Frank Wesson Rifles
Early breech-loading rifle using self-contained rimfire metallic cartridges.
Frank Wesson rifles were single-shot breech-loading firearms produced from 1859 to 1888 in Worcester, Massachusetts. They were among the earliest guns designed to fire metallic rimfire cartridges, and during the American Civil War, state governments in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio bought them in significant numbers.
The rifle initially came in .22, .32, .38, and .44 rimfire calibers. Later models added centerfire options, and some versions allowed the shooter to switch between rimfire and centerfire by adjusting the hammer.
By 1859, several single-shot breech-loading rifles already existed, such as the Sharps (1848) and the Smith carbine (1857). These required a separate percussion cap to ignite the cartridge. Copper rimfire cartridges, which contained their own primer, appeared just before the Civil War. Only a few manufacturers—including Henry, Spencer, Maynard, Ballard, and Frank Wesson—produced guns that could use them. The .44 caliber Frank Wesson and Ballard rifles used nearly identical ammunition, which was very close in size to the .44 Henry rimfire. The Frank Wesson was the first breech-loader designed specifically for these metallic cartridges.
Frank Wesson and N.S. Harrington received patent 25,926 in 1859 for an "Improvement in Breech-Loading Fire-Arms." Wesson alone obtained patent 36,925 in 1862, which added a slotted link to prevent the barrel from pivoting too far, making the gun faster and easier to load. The carbine version, with a 24-inch barrel, weighed only six pounds—a desirable trait for cavalry. Models with 28- and 34-inch barrels weighed seven and eight pounds, respectively. By 1866, about 20,000 Frank Wesson rifles had been made, including 8,000 for military use.
In shooting trials, the rifle performed well. At the Missouri State Fair on October 7, 1863, three infantry companies fired at a man-sized target from 300 yards, hitting it 45 times out of 100. In a St. Louis trial against other rifles, a Wesson hit the target 56 times out of 100, while the second-best rifle scored only 10. At the Massachusetts state trial in Readville, 20 consecutive shots hit a target at 200 yards, and 50 shots were fired in four minutes. Dr. I.J. Wetherbee of Boston, using a 34-inch barreled model with telescopic sights, fired 12 shots at 110 yards, and his target was recorded.
Quick Facts
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Origin
- United States
- Designer
- Frank Wesson
- Design Date
- 1859, 1862
- Used By
- United States Army / Missouri State Militia
- Wars
- American Civil War / Indian Wars
- Service
- 1861–1865
- Variants
- sporter, carbine, military
- Number
- 44,000+
- Cartridge
- .44 long rimfire (military) / .22 long / .32 long / .38 long
- Action
- Break-action
- Barrels
- 24 in carbine / up to 34 in
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Frank Wesson and N.S. Harrington were granted patent 25,926 in 1859 for an 'Improvement in Breech-Loading Fire-Arms.' A second patent in 1862 added a slotted link to control barrel pivot, making loading quicker. The rifle was among the first breech-loaders designed for copper rimfire cartridges, which contained their own primer and were more weather-resistant than paper cartridges. The .44 caliber Wesson could use the same cartridge as the Ballard rifle, and these cartridges were close in size to the .44 Henry rimfire.
During the Civil War, the Wesson carbine was used primarily by Union forces, as the Confederacy did not manufacture rimfire cartridges. However, in November 1862, 10 Wesson rifles and 5,000 cartridges were smuggled to Texas via Cuba. The rifles were sold through Kittredge & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, whose name appeared on the barrels. Kentucky purchased 1,366 carbines, Indiana 760, and Illinois and Kentucky together bought over 2,000 for state militias. The 7th Kentucky Cavalry received 500 carbines at $25 each. The 11th Ohio Cavalry was issued 100 Wesson carbines alongside 400 Spencer repeaters. The 5th Missouri State Militia Cavalry had at least 300 individuals purchase the weapon, and troopers from the 3rd MSM also carried it.
In shooting trials, a Wesson rifle hit a man-sized target 45 times out of 100 at 300 yards at the Missouri State Fair in 1863. At a St. Louis trial, it scored 56 hits out of 100, while the second-best rifle scored 10. At the Massachusetts state trial, 20 consecutive shots hit a 200-yard target, and 50 shots were fired in 4 minutes. The rifle saw action at Gettysburg (1863) and Westport (1864). During Price's Raid, men of the 5th MSM were placed on specific parts of the battlefield to exploit their faster rate of fire.
Reader's Guide
The Frank Wesson rifle represents an important step in the evolution of military small arms, being one of the first breech-loading rifles designed specifically for self-contained metallic cartridges. Its adoption by multiple state governments during the Civil War reflects the military's growing recognition of the advantages of breech-loading weapons: easier loading, especially from horseback; weather-resistant ammunition; and elimination of separate percussion caps. The rifle's performance in trials—outshooting competitors by wide margins—demonstrated its practical accuracy and rate of fire. Despite these advantages, production remained modest compared to muzzle-loading arms, and the weapon was largely superseded by repeating designs after the war. The Wesson continued in production until 1888, and was used in post-war exhibitions, including by Buffalo Bill in 1877. Its legacy lies in demonstrating the viability of metallic-cartridge breech-loaders for military use, paving the way for later standard-issue rifles.
Did You Know?
- The Frank Wesson rifle was one of the first breech-loading rifles designed for metallic rimfire cartridges.
- During the Civil War, 10 Wesson rifles and 5,000 cartridges were smuggled to the Confederacy via Cuba.
- In a St. Louis trial, a Wesson rifle hit a man-sized target 56 times out of 100; the second-best rifle scored only 10.
- The .44 caliber Wesson and Ballard rifles could use the same cartridge, which was close in size to the .44 Henry rimfire.
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