Allen's Drop Breech Rimfire Rifles
Commercial era:
Allen & Wheelock
E.Allen & Co
Forehand & Wadsworth
General information
The Drop Block Breech or Falling Block rifle has a nice streamlined silhouette. The rifle comes in two frame sizes. The small frame designed for the 22rf, 32rf, 35rf and 38rf cartridges. The large frame for the 42rf and 44rf.
The majority of the models have half-octagonal / half-round barrels, with lengths varying from 23″ to 28″. A version with a fully octagonal barrel could be supplied at an additional cost, but these are scarce.
Production of these rifles started around 1860 and continued for the small frame model until the end of the Allen & Wheelock period (1865) while production of the large frame model continued well into the Forehand & Wadsworth period (~1880).
The standard version of the rifle has a blued steel frame and barrel, but the small frame version could also be supplied with a brass frame. By removing a pin screw situated at the top of the frame, the barrel could be taken off the frame to ease transport or cleaning.
Another characteristic detail of this rifle is the swing sight. This type of sight has been replaced on later models by a classic blade sight. For target shooting, the rifle could also be supplied with Allen’s patented tang sight.
Although the basic design didn’t change much, many variations have been made over the long production period. Later models were also available in center fire. In addition, many earlier versions have been converted to use center fire cartridges.
Large Frame .44RF
This large frame model is from the E.Allen & Co period in .44 Henry. The rifle has a late type stock plate; the early types are much less curved. Although no official military contracts are known, the large caliber rifles are considered martial rifles by collectors.
