Calisher & Terry Carbine
Breech Loading Armoury Co. (Limited) · Carbine · Discontinued · 1860
Also known as: Terry Carbine, Terry's Patent Carbine, Calisher and Terry Breech-Loading Carbine, Door Bolt Carbine
Overview
The Calisher & Terry carbine is a British single-shot capping-breechloading carbine of the percussion era, designed by William Terry and patented in 1856. Built around a turning-bolt or 'plunger' breech, it chambered a self-consuming nitrated-paper cartridge holding a .539-inch conical bullet over roughly 55 grains of black powder, ignited by an external percussion cap. Adopted by the British War Department in 1860 and issued to the 18th Royal Hussars, it saw notable service with Confederate cavalry during the American Civil War and against Maori forces in New Zealand.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2835 g (100.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 864 mm (34.02") |
| Barrel Length | 533 mm (20.98") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | None |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 990 J (730 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 180 m (197 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 3-Groove Rifling, 1 In 36 Inch (914 Mm) Twist |
| Rifling Twist | 914 mm (35.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 3 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .539 Caliber Percussion (30-Bore) · primary — also known as 30-Bore, .54 caliber, .568 caliber
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single-Shot Breech-Loaded Paper Cartridge
- Safety mechanisms: Half-Cock Notch
- Features: Capping Breechloader, Turning-Bolt ('Plunger') Breech Action, Self-Consuming Nitrated-Paper Combustible Cartridge, External Percussion-Cap Ignition, Greased Felt Wad Cleans Bore On Firing
Production
Estimated total produced: 20,000 · Production years: 1860-1870
Fewer than approximately 20,000 manufactured by the Breech Loading Armoury Co. of Birmingham.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: William Terry
Discontinued: 1870
Notes
Popularly nicknamed the 'Door Bolt' carbine for its breech-operating handle. A greased felt wad at the base of each cartridge scoured fouling from the bore as the gun was fired.
Background
Carried by Confederate cavalry, a Calisher & Terry carbine was reportedly among the firearms found in Confederate President Jefferson Davis's baggage at his capture, and the type was associated with General J.E.B. Stuart's troopers.