Maynard Carbine
Massachusetts Arms Company · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1858
Also known as: Maynard Tape Primer Carbine
Overview
The Maynard Carbine was a single-shot, break-action breech-loading percussion carbine patented by Dr. Edward Maynard and manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Company of Chicopee Falls. Lowering the trigger-guard lever tipped the barrel up for loading a self-contained brass cartridge with a small hole in its base to admit the percussion flash. The reusable brass case, simple mechanism, and good gas seal made the Maynard one of the more reliable and accurate cavalry carbines of the American Civil War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Barrel Length | 550 mm (21.65") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 180 m (197 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 12 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .50 Maynard · primary — also known as .50 Maynard Carbine
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer
- Features: Tip Up Break Barrel, Reusable Brass Cartridge Case, Maynard Tape Priming System, No Forestock
Variants
- Maynard First Model Carbine — Early Pattern
- Maynard Second Model Carbine — Wartime Pattern
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1858
- Confederate States Army · adopted 1861
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Estimated total produced: 25,000 · Production years: 1858-1865
Approximately 5,000 First Model and over 20,000 Second Model carbines produced; used by both Union and Confederate forces
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Edward Maynard
Discontinued: 1865
Notes
The First Model (c. 1858-1861) was a more finely finished pattern; the Second Model (1863-1865) was simplified for mass production and made exclusively in .50 caliber. Maynard also patented a tape-primer ignition system used widely on period muskets.
Background
The Maynard's reusable brass cartridge case could be reloaded by the trooper in the field, a frugal feature that made it a favorite of Confederate cavalry who could not easily resupply factory ammunition.