Abstract: An improved single-shot rifle is shown having a rifle barrel secured to a receiver and having a lever-activated falling block action. The action includes a hammer and trigger each pivotally connected to the lever. A breechblock is moveable downwardly within a breechblock mortise provided on a rear surface of the receiver from a safety position wherein a firing pin carried thereby is aligned with a recess in the hammer and a firing position in which the firing pin is aligned with a striking surface of the hammer so that pulling the trigger releases the hammer and allows the striking surface thereof to strike the firing pin and fire the rifle.

Abstract: A single shot, falling block rifle is shown having a one-piece stock. The rifle includes a barrel having opposing ends with a receiver mounted on one end of the barrel. The receiver has a rearward face which includes an arch-shaped opening. A breechblock of lesser width than the receiver slides upwardly and downwardly within the arch-shaped opening allowing the size and weight of the action to be reduced. The action also includes a positive sear lock safety and a spring loaded striker which is manually cocked by means of the cooperative action of an operating lever, connecting link and cocking lever.