Zündnadelgewehr_Diagram_2
- At February 05, 2017
- By Great Quail
- 0
Der Zündnadelgewehr, or the Dreyse “Needle Rifle,” Prussia’s secret weapon during the 1860s. Note the position of the primer, located behind the acorn-shaped ball and the gunpowder charge. The firing pin drives the needle through the paper cartridge to strike the primer; hence “Needle Rifle.” Also note the sabot around the bullet—the bullet was .53 caliber, but the bore was .61. This diagram also shows the entire spring-activated bolt assembly. The shooter set the pin by pressing down on the rear-mounted tab.
Click the image to enlarge, or visit the Bolt-Action Rifles main page.