Terry Carbine
Calisher and Terry · Carbine · Discontinued · 1860
Also known as: Calisher and Terry Carbine, Terry's Patent Carbine, Calisher & Terry Carbine
Overview
The Terry Carbine is a British breech-loading percussion carbine designed by William Terry and manufactured by Calisher and Terry of Birmingham. Patented in 1856 and adopted in limited numbers by the British military in 1860, it is a capping breechloader operating a two-lug, rear-locking rotating bolt. It chambers a self-consuming combustible paper cartridge holding a .539-inch conical bullet over roughly 55 grains of black powder, with a greased felt wad at the base of the cartridge providing breech obturation; ignition comes from a separate percussion cap on an external nipple. Approved for cavalry use, it was first issued to the 18th Hussars and later saw colonial service in New Zealand and South Africa, as well as use by Confederate forces during the American Civil War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2835 g (100.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 864 mm (34.02") |
| Barrel Length | 533 mm (20.98") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | None |
| Muzzle Velocity | 305 m/s (1001 fps) |
| Effective Range | 180 m (197 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 914 mm (35.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .539 Caliber Percussion (30-Bore) · primary — also known as 30 Bore, .539 Terry, 30-Bore Combustible
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech
- Features: Capping Breechloader, Rear Locking Rotating Bolt, Combustible Paper Cartridge, Greased Felt Wad Obturation
Service history
Operators
- British Army · adopted 1860
- 18th Hussars · adopted 1860
- Confederate States Army
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
- New Zealand Wars (1845-1872)
Production
Estimated total produced: 20,000 · Production years: 1860-1870
Not more than approximately 20,000 were made before the company closed in 1870.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: William Terry
Discontinued: 1870
Notes
An early bolt-action breechloader. Unlike the Sharps, the Terry action could not readily be converted to self-contained metallic cartridges, which led to its obsolescence as drawn brass ammunition became standard.
Background
Notable owners of Terry carbines during the American Civil War reportedly included Confederate cavalry commander J.E.B. Stuart and Confederate President Jefferson Davis.