OEDXAXCE. 



639 



sent it in position for loading, and ready to Tlie empty cartridge is then withdrawn, by 

 tire. In loading, the breech is elevated by a hand, a new one inserted, and the barrel re- 

 move^: hat like that of the Maynard. stored to its place, in which it is held by a 



Smith's Breech-loading Rifle. 



catch, which is loosened by a trigger in front in its place. The piece is remarkable for ele- 



of the one by which the piece is discharged, gance of form and perfection of mechanical 



The hammer cannot be drawn back beyond finish. 

 half-cock till this catch has secured the barrel The BALLAED military rifle is so arranged 



Wesson's EiSe in position for loading. 



"Wesson's Eifle ready to fiie. 



that it may be used with the metallic cartridge block sinks perpendicularly, carrying the ham 



or witl^ the ordinary soldiers' cartridge, to be mer with it, and thro wing it back to half-cock, 



fired with a cap. The breech of the rifle is The empty cartridge is then removed by means 



opened for the insertion of the cartridge, by of a finger-piece under the barrel, attached to 



drawing dowr the guaru, when the breech- a slide, which pushes out the cartridge by 



