Jarvis USSS-1
Jarvis Products Corporation · Pistol · In Production
Also known as: Jarvis Model USSS-1, USSS-1 Pneumatic Stunner, Jarvis USSS-1 Captive Bolt Stunner
Overview
The Jarvis USSS-1 is a pneumatically operated, high-speed penetrating captive bolt stunning pistol built by Jarvis Products Corporation for the humane pre-slaughter stunning of cattle in high-throughput meat plants. Instead of a cartridge, it uses a compressed-air supply of roughly 160-175 psi (11-12 bar) to drive a retained 15.9 mm steel bolt forward in a single stroke, delivering a concussive penetrating blow to the animal's skull to render it instantly insensible. Its captive bolt is retained within the tool and automatically returns after each cycle, so no free projectile is discharged. A dual-trigger, two-handle control layout requires both hands to fire as a safety measure, and its low-recoil, corrosion-resistant construction reduces operator fatigue on continuous production lines while guaranteeing reliable one-shot stunning without repeat firings.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 14700 g (518.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 483 mm (19.02") |
| Height | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Width | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Action Type | Pneumatic |
| Firing Mechanism | Pneumatic |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Corrosion Resistant |
Calibers
- Pneumatic Captive Bolt · primary — also known as compressed-air captive bolt, air-powered captive bolt, 15.9mm penetrating bolt
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Compressed Air Supply
- Safety mechanisms: Dual Trigger Two Hand Activation, Captive Bolt Retention
- Features: Captive Bolt, Pneumatic Operation, Automatic Bolt Return, Dual Handle Control, Single Shot Stunning, Low Recoil, High Speed Penetration
Variants
- Jarvis USSS-21 - Updated Pneumatic Stunner
Service history
Operators
- Meat processing and slaughter industry
Production
Standard high-throughput cattle stunning tool used in commercial abattoirs worldwide
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
A captive bolt stunner is not a conventional firearm: the bolt is retained within the tool and no free projectile leaves the device. The USSS-1 is powered entirely by shop compressed air (max operating pressure approx 160-175 psi / 11-12 bar), consuming about 1.45 ft3 (41 L) of air per cycle. Overall dimensions approx 483 x 140 x 381 mm and weight approx 14.7 kg. Later superseded/complemented in the range by the Jarvis USSS-21.
Background
Jarvis Products Corporation, founded in 1926 and based in Middletown, Connecticut, is one of the world's largest makers of meat-processing equipment; its pneumatic captive bolt stunners like the USSS-1 are fixtures of modern industrial slaughter lines, where compressed-air operation removes the cartridge logistics and misfire risks of blank-powered stunners.