- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Rolling Block Action
Home > Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development > Evolution of Firearms > Breech Loading Firearm Design > Rolling Block Action
Rolling block rifle
Another single shot design that found favor with military customers was the rolling block action originated by Remington Arms. Its name describes the movement of the breechblock, which is pinned below the axis of the bore and rotates about one hundred degrees to expose the chamber for loading. A curved interior surface on the block connects with a matching surface on the hammer. When the hammer is cocked, the surfaces are fully disengaged, allowing the block to be opened. When the trigger is pulled, the two surfaces reengage to hold the breech closed for firing.
Rolling block action
In breech design theory, the strongest actions are those whose support against the rearward thrust of the cartridge is as strong above the centerline of the cartridge as below. The rolling block action was simple and easy to operate, but not as strong as the falling block. In the rolling block design, the entire support against cartridge thrust is well below the centerline of the cartridge. Although, appropriate for low-power, black powder cartridges, the rolling block could flex and eventually loosen when operated with more modern cartridges. Conversely, the falling block design effectively balances upper and lower support.
