Jenks Carbine
N. P. Ames Manufacturing Company · Carbine · Discontinued · 1841
Also known as: Jenks Mule Ear Carbine, Jenks Side-Hammer Carbine, Ames-Jenks Carbine, Jenks Naval Carbine
Overview
The Jenks Carbine is a .54 caliber single-shot, breech-loading percussion carbine designed by William Jenks and manufactured by the N. P. Ames Manufacturing Company from 1841 to 1846. It is loaded by lifting a top-mounted lever that withdraws a sliding breech bolt, allowing a ball and powder charge to be seated before the breech is closed. Its distinctive side-mounted hammer, which resembles a mule's ear when cocked, earned the gun the nickname the "Mule Ear" carbine. Adopted primarily by the United States Navy, it was among the first breech-loading percussion arms in American military service.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2720 g (95.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1041 mm (40.98") |
| Barrel Length | 616 mm (24.25") |
| Action Type | Breech Loading |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | None |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 729 J (538 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 360 m (394 yd) |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Brass Furniture |
Calibers
- .54 Caliber Percussion (Paper Cartridge) · primary — also known as .54 caliber, .54 ball, 54-caliber percussion
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Features: Side Hammer, Lever Actuated Breech Bolt, Smoothbore Barrel, Brass Furniture, Two Barrel Bands
Service history
Operators
- United States Navy · adopted 1841
- United States Army
Conflicts
- Mexican-American War (1846-1848)
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Estimated total produced: 4,250 · Production years: 1841-1846
Manufactured by N. P. Ames; the breech design was later produced under contract by Remington.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William Jenks
Discontinued: 1846
Notes
Roughly 4,250 Jenks carbines were produced by Ames. Later contracts to manufacture the design were filled by Remington, which adapted the breech to use the Maynard tape primer system.
Background
Designed by William Jenks of South Carolina, the carbine's sideways-swinging hammer set its percussion cone on the right of the breech, giving the gun its enduring 'Mule Ear' nickname.