being spun around for firing the cartridges.

As to the attaching means F, the same includes the plate 120 which is secured to the rear of a garment 121 worn by the operator, as illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings; this garment being provided with openings thru which the snap fasteners 18 extend, as illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, and detachably receiving the base plate or member 1 5 of the gun casing B,

to permit its ready attachment or detachment, in a manner which is obvious. In its attached position the firearm is preferably at the center of the breast of the operator, with the eight cartridge chambers facing forwardly, in a position which will permit the operator to readily aim the firearm quite accurately.

Referring to the operating means E, the same preferably consists of a flexible tubular cable 125 mounted at one end in a connection 126 upon the base plate 15 of the casing B; an operating cable 127 extending thru this fiexible tubular cable 125, and having connection at 129 on the trigger 77, as illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. This flexible tubular cable 125 and the operating cable 127 therein extends upwardly thru a retaining strap 130 across the breast of the garment 121; and the cable 125 extends through a suitable strap 131 which is positioned to permit said cable to be threaded thru the sleeve 132 of the outer garment of the wearer, so that the operating cable 127 has an outlet adjacent the palm of the hand 133 of the messenger or operator.

The means for operating the cable 127 consists of a tubular connection 135 mounted on the outer end of the tubular cable 125, to which the adjacent ends of finger operating levers 138 and 139 are-pivotally connected at 140; said operating levers 138 and 139'eXtending from adjacent their pivotcd ends in a divergent relation, and at their outer ends respectively. supporting pivoted rings or loops 142 and 143 respectively,'for receiving the little finger and thumb respectively of the operator. with the levers 138 and 139Vdisposed in the palm of the hand 133 in such relation that the hand may be open during trigger oueration. as is illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings. These levers 138 and 139 intermediate their ends are preferably provided with toggle links 146 and 147 respectively, which are pivoted together at 149, at their adjacent ends; and to said pivot connection 149 is also connected the outer end of the'-operating cable 127. It is perfectly apparent that since the toggle links 146 and 147 extend in a divergent relation, out of ali nment, with their pivotally connected ends acing towards the palm of the operators hand, upon proximate movement of the levers 138 and 139, the operating cable 127 will be pulled outwardly, for causing the trigger 77 to pivot upon its axis 150, and releasing the same out of detent engagement .with the ratchet wheel or fiange 77, which will permit the -main operating,

spring 80 to function as above described for firing all of the cartridges in the cylinder C, in the space of approximately one-half a second. A spring 151 is of course provided for bringing the trigger 77 back into position.

A safety catch is provided for preventing movement of the levers 138 and 139 to operate the trigger, and under normal circumstances this safety catch is shut inherently. It consists of a spring arm 155 connected at 156 on the connecting piece 135, and extending upwardly between the levers 138 and 139, and at its upper end being provided with a finger engaging knob or projection'158, which is in line to be engaged by the middle finger of the operators hand, in order to move -the stop lug 160, which is supported intermediate the ends of said arm 155, out of the path of the relatively pivoted ends of the toggle links 146 and 147. Normally the action of the spring arm 155 is such as to force the stop lug 160 across the path of the relatively pivoted ends of the toggle links, to prevent the proximate movement of the operating levers 138 and 139, and consequently preventing operation of the detent trigger 77.

From the foregoing descri tion of this invention the operation of tie improved firearm will be apparent. In its most efiicient use in connection with the carrying of valuables by messengers, the gun may be readily operated by the messenger independent of the position of his hands, and an important feature is the fact that it is operated with tlie hands substantially extended, since the operating lever will be very small and imperceptible to the highwaymen. The safety arm 155 may be rea ily fiexed by the middle finger, so that merely by a slight movement of the thumb and little finger to'- gether the operating levers 138 and 139 may be proximately moved for causing the gun to fire the eight cartridges thereof in about one-half second. The force of the operating spring is such as to cause the cam flange to rotate several times and operate several times upon the plunger pins or firing pins, insuring a discharge of the cartridges, if the same are not fired the first time, and the strong spring tension may expand without destruction of any parts of the gun, since the s ring sleeve rotates therewith, and the c utch sleeve or part 73 may rotate on the shaft 82 in a direction reverse to the normal spring action. f

' Various changes in the shape, size, and operation of parts may be madeto the form of invention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope ofthe claims.

I claim: 1. In a firearm the combination of a casing,/ means for mounting the casing on a ersons body, a cartridge supportin mem- Jer, firing means for discharging t e cartridge, a trigger cooperating withI the firing means, a flexible cable connected with the trigger and extending along the persons body and along the arm of the person to.`

adjacent the persons hand,-and operatin lever means connected with the cable an disposed in the palm of the persons hand for moving the cable to release the trigger and cause the firing means to explode the cartridge of saidrfirearm.

2. In a firearm the combination of a gun, means for mounting the gun on a persons body, and operating means for the gun comprising a flexible tubular housing mounted on the gun and extendin along the arm of a person to adjacent the land of the person, an operating'cable movable in the tubular housing having an operating connection with the gun at one end and at its opposite end extending from the tubular housing adjacent the palm of the hand of the person, and lever means movably mounted on the tubular housing adjacent the hand of the person having an operating connection with the operating cable to cause movement of the latter when the lever means is moved for discharging said gun.

3. In a firearm the combination of a gun including a trigger, a flexible tubular housing connected with the gun at one end, a fiexible cable movable in the housing having an end connected with the trigger and having an opposite end extending from the opposite end of the housing, divergent levers pivoted on the housing, and means connecting said divergent levers with the outer end of the operating cable to cause operation thereof in the tubular housing and release of the trigger upon proximate movement of said divergent levers.

1. In a firearm the combination of a gun including a trigger, a fiexible tubular housing connected with the gun at one end, a fiexible cable movable in the housing having an end connected with the trigger and having an opposite end extending from the opposite end of the housing, divergent levers pivoted on the housing, means connecting said divergent levers with the outer end of the operating cable to cause operation thereof in the tubular housing and release of the trigger upon proximate movement of said divergent levers, and finger operated safety catch means operating on the last mentioned means to prevent proximate movement of the levers until said safety catch is released.

5. In an operating means for lirearms the Acombination of a iiexible tubular housing an operating cable in the housing having an end extending from an end of said housing, a pair of relatively divergent pivoted levers mounted on the end of the housing having finger engaging loops at the outer ends thereof, toggle links pivotally connected intermediate the ends of said levers and pivotally connected together atv their' adjacent ends, said operating cable being connected to the toggle links at their relatively pivoted ends whereby upon proximate movement of the operating levers` the toggle links will be moved to cause a relative movement of the cable within said flexible housing.

6. In an operating means for rearms the combination of a flexible tubular housing, an operating cable in the housing having an end extending from an end of said housing, a pair of relatively divergent pivoted levers mounted on an end ofthe housing having finger engaging loops at the outer ends thereof, toggley links pivotally connected intermediate the ends -of said levers and pivotally connected together at their adjacent ends, said operating cable being connected to the toggle links at their relatively pivoted ends whereby upon proximate movement of the operating levers the toggle links will be moved to cause a relative movement of the cable within said flexible housing, and safety catch means for normally preventing operation of the toggle links and levers including a spring arm having a stop A projection normally extending across the movable path of the toggle links to prevent movement thereof.

7. In a firearm of the class described for attachment upon a garment of a person, the combination of a gun casing including a base plate, an attaching plate, the base plate and attaching plate being adapted to be disposed at opposite sides of the garment of the person, and releasable fastener means for detachably connecting the base plate and attaching plate.

8. In a firearm of the class described for attachment upon a garment of a person, the combination of a gun casing including a base plate, an attaching plate, the base plate and attaching plate being adapted to be disposed at opposite sides of the garment of the person, and releasable fastener means for detachably connecting the base plate and attaching plate, including snap fasteners carried by the attaching plate insertable4 through slots provided in the base plate of the gun casing.

9. In a firearm the combination of a stationary casing, a stationary cartridge supporting cylinder, iring pins mounted to align with the cartridgessupported in the cartridge cylinder, and means for operating said firing pins comprising a rotary cam adapted lto successively operate on said firing pins.

10: In a firearm the combination of a supporting ca sing, a cylinder carried by the casing having passageways therein for supporting cartridges, Iiring pins, means lfor supporting the firing pins into alignment with the cartridge receiving passageways of the cylinder, a rotary cam supporting member, sprmg means acting on said cam supportingy member to cause rotation thereof to bring the cam into successive engagement with the firing pins to impact them against the cartridges for firing thereof, and releasable trigger means for normally holding the rotary cam supporting member stationary.

11 Ln a firearm the combination of a supporting casing, a cylinder carried by the casing having passageways therein for supporting cartridges, iiring pins, means for supporting the firing pins into alignment with the cartridge receiving passageways of the cylinder, a rotary cam supporting member, spring means acting on said cam supporting member t9 cause rotation thereof to bring the cam vinto successive engagement.

with the firing pins to impact them against the cartridges for firing thereof, releasable trigger means for normally holding the rotary cam supporting member stationary, and safety -catch means to hold the cylinder with the cartridgechambers out of alignment with the liring pins.

l2. In a firearm the combination of a supporting casing having liring pins supported thereby, a. cartridge supporting cylinder having cartridge receiving passageways therein, detachable means for movably connecting the cartridge cylinder to the casing. to align the cartridge chambers with respect to said firing pins, cam means rotatably mounted in the casing for successively operating on the firing pins to cause movement of the pins towards the cartridge cylinder into iring positions, spring means operating on said cam means to cause rotation thereof, and a trigger for releasably detaining the rotary cam means against the spring action.

13. In a firearm the combination of a supporting casing. having firing pins supported thereby, a cartridge supporting cylinder having cartridge receiving passageways therein, detachable means for mo'vably connecting the cartridge cylinder to the casing to align the cartridge chambers with respect to said iring pins, cam means rotatably mounted in the casing for successively operating on the firing pins to cause movement thereof towards the cartridge cylinder into firing positions, spring means operating on said cam means'to cause rotation thereist of, a trigger for releasably detaining the rotary cam means against the sprinvr action, and clutch means for connecting said spring means with the cylinder to permit winding of the spring means by rotation of .said cylinder in one direction.

14. In a firearm the combination of a supporting casing having ring pins supported thereby, a cartridge supporting cylinder having cartridge receiving passage.- ways therein, detachable means for movably connecting the Cartridge cylinder to the casing to align the cartridge chambers with respect to said tiring pins, cam means rotatably mounted in the casing for successively operating on the firing pins to cause movement thereof towards the cartridge cylinder:

into firing positions, spring means operating on said cam means to cause rotation thereof, a trigger for releasably detaining the rotary cam means against the spring action, clutch means for connecting said spring means with the cylinder to permit winding of the spring mean-s by rotation of said cylinder, and detent means carried by the casing operating on the cylinder to prevent rotation of the cylinder incident to action of said spring when wound.

15. In a firearm the combination of a supporting plate, a substantially ring-shaped member connected with the plate providing a pocket between the plate and said member, said member having a central passageway therethrough opening to said pocket, said member having an annular series ot' passageways transversely therethrough to the pocket, tiring pins reciprocable in said passagevvays and exposed to said pocket, a cam supporting member including a sleeve portion-rotatabl i bearing in the central passageway of sai member having a cam in position to successively engage the pins as the cam is rotated in said pocket, a cartridge supporting cylinder having cartridge receiving chambers therein, a releasable retaining ring for retaining the cartridge cylinder in movable relation on the casing to align or disalign the cartridge cylinders with respect to said firing pins, a spring. and means connecting the spring with the sleeve above mentioned and with the cylinder to permit winding of the spring upon rotation of said cylinder.

16. In a firearm the combination of a supporting plate, a substantially ring-shaped member connected with t-he plate providing a pocket between the plate and said member, said member having a central passageway therethrough opening to said pocket, said member having an annular series of passageways transversely therethrough to the pocket, firing pins reciprocable in said passageways and exposed to said pocket, a cam supporting member including a sleeve portion rotatably bearing in the central passagetion to successively engage the pins as the cam is rotated in said pocket, a cartridge 'supporting cylinder having cartridge receiving chambers therein, a releasable retaining ring for retaining the cartridge cylinder in movable relation on the casing to align or disalign the cartridge cylinders with respect to said firing pins, a spring, means connecting the spring with the sleeve above mentioned and with the cylinder to permit winding of the spring upon rotation of said cylinder, and detent means carried by said member for operating on the cylinder to prevent rotation thereof incident to spring action 1n one direction.

17. In a firearm the combination of a supporting plate, a substantially ring-shaped member connected with the plate providing a pocket between the plate and said member, said member having a central passageway therethrough opening to said pocket, said member having an annular series of passageway-*s transversely therethrough to the pocket, firing pins reciprocable in said passageways and exposed to said pocket, a cam supporting member including a sleeve portion rotatably bearing in the central passageway of said member having a cam lin position to successively engage the pins as the cani is rotated in said pocket, a cart-ridge supporting cylinder having cartridge receiving chambers therein, a releasable retaining ring for retaining the cartridge cylinder in movable relation on the casing to align or dsalign the cartridge cylinders with respect to said iiring pins, a spring, means connecting the spring with the sleeve above mentioned. and with the cylinder to permit winding of the spring upon rotation of said cylinder, detent means carried by said member for operating on the cylinder to prevent rotation thereof incident to spring action in one direction, said cartridge cylinder having safety recesses therein alternating with the cartridge chambers for receiving the firing pins in a safety position incident to impact of the cam means therewith.

18. In a firearm the combination of a supporting plate, a substantially ring-shaped member connected with the plate providing a pocket between the plate and said member, said member having a central passageway therethrough opening to said pocket, said member having an annular series of passageways transversely therethrough to the pocket, firing pins reciprocable in said passageways and exposed to said pocket, a cam supporting member including a sleeve portion rotatably bearing in the central passageway of said member having a` cam in position to successively engage the pins as the cani is rotated in said pocket, a cartridge supporting cylinder having cartridge receiving chambers therein, a releasable retaining ring for retaining the cartridge cylinder in movable relation on the casing to align or disalign the cartridge cylinders with respect to said firing pins, a spring, means connecting the spring With the sleeve above mentioned and .with the cylinder to permit Winding of the spring upon rotation of said cylinder, detent means carried by said member for operating on the cylinder to prevent rotation thereof incident to spring action in one direction, said cartridge cylinder having safety recesses therein alternating with the cartridge chambers for receiving the firing pins in a safety position incident to impact of the cam means therewith, and safety catch means for holding the cylinder immovable with respect to the lirst mentioned member to hold the cartridge chambers out of alignment with the firing pins recesses being provided in the cartridge cylinder, a detent transversely carried by the ring member for movement into the last mentioned recesses, and an operating cam ring for causing said detent to move into or out of the last mentioned recesses of said cartridge cylinder. Y

19. In a firearm of the class described the combination of a supporting casing, a rotary ratchet member rotatably supported by said casing, said casing having a plurality of annularly arranged passageways therein, firing pins slidable in said passageways, a cam carried by said rotary ratchet member for successively engaging said tiring pins upon rotation of the rotary member to cause forward movement of the firing pins in succession, a cartridge cylinder having a plurality or cartridge passageways therein, means for connecting the cartridge cylinder to the casing in such manner as to permit relative movement of the cartridge cylinder with respect to the casing to place the cartridge chambers in or out of alignment with respect to the tiring pins, spring means connected with the rotary ratchet member, and clutch means connecting said spring means and with the cartridge cylinder.

520. In a firearm of thc class described the combination of a supporting casing, a rotary ratchet member rotatably supported by said casing. said casing having a. plurality of annularly arranged passageways therein, tiring pins slidable in said passage- Ways, a cam carried by said rotary ratchet member for successively engaging said firing pins-upon rotation of the rotary member to cause forward movement of the firing pins in succession, a cartridge cylinder having a plurality of cartridge passageways therein, means for connecting the cartridge cylinder to the casing in such manner as to permit relative movement of the cartridge cylinder with respect to the casing to place the cartridge chambers in or out of alignment with respect to the firing pins, spring means connectedwith the rotary ratchet member, clutch means connecting said spring means and with the cartridge cylinder, detent means carried by the casing for operating on the cartridge cylinder to prevent rotation thereof in one direction, and trigger means for operation against the rotary ratchet member to hold the same in position to tension said spring.

21. In a firearm of the class described the combination of a supporting casing, a rotary ratchet member rotatably supported by said casing, said casing having a plurality of annularly arranged passageways therein, firing pins siidable in said passageways, a cam carried by said rotary ratchet member for successively engaging said firing pins upon rotation of the rotary member to cause forward movement of the firing pins in suc cession, a cartridge cylinder having a plurality of cartridge passageways therein, means for connectmg the cartridge cylinder` to the casing in such manner as to permit relative movement of the cartridge clyinder with respect to the casing to place the cartridge chambers in or out of alignment with respect to the firing pins, spring means connected with the rotary ratchet member, clutch means connecting said spring means and with the cartridge cylinder, detent means carried by the casing for operating on the cartridge cylinder to prevent rotation thereof in one direction, trigger means for operation against the rotary ratchet member to hold the same in position to tension said spring, and manually operated safety means carried by said casing for operation on the cartridge cylinder to hold the same against movement with the cartridge chambers out of alignment with said firing pins. i

MANUEL lV. HOWELL.

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