Soper Direct Action Breech Loader

This is probably the coolest, most interesting single shot I have ever seen. I really wish someone made one of these today. 60 rounds in 60 seconds? Holy cow!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjEpwxdui9I

Well, dang Aaron. Thanks. Yet ANOTHER rifle I have to have but cannot afford. :kidding:

Agree that this is a really cool design.

There so many great gizmo gun designs from that period. This one has a lot going for it but looks like you would need to load with your left hand for fastest results.

I suppose that is a cartridge gun, I think the guy even mentions an extractor (I think he did anyway???) but look at the breech block when it's opened. Doesn't that look like a cap nipple protruding from it?

No matter, that's an extremely interesting design and one I have never seen before. Also interesting that such complicated designs originated before the much simpler ones that actually made it into production. The level of workmanship is also awesome considering the era, we take complex designs and parts for granted today but can you just imagine the craftsmanship that was required back then considering what they DIDN'T have to work with?

:EDIT: After watching that again I can see the firing pin now, what at first appeared to me to be a cap nipple is apparently a retainer for the firing pin and has the pin sticking out the end of it.

In the 1860s Soper was a foreman at Enfield RSAF.......in tests a squad with Soper rifles(not that type) outshot a squad with Sniders by about 5 to 1.......but they were the factory testers against army regulars.........Ive also seen a Soper design for a more conventional falling block,with the striker mechanism in front of the block,firing via a rocking arm in the very thin block.

Here is one picture from the ASSRA page

And more information in the link:
https://www.assra.com/cgi-bin/yabb/Y...20938034/21#21

Attachment 222846

BR/ BP Sweden

60 rds per minute!
i don't think so.
keep safe,
bruce.

Soper assault rifle!