Replica of a Mare's Leg short rifle, USA 1892, made of metal and wood

Replica of a short rifle made of metal and wood, with a simulated loading and firing mechanism.

The Mare's Leg was a short, lever-action repeating rifle, meaning it allowed for multiple shots before reloading. The spent cartridge case was ejected and replaced with a new one by operating a lever attached to the trigger guard; hence the term "repeating rifle."

Its operation consists of a horizontally moving bolt with the firing pin inside. When the lower lever is activated, it unlocks the bolt, then moves it rearward, exposing the chamber, opening a follower plate, and cocking the firing pin from the rear. At the end of its rearward travel, the bolt moves a bullet from the magazine to the follower plate. The forward movement of the lever then raises the follower plate, positioning the bullet in front of the chamber, where it is pushed into firing position by the bolt. The final upward movement of the lever locks the bolt back in the firing position.

The design of this model was a return to its origins, using shorter revolver cartridges that produced less pressure. It also incorporated a Browning action that was much more robust than that of the earlier rifles derived from the Henry.

This rifle was used by Josh Randall, Steve McQueen's character in the television series Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958-1961). Therefore, the weapon has also been known as the Randall Special.
Dimensions: 50 cm
Weight: 1,487 g