Curious Relics #065: Eight Times Better Than 22 – 30 Rimfire
Sam.S 05.31.23
Welcome, if you are a newcomer to this fun bi-weekly segment of AllOutdoor.com! The last time around I covered one of the world’s favorites, the Luger pistol. In this article, we are tackling a bit of a detour and diving into ammunition. It is not the first time though! Check out our article on Pinfire. Let’s dive right into 30 Rimfire!
Other Curious Relics:
- Curious Relics #061: Another Beloved Icon – The Luger
- Curious Relics #062: Too Many Toggle Locks – The Luger Pistol Part II
- Curious Relics #063: A Documented Life – The Luger P08 Pistol Part III
- Curious Relics #064: Targets & Toggles – The Luger P08 Pistol Part IV
Welcome to our recurring series of “Curious Relics.” Here, we want to share all of our experiences, knowledge, misadventures, and passion for older firearms that one might categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that is at least 50 years old according to the ATF. Hopefully along the way you can garner a greater appreciation for older firearms like we do, and simultaneously you can teach us things as well through sharing your own expertise and thoughts in the Comments. Understanding the firearms of old, their importance, and their development which lead to many of the arms we now cherish today is incredibly fascinating and we hope you enjoy what we have to share, too!
The Dawn of Metalic Cartridges
It’s important to note that the concept of self-contained cartridges did not always exist in the form we see today. Before the late 1850s, they were not widely adopted or standardized. Various types of metallic self-contained cartridges emerged, including rimfire, pinfire, lipfire, and teatfire. Each inventor aimed to gain worldwide recognition and acceptance for their cartridge designs. The first rimfire cartridge was developed in 1845 by Louis-Nicolas Flobert, a Frenchman who essentially placed a small 6mm bullet into a percussion cap. However, it wasn’t until 1857 that the first commercially successful American rimfire cartridge appeared. Can you guess which one it was? It was the 22 Rimfire (not Long Rifle), thanks to the efforts of Smith & Wesson and their Model 1 Rimfire Revolver.
The Introduction of 30 Rimfire
Remaining in the era of black powder self-contained metallic cartridges, the 30 Rimfire cartridge emerged around 1860. Although I have been unable to discover the precise originator or initial release of this cartridge, it was primarily designed for more affordable pocket firearms. Examples of such guns include the Remington Smoot (available from 1875 to 1877), Colt New Line (featuring a 30 Rimfire version from 1874 to 1876), Sharps Model 2 Pepperbox (produced from 1859 to 1874), and the Marlin XXX Standard (manufactured between 1872 and 1887).
Lot 1072: Factory Engraved, Gilded Remington-Smoot New Model No.2 Revolver – Exceptional Factory Engraved and Gilded Remington-Smoot New Model No. 2 Revolver with Pearl Grips. (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/83/1072/factory-engraved-gilded-remington-smoot-new-model-no2-revolver.
During the 1870s, a variant of the 30 Rimfire cartridge emerged, exhibiting an increased length compared to its predecessors. This modification resulted in the classification of the 30 Rimfire family into two distinct categories: “short” and “long.” The extended 30 Rimfire cartridges were commonly loaded with a lead projectile weighing between 50 and 58 grains, accompanied by 5 to 6 grains of black powder. These cartridges were externally lubricated and had an approximate bullet diameter ranging from .290 to .295.
I have noticed that some of my 30 Rimfire cartridges seem to have wooden bullets. I had a suspicion that the previous owner may have inserted a wooden dowel to replace a missing bullet in an empty cartridge. However, upon further investigation, these cartridges were prevalent, a significant number of “shot shells” were engineered with wooden tips instead of the more contemporary crimp or unmistakably modern plastic caps. It is remarkable to contemplate the creative methods employed in those days to achieve a functional design. It seems that UMC, the renowned ammunition manufacturer, capitalized on this unconventional approach, marketing these distinctive cartridges as “Long Shot.” The irony of such a nomenclature cannot be overlooked.
The End of an Era
The decline of the 30 Rimfire cartridges followed a familiar pattern, gradually becoming obsolete as centerfire cartridges, known for their superior performance and use of smokeless powder, gained widespread popularity. During that time, the .32 Rimfire cartridge emerged as a more favored choice for self-defense, particularly in compact firearms. This situation can be compared to the current preference for 380 ACP over 32 ACP. Interestingly, despite being the newer option, the 30 Rimfire Long ceased production around the beginning of World War One in 1914, while the 30 Rimfire Short continued to be manufactured until as late as 1920. This peculiar difference is likely attributed to the fact that the 30 Rimfire Long offered a similar level of “stopping power” as the 32 Rimfire Short.
Final Thoughts: 30 Rimfire
I’ve always been intrigued by that particular vintage of pocket revolver or pistol. I have ammo but it is hard to fathom whether they would function adequately or at all, considering the wax on the bullets has likely disintegrated over time and the powder rendered inert. Yet, despite these uncertainties, the prospect of conducting such an experiment holds a certain allure. I envision a negligible recoil, making it a delightfully pleasant shooting experience, barring the inconvenience of dealing with black powder fouling and the subsequent cleaning process. Hopefully, this was a welcome monetary departure from our regularly scheduled programming. See you folks next time!
In closing, I hope our Curious Relics segment informed as well as entertained. This all was written in hopes of continued firearm appreciation and preservation. We did not just realize how guns were supposed to look and function. It was a long and tedious process that has shaped the world we live in. So, I put it to you! Is there a firearm out there that you feel does not get much notoriety? What should our next Curious Relics topic cover? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
