The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - What rifle, circa 1850, would be called a "Swivel bore."

Jim Watson · February 16, 2009, 08:24 AM

Not having read the book, I can only go by known real world examples.
The correct term from the era and area is "swivel breech."
It describes a muzzleloading rifle with two barrels but only one lock and is laid out as an over-under. The barrels are pivoted or "swiveled" into the breech. It is operated:
Load and prime both barrels.
Cock the lock and fire the top barrel.
Re-cock the lock, swivel the bottom barrel to the top position, and fire a second shot.

Most of the ones you will turn up on a google are flintlocks, but I have seen percussion swivel or "rollover" rifles.

February 16, 2009, 08:24 AM	#3
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	Not having read the book, I can only go by known real world examples. The correct term from the era and area is "swivel breech." It describes a muzzleloading rifle with two barrels but only one lock and is laid out as an over-under. The barrels are pivoted or "swiveled" into the breech. It is operated: Load and prime both barrels. Cock the lock and fire the top barrel. Re-cock the lock, swivel the bottom barrel to the top position, and fire a second shot. Most of the ones you will turn up on a google are flintlocks, but I have seen percussion swivel or "rollover" rifles.