Lancaster Oval Bore Four-Shot Handgun

Overview

The Lancaster Oval Bore attempted to solve the repeat-fire issue of a pistol by utilizing four barrels in its design.

History

Detailing the development and operational history of the Lancaster Oval Bore Four-Shot Handgun. Entry last updated on 8/9/2016. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.

Charles Lancaster, a barrel-maker based in London, U.K., was responsible for the handgun that went on to bear his name - the "Lancaster Oval Bore". The weapon was one of the many unique attempts of the 1800s at a repeat-fire handgun. To accomplish the action, four individual barrels were set in a 2x2 arrangement, fixed in place and each managed by an individual firing pin at the rear. a striker mechanism was used to actuate the weapon and this assembly rotated behind each barrel in succession. with each trigger pull. The operator had access to the barrels by way of a hinge which allowed a "break-action" type approach for loading/reloading. All other design facets of the gun were consistent with pistol design of the late-1800s - integral pistol grip, under-slung trigger unit, etc...

The weapon was chambered to fire the .455 Webley round and held a four-shot capacity. The trigger used a Double-Action (DA) mechanic. The pistol exhibited an overall length of 9.75 inches with the barrels measuring six inches long (each). Unloaded weight was 1.25 kilograms.

Specifications

YEAR: 1887

MANUFACTURER(S): Charles Lancaster - UK

ACTION: Four-Shot; Double-Action

CALIBER(S): .455 Webley

SIGHTS: Iron

OVERALL LENGTH: 250 mm (9.84 in)

BARREL LENGTH: 152 mm (5.98 in)

WEIGHT: 2.76 lb (1.25 kg)

OPERATORS: United Kingdom

UK