When was the first pump action shotgun made?

When was the first pump action shotgun made?

The pump action shotgun, a popular firearm among hunters and sport shooters, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The first pump action shotgun was invented by Charles Gabriel Bruce, a Scottish gunsmith, in 1866. Bruce’s design was patented on June 18, 1866, and is considered the first practical pump action shotgun.

Early Development

Before Bruce’s invention, there were other attempts to create a pump action shotgun. In the 1840s, a French gunsmith named Jean-Louis Gauthier developed a pump action shotgun that used a sliding cylinder to chamber the next round. However, this design was cumbersome and prone to jamming.

In the 1850s, an American gunsmith named James Paris Lee developed a pump action shotgun that used a toggle-lock mechanism to chamber the next round. Lee’s design was more practical than Gauthier’s, but it still had its limitations.

Bruce’s Breakthrough

Bruce’s design was a significant improvement over previous attempts. His pump action shotgun used a recoil-operated mechanism, where the energy from the fired cartridge was used to cycle the action. This design allowed for a more reliable and efficient operation.

Here are the key features of Bruce’s pump action shotgun:

• Recoil-operated mechanism: The energy from the fired cartridge was used to cycle the action.
• Pump handle: A sliding handle that was used to chamber the next round.
• Slide-action: The barrel and receiver slid back and forth to cycle the action.
• Fixed magazine: The shotgun had a fixed magazine that held a maximum of 4-6 rounds.

Patent and Production

Bruce’s patent was granted on June 18, 1866, and his design was quickly adopted by other gun manufacturers. The first production model of the pump action shotgun was made by Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1873. Winchester’s model 1873 pump action shotgun was a commercial success and remained in production until the early 20th century.

Evolution of the Pump Action Shotgun

Over the years, the pump action shotgun has undergone significant changes and improvements. Here are some of the key developments:

• Gauge: The pump action shotgun was initially chambered in 12-gauge, but later models were chambered in 10-gauge, 16-gauge, and 20-gauge.
• Barrel length: The barrel length of the pump action shotgun has varied over the years, with shorter barrels becoming popular for hunting and self-defense.
• Stock: The stock of the pump action shotgun has also undergone changes, with newer models featuring ergonomic designs and synthetic materials.
• Magazine capacity: The magazine capacity of the pump action shotgun has increased over the years, with some models holding up to 8-10 rounds.

Conclusion

The first pump action shotgun was invented by Charles Gabriel Bruce in 1866. Bruce’s design was a significant improvement over previous attempts and paved the way for the development of modern pump action shotguns. Today, the pump action shotgun remains a popular firearm among hunters and sport shooters, known for its reliability, ease of use, and versatility.

Table: Key Features of Bruce’s Pump Action Shotgun

Bullets: Key Developments in the Evolution of the Pump Action Shotgun

• Gauge: 12-gauge, 10-gauge, 16-gauge, and 20-gauge
• Barrel length: Shorter barrels for hunting and self-defense
• Stock: Ergonomic designs and synthetic materials
• Magazine capacity: Increased capacity, up to 8-10 rounds