The Greene Breechloading Bolt Action Rifle,Inspired by the Prussian Dreyse needlefire rifle, the Gre

The Greene Breechloading Bolt Action Rifle,Inspired by the Prussian Dreyse needlefire rifle, the Greene rifle was a single shot bolt action breechloading rifle that saw limited use during the American Civil War. Invented by Lt. Col. J. Durrel Greene in 1857, the Greene rifle was the first American bolt action military rifle and the only underhammer percussion rifle that ever saw official military service.  The Greene rifle fired a .54 caliber combustible paper cartridge.  The most unique feature of the Greene rifle was it’s underhammer percussion system.  Located below the rifle in front of the trigger guard was the vent hole, nipple and a ring shaped hammer.  Before firing, the ring hammer would have needed to be cocked and a percussion cap placed on the nipple, which when struck provided a spark which discharged the combustible paper cartridge.  Like all underhammer systems, there was one major problem.  The percussion cap needed to be seated tightly and snugly on the nipple or it could fall off.Production of the Greene rifle occurred between 1859 and the early 1860’s, manufactured by the A.H. Waters Armory in Millbury, Massachusetts.  1,500 rifles were produced for sale in the United States, 900 were purchased by the US Government and issued to Union soldiers during the Civil War.  Another 3,000 were produced for the Russian Government. -- source link

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