Farquharson Rifle
George Gibbs · Rifle · Limited Production · 1872
Also known as: Gibbs-Farquharson, Farquharson falling block rifle
Overview
The Farquharson Rifle is a single-shot hammerless falling-block sporting rifle designed and patented by Scotsman John Farquharson in 1872. Gunmaker George Gibbs of Bristol acquired co-ownership of the patent and became the principal maker, fitting the strong, compact action with Metford-rifled barrels chambered for proprietary black powder Express cartridges such as the .450 Black Powder Express. Recognizable by its distinctive curved triggerguard that doubles as the breech-operating lever, the Farquharson action proved strong enough to bridge the black powder and smokeless eras and was later chambered from .22 Short up to the .600 Nitro Express, influencing later falling-block rifles including the Winchester Model 1885 and Ruger No. 1.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4080 g (143.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1170 mm (46.06") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 605 m/s (1985 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4265 J (3146 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 180 m (197 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 7 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .450 Black Powder Express · primary — also known as .450 BPE, .450 Express 3 1/4 inch, .450 Express
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock
- Features: Hammerless Action, Curved Triggerguard Loading Lever, Metford Rifling, Express Sights, Single Shot
Service history
Operators
- British colonial hunters and sportsmen
Production
Production years: 1872-c.1910
Made in small numbers as a high-grade bespoke sporting rifle; George Gibbs was sole maker while the patent was in force, with later Farquharson-pattern actions built by Webley & Scott, W.J. Jeffery and Belgian makers.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: John Farquharson
Notes
The breech is opened by lowering the curved combined triggerguard/loading lever, which drops the breechblock to expose the chamber. Gibbs was the sole maker while the patent ran; after it expired, other British and Belgian gunmakers produced Farquharson-pattern actions.
Background
John Farquharson of Daldhu, Scotland, was a poacher, gamekeeper and champion rifle shot before he became an inventor. His 1872 falling-block patent was the breakthrough that distinguished his design from the Martini and other single-shot actions he had studied.