278 



VARIETIES OF SHOT-GUNS, ETC. 



little wedge which lies between the barrels, and is so bevelled 

 off on each side that it is accurately fitted to the copper base 

 of the cartridge case, completing the circumference of the 

 chamber in the breech intended to receive it, and fitted 

 accurately to it. This wedge a a has two slides b c pro- 

 jecting for- 

 wards, and ly- 

 ing in the angles 

 formed between 

 the two barrels 

 above and be- 

 low. The upper 

 one b is a mere 

 rod ; but the 

 lower c has a 

 notch in it, 

 which is acted 

 on by the lever 

 as it is turned, 

 whether to open 

 or shut the 

 breech. The 

 consequence is, 

 that when the 

 cartridge is in- 

 serted, it is car- 

 ried into its 

 place before the 

 breech is low- 

 ered, and when 

 this is reopened 

 the wedge is 

 thrust out, and 

 acting on the 

 copper lip of 

 the cartridge, it 

 brings it out of 

 the chamber, 

 when it lies 

 quite uncon- 



