This video is cool!
When it comes to single-shot breech-loaders I’m a huge fan of the Falling Block action, especially that of the Sharps rifle or the Ruger No. 1.
That being said I’m floored at the simplicity of this action. Doesn’t look very strong at all, but man what a solid idea that is!
Oh neat.
Your falling block link brought me to one on 8 gauge Industrial Shotguns.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firearm_(tool)#Shotguns
Which then lead to this page with a couple great videos.
http://firearmshistory.blogspot.com/2011/03/utility-firearms-industrial-shotguns.html
I really love that “Filmstrip” style of the older and industrial marketing videos.
And finally to this piece on historical cleaning methods and lubircation
http://firearmshistory.blogspot.com/2011/08/cleaning-firearms-historical.html
Rolling Blocks are at least as strong as a Sharps. I know it doesn’t look like they should be, but they were.
I can see that with a strong enough mainspring and a heavy enough Hammer.
Who is the narrator for this vid? Obama’s Canadian extemporaneous speech coach?