The Ashley Update: Experimental French Breach-Loader that Pretends to be a Bolt Action

Hlebinsky, who previously worked at the Smithsonian is exactly the kind of ambassador the shooting community needs. Torrentially well informed, passionate to the point of geekery, and blessed with a wicked sense of humor, she can swill whiskey and smoke cigars while holding forth on black powder muskets until your eyes glaze over. Spreading the gospel of responsible firearms ownership has never been more important, and being able to demystify an inanimate object while educating the public about its role in the nation’s history goes a long way toward countering negative publicity.

Today Ashley shows off a French breach-loader, but one that opens just like a bolt action. It's believed that only 108 of these unique firearms were ever actually made–which if true, then the Cody Firearms Museum has the last one ever made, because it's marked #108. But perhaps the action isn't the most interesting part–wait until you see the accompanying bayonet.

Do you have a question for Ashley about anything she’s discussed this week or even about some of the little-known things she loves?

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