Rolling block

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A rolling block is a form of firearm action where the sealing of the breech is done with a specially shaped breechblock able to rotate on a pin. The breachblock is shaped like a section of a circle. The breechblock is locked into place by the hammer, thus preventing the cartridge from moving backwards at the moment of firing. By cocking the hammer, the breechblock can be rotated freely to reload the weapon. The action is one of the strongest designs ever produced, but due to 19th century metalurgical techniques, as with most vintage firearms, rifles and pistols manufactured using this action during the 19th and early 20th centuries are not suited for modern, high powered ammunition.

The Remington Rolling Block is the most successful single shot weapon ever developed. It is a strong and simple action, very reliable, and not prone to be jammed by dirt or rough usage. It was based in part on the split breach action produced by Remington during the Civil War. That design was re-engineered by Joseph Rider during 1865, and the first firearm based on it, the Model 1865 Remington Pistol, was offered for sale to the United States Army and Navy in 1866. While the Army turned the design down, the Navy committed to purchase 5000 pistols.

The first rifle based on this design was was introduced at the Paris Exposition in 1867, and within a year it had become the standard military rifle of several nations!

The Remington M1867 had this action.