The Volition repeater (also known as The Volitional Repeater) is a prototype American repeating rifle. Designed by Walter Hunt in 1848 to use his rocket ball ammunition, the Volition's design would go onto to spawn a number of successful repeating rifles in the coming years.[1]
History[]
The weapon was designed in 1848 by Walter Hunt to use his rocket ball ammunition. One was built and was not developed further. Despite this, designer Lewis Jennings took the design of the magazine and implemented it in his eponymous rifle, with designer Horace Smith tasked to improve the Jennings rifle, and worked with Daniel Wesson to produce the Smith & Wesson Magazine Pistol in 1854. The patent design was then sold to Oliver Winchester in 1855; this became the successful Henry rifle.[1]
Design Details[]
The Volition was a lever-action repeating rifle fed by a twelve-round underbarrel tube magazine. Notably, the Volition was the second rifle to be patented with a tubular magazine; the first was patented just six months prior. The weapon's odd design made manufacturing it difficult.[1]
Ammunition[]
The Volition used .54 caliber rocket balls, an ammunition developed by Hunt.[1]