Frank Wesson Falling Block
Frank Wesson · Rifle · Discontinued · 1870
Also known as: Frank Wesson No. 2 Underlever, Frank Wesson No. 2 Under Lever Falling Block, Frank Wesson Mid-Range Target Rifle, Frank Wesson Creedmoor Rifle
Overview
The Frank Wesson No. 2 Falling Block is a single-shot, breech-loading target rifle built around an underlever-operated falling-block action: pulling the lever drops the breechblock vertically to expose the chamber, with additional lever travel working an integrated extractor to eject the spent case. Manufactured in Worcester, Massachusetts by Frank Wesson, the younger brother of Smith & Wesson co-founder Daniel B. Wesson, it was produced in very limited numbers from the early-to-mid 1870s into the 1880s. Wesson's falling-block rifles were prized as expensive, finely fitted mid- and long-range target arms suited to the Creedmoor-style match shooting that swept America after the 1874 International Match. They were typically built on a heavy octagonal barrel with a vernier tang sight and chambered for centerfire blackpowder cartridges such as .38-50 Ballard, .40-100 and .44-40 Winchester; both standard sporting and finely engraved exhibition examples were made, including left-handed and reclining-position 'two vernier base' configurations.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1170 mm (46.06") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | None |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 936 J (690 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 180 m (197 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 8 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .44-40 Winchester · primary — also known as .44-40 WCF, .44 WCF
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer
- Features: Underlever Action, Octagonal Barrel, Vernier Tang Sight, Single Shot, Match Grade
Service history
Operators
- American civilian target and sport shooters
Production
Estimated total produced: 100 · Production years: c.1874-1888
Very limited production; collector consensus (Rock Island Auction, NRA Museum) puts total output of the No. 2 underlever falling-block target rifle at fewer than 100 examples, made from the early-to-mid 1870s through the 1880s. This is wholly separate from Wesson's far larger tip-up two-trigger rifle line (40,000-plus).
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Frank Wesson
Discontinued: 1888
Notes
Frank Wesson is better remembered for his earlier two-trigger tip-up rimfire pocket and sporting rifles (roughly 40,000-plus produced, ~4,000 used in the Civil War). The underlever falling-block target rifle was a separate, small, high-quality line; total output of the No. 2 falling-block is believed to be under 100 units. The action traces to Wesson's collaboration with Nathan S. Harrington, the same Harrington whose name would later head Harrington & Richardson.
Background
Frank Wesson worked in the long shadow of his brother Daniel's Smith & Wesson empire, building his name instead on finely crafted single-shot target rifles. His falling-block Creedmoor guns, some fitted with dual vernier tang-sight bases so a marksman could fire while reclining, represent the height of 19th-century American match-rifle craftsmanship.