A New invention.
--We were shown yesterday a new rule, the invention of a young
Virginia from
Charlotte county, which, judging from a usual inspection, will prove a formidable upon in safe hands.
It is breech loading and in general appearance very much resembles
Maynard's, but in detail is entirely similar from any of that class of rifles now in use. The cartridge is made in a brass tube or cylinder closely fitting the bore, which connects with the nipple by a small aperture.
The breech plate is set in a brick lever, which raises it from the barrel, and shuts over the hammer when the cartridge is placed in position.
The lever also press out the old cylinder after its contents he been discharged.
The cylinders are uni red by the explosion, and can be used or and over again for any number of shot.
The advantages of the patent are several.
It can be loaded manually and quickly than the ordinary breech raiding rifle; the barrel is completely protected by the tube to prevent its being clogged by lead; the motions of loading are reduce in number, and every soldier can make his own cartridge without difficulty.
In all respects of shooting, this rifle will equal any shall arm in the service, although extremely supple in its mechanism.
Being comparatively Light, (weighing only six pounds,) and being locked like the ordinary brass heel-play American rifle, it can be used with great faculty in rapid and snap shooting, and would be a superior weapon for the cavalry service.
The inventor,
Mr. Thomas N. Read, is a volunteer from
Charlotte county, but has been detailed into the Ordnance Department assist in filling a Government contract this rifle, which we learn has been awarded a manufactory in this city.
The whole insists of but ten pieces, and the rifle can manufactured for less than ten dollars.
