Question of the day ... what 2 civil war firearms have automatic safeties?

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

I know, do you?

[Jim Brady Knap's Battery]

The Wesson is one. It won't open or close unless it's on half cock.

What about the sliding safety on a Sharps & Hankins?


Jim Brady
2249V
Knap's Battery

[Jack C., 69th NY]

Ballards go to "half-cock" when the lever is lowered to drop the block. Actually it is more like 1/8 cock as it is barely noticeable.

[efritz]

Jack is correct on the Ballard. I wonder if the Greene bolt action rifle is considered the other?

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

The answer is indeed the Ballard, rifle and carbine. It is the only one I know of that automatically pulls the hammer to a safety position off the cartridge when you open the action. All the rest, you need to pull it into a safety notch before opening or in order to open like the F. Wesson.

[Jack C., 69th NY]

Hold on Bruce, not so fast with question #2. Jim and I are waiting for our prizes! Take care of us before Mr. Holland gets his pick.

[John Holland]

Awwww, that was a trick question! The action is the same for any of the barrel lengths, so the correct answer is BALLARD....period ! ! !

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

Yes, John is right, it is only the Ballard. Just wanted to see what y'all would come up with.