Norwegian Kammerlader
Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1842
Also known as: Chamber-loader, Kammerladningsgevær, Scheel-Gregersen breech-loader
Overview
The Norwegian Kammerlader ('chamber loader') was a single-shot, breech-loading black-powder rifle adopted in 1842, making Norway the first nation to issue a breech-loading percussion rifle as a standard service arm. A side-mounted crank tipped up a loading chamber at the rear of the barrel, into which a paper cartridge or loose powder and ball were inserted; an underhammer percussion lock fired it. The original caliber was 18 lødig (about 17.5 mm), later reduced to roughly 11.77 mm on the M1860 pattern to extend range and accuracy.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 914 mm (35.98") |
| Action Type | Breech Loading |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 17.5mm Kammerlader (18 lødig) · primary — also known as 18 lødig, 17.5mm round ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Breech Loaded
- Features: Crank Operated Breech Chamber, Underhammer Percussion, Rifled Barrel, Tip Up Loading Chamber
Variants
- Kammerlader M1846 — Pattern Variant
- Kammerlader M1860 (11.77mm) — Reduced Caliber
Service history
Operators
- Norwegian Army · adopted 1842 · as Kammerlader
- Royal Norwegian Navy
Production
Estimated total produced: 40,000 · Production years: 1842-1870
More than 40,000 produced across over 80 model and pattern variations at Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk
Origin
Country of origin: Norway
Designer: Peter Andreas Scheel
Discontinued: 1870
Notes
More than 40,000 kammerladers were made in over 80 model variations between 1842 and 1870. The breech action was developed in 1842 by Captain Scheel and gunsmith Gregersen. Many were later converted to rimfire (e.g. the M1855/67 Landmark conversion) at Kongsberg.
Background
Adopted in 1842, the Kammerlader beat the rest of Europe to the breech-loader: while other armies still rammed powder down muzzles, Norwegian soldiers cranked open a chamber at the breech and reloaded from a kneeling or prone position years ahead of the rest of the continent.