Metadata
Object Type
Title
Innovations in Hunting Firearms: Featured in the February 18, 1829 Issue of Le Courrier Français
Summary
This advertisement from the February 18, 1829 issue of Le Courrier français highlights significant improvements introduced by M. Lefaucheux to the Pauli hunting rifle. The article explains how Lefaucheux solved the breech mechanism issue, achieving a hermetic seal that made the rifle safer and more efficient. These enhancements eliminated common accidents caused by premature discharges and double-loading, making hunting a safer activity.
Lefaucheux's design allowed hunters to load quickly and easily, carrying only cartridges and caps. The improved rifle was also noted for its practicality in removing charges and preventing double-loading. The advertisement emphasizes the convenience and safety of Lefaucheux's rifle, predicting its broad acceptance among hunters. The model could be viewed at Lefaucheux’s shop on rue J.J. Rousseau, where complete cartridges were also available, highlighting the comprehensive service offered to hunters.
Description
French Industry.
Hunting Weapons.
The invention of Pauli rifles has produced a true revolution in the hunting weapons system. Like all useful inventions, it has received progressive improvements that have gradually eliminated the inconveniences of the original model. The modifications made to the primer device have allowed these rifles to use percussion caps common to ordinary weapons. The most important and necessary improvement is the way the barrel’s loading orifice is closed. The initial modifications to the Pauli rifle in this regard were not entirely satisfactory, but after the work of MM. Roux and Pichereau, M. Lefaucheux has solved this difficult problem. He has made the breech so tightly adherent to the barrel that lowering it hermetically seals the double barrel entry. This improvement completes the advantages of the Pauli rifle, and the model established by M. Lefaucheux is likely to be adopted by all hunting enthusiasts. Besides the convenience it offers hunters for extremely quick loading, it prevents many fatal accidents that make hunting a dangerous pleasure. These accidents almost always result from the triggers firing while the hunter is loading the gun, or from double charges that burst the barrel. With the rifle perfected by M. Lefaucheux, these inconveniences disappear. The hunter is freed from double loading each charge, a long operation prone to errors. He no longer needs a shot pouch or powder flask, which are prone to explosion, as happened to M. A..., who was seriously injured. He only needs to carry cartridges and caps. He lifts the breech of his rifle, inserts a cartridge into each barrel through the breech, lowers the breech, places the primers, without interrupting his walk, and in any position he might take to hide from the game. He can thus fire a large number of shots with a speed unattainable with ordinary weapons. The barrel being chambered for the cartridge, it is impossible to double load it. Another advantage that should prevent many accidents is the ease with which one can remove the charge; simply lift the breech and give the rifle a slight shake. M. Lefaucheux's rifle has a ramrod, so it can be loaded by ramming if cartridges run out. It is not heavier or more expensive than an ordinary rifle. We are not surprised that it has already been adopted by many connoisseurs, and we believe that as it becomes better known, it will be more appreciated and come into general use.
One can view the model at M. Lefaucheux’s, rue J. J. Rousseau, no. 5, which supplies complete cartridges.
Year Made
1829
Relationship
Country
France
Firearm Designer and Influential System
Casimir Lefaucheux | Jean Samuel Pauly
Firearm Type/Category
Percussion Shotgun
Specific Model/Variant
Model 1828