Quackenbush Bicycle Rifle
H.M. Quackenbush · Rifle · Discontinued · 1896
Also known as: Quackenbush .22 Bicycle Rifle, Quackenbush Junior Safety Rifle
Overview
The Quackenbush Bicycle Rifle is a lightweight, single-shot .22 rimfire takedown rifle produced by H.M. Quackenbush of Herkimer, New York, between 1896 and 1919. Its action uses a pivoting breech block that swings to the side to load a single cartridge and works an integral extractor for quick unloading. Fitted with a folding steel wire shoulder stock, the rifle collapses to about 16 inches so it could be strapped to a bicycle frame or slipped into a pack, and was aimed at cyclists who wanted a compact arm for small game, pest control, or plinking during the 1890s bicycle boom.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 879 g (31.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Folded Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Barrel Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Action Type | Hinged Breechblock |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 117 J (86 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel Wire |
| Finish | Nickel |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loading
- Features: Pivoting Breech Block, Integrated Extractor, Folding Wire Stock, Takedown, Carrying Case
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and small game shooters · adopted 1896
Production
Estimated total produced: 4,321 · Production years: 1896-1919
Made in small numbers by H.M. Quackenbush; often classified as a Curio & Relic collectible today.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Henry M. Quackenbush
Discontinued: 1919
Notes
Produced in small numbers, with roughly 4,321 examples made over its production run. Chambered to fire .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridges. Typically supplied with a leather or canvas case that mounted to a bicycle in several positions.
Background
Henry Marcus Quackenbush was a prolific inventor best known for the nutcracker and other household hardware, but he also built a range of inexpensive boys' and sporting .22 rifles and air guns. The Bicycle Rifle rode the late-1890s craze for cycling, marketed as a packable companion for riders venturing into the countryside.