Greene Breechloading Underhammer Percussion Rifle

The Greene Breechloading Rifle, with its underhammer design and unusual oval-shaped bore, was invented by U.S. Army Lt. Col. J. Durrell Greene. Production took place between c. 1859 to the early 1860s. Approximately 1,500 Greene Rifles were produced for sale in the United States, and an additional 3,000 were made for the Russian Government. Although the Greene was the first American military bolt-action rifle, only 900 were purchased by the U.S. Army. SN 3744

The Greene Breechloading Rifle, with its underhammer design and unusual oval-shaped bore, was invented by U.S. Army Lt. Col. J. Durrell Greene. Greene purchased the machinery for producing his oval-rifled barrels from the Charles Lancaster firm of London, England, the originator of this easy-to-clean style of rifling. These arms were manufactured by A. H. Waters of Millbury, Massachusetts. Approximately 1,500 Greene Rifles were produced for sale in the United States, and an additional 3,000 were made for the Russian Government.

Although the Greene was the first American military bolt-action rifle, only 900 were purchased by the U.S. Army. Unlike other underhammer arms, these rifles required the percussion cap to be placed on a cone that was located under the barrel. When the hammer was cocked, there was nothing to hold the cap in place. These frequently fell off, often at inopportune times.

The Greene also required the loading of two bullets, one of which served as a gas seal. In the initial loading sequence, a bullet was inserted, followed by a powder charge, then a second bullet. The first bullet actually left the muzzle when the rifle was discharged, while the second remained in the breech to prevent propellant gasses from escaping. When the rifle was re-loaded, this bullet was advanced into the bore, followed by a powder charge and a new "gas seal" bullet. The process would be continually repeated; thus each bullet saw dual use - first as a breech gas seal, and next as a projectile on the subsequent shot.