Semi-Auto or repeating falling block rifles?

[AustinM]

All I’ve heard are rumors, but I think that the concept could be much simpler to machine than rotating bolts and potentially cheaper to get good quality with.

 

[Deleted Dewey]

The Spencer rifle and carbine were repeating falling blocks. The M73 (later, M219) machine gun used a bolt that traveled sideways (a falling block if you turned it on its side).

 

[joshb]

Winchester 1886. I have a Miroku remake in 45/70. Nice gun. True falling block action? Damned close.

 

[AustinM]

The Spencer rifle and carbine were repeating falling blocks. The M73 (later, M219) machine gun used a bolt that traveled sideways (a falling block if you turned it on its side).

Very interesting, I guess I totally overlooked the Spencer series. I will definitely have to look into the m73 as well, thank you.

 

[AustinM]

Winchester 1886. I have a Miroku remake in 45/70. Nice gun. True falling block action? Damned close.

Oh wow it sounds like a beautiful piece.

 

[joshb]

Oh wow it sounds like a beautiful piece.

Look it up and buy one. You’ll like it!

 

[DHall_37]

you post reminds me of the Madsen M1896 flaadens rekylgevaer, a semi auto falling block rifle that eventually lead to the madsen machine gun.

The rifle is also short recoil operated, the US had trials on the rifle in 30-03 caliber, but was not adopted for use and one reason being accuracy issues.

 

[AustinM]

you post reminds me of the Madsen M1896 flaadens rekylgevaer, a semi auto falling block rifle that eventually lead to the madsen machine gun.

The rifle is also short recoil operated, the US had trials on the rifle in 30-03 caliber, but was not adopted for use and one reason being accuracy issues.

I love forgotten weapons, I l’ll be happy to take a look at that when I get off from work here soon.

 

[Deleted Dewey]

Winchester 1886. I have a Miroku remake in 45/70. Nice gun. True falling block action? Damned close.

The 86's breechblock (the bolt) travels axially, only the locking bars travel vertically. It isn't a falling block. The Low and High Walls are falling blocks, as the breechblock travels vertically and it is the component that mates with the frame to serve the "bolting" (or breeching") function.

 

[joshb]

The 86's breechblock (the bolt) travels axially, only the locking bars travel vertically. It isn't a falling block. The Low and High Walls are falling blocks, as the breechblock travels vertically and it is the component that mates with the frame to serve the "bolting" (or breeching") function.

Yes. As I said. Not a true falling block, but darned close.

 

[AustinM]

you post reminds me of the Madsen M1896 flaadens rekylgevaer, a semi auto falling block rifle that eventually lead to the madsen machine gun.

The rifle is also short recoil operated, the US had trials on the rifle in 30-03 caliber, but was not adopted for use and one reason being accuracy issues.

Magnificent! Terribley complicated and expensive but truly a clockwork piece.

I want to own one of these rifles or maybe a Madsen lmg but I want absolutely no part of that mechanism!

The design I have in mind would reciprocate a traditional style bolt albiet a rather short one and then lock the bolt into place by means of two locking blocks one on either side of the bolt similar to the the 1886 that joshb disscussed.

 

[DHall_37]

Magnificent! Terribley complicated and expensive but truly a clockwork piece.

I want to own one of these rifles or maybe a Madsen lmg but I want absolutely no part of that mechanism!

The design I have in mind would reciprocate a traditional style bolt albiet a rather short one and then lock the bolt into place by means of two locking blocks one on either side of the bolt similar to the the 1886 that joshb disscussed.

Two locking blocks kinda reminds of of a “flapper locking system” here is another video of a rifle using the flapper system. This video showcases it quite well.

 

[AustinM]

Two locking blocks kinda reminds of of a “flapper locking system” here is another video of a rifle using the flapper system. This video showcases it quite well.

That rifle seems like it would have worked better with a gas piston. Still interesting though, and it seems like those flappers would be way easier to machine than the barrel extension of a typical rotating bolt gun.

I also like how the the bolt slides in between the flappers, that seems like it would be good for keeping the overall length of the reciever shorter.

 

[Brians356]

Interesting that the Madsen is from Denmark. Never heard of any firearms or other mechanisms of note from there or Norway.
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[choprzrul]

Which falling block is stronger: Ruger #1 or a modern 1885 HighWall?

 

[Adam in WI]

Which falling block is stronger: Ruger #1 or a modern 1885 HighWall?

Not specifically sure about strength, but my guess is that the Ruger would have an edge in safety since the rear of the breech block is sealed versus the Winchester having the firing pin and hole directed at the shooters face.

 

[ebb]

It doesn't have the breech face on the falling block it has an extension but look at the Kriss system.

 

[AustinM]

It doesn't have the breech face on the falling block it has an extension but look at the Kriss system.

Oh hey, sorry for the month long delay, I didn’t see your comment.

I think the vector is really interesting, and I guess you could call it a falling block delayed blowback system.

I’d like to own one but that eccentric bolt travel seems like it would want to tear the gun apart.