Volcanic Repeating Carbine
Volcanic Repeating Arms Company · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1856
Also known as: .41 Volcanic Carbine
Overview
The Volcanic Repeating Carbine was a mid-19th-century American lever-action repeater firing the self-contained, caseless .41 Volcanic 'Rocket Ball' cartridge from an under-barrel tubular magazine. Produced in 16-, 20-, and 24-inch barrel lengths holding 20, 25, and 30 rounds respectively, it was one of the earliest practical lever-action repeating long arms, though the weak Rocket Ball charge limited its power and commercial success.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .41 Volcanic (Rocket Ball) · primary — also known as .41 Rocket Ball, .41 Volcanic
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Features: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine, Caseless Rocket Ball Ammunition, Gunmetal Frame
Production
Production years: 1856-1860
No factory records survive; carbines were produced in small numbers before the company was reorganized as the New Haven Arms Company in 1857
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Horace Smith
Discontinued: 1860
Notes
Magazine capacity and barrel length varied by model: 16 in (20 rounds), 20 in (25 rounds), 24 in (30 rounds). The 20-inch / 25-round configuration is recorded here as representative. No factory production records survive for this model.
Background
The Volcanic's lever action and tubular magazine were the direct technical ancestors of the Henry rifle and the entire Winchester line. Investor Oliver Winchester took over the failing Volcanic company in 1856, the foundation of what became Winchester Repeating Arms.