1879 Remington Lee Photos, etc. (Warning! LOTS of big photos)

[jmoore]

Bolt parts:


#1b

Unlike the Lee-Enfield bolt, the early Lees could be easily stripped of all moving parts. Whilst not as "soldier-proof", this provision was much more necessary when using black powder cartridges that often leaked gasses back into the action. Found only on early Model Lees, the forward end of the bolt is integral to the body. The removable head would appear in the 1885 version.


#2b

Points of interest on the bolt body above, front to rear:
1. Emergency gas escape hole just behind the bolt face. It exhausts into the relief hole on the forward left side of the receiver body. Is this the first time controlled gas venting is provided on a cartridge firearm?
2.The large slot cut around the top and right hand side of the bolt body just forward of the rib/bolt handle base/RH locking lug is for the extractor/bolt stop. Given the relatively low working pressure of the rounds intended for this action, the loss of support is acceptable, but would not be desirable for higher intensity ammunition.
3.The large rib on the RH side of the body serves not only as a guide during cycling, but as the attachment point for the extractor retainer. It's also the bolt handle base and RH locking lug. (you determine the order of importance!)
4.LH locking lug
5.Cocking piece cam pin. Just a theory, but I'm wondering if the cam wasn't made into the bolt body proper, at first, in order to simplify manufacture. One small hole, a pre-hardened pin, and less dedicated or precise tooling would be required to go this route. In view of the many other efficiencies found in the design, my idea may be completely off base...Comments welcomed!



#3b

The striker, striker spring and cocking piece won't change in execution much throughout the entire line of Lee turnbolt rifles. The lugged retaining collar, however, isn't seen again on Lee designs. Not a bad idea, though. What other firearms use this QD striker system?

The purpose of the small vertical hole in the cocking piece eludes me for now. There's no corresponding hole through the striker, so it's not or a locking pin. Any ideas?

Note that the cocking piece guide and guide cutout at the rear of the bolt body perform no other function at this point.


#4b

Note the wrenching flats on the striker forward of the spring seat collar. In the case of this rifle, no tools were required to unscrew the assembly.

Below the striker front end are the extractor retainer on the left and the extractor on the right. There is no extractor spring, as such, but the retainer adds a spring like action when the extractor attempts to pivot. Explanation might get a bit lengthy, but basically, the retainer pushes downwards on the top of the extractor, forcing it to maintain close contact w/ the bolt body. (((This odd feature might deserve a whole post or two on it's own.)))


#5b


#6b


#7b

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