Unusual .22 LR-St. Ettiene

[sa_ali]

I am seeing this kind for the first time. Thanks for sharing it Bro

[MoA]

All at once and scatter the shots.
These are also known as fusils de jardin, and are fairly common in France.
Some are shot with .22 short and were essentially for protecting orchards and vineyards. The rifle in the picture would probably be a nice addition to a collection.

[timmy]

Here is, from Google Books version of "Rifles of the World," a description of the Mitraille (meaning "grape shot" in French, I understand) rifle. Look in the middle column toward the bottom for the description of the Mitraille model, which states that all three barrels fire simultaneously:

Rifles of the World

Here are two Google translated sites describing these rifles for sale; one describes simultaneous firing of the three barrels and both have pictures:

Collection 1

Collection 2

Here is another page, which toward the top describes this action as a smooth bore over a .22, and says that both barrels can be fired simultaneously or individually, and toward the bottom there is a 3 bore rifle like the one in question displayed:

Collection 3

These and more links on this sort of rifle can be found by googling "buffalo mitraille"

From what I can see, the action appears to be a sort of "reverse bolt action." The barrel actually has the locking lugs that would usually be on the rotating bolt, and the receiver, which surrounds the bolt head and has matching locking lug recesses in a conventional bolt action, is in this rifle the part that rotates and has the bolt handle on it.

It seems to me to be a way to solve a problem that a rear locking bolt would be more suited for. The object and chief advantage of this system is the relatively unobstructed access one has to the chamber for loading: The breech is flat and not recessed, as it is in a conventional front locking lug bolt action. However, by placing locking lugs at the rear of the bolt (as in an SMLE), one also has access to the face of the breech, as well.

Of course, the easiest way to accomplish access to the breech would be in a break-open action, like a single or double barrel shotgun, but there are also reasons mitigating against that action to some folks, as well.

This is an interesting variation, for sure: Thanks for bringing it up and posting it; I enjoyed the opportunity to see and learn of it.

I have also seen a multi-barrel .22 lr used for waterfowl hunting. This was a beautiful example of an 11 barrel break open type in the Winchester Firearms section of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center/Cody Firearms Museum. This is where the Winchester Factory's gun collection mostly ended up and it is quite something to see:

http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/

If you have a Winchester firearm you want to know something about, this is the place to have it researched!

Unfortunately, I was there years ago and have no pictures, and the site has few firearms pictured.

[ckkalyan]

Katana: Very interesting and unusual weapon - many thanks for posting. Fortunate that you had your camera handy!

Hornet: you may like to see these revolvers by the same company, loads TWENTY Rounds - Phew!

http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/ar ... h%20gb.htm

Timmy: Thanks for the links and information on this triple barrel oddity

[timmy]

ckkalyan: great link! Thanks for that!

Ruger's Single 10 doesn't seem like cutting edge technology!

[TwoRivers]

Don't think the Buffalo action as such was designed for multiple bore barrels, but is rather an example of French designers taking a different and unorthodox approach. It also came in single centerfire chamberings such as .32 Winchester SL.

[maximus1]

Hi Katana,

Quite a different .22 rifle, is your arms dealer friend keen in parting with it ??

Rudra

I was over at a dealer yesterday when he pulled out an unusual .22 LR bolt action rifle. He said it was of Finnish make but closer examination revealed it to be manufactured by the St. Ettienne arsenal. Now the unusual part is that it has 3 barrels contained in a shroud, giving the impression of a 'bull barrel', with even 3 ejectors. On asking if each barrel could be fired individually or if all 3 barrels fired at the same time, he replied he was not in the know as he had just acquired it.

The following is inscribed on the action - " Buffalo - Mitralle cal 22lr Epreure arme Finie " and " Manufacture Francaise d'armes et cycles de St. Ettiene ". On the right of the action where the bolt lever rests is the word "Finie" with an arrow inscribed through it followed by the serial number and proof marks.

.22St.Ettiene 001 (Small).jpg

.22St.Ettiene 002 (Small).jpg

.22St.Ettiene 004 (Small).jpg

.22St.Ettiene 005 (Small).jpg

.22St.Ettiene 006 (Small).jpg

.22St.Ettiene 007 (Small).jpg

[Katana]

Maximus:If you wish to purchase it, do PM your number. I'll ask him to give you a call.

ckkalyan: About 6-8 months ago this same dealer had acquired a similar revolver that you point out to. I remember seeing it and it was not in too great shape. This one was in .32 with a 16 shot cylinder and 2 firing pins and Belgian made although I don't remember the manufacturer.

Meanwhile, thanks to everyone for your insight and information.

[dr.jayakumar]

never heard or seen anything like this.checked for st.ettiene in wikepedia.
lot of info is available,this company is still in business..
does this work like a revolver?

[Katana]

Dr: All barrels fire at the same time.

[The Doc]

Thanks for the links Timmy and CKK , really enjoyed going through them.

best,
Rp.

[snIPer]

wow. never seen anything like it. thanks for sharing
/S/

[gladiatorgarg]

HEY thanks for sharing such a unique piece it will be more helpful for people like me if u can post some technical know-how of the equipment more about its functioning and firing mechanism

[TwoRivers]

Typically the firing mechanism consists of separate firing pins with large head within a separate bolt head, which are then struck at the same time by a striker, also with a large head in order to impact all the firing pins.

[captrakshitsharma]

A close examination of firing pin/pins and action will unfold the mystery ... if u had the gun physically in your hands it should have been pretty simple.