For Your Consideration May We Present

~ OUR CATALOG ~

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PRELUDE

The following is taken from our original catalog, which has become somewhat of a collectors item, itself, among underhammer collectors. Since then, we have added new items to our line which only appeared in the catalog as an addendum sheet. Some new additions are not included here as they appear elsewhere on this website.

Before we actually get into the Catalog, it's necessary to set the stage for what you are about to read. Our "catalog" started as a simple spec sheet. But, we soon realized that few people were aware of the very unique qualities and features of the 18th Century underhammer design. And even fewer people knew of the 19th Century rifling concepts of the English Captain James Forsyth ( he was a lieutenant in 1862 when his, now rare, book, THE SPORTING RIFLE AND ITS PROJECTILES, was published) whose radical ideas allow us to safely extract astounding ballistics from our Zephyr, Model of 1837.

Instead of answering questions, our simple spec sheet seemed to only raise questions, and so the catalog started to grow. We decided, also, that it might be fun to present the catalog in the verbose style of those bygone days. We're sure that most of you will get a chuckle from our effort and recognize the artistic license taken along the way. However, some may read this resulting manifesto and feel that we are laying claim to these ideas. Not so.

There is nothing new under the sun. We are all recycling old ideas, but presenting them with a new twist. While it is true that some of the features embodied in the Zephyr have been around for multiple scores of years, it is the combination of these desirable features - in one package - that makes the Zephyr truly unique. We hope you enjoy the efforts of our endeavor.

THE THINKING MAN'S RIFLE

On occasion a new idea is wrought forth which defies that which has gone before it - that which has been accepted as conformant wisdom. Pacific Rifle Company challenges that conventionality in our Pacific Rifle, Model of 1837, having now been christended "Zephyr."

Based upon the simple, rugged and notably accurate underhammer design, the Zephyr embodies new ideas that are extracted from careful Scientific testing and application of our modern Engineering principles, unlike ordinary rifles which follow the dictates of ideas born in the antiquity of arms design. The Zephyr is a rifle for the man with a discerning mind and the courage to break from the dictates of mediocrity.

The Zephyr possesses the rugged simplicity necessary to survive the rigoures of life in the West. Yet offers a very fineness of finish and quality of materials comparable to any of the rifles of the East.

Zephyr's simple design renders a slender, well-balanced rifle that is a joy to carry as well as to behold - Possessing power enough for the largest and most tenacious beast inhabiting the Western Plains and Mountains.

~Conventional Wisdom~

Conventional design dictates that the rifle start as a single piece of wood incised into which is a channel to secure the barrel. Further, the wood is relieved to accomodate the lockplate and its protuberances. Yet further weakening this frail arrangement, more wood is removed to allow fitting of a triggerplate and mechanism. It can be readily deduced that this method results in a rifle of very dubious integrity. One which is prone to breakage at, or forward of, the wrist of the stock.

The barrel and buttstock of the Zephyr, however, are solidly mounted to a "receiver" cast of the finest Steel that money can buy, thus producing a rifle of very exceptional Strength and slender gracefulness. A seperate forearm of half-stock configuration is secured directly to the barrel.

~The Underhammer Design~

One observes immediately that the Zephyr is utterly simple in design: There being only two moving parts - the hammer and the trigger. These are mounted into its solid metal receiver on large sturdy pins. There are no small or fragile parts in the Zephyr to be broken or easily lost. A feature more appreciated as one ventures further and further from the safety and convenience of the settled world.

As further evidence of its unique simplicity, the Zephyr's triggerguard is constructed of the Highest Quality spring steel and serves also the functionofthe mainspring, imparting power to the hammer to fire the rifle.

Mounting the hammer below the receiver, where it swings upward to the barrel, offers several logical advantages over the side-mounted hammer with its seperate lockplate. First, the View of both the sights and game is not interrupted by the distraction of a hammer protruding into the field of view. Second, this systemd keeps the flash from the cap from the Eye and provides a greater margin of Protection to the face from possible cap shrapnel.

So designed, the Zephyr provides equal Comfort andEase ofOperation to those favouring shooting from either the right or the left side of the rifle.

Mounting the hammer below the barrel further allows placement of the nipple directly into the barrel without need for a seperate bolster or snail. So arranged, the cap flash is projected directly into the powder charge resulting in Instantaneous Ignition and Improved Accuracy.

Further, the bottom-mounted nipple is granted greater Protection from inclement weather and greatly reduces the possibilty of the cap being inadvertently displaced by passage through brush. Both features being much touted by proponents of the more recent "in-line" designs.

It should be noted here that the Zephyr is fitted with a larger nipple intended to accept the same caps as those employed by military muskets. These Musket Caps provide a flame of great intensity which more assuredly ignites the charge. Testing has indicated that these caps will induce combustion in the charge under conditions in which the conventional caps (commonly designated as #11 caps) had failed to do so.

Sectioned view of receiver illustrating simplicity of design with action arrested at the half-cock. Parts enumerated thus: 1. hammer; 2. trigger; 3. receiver; 4. barrel; 5. buttstock; 6. triggerguard/mainspring; 7. triggerspring; 8. breechplug; 9. stockbolt; 10. nipple.

Zephyr's trigger is in direct engagement with its hammer, thus eliminating the need for extra parts such as the sear, tumbler and bridle, as well as their attendant small screws and spring. This not only simplifies the design, but it has been found that under the extremes of cold, that would surely freeze the the sidelock or the in-line mechanisms beyond use, the hammer and trigger of the Zephyr Rifle can be relieved of stiffness and the rifle readily restored to a state of good usefulness through simple manipulation of the hammer and trigger.

A hammer and trigger so directly engaged also eliminates the need of a set trigger mechanism to achieve a crisp pull of the trigger. Set triggers, with their small, frail parts and springs, cannot be counted upon to perform their intended functions under the most extreme of conditions. Hence the military has not requested that these triggers be fitted to their muskets.

Even those triggers fitted to the in-line rifles will freeze up to the point of uselessness under the influence of extreme cold.

Where ordinary rifles fail, the Zephyr shall prevail!

~Page 2~

~An Interest in Safety~

It will be readily recognized by preceding illustrations that the simplicity and ruggedness of the Zephyr's hammer and trigger lend themselves perfectly to achievement of a safe mechanism. Zephyr hammers are cut such that the half-cock notch is quite deep with capabilty of securely captivating the sear of the trigger.

Further, the geometry of the Zephyr hammer and trigger engagement is such that capping the nipple is readily accomplished with the hammer at half-cock. Unlike ordinary rifles which must be capped with the hammer at full-cock, then lowering with extreme caution and carefulness, the hammer back to the halk-cock. Not an operation to be trusted to fingers numbed by cold conditions or slicked with patch grease.

While it is true that the Pacific Rifle is also superior to others in this respect of safety, any mechanical device can fail. And there is no forgiveness nor tolerance of foolishness nor idiocy.

One must always keep ones wits about him and think before he shoots!

~Kind Words from "Old Hickory"~

Zephyr Rifles have recently been presented to our esteemed President, Andrew Jackson, and it is reported to us that he is well pleased with the results of our endeavors. And it is his personal contention that the Zephyr is perfectly suited for its intended role in the settlement of the wild places of which the Territories of the West consist. Further, it is his intention to Recommend the Zephyr for Service to future Expeditionaries.

~Barrels and Rifling~

Fitted with a tapered barrel of the finest steel, 30 inches of length and of medium weight, blesses the Zephyr with good Balance and Fine Accuracy. Each barrel is bored and reamed to mirror smoothness, then the rifling carefully cut to our precise standards. After planing to the final tapered, octagonal configuration, each barrel is then expertly draw filed by hand with a large mill file and plenty of pure gypsum chalk.

A fine-blade front sight of German Silver and several variations of our rear sight allow great ease in acquiring the sights and extracting the utmost in Accuracy from the Zephyr in the event that a long or strenuous shot must be taken. Several rear sight options are offered which may find favour with those of aged or weary eyes, helping to provide the Optimum Focus of Sights.

Pacific Rifle Company employs Genuine Forsyth RiflingTM - a very unique method of rifling gun barrels - which serves several purposes and results in attributes unique to our rifles. Before one can appreciate the Benefits of this rifling, however, it is helpful to understand a simple, yet monumental, Fact which has heretofore been overlooked or simply not understood. And that is... Due to the fact that the sphere is a Perfect geometric form, it has been observed that very little rotational spin is necessary to accurately stabilize the large (calibre 58 and larger) round ball in flight.

This simple fact has brought us to scrutinize, under the Light of Engineering Principles, the conventional rifling of barrels. The conclusion of which having resulted in our utilization of very slow-pitch rifling. This action seems to incite anger and hysteria in some otherwise open-minded people. But be it known that this Process is founded in the Sound Principles of Science and not born of an afflicted mind.

~Consider the Rail Train~

The advantage of the principle of slow rifling can be easily understood, even by those of little formal schooling, through the following analogy:

Consider for a moment the rail train about to negotiate a curve in the track. If the curve be slight, the train may be able to take the curve at its full speed. But, if the radius of the curve is decreased, that is to say, if the turn be a tight one, the train must decrease its speed or it will surely fly from the rails as it rounds the curve.

In the same way, a ball traversing a barrels of the conventional rapid rifling twist, a sharp curve, if you will, is limited in its Potential to achieve high velocity lest it strip from the rifling as the train would be stripped from the track. In the case of the former, the loss is accuracy. We shall not want to contemplate the fate of the latter.

Remember this simple axiom: The sharper the curve (the faster the pitch of rifling) the slower the train (ball) must be driven if it is to arrive at its intended destination.

In addition to providing the Deadly Accuracy that we demand of our rifles, it has been further observed that our slow rifling, bearing but a pitch of 1 turn in 104 inches, provides the Highest velocities to the patched ball with very little stress imparted to the rifle.

In one such test, our 20-bore barrel was loaded with 200 grains of FFg black rifle powder and patched round ball and produced velocities exceeding 1,800 feet per second.

Such high muzzle velocites - above 1,500 feet per second - produce a Flatness of trajectory to 150 yards that is the envy of riflemen shooting the recently popularized conical ball in their various forms.

Despite the improvement made to these elongate projectiles, our contention remains that the Round Ball of Large Calibre, driven to high velocity, is far and away a Superior projectile for dispatching large game in a humane and Sportsman-like manner, within reasonable sporting distances, that is to say, 125 yards.

~Page 3~

It can readily be observed that the Great Advantage of such flatness of trajectory allows taking a dead-on hold within reasonable distances. While possessing power and accuracy sufficient to take game to 150 yards, we strongly recommend that every effort be taken to reduce that distance by at least 25 yards.

Such a combination of large diameter and high velocity is able to exact tremendous Knockdown Power on large game without the associate problem of overpenetration - that being the curse of the elongated ball when driven to velocities which may render a somewhat flat trajectory.

~Additional Advantages~

This combination of slow, shallow rifling has been found to render less fouling of the bore - the narrow lands and wide, shallow grooves affording less opportunity for powder fouling to accumulate, and thereby offering less resistance to loading of subsequent rounds, as well.

By arranging the position of such rifling in relation to the muzzle, Pacific Rifle Company is able to affix a series of venting holes into the sides of the muzzle of the barrels which have been found to Reduce Recoil, making the Zephyr quite pleasant to fire even when loaded with the heavier charges. So unique is this application that a Patent was granted us by the Patent Office of the United States of America.

These vents have shown to be of greater advantage in their effect of dispersing a goodly portion of the rifle smoke to the sides of the muzzle and out of the line of sight. The Merits of this being more appreciated by those who have found themselves at odds with an aggresive beast, where, inthe interest of preserving one's own life and limb, the effects ofthe shot must be quickly ascertained.

It has also been observed that these very same vents do serve another, and quite Unique, Advantage. Upon Firing the rifle, the report emanates primarily forward from the muzzle. But, the vents do disperse some of the muzzleblast to the sides, as well. The result is that the game is unable to detect the source of the shot due to the nondirectional nature of the report. If the shot was bad, the game is not usually startled to flight, allowing time to reload.

~Loading the Zephyr~

The barrel of the Zephyr, when bored to 62/100 calibre and carefully rifled will accomodate the patched 20-bore ball and is quite Sufficient for the taking of all manner of Game tobefoundin the Western Territories, several species of which can be quite Dangerous and in possession of Great Stamina.

When charged with 100 grains of FFg black rifle powder and the patched round ball, velocities of 1,350 feet per second can be realized. Such a load is quite adequate for deer, boar, and the small species of bears at normal range.

For taking of larger species of Game, such a large deer or caribou, or for difficult shots at times required for pronghorn antelopes, mountain sheep and mountain goats, we recommmend a charge of 150 to 175 grains of FFg black rifle powder.

For the hunter seeking larger game such as elk or moose, or for the Explorer who may face the Danger of the larger species of Bears, or who may encounter the Bison or the Great Ox of the Arctic regions, we would like to recommend our barrel of 72/100 calibre and charges of up to 250 grains of FFg black rifle powder. This calibre, when so loaded, will generate the bone-smashing power needed to stop - dead - the charge of either bear or buffalo.

 Such powerful loads, in either calibration of bore, should be used with consideration as they will surely drive the ball completly through lesser game at close range and perhaps wound other animals in the herd.

Each rifle is outfitted with appropriate Bullet Moulde and Powder Measure, being Fully Adjustable for dispensing of the recommended loads.

~Page 4~

~Placement of the Shot~

While some relegate the placement of the shot upon the target as subject to the whimsof the Fates, and if successful, that of a favour of Heaven, the Zephyr affords sufficient accuracy to call one's shot to the limits of distance prescribed by the precepts of Fair Chase and Sportsmanship.

However, it is in the interest of good Sportsmanship, and yes, even our own Moral Duty, that we take every advantage to ascertain that the First Shot exact a Killing Blow upon the game. It is, unfortunately, all too common that we hear individuals who, in attempts to impress others with the tales of their prowess, describe "the chase" of wounded game in which they boldly follow up the beast and proceed to kill it off, blow-by-blow, in a cruel sort of cat and mouse chase. This practice is not sport, but blatant brutality.

It is difficult to imagine that any gentleman with any degree of personal honour would brashly relate such tales which betray his lack of good judgement, or poor nerves, and such poor marksmanship that would result in less than a quick and humane dispatch of the game. Or, of worse consequence, that the animal, once shot, completely eludes the hunter to live in excrutiating agony for hours or days until the mercy of death finally overakes it. Those subscribing to such reckless methods are simply Barbaric and have no honour nor place among the ranks of Sportsmen.

Now, while it is true that we may be able to exact a "hit" on game at the extreme of distance, the guarantee of such a hit disabling the game - on the spot - is, indeed, very slight. The result of such foolhardy shooting being a long and arduous chase that deprives the game of its right to a quick, dignified, and peaceful death.

We afford these basic considerations to even a traitor amond us. How much more, then, are we obligated by good conscience and common decency to extend such a basic courtesy to these grand and magnificent beasts of which we demand the ultimate sacrifice for our own sustenance?

As Sportsmen and Gentlemen, it is within our charge to strive for a clean-killing shot, whether the need be to fill the larder or to rid ourselves of bothersome and pestuous animals. The latter which themselves but follow the instincts imposed upon them by Nature. Gentlemen, it is within our charge to Use - but not to Abuse.

Although the Zephyr, when loaded to maximum charge, is more than capable of dispatching game at extremes of distance, it is in the vigilant pursuit of the above-expounded ideals that we recommend that the shot not be taken beyond 100 yards. But rather that careful approach to the game be made in the stalking manner of the wolf or the panther.

Once the distance has been closed, then Placement of the shot should be made directly To The Shoulder. There are some of considerable repute and experience who are apt to disagree with our position, arguing for the shot placement behind the shoulder as it tends to render less meat to uselessness.

However, practical experience, and post mortem examination of wounds in game, has brought us to the inescapable conclusion that a shot directed to the joint area of the shoulder is the most effective in immediately disabling the game.

The Cause of the Greater Effectiveness being the creation of secondary missiles resulting from impact of the ball upon large bones, which, in addition to severely limiting locomotion, inflict greater shock to the game by penetrating the heart or lungs, or both, thereby either killing it outright, or leaving it with only the wish to peaceably expire.

We ask, Who among us is of such destitute means that he would take the lesser aim and chance losing the whole animal, and good standing among us, for the sake of a few pounds of meat?

It is our contention that we must remind one another, in good faith and gentlemanly manner, of the Creed of Sportsmanship and the Code of Fair Chase, lest we find greater disfavour among those who would have us more regulated according to their own dimentia.

~Dispatch of Small Game~

For the harvesting of smaller game for the stewpot, Zephyr's bore perfectly accepts shot components of 20 or 12 gauge, respective of bore size, which should be loaded in the manner that one would afford any fouling piece. To preserve the best efficiency of the shot pattern we would recommend employment of the one-piece shot column for shot containment, topped off with a tightly-fitted card wad. The slow twist of our Genuine Forsyth RiflingTM will have little adverse effect upon the shot pattern, the whole of which should be quite effective to 20 yards.

~A Simple Philosophy - Quality~

Although Pacfic Rifle Company may be nonconformant in its Philosophy of Design, we strictly adhere to the code of Fine Craftsmanship. Finishing of the Model 1837 Zephyr is performed by highly skilled artisans, each viewing the Zephyr as the pennant of their pride.

Our regimen of finishing includes careful hand polishing of all metal parts. Each barrel, receiver and buttplate undergoes a very slow rust browning that requires two full days to achieve the durable finish we demand on our rifles.

After shaping, fitting, heat treatment and polishing, both hammer and trigger are prepared for the Nitre-blue process which renders them into jewel-like pieces. The mainspring and screws, too, are heat-treated and nicely polished and tempered to a beautiful Cobalt Blue colour like that of the hammer and trigger.

After perfect fitting to barrel, receiver and buttplate, each stock is carefully shaped and carefully finish-sanded by hand. Pacific Rifle Company utilizes a Proprietary mixture of oils, resins and beeswax that effectively seals the beauty of the grain from the elements. Each stock is then oiled and diligently rubbed to a soft, glowing finish.

~Highly Finished Arms~

For those individuals who desire a touch of exclusivety, Zephyr's receiver lends itself well to further embellishment with multiple facets upon which our engraver may ply his art. Which, when combined with the Case-Coloring of the Zephyr's receiver and buttplate, and fitted with a Fancier grade of highly-finished figured walnut, comprises our Deluxe treatment option.

This View of a partially engraved Zephyr receiver(seen here "in the white" to display the fine detail) depicts the beautiful scroll patterns which are expertly executed by noted Western engraver, Dale Woody. Coverage also includes the top and bottom of the receiver.

For those requiring extra work, such as gold inlays, monograms or inscriptions, we will be pleased to quote your desires.

Engraving and casehardening of the Deluxe Zephyr, combined with high grade walnut and Nitre-bluing of the hammer, trigger and mainspring, renders a rifle of exceptional beauty and graceful elegence. A rifle destined to become a cherished family heirloom.

Pacific Rifle Company is also proud to offer a fitting service of stocks of extra-long Length of Pull for our customers of tall stature exceeding 6 feet in height. This service, too, must be quoted seperately.

~Like Any Good Tool~

Whether in its basic form or as an elegent work of art, we believe the Zephyr's role to be that of the plow or the axe - it is a tool. Like any good tool, it, too, is built to provide a lifetime of use. No expense has been spared in securing the Finest Materials from which we craft our rifles. The elements are combined with a richness of finish and attention to fit and detail that make even the basic Zephyr a truly beautiful rifle - one that is certain to become one of its owners most cherished possessions.

We, the artisans of Pacific Rifle Company, would be honored with the privilege of crafting a Zephyr for you.

To Request a Complete Catalog...

For those who may desire, we can provide a complete catalog with all current pricing and color photos for $5.00. Write to Pacific Rifle Company c/o Post Office Box 841, Carlton 97111 Oregon Republic.

For ordering information, please refer to our specifications, as you will need this information when you place your order.

Please feel free to call us at 503-476-4609 from 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Mon - Fri) Pacific Time if you have any specific questions.

Thank you for your interest.

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