The history of modern firearms arguably begins with the self-loading machine gun, the Maxim Gun. Developed in 1884 by Sir Hiram Maxim the Maxim Gun used the recoil energy generated by the power of the previously fired bullet to reload the weapon. This meant that the energy from a shot’s recoil was used to eject each spent cartridge and insert the next. The Maxim Gun elided the need for a hand-operate mechanism, making it one of the first automatic weapons. The Maxim gun was provided with water cooling, which gave it the ability to maintain its rate of fire for far longer than air-cooled weapons. Trials demonstrated that the Maxim Gun could fire six hundred rounds per minute. Though a lone soldier could fire the weapons, it was usually operated by a team of four to six men—a gunner, and team members who streamlined the loading and targeting processes, and team members who carried ready ammunition and water. Several men were also required to move and mount the heavy weapon.
John Browning took influence from Hiram Maxim, using the properties of recoil design to create what many consider his finest invention: the Colt 1911 Government pistol. The 1911 used a distinct kind of recoil operation called short recoil, which refers to the fact that the 1911’s barrel and bolt recoil only a short distance before separating. The barrel stops as the bolt continues to recoil, compressing the recoil spring that allows for the automated extraction of the spent cartridge, and the feed of the new bullet into the chamber. The M1911 uses a swinging link to pivot the barrel down, stopping it against the lower barrel lugs, as the bolt continues. A claw extractor removes the casing from the firing chamber, as the slide is propelled forward by the spring, stripping a cartridge from the magazine and feeding it into the firing chamber. The slide then locks into the barrel, and the pistol is again ready to fire.
A close cousin of recoil operation, gas operation, uses a portion of high-pressure gas from the cartridge being fired to power the mechanisms used to eject and extract casings from the weapon’s chamber. Gas operation is used in most modern battle rifles, with notable examples being the M14, which became the standard-issue rifle for the US military in 1959, and the M16, which replaced the M14 as the standard issue rifle in 1968.
At Sarco Inc., we have Gun Parts Sales on the parts that you need to build or maintain your own revolver, semi-automatic, rifle, or shotgun. From extractors to ejectors, from sears to barrels to recoil springs, Sarco stocks all kinds of gun parts. We even have kits, which include every piece needed to build your own weapons from scratch.
Sarco, Inc. is your stop for gun parts sales. We began life on the gun show circuit, and have since expanded into arguably the largest dealer in surplus war material in the country. With three generations of Steens in the mix, Sarco continues its focus on rare original firearms parts, while expanding into complete firearms, commercial firearms, accessories, militaria, and re-enactment accoutrements. Check out our inventory online or give us a call today. Currently, we manage our sales through three avenues: the web, phone, and our showroom. Located at 50 Hilton St, in Easton, PA, our 7,000 square foot showroom stocks over 2,000 firearms—products ranging from original militaria to new commercial tactical accessories. We provide retail and wholesale products on both the domestic and international levels. Contact us today at (610) 250-3960 to get started with your Sarco Inc. experience. We have been serving sportsmen, collectors, dealers and brokers for 50 years. No deal is too big or too small.
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