/ f^obat ftcnti^ ©ImviStmt % mx\ to 1903 /^./K(c7^o ii^'bsr UF523 .N88™" ^""'^^=">' library MMllJi;imiliffi,,,f.V,?,„™P^°''«'"entsin olii ^ 3 1924 030 759 702 Overs DATE DUE «4*i rtifWf^^-' •iitpfiibr.ixy jji-n PRINTED JN U.S.A. AMERICAN INVENTIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS IN Breech-Loading Small Arms, HEAVY ORDNANCE, MACHINE GUNS, MAGAZINE ARMS, FIXED AMMUNITION, PISTOLS, PROJECTILES, EXPLOSIVES, AND OTHKE MUNITIONS OF WAE, INCLUDING A CHAPTER ON SPORTING ARMS. COMPILED BY CHARLES B: NOETOI^, Brevet Brig Gen. U S V,, United States Commissioner to Paris Exposition, Autlior of "History of American Breech-Loading Smali Arms," "Kepurts on ]\Iunitiona of War,' " Fortifloations of the City of New Yorlc," and " Treasures of Art and Industry." SPRINGPIELD, MASS.: OH^FIlSr & aOXJLD- LONDON : N. TRttBNER & CO. 18 8 0. ,1) 1X1= /Y 8 8^^- Entered according to Act of Cougi-ess, in tlie year 1880, by CHARLES B. NORTON, In tlie office of the Tjibrariau of Cougi'ess, at Washington. Spriugtield Printing Conipuny, Printers, Electrotypers and Binders, Springfield, Mass. NATHAN APPLE TON, Brevet Captain Fifth Battery, Massachusetts Artillery, THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED, in remembrance of many never to be forgotten acts of kindness CHARLES B, NORTON PREFACE The favorable reception given to tlie work on "American Breech- Loading Small Arms," published by the compiler in 1872, has led to the preparation of the present work. While it contains much that appeared in the former volume, relating to Small Arms, there will be found large additions bringing the description of each Arm down to the present time, and also a sketch of the rise and progress in the manu- facture of Heavy Ordnance and Projectiles. Reference has also been made to the new systems of Magazine Guns, the manufacture of Gun- powder and Fixed Ammunition. The compiler again avails himself of this opportunity to express his thanks to the United States War Depart- ment and the several inventors and arms companies, for their readiness to furnish him with every information. CONTENTS. Page. Chapter I. — Early Inventions, — Official Action of United States War Department and State Governments, 9 Opinioa of Napoleon III — Early Breech-loaders — Hall's Invention — Breech-loaders in the War — Reports of War Department — State Reports. Chapter II. — The Peabody System, — The Peabody- Martini Rifle, - - 23 Origin of Arm — St. Louis Board — Eoumania — Belgium — Holland — Prussia — Austria — New York — Connecticut — Construction of Arm — Manual of Arm — Transformation — Martini's Infringement — Targets — Improved — Article from Army and Navy Jour- nal — Turlvish Contract — Canada — Switzerland — English Commission — Decision against Henry — Inspection — Gauges — Perfection of Arm. Chapter III. — The Winchester System, — The Hotchkiss Mag- azine Gu.v, 73 — The Winchester — Description — Official Tests — Accuracy — Competition — Improve- ments — Safety — Factories — The Hotchkiss — Origin — Improvement — Construction of Arm — Official Approval — Directions to Operate the Gun — Winchester Cartridge — Perfection of Manufacture. Chapter IV. — The Remington System, — Remington Magazine ^ Gun, Keene's Patent, - 87 First Appearance — Use in Navy — St. Louis Board — State of New Y'ork — Austrian Tests — Denmark — England — Greece — Spain — France — French I^xposition — Ilion Works — Description of System — Strength of System — Belgian Trial — Targets — Pistol — Magazine Gun — Keene's Patent — Army Model — Navy Model — Description — Direc- tions for Use — Remington Improved No. 3 Rifle — Hepburn's I'atent — Description — Directions. Chapter V. — The Whitney System, — Burgess System, — Ken- nedy System, - 155 Eli Whitney — The Whitneyville Armory — Safety and Simplicity — New Improvement — Large Sales — Description of Burgess Rifle — Kennedy Rifle — Explanations — Phocni.x System — Sporting Arms — Satisfactory Results. Chapter VI. — The Sharps System, — The Leb Magazine Sys- tem, - - - - 165 Sharps Rifle — Origin — Rapidity of Fire— Old Reliahle — Government Orders— Official Reports— Michigan— North Carolina— First Prize — Directions — Lee Magazine Gun— Description — Simplicity- Security — Directions for Use — Official Report— Sh.arps Armory. Chapter VII — The Springfield System, 177 Transformation— Nomenclature— Directions for Use— Model 1879— Instructions- Ben- ton's Electro-Ballistic Pendulum— Range-Use of Telephone. 8 CONTENTS. Page. Chapter VIII.— Smith & Wesson Revolvers,— Colt's Revol- vers,— Merwin, HuLiJERT & Go's Pistols, - 191 Patents— New Pattern— Demand aliroad — Dodge's Improvement — Description— Tar- gets— New Army Kevolver- 32 Calibre Pistol — Doulile Acting Revolver, Cal. 38 — Colt Rkvoi.ver- Description — Instrnctions — National Derringer Pistol — New Model Army— New Double Action— Operation— Merwin, Hulheut & Co.— Evans Magazine Rifle — Army Revolver — Directions — New Pocket Revolver. Chapter IX. — Sporting Arms,— Maynard System, — Parker Syste:\i, — Baker Systeji, — Stevens System, — Buck Sys- tem, — Buck Military Rifle, - - - - - 227 Chapter X. — The Catling Gun, 241 Origin of InAention —France — Indiana Report — Ordnance Report — Naval Report — De- .scription — Range — Baden Trial — Advantages — English Report — Experiments— T.ar- gets — Directions — Camel Gun — Centennial Award — Major Nolile's Report — Trial at Fort Madison — Tripod Gun — Trials at Sanily Hook — Musket Calibre Gun — Ash- antee War — Khivan Expedition — Zulu War — The Cliileno-Peruvian War. Chapter XI. — Cartridges, — Cautridge Metal, — Gun- powder, — Swords, 295 Importance of — Centre-Fire — Union Metallic Cartridge Company — Berdan Central-Fire Cartridge — Patent — Russia — Spain — Models — Loading Machine — Safety — Water- Proof Character — Russo-Turkish War — Solid Head Cartridge — Berdan Primer — Cartridge Mktai. — Coe Brass Companj- — Extent of Manufacture — Purity of Metal — General Use — Copper-Brass — Native Copper — Gunpowder — Early History — Du Pont de Nemours & Co. — Location of Works — Description and Sizes of Powder — Initial Velocity — Hazard Pmvder Company — Government Powder — Army and Navy — Electric Gunpowder — Swords — Ames Manufacturing Company. Chapter XII. — Gun Machinery,^Pratt & Whitney Com- pany, 323 Stocking Machine— Rifling Machine — Milling Machines — Screw Machines — Cartridge- Varnishing Machine — Improved Gardner Gun — Trials by Army and Navv Boards — Simplicity — Rapidity — Targets. Chapter XIII. — Heavy Ordnance, - 339 Early History — The Wayne Howitzer — Cost of Ordnance in 1795— Reports Chief of Ordnance— The West Point Foundry- Palliser System— Parrott Guns and Projectiles — Rodman and Dahlgren Guns — The South Boston Iron Foundry Cyrus Alger— Metallo-Dynamometer— The First Rifle-Gun— Bomford's Columbiad —Fifteen-inch Rodman Gun— Tlie Butler Projectile— Muzzle-Loading— Breech- Loading. Chapter XIV.— United .States Life-Saving Guns and Pro- .JECTILES, 3(39 Lieut. D. A. Lyle— Bronze Gun— Projcctiles—Guu-Carriage— Faking Box. Appendix, - - - _ jjgy Old Repeating Arm, 1825— The Ferguson Gun— Letter from Cien. .John Watts de Peyster. AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. CHAPTER I. EARLY INVENTIONS. — OFFICIAL RBPOETS. The invention of breech-loading fire-arms dates back to a very remote period of antiquity ; but, to quote the Emperor Napoleon III in his admirable treatise on the ' ' Past and Future of Artil- lery " : " Inventions that are before their age, remain useless until the stock of general knowledge comes up to their level." And again : ' ' Whatever is complicated fails in producing good results in warfare ; the promoters of systems forget always that the object of progress oaght to be to obtain the greatest possible effect with the least possible effort and expense." He blames, however, the opposition of routine, ' ' which, being enamored with old ways, has presented for ages practices that are most stupid. And, not only does routine scrupulously preserve, like some sacred deposit the errors of antiquity, but it actually op- poses might and main, the most legitimate and the most evident im- provements. ' ' Gunpowder is supposed to have first become generally known in the latter part of the thirteenth, or early in the fourteenth century. Artillery was used as early as 1327 in European warfare, and small- arms a few years later ; meanwhile, there is good reason to believe that the Chinese were acquainted with the use of gunpowder and employed it in warfare full two thousand years ago, — though the art, like many others, was lost until its -revival in the middle ages. The chief improvements in the practical use of fire-arms were at 2 10 AMEEICAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. first conlined to modes of firing ; the old inatch being superseded by the wheel, or German lock, invented in 1577 in Auremberg : by this lock, friction was occasioned by rapid rotary motion, sparks follow- ing, which ignited the powder. This improvement was followed, about 1630, by the flint-lock. After this and until 1840, when the percussion-lock— invented in 1800 — was first adapted to military muskets, improvements were confined chiefly to lessening the weight of small-arms, and modifying complications in their mechanism. Rifling, as a method of insuring accuracy in firing, like breech- loading, dates back to ancient days ; though the principle cannot be authentically traced to an earlier period than the fifteenth cen- turjr. It, however, fell into disuse for nearly a century, and it was not until 1830 that it came into vogue again, and grew to rapid popularity among militarj? men. Thus it was with breech-loading arms. In the Musee d^ Ar tiller ie in Paris, is a breech-loading gun of the time of Henry II, prior to 1550, and a match-lock revolver of the same period. In the United Service Museum, London, there is likewise a revolver which is described as follows : No. 1168 — A snap haunce self-loading pet- ronel, probably of the time of Charles the First. The contrivance consists of a revolving cylinder, containing seven chambers, with touch-holes. The action of lifting the cock causes the cylinder to revolve, and a fresh chamber is brought into connection with the barrel. Six of the seven chambers are exposed to view, and the charges are put in without the need of a ramrod. All of this goes to illustrate the old saying that there is "nothing new under the sun," and shows further, that inventions which are novel to us, ma}^, on investigation, prove to be old discoveries, impracticable when first brought to light, but which the growing necessities of man have unearthed when required, and when the march of linowledge has made men's minds ready to apply them judiciously and usefully. Improvements in fire-arms date back specially to the time of Henry VIII. who was one of the first to observe the power and to foresee the influence of these weapons. Two weapons, manufactured in England during his reign, were exhibited in London in 1867, and with some difference in minor details, were found to be veritable Snider rifles. As has been before mentioned, all the early cannon and primitive hand-guns were loaded at the breech. The method EARLY INVENTIONS. 11 did not continue in favor, however, and was superseded, because of the inability of the gun-makers of those days to meet all the re- quirements of the design. Still the attempt continued to be made from time to time, and in the collection of specilications of British Patents, we find mention of new inventions of this character among the very earliest recorded. In 1664 is noted one by Abraham Hall of a "gun or pistoll, which hath a hole at the upper end of the breech to receive the charge, which hole is opened or stopped by a piece of iron or steel that lies along the side of the piece, and move- able by a ready and easy motion." The adaptation of the principle of breech-loading to small arms did not find favorable consideration until long after this date ; and during the whole of the eighteenth century there were but five patents recorded in England having this object in view. The first recorded patent in the United States was dated May 21st, 1811, and the evidence, sustained by the records of the Ordnance Bureau in the War Department, prove that John H. Hall, of North Yarmouth, the patentee, was the inventor of the first breech-loading arm receiv- ing attention from the Government of the United States. In a letter addressed to Col. Bomford of the Bureau of Ordnance, dated Jan. 24th, 1815, Mr. Hall writes as follows: "I invented the improve- ment in 1811, being at that time but little acquainted with rifles, and being perfectly ignorant of any method whatever of loading guns at the breech." He at a later date suggested the manufacture of one thousand of his patent rifle for use in the campaigns of 1812. The ofiicial records indicate that in 1816 one hundred of these arms were made and issued to a company of riflemen, and that the reports thereon were favorable. In 1825 two companies of United States troops stationed at Fortress Monroe were armed with Hall's rifles, and had the same in use in 1837, during which year two thousand stand were com- pleted. The Committee of the Stafi" of the School at Fortress Monroe reported ' ' its perfect conviction of the superiority of this arm over every other kind of small arm now in use." Hall, in his letters to the War Department, writes as follows : " Only one point now remains to brmg the rifles to the utmost perfection, which I shall attempt, if the Government contracts with me for the guns to any considerable amount, viz. : to make every similar part of every gun so much aliiie that it will suit every gun, so 12 AMERICAN BBEEjCH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. that if a thousand 2iins were taken apart and the limbs tlirown promiscuously together in one heap, they may be taken promiscuously fi'om tlie heap and will all come right. This important point I conceive practicable, and although in the first instance it will probably prove expensive, yet ultimately it will prove most economical, and be attended with great advantages." " A favorite and important part of the American small-arms would then be at the lieighth of perfection, and would vastly excel those of any other nation. They would be strong, durable and simple, easily kept in order, easily repaired when out of order, peifectly accu- late and capable of being fired with the gieatest quickness which a gun can admit of, and we have more marksmen capable of using them to advantage than can be found in the army of any other nation." There is evidence that Hall's breech-loading carbine and rifle were used Avith great success in the Black Hawk and Seminole wars, and possibly also in the war with Mexico. In 1836 public attention was so largely directed to the special value of this arm, that a resolution was passed by Congress to pay Hall $10,000^ and also that he should be emploj^ed at Harper's Ferry in superintending the manufacture of the arm. As the sum paid was at the rate of one dollar per arm, it is positive proof of the manufacture of 10,000 breech-loading arms up to that date. As there are arms in the museum of the Ordnance Bureau bearing the date 1839, it is also evidence of a subsequent issue. Mr. Hall de- scribes his arm as follows : " The gun consists of a receiver, which contains the charge, and to wdiich the lock is at- lached, it (the receiver) has two shoulders near its muzzle or fore-end, by wliich it is kept to the barrel and is prevented from recoiling when it is discharged. The receiver is pre- vented from recoiling wholly by these shoulders, which bear against the core-hardened cliocks placed behind the shoulders. But no direct support is given by the butt-piece be- hind the receiver, nor by the axis-pin on which the receiver turns ; on tlie contrary, the re- ceiver does not even touch the butt-piece; a vacancy is left between that and the end of the receiver to freely permit all the expansion which takes place in tlie receiver as itgrows warm with repeated discharges, viz.. all the expansion from the back part of the shoulders to the back end of tlie receiver. That expansion which takes place forward of the shoul- ders is provided for in the joint where the receiver meets the ban-el. The holes in the re- ceiver through which the axis-pin passes are made long for the same purpose, viz. : to freely admit of expansion in the after part of the receiver. The bore of the barrel in- creases gradually in size toward the breech, beginning about one foot from the muzzle and enlarging very rapidly in the last lialfinch next the receiver somewhat in the form of a trumpet, so as to be rather larger at the butt than the bore of the receiver, even if its bore were not exactly to correspond with the bore of the barrel." One special advantage claimed by Hall, was the fact that upon his plan all parts could be made interchangeable, thus rendering it very easy to supply missing parts wlien desired. The price put upon this arm as manufactured by himself was $20, and the result WAR DEPARTMENT. 13 of its adoption bj' the War Department, was the appointment of a Congressional Investigating Committee to examine into the expense, whose report, liowever, was favorable. As there is no evidence of the adoption of a breech-loading small-arm by any European nation till many years after tlie above dates, tlie "United States War Depart- ment should liave the credit of being tliejlrsi in the field to recog- nize the great value of this improvement, and also by a continued series of experiments to the present day to secure the most practical tests of the relative merits of the various arms. From the introduction of Hall's breech-loading rities and carbines to the commencement of the War of the Rebellion, there were but few systems of breech-loaders presented to the War Department ; the principal ones being Sharps, Burnside's, Maynard'sand Spen- cer's, of each of which, issues were made to troops between the years 1845 and 1860. An Army Board convened at West Point in 1857, examined a large number of systems of breech-loading small-arms, and gave their opinion as unfavorable to the introduction of breech- loaders until more perfected, but at the same time giving preference to the Burnside arm. The attention of the War Department was specially directed to- wards the adoption of a breech-loading arm which should meet the wants of all branches of the service, and the results obtained up to 1859 are here I'eferred to. ^ Be/port of the Secretary of War, 1859. "Uoder the appropriations lieretofore made by Compress to encourage experiments in breecli-loading arms, very important results liave been arrived at. Tlie ingenuity and in- vention displayed upon tbe subject are truly surprisiiig, and it is risking little to say that the arm lias been nearly, if not entirely, perfected by several of these jDlans. These arms commend themselves very strongly for their great range and accuracy of fire at long dis- tances; for the rapidity with which tliey can be fireil; and their exemption from injury by exposure to long-continued rains. With tbe best breech-loading arm, one skillful "inan would be equal to two, probably tliree, armed with the ordinary muzzle-loading gun. True policy requires that steps should be taken to introduce tliese arms gradually into our ser- vice, and to this end preparations ought to be made for tlieir manufacture in the public arsenals." As is well-known, at the commencement of our war in 1861, the Ordnance Bureau was strained to its utmost by demands for arms, and as a natural result, every opportunity was seized to secure whatever could be made of service, without special regard to any practical test or examination ; the only point being to obtain the 14 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. arms and proper ammunition. The following list will give some idea of tlie variety of American systems of breecli-loaders manufac- tured or purchased from January 1st, 1861, to June 30th, 1866. 1,509 Ballard, 1,002 Ball, 55,567 Burnside, 9,342 Cosmopolitan, 22,728 Gallagher, 1,052 Gibbs, 3,520 Halls, 11,261 Joslyn, 892 Lindner, 14,495 Merrill, 20,002 Maynard, 1,001 Palmer, 20,000 Remington, 80,512 Sharps, 30,062 Smith, 94,156 Spencer, 25,603 Starr, 4,001 Warner, 151 A¥esson. It is believed tliat the above arms were issued almost entirely to mounted troops, and the general result of their use was so satisfac- tory as to lead to the following from the Report of General Dyer, Chief of Ordnance, 1864. "The use of breech-loading arms in our service lias, with few exceptions, been confined to mounted troops. 80 far as our limited experience goes, it indicates the advisability of extending this armament to our infantry also, and this experience is corroborated by that of several foreign nations, into tlie military service of which the breech-loader has been or IS about to be introduced as the exclusive tire-arm for both cavalry and infantry. It is therefore intended to make this change of manufacture at our national armories so soon as tlie best model for a breech-loader can be established by full and tliorongh tests and trials, and the requisite modifications of tlie present machinerj' for the fabrication of that model can be made. The alteration of our present model of muzzle loading arms is also a very desirable measure, both on account of economy and improvement in the character of these arms. It is thought that they can be altered at a moderate cost and in a short time to very efficient breech-loading arms. The details for effecting both these measures will receive the early attention of this Bureau." Report of the Chief of Ordnance, 1865. " In my last report I stated thiit it was in contemplation to change the manufacture at the national armory as soon as the best model for a breecli-loading musket could be estab- lished, and that details for effecting this measure would receive the early attention of this Bureau. Extensive experiments have been made by a board of officers, and also under my direction and supervision to effect tliat object, but as yet no arm has been presented which I liave been willing to recommend for adoption. Tlie selection of a proper model is considered so important a measure, that I have preferred to act slowly and with great care in its selection rather than take a false step and have to retrace it. " I hope to be able very soon to recommend a model for your approval. A. plan for alter- ing the muzzle-loading musket into eflicient breech-loaders has been devised by the master armorer at the Springfield Armory, which appears to be superior to any other that I have seen. I have taken measures to have five thousand muskets altered to it, and will have some of them issued to troops for trial as soon as the alterations can be made." WAR DEPARTMENT. 15 Report of the Chief of Ordnance for 1800. " No arms have been manufactured at the Springfield Armory diuiii^' the past year, the operations at that post liaving been conflned to cleaning and repairing arms which -were turned in after the war, and to making the necessary preparations for converting tlie Springfield muskets into breecli-loadei's. About 5,000 muskets have been converted into efficient breech-loaders, and the conversion will be continued as fast as practicable. It is believed that two hundred of these muskets will be turned out daily in February." Report of ike Chief of Ordnance, 1808. " Reports from the army in regard to the small arms wldoli have been converted from muzzle-loaders into breech-loaders, and to the special ammunition therefor, continue to be higlily favorable to the eflSciencyand superiority of these converted arms and their ammu- nition. The work of conversion, whicli had been limited to a small number of muskets, all of which have been issued for service, has been resumed, with such improvements as experience has dictated, whicli will be applied to a further supply wliicli has been author- ized and is now in pi'eparation." Report of the Secretary of War, 1809. " The cavalrj- have been supplied with Spencer carbines and with Sharp's carbines, altered to use the musket metallic ammunition. The infanti^r, heavy artillery and engi- neers have been armed with the Springfield breech-loading rifled musket. All these arms have given great satisfaction." Report of General Sherman, 1869. " All our troops are now supplied witli breech-loading small-arms of the best kind, full} equal to any in use in foreign armies." Report of ilie Cliief of Ordnance, 1809. " The operations at the Springfield Armory have been chiefly confined to fabricating tlie necessary machines, tools and fixtures i-equired for converting the Springfield rified muskets into breech-loaders. The Springfield Armory is now adequate to the conversion of two hundred muskets per day of eight hours. The Spencer carbine continues to be regarded as a supei-ior arm by the cavalry. The altered Sharps carbine gives great satisfaction, in some respects, particularly in the ammunition, which is the same as the breech-loading musket ammunition; it is decidedly superior to tlie Spencer carbine. All the Infantry, heavy artillery and engineer troops h.ive been provided with the Springfield breech-load- ing rifled musket. Many of them have hadtliese arms for more than two years. The re- ports from the different branches of the service in all parts of the country have been highly favorable to this arm and its ammunition." "Arms now being made at Springfield Armory, it is thought, will be free from any and all the defects heretofore found. In comparison with other breech-loading arms it is con- fidently believed that this new pattern musket will stand unsurpassed." Report of the Chief of Ordnance, 1870. " The operations at the Springfield Armory have been confined chiefly to the conver- sion of Springfield rifle muskets into breech-loaders of the model of 1868, under the order of the Secretary of War to alter 50,000. Of this number, 45,500 had been altered at the end of the last fiscal year, and the order has now been completed. The armory is now occupied in manufacturing 10,000 Remington muskets for the navy; a few thousand cadet muskets to issue to colleges in pursuance of the joint resolution of Congress, approved May 4th, 1870, and about the same number of arms for competitive trial in the field, in 16 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. pursuance of the recommendations of the board of ofHcers which convened at St Louia, in obedience to General Order No. 73 of 1869, as modified by me and approved by you on the 16tli of July, 1870." " The Springfield breech-loading muskets with which the troops liave been armed for more tlian three years, continue to give satisfaction. There are about 35,000 on band of the model of 1868. It is believed that the arui is one of the very best that has been de- vised, and it is worthy of consideration whether tlie alteration of the Springfield muzzle- loading musl^ets upon this sy,stem, should not i)e resumed at once at the national armory." Beport of the Secretary of War, 1871. "Several kinds of experimental rifles and carbines, as recommended by the St. Louis board, have been manufactured at tlie Springfield Armory for comparative trial in the field. Sufficient information will doubtless be derived from the use of the experimental arms in the field, to enable a board to recommend a breech-loading system for adoption. The armament of State troops should be like that of the national forces, who now use breech-loadiug small arms." Beport of the Chief of Ordnancs, 1871. " The operations at the Springfield Armory have been confined chiefly to the conver- sion of a small number of Springfield rifle muskets into breecli-loaders for issue to troops and to the Slates and colleges; to the manufacture of 23,000 Remington rifles for the Navy Department ; and tliree or four kinds of experimental muskets and carbines, for compara- tive trial by troops in the field. Three of these systems have been put into the hands of the troops, and monthly reports are made to this Bureau upon them, as was directed by you on my indorsement of July 8th, 1870, submitting the report of the board of officers of June lOtii, 1870, of whicli Major-General Schofield was president. " It is expected that sufficient information in regard to tliese experimental arms will be derived from troops using them to warrant the appointment, — some time next summer, — of tlie board whicli is to select and recommend to the War Department a breech-loading system for adoption for the military service. It is liiglily important that this board shall act as soon as possible upon the subject, and that a breech-loading system shaU be adopted as soon as possible, and adhered to until a large number of breech-loaders can be made for the Government. Now there are less than 10,000 breech-loading muskets in the arsenals for issue. This number of muskets is not half sufficient to supply tlie States with the musicets they are now entitled to receive under their apportionment of the permanent ap- propriation for arming and equipping the militia. It is important that the arms of the States should be like those used by the Government, and I believe the States are anxious to get the same kinds of arms. For these reasons I have been anxious to furnish them, to the extent of the ability of the Department and of tlieir credits, with arms like those our troops are armed with, and I have not been willing to encourage any State in getting any other arms. This Department should, as soon as possible, be placed in a condition to fill all proper requisitions by the States upon it, and should also have on hand in store a large number of breech-loading muskets and carbines to meet any emergency that may arise. Ten years ago the country felt that not less than a million of muskets should be kept in store in the arsenals. We are making very few arms at present, and for the reason that no breech-loading arm has yet been adopted for our military service." During the fiscal year 1871, the following breech-loading arms were issued to States by the Ordnance Bureau : 6,874 Springfield breech-loading rifle muskets, calibre .60. 291 Springfield cadet breech-loading rifle muskets. STATE EEPOHTS. 17 TTie oflBcial evidence that lias been given, is a gratifying proof of the steady and consistent attention paid to the introduction of a satisfactory model of a breech-loading arm, on the part of the Ord- nance Bureau. The three systems above referred to, viz. : the Spring- field model of 1868, the Eemington and the Sharp, have been some- time in the hands of troops, and the monthly reports are being regularly forwarded to the Ordnance Department, upon the results of which will be based a permanent decision. A fourth system, the Ward-Burton, is now being manufactured at Springfield, and wUl be issued in the same manner for competition. The decision of the War Department in reference to these various systems, vrill probably be made during the present year. A special interest has been awakened in the various State mHitary organizations in reference to the introduction of breech-loading arms for service as the arm of the State militia and the National Guard. Rifle clubs are being formed, and at a meeting of the New York State Military Association, a special lecture on this subject was de- livered by Col. W. C. Church, the able editor of the Xrmy and Navy Journal. The following extracts from State Reports will indicate the feeling on this subject : Message of Oov. Glaflin of Mass., Jan. 7t7i, 1871. " Only one regiment is armed witli breech-loaders. A large proportion, if not the ■whole, of the infantry should be armed in lilie manner, if we desire to keep them prepared for effective service. The war in Europe has created such a demand for fire-arms, that their cost has materially increased; but still, careful iuquirj^ should be instituted to ascertain whether early preparation ought not to be made for arming all of onr infimtry with these new guns.'' Report of Adjt.-Oen. Cunningham, State of Mass., 1871. " The militia should be armed and equipped in the most approved manner, and in every respect equal to the troops of the United States. The infantry of the army lias been sup- plied with breech-loading muskets for the past two years. I recommend that an appro- priation be made for the purchase of a sufficient number of these muskets to arm the infantry." Message of Gov. Wasliburn, of Mass., 1873. " I am informed that $50,000 was appropriated last year for the purchase of breech-load- ing arms. As no expenditure has been made, and as the general government has now nnder advisement a plan for futnishiug the militia of all the States with a uniiorm arm of this description, I suggest the propriety of awaiting the action of the authorities at Wash- ington." 3 18 AMERICAN BEEECn-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Beport of Adji.-Gen. Townsend, State of New York, 1871. "Kow that tlie superiority of breech-loaders lias been so fully demonstrated in actual warfare, it seems to me that there should be no further delay in exchang- ing the muzzle-loading rifled muskets, with which the infantry of the National Guard is armed, for the most approved arm of the kind loading at the breech. " Referring to what is contained in my last annual report relating to this matter, I would now remark that, although I still hope that there may be recovered from the United States on account of the war claims, a sufficient sum, in excess of the special tax due from this Slate, to pay the expense of the proposed exchange of arms. There is so much unavoid- able delay iu getting those accounts settled, that I would recommend that an appropria- tion be asked for to accomplish the object at once." Beport of Oeii. Shaler, 1st Division, If. Q. S. N". Y. " I believe it to be the policy of the State to arm the National Guard with the most ap- proved weapons ; and I would, therefore, strongly recommend that this command be sup- plied with the most approved pattern of breech-loading muskets. The superiority of this weapon has been so well proven, and the efficiency of the Corps would be so much pro- moted thereby, that I hope the suggestion may meet with the consideration wkicli in my opinion it deserves." Beport of Adjt.-Gen. Stryker, State of New Jersey. " I would recommend at an early day the exchange of the muskets now in the hands of the military force of the State, for bieech-loading rifles. As, however, the War Depart- ment, on inquiry, lias not yet adopted a new arm for the regular army, it would manifestly be inexpedient for us hastily to adopt one at present. I thiuk there is no one thing would encourage the men more than an accurate, effective breech-loading weapon. At the earliest moment possible, I would urge your serious attention to this matter." Beport of Adji.-Gen. Burrell, Stale of Pennsylvania, 1870. "By direction of your Excellency, in the month of August last, I called the attention of the Cliief of Orduauce of the War Department to the quota of aims due Pennsylvania, and after the necessary preliminary correspondence, drew, on your requisition on the Ord- nance Department, 4,500 Springfield breech-loading rifle muskets, model of 1868. These guns have been distributed as indicated by law, ' in such manner as in the judgment of the Commauder-in-Chief would most effectually subserve the military interests and neces- sities of the Commonwealth.' " Annual Beport of Adjt.-Oen. Allen, State of California. " The application of the breech-loading principle to small-arms has marked a new era in the science of war. This great improvement, which threatens to revolu- tionize tactics and modify the principles of strategy, has been accepted with a promptitude and unanimity remarkable in view of military conservatism, and indicative of the unqualified appreciation of its merits. Since the various exliibitions of the superior- ity of this improved arm, it has been adopted by a number of the States, and already tlie several European governments have either adopted the new system, or are making prepara- tions for the conversion of old arms, or the substitution of new ones. The regular army of the United States is being rapidly armed with guns converted into breech-loaders. " It is to be hoped that your E.xcellency, seeing the importance of these facts, and through you the Legislature, will cause to be constituted a board of oflicers by Legislative action to determine the most efficient arm for the use of the National Guard. °In view of the importance of a speedy adoption of a new armament for the National Guard, it is earnestly recommended that a special appropriation be made for the conversion of at 'least five thou- sand during the next year." OEDNANCE BEPOETS. 19 American invention and genius has been largely directed towardp the production of a simple form of a breech-loading small arm. Prior to 1860 there had been less than two hundred patents taken out for this purpose ; from 1860 to 1871 this had increased to the large number of over seven hundred, more than quadruple the inventions of all the rest of the world in the same direction. It may be as well to remark here that with the single exception of the needle-gun, every arm on a breech-loading system used in Europe is of American origin, both in its principle and application ; a large portion being of American manufacture. 1880. In this continuation of the history of inventions and improvements in the manufacture of fire-arms, it is desirable to show the energy shown, and advance made, by the Ordnance Department of the United States, and by the various states in the adoption of recent inventions, and the general adaptation of all breech-loading arms to one calibre, and for that reason the following extracts are made from the reports of the Chief of Ordnance and the State Adjutant Generals : Report of Chief of Ordnance, 1872. "Arms apon the system adopted ought to be manufactured without delay, in quantities suf- ficient to supply the entire army with them, and fill requisitions for the militia; and it is earn- estly recommended that liberal appropriations may be made to enable this department to man- ufacture, from year to year, a sufficient number to accumulate a reserve for the exigencies of war. In the adoption of an arm for the military service, it should be the policy of the Govern- ment to determine and fix upon the best arm that can be had for present manufacture, and to be provided in quantities for future emergencies, and retained as the standard arm only so long as none more perfect and efficient as a military weapon has been Invented. The object of this department is, and has been, to secure for the army and militia the very best military arm that the inventive genius of the age can devise." Report of Chief of Ordnance, 1873. " The Springfield Armory is now engaged in the manufacture of rifles and carbines on the new model for the military service. * * * * It is not presumable that the new system of breech-loader selected after such exliaustive tests of all inventions brought before the world, will soon be superseded by any more valuable and efficient system ; and it is a grave question of public policy, deserving serious consideration, whether the new arm that has been adopted, after such intelligent and careful trial by a competent board, ought not to be manufactured in such quantities for a reserve supply in case of war, as will place us in this part of our national arm- ament on a footing with other first-class powers." 20 AMERICAN BKEECH-LOADXNG SMALL ARMS. Report of Secretary of War, 1874. " Every nation that aspires to the dignity of a first-class power, has cast aside its obsolete mnzzle-loadiu- arms, and at immense cost has been, and is, providing newest and most ap- proved models l.v hundreds of thoasands. The sadden occurrences that end in war, and the startling rapldit,' with which wars are waged and terminated, demand complete preparation in time of "peace. With ns the want of a large standing army can only be compensated by keep- ing on hand, ready for any emergency, a complete supply of every description of war ma- terial." Report of Chief of Ordnance, 1874. " The production of rifles and carbines upon the adopted plan, has been pushed forward at the National Armory with energy and success, and the new arms issued to the troops will, no doubt, give great satisfaction." Report of Chief of Ordnance, 1876. " That a better arm than the Springfield may some day be invented is not at all improbable, and a magazine-gun will no doubt be the arm of the future, but until such an one suitable for our military service has been perfected and approved, a reserve stock of Springfield is a ne- cessity." Report of Chief of Ordnance, 1877. " The rifle issued to the army and the militia, compares favorably with the best breech- loader either here or abroad. Tliis was conclusively sliown recently in the ' inter-state military match ' at Creedmoor. In tlie hands of the California team from General McComb's brigade, the score made is said never to have been equaled in a military team match. It is an arm that may not be superseded for many years to come, and if it be obliged to yield to one of superior merit, the effect will not be to render it obsolete, but to make it secondary to one using the same cartridge, but having greater rapidity of fire, so that the present single breech-loader will always be a powerful weapon, even wlien compared with tlie possible magazine-gun of the future. We cannot be wrong then in laying up a reasonable supply of these, therefore, especially as tlie magazine-gun that may some day lie adopted for army service, may require years of in- vention and imjirovements to reach that degree of simplicity in its mechanical arrangements necessary to render it suitable for the soldier." Report of Chief of Ordnance, 1878. " The present approved arm cannot be rendered wortliless by tlie introduction of an improved weapon, because as long as small-arms are fired from the shoulder, and the propelling force is gunpowder, the calibre of gun and dimensions of cartridge, new regulation, will not be changed, and the improvements will only consist in more rapid manipulation and increased rapidity of fire." Report of Chief of Ordnance, 1879. " During the last fiscal year, tliere were manufactured at the National Armory 20,08.5 Springfield rifles, and under the law authorizing it, 1,000 of the e.xperimental Hotchkiss ma'i-a- zine rifles. Tlie former have been produced at a much loss cost than heretofore, owing to the increased number manufactured and the improvement of tlie plans employed, and as there is now available a larger appropriation than usual for the present year, it is confidently expected that the cost will yet be further reduced in the future." STATE EEPORTS. 21 Report of AdJKtaiU-General of Conn. " The perfection to which the breecli-Ioadiag musket with metallic cased cartridge has been brouglit, and its enormous efficiency compared with the muzzle-loader, liave caused a revolu- tion in modern tactics." »**«■« * "A good deal of interest lias been manifested by the members of the National Guard, in perfecting themselves in the use of the breecb-loading rifles, by frequent target practice." Report of Adjutant-General of Georgia. " The breech-loading rifle has been in use by most of the Georgia Voluuteers for a number of years, and has afforded general satisfaction." Report of Adjutant- General of Michigan. " During the American civil war and since, the demand for superior arms, both for this and other nations, has increased, and their manufacture in this country has been proportionately enlarged, and with such improvements that the American arms need only to be brought into contrast with those of European make, to fuUy establish their superiority." Report of Adjutant- General of California. " The application of the breech-loading principles to small arms has marked a new era in the science of war. This great improvement, which threatens to revolutionize tactics and modify the principles of strategy, has been accepted with a promptitude and unanimity remarkable in view of military conservatism, and indicative of the unqualified appreciation of its merits." * * * *** «-»«»« "X have made frequent trials of all patterns of breech-loading arms to test their accuracy, force, range, and their rapidity of fire, as also tlie coraparati\e use- fulness of these arras with the old style, and have demonstrated that the improved breech-loadei- can be loaded and discharged with facility twenty times in a minute, while the old muzzle-load- ing arm can only be fired three times in a minute and that with considerable labor, as com pared with the new." be H m >^ xn O W CHAPTER II. THE PEABODT SYSTEM. The record of this arm entitles it to a front rank among the pre ductions of American industry. The inventor, Henry O. Peabody, of Boston, an active and tlioughtful mechanic, laad his attention first directed to the subject of breech-loading arms at the com- mencement of the war. After careful labor and study he worked out the original idea of the mechanism of the Peabody gun, which is to-day, as he made it, unimproved and unchanged, the first and only patent in the United States, having been taken out July 22d, 1862. Since its origin, this arm has been manufactured and con- trolled by the Providence Tool Company, of Rhode Island, who have spared no expense in machinery and workmen to produce an arm complete and satisfactory in all its parts, and with a capacity sufiicient to turn out 10,000 guns per month. The interests of this system have been represented in this country and Europe by Mar- shall P. Benton, Esq., of New York City, through whose kindness and attention the following facts have been obtained. The arm was presented to the United States Army Board, assembled at Springfield in January, 1865, to examine it, together with sixty-four other systems of breech-loading fire-arms. The severe practical tests instituted by the Board soon reduced this large number to eight, and then to four. The character of these experiments was such as the exigencies of actual service might re- quire, and comprised trials for strength, accuracy and penetration. The mechanism was also allowed to rust, and afterwards covered with sand. The eight arms selected from the sixty-five systems, were exposed to variable weather for ten days and daily drenched with water. The weather during this period was so cold as to cover the guns with snow and ice, and again so warm as to remove both by a sudden thaw. 24 AMEEICAK BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Tliey were also dried suddenly by exposure to a very Mgli tem- perature. After this test tlie four best arms, comprising the Pea- body, were selected and iired with heavy charges, sixty grains of powder and three balls, each ball Aveighing four hundred and fifty grains. The charges were gradually increased to eighty grains of powder and five balls without injury to the Peabody rifle, the only arm which successfully passed the ordeal. A cha]-ge of one hun- dred and twenty grains of powder and five balls was subsequently used in the Peabody arm with the same result. The Board who had witnessed these experiments recommended the Peabody gun for military service. The report concludes as follows: " Having examined and tested all of the breech-loading arms submitted for their consideration, the Board recommend the breech-loading arm known as Peabody' s." Signed by Major T. T. S. Laidley, Ordnance Department, ''Major J. G. Benton, " Major H. E. Maynadier, 12th U. S. Infantry, "Capt. J. D. O'Connell, 14th " Capt. J. H. Kellogg, 1st U. S. Cavalry, "Capt. T. F. Kodenbough, 2dU. S. " "First Lieut. J. R. Edie, Ordnance Department. The war having closed during the session of this Board, the Gov- ernment did not find it necessary to act at once upon the report, and the Chief of Ordnance, General A. B. Dyer, under date of July 12th, 1866, states "the necessity for the immediate selection of a model having ceased to exist with the termination of hostilities, further ac- tion was suspended with the view of ascertaining whether additional improvements in some of the arms which had been tried might not be made. It is contemplated to have a further trial of the arms wluch were deemed the best." On the 10th of March, 1868, another Board, convened by order of the Secretary of AVar, met at Washington, its duties being the se- lection of the best breech-loading system for new arms, and also the best system for the conversion of the Springfield muzzle-loaders to breech-loaders. Over sixty arms were presented for examination and trial, many of these being special systems for conversion. The tests made by this Board were similar in character and identical in result with those carried out by the Springfield Board. The details THE PEABODT SYSTEM. 25 of the report of this Board Avere not officially announced, "but it is stated that their deliberations were terminated by an oi'der from the Secretary of War, requiring the report to be siibniitted on the 4th of June. A recommendation was made for a system of conversion of the Springfield rifle, thot being the immediate object of the trial. The credit for superiority was awarded to the Peabody arm by this Board, which was composed of the following officers : Major-Gen eral Winfield Scott Hancock, U. S. A. Brevet Major- General E.. C. Buchanan, Col. 1st Infantry, " Brigadier-General P. V. Hagner, Col. Ordnance, " " " Charles Griffin, Capt. 5th Artillery, " Colonel J. G. Benton, Major Ordnance, " " Horace Porter, Capt. " Lieut. -Col. Wesley Owens, 5th Cavalry, " C. C. Parsons, First Lieut. 4th Artillery. With reference to calibre the Chief of Ordnance stated, "The Board did not recommend any particular calibre." The report was partially acted upon, and a number of muzzle-loaders were converted according to the system recommended. The more important subject of the adoption of a new breech-loading arm was resumed on the appointment of a third Board to meet at St. Louis, Mo. This Board made a report under date of June 10th, 1870, giving a decision in favor of six different systems of breechdoading arms, among which the Peabody arm was not included. The decision of this Board was disapj)roved by the Chief of Ord- nance in the following language: "The opinion expressed by the Board in regard to the relative merits of the several breech-loading systems for small arms is not wholly concurred in by this Bureau ; and is not, it is thought, sustained by the record of the proceed- ings which accompanies this report, which shows that serious de- fects existed in the Remington arms not observable in the Spring- field or the Sharps, such as frequent failures to explode the car- tridges, occasional sticking of the empty shell in the chamber, and the difficulty of moving the hammer and breech-block after firing with heavy charges. The first two of these defects, and also the objection arising from the arm being loaded only at a full-cock, have been brought to 4 26 AMERICAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL AEMS. the notice of this Bureau by the commanding officers of all com- panies using this arm. These defects show that the Remington arm should not be adopted before being thoroughly tested in ser- vice." To this is subjoined the endorsement of the War Department as follows: "The recommendations of the Chief of Ordnance are ap- proved by the Secretary of War. Signed Ed. Schriver, Inspector- General," under date of July 16th, 1870. In consequence of these contradictory results, a fourth Board, it is officially stated, will be convened during the present year to take into further consideration the question of the adoption of breech-loading arms for the United States army. Against the decision of the St. Louis Board the proprie- tors of the Peabody issued a protest, which, as belonging to the history of this arm, is quoted nearly in full. After recapitulating the decisions of the two Boards preceding, the protest continues : These deliberate and formal opinions of two boards in favor of the Peabody pun, might appear conclusive of the merits of tliat arm. But at this juncture persons who had anx- iously urged the adoption of another system, succeeded in securing the appointment of a board of naval officers, for tlie purpose of reporting upon the merits of small arms. This board consisted of the following persons: Captain William Reynolds, President of the Board, Commander S. Nicliolson, Commander K. R. Breese, Captain McLane Tilton, U. S. Marines, Second Lieutenant George C. Reid, TJ. S. Marines, Recorder No considerable publicity was given to the fact of the appointment of this board, and tlw manufacturers of the Peabody gim knew nothing of its existence until their deliberations were nearly concluded. No opportunity was afforded the makers to present the Peabody system to this board, and their report was made with no sample of the arm having been before them. The board naturally recommended the adoption of the Remington system for the naval sei'vice. A third army board was ordered on the 23d of October, 1869, and the members of it were M;ijor-General J. M. Schofield, Brevet Brigadier-General J. H. Potter, Lieutenant-Colonel Fourth Infantry, Brevet Major-General Wesley Merritt, Lieutenant-Colonel Ninth Cavaliy, Major James Van Voast, Eighteenth Infantry, Brevet Colonel John. Hamilton, Major First Artillery. In the General Order convening this board, it was ordered as follows : This board will act in conjunction with a board of naval ofl3cers, and endeavor, if pos- sible, to adopt small arms of a pattern and calibre suitable to both branches of the semce, with common ammunition and parts interchangeable. The Navy Department, however, appears to liave ignored the action ©f the War-OiBce, having already adopted the Remington system and ordered 10,000 guns to be made.' Admiral Porter says: " Tlie naval officers were invited to attend as a matter of courtesy, and the results of the board will affect only the army." Under the orders of the War De- partment, IJuirefore, the St. Lojiis board was called upon to endeavor if possible to adopt the same arm already adopted by the Navy Department. The deliberations of the board seem to have been hurried, and their conclusion was quickly and easily made. In their report they al- THE PEABODY SYSTEM. 27 together ignore five different models of the Peabody system submitted for trial. In fine, they not only did not recommend the Peabody for adoption, but agreed so little with the opinion of their predecessors, as to place it behind several otlier arms known to com- mittees, but only known to be discarded ; for not one of the guns so recommended, ex- cept the Remington, has been actually introduced in any army whatever as the standard service rifle. This decision against tlie Peabody proves toomurh- for not only have two United States boards decided in its favor as tlie best arm for muitary service, but all of the committees of Europe have, after long trial, placed !t m the very first rank of breech- loaders ; several have recommended it to their governments for adoption (the English committee accepting it witli only the modification made in it by M. Martini), and it lias been actually adopted in the armies of Switzerland, Rouraania, Canada, Spain and Cuba, and now forms a large proportion of the armament of the two countries first named. In addition to these the manufacturers of the Peabody gun have had the first refusal of the orders of several otlier countries, which offers were declined for business reasons. It will not, therefore, seem strange that the manuiiicturers of the Peabody aim believe themselves to have been unjustly treated by the board in question, especially as Major- General Dyer, Chief of Orduance, not only strongly disapproves of the conclusion of the Board, but declares that such conclusion was not only unwarranted by the facts elicited by the trial, but, on the showing of the report of the board, was directly opposed to tliem. That his severe censure was amply deserved, may be seen from the following extracts from the committee's report; Remington arm tested for endurance : First hundred rounds — One cartridge failed to ignite ; cases extracted with difBoulty. Second series — One cartridge failed to ignite ; distance between extreme shots, 34 inches. Third series — Six cartridges failed to explode; distance between extreme shots, 68 inches. Fourth series — Six cartridges failed to ignite ; balls ranged wild. Fifth series — Five cartridges failed to explode ; shots all over the target The arm woi'ked well. Many of the cases were drawn with difficulty ; tlie main spring worked with much friction on the hammer ; and small particles of iron were found in the breech-mechanism ; barrel much fouled and leaded. While thus specifying the points which prove conclusively that the gun did not work well, the board states that it did work well. In the face of these facts, tlie manufacturers of the Peabody rifle ask why three boards were necessaiy before a verdict against the Peabody could be obtained ? What were the excellences of the arm now preferred, and the defects of the Peabody, which two boards failed to discover, and which at this late day have caused a reversal of their decision by a third ? Why was a naval board invited to assist informally at the deliberations of the army board, the former composed only of known supporters of the Remington system ? Let these questions be answered. But whether they are answered or not, the manu- facturers of the Peabody arm — in view, 1. Of the favorable decision of the two United States army boards, after a long and ex- haustive series of trials, in which the Remington was an unsuccessful competitor ; 2. Of the testimony of the committees of Europe to the superiority of the Peabody arm; 3. Of the actual adoption of this arm in the countries before named ; and 4. Of the evidence of the good opinion entertained of it by other countries, in giviug to the Peabody manufacturers the first refusal of orders— maintain that they are fully justified in protesting against the decision of the St. Louis committee, and in continu- ing to claim for the Peabody rifle one of the first places, if not the vcjt first place, among modern breech-loading arms. PROVIDENCE TOOL COMPANY, JOHN B. ANTHONY, Treasurer. Providence, R. I., U. S. A., September 20tli, 1879. Above published in the U. 8. Army and Navy Journal, September 24th, 1870. In justice to the Peabody arm, a statement is here given of the 28 AMEEICATSr BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. character of the defects alleged to have been developed by this Committee, as vsoU be perceived from the following extracts from their report : I. " The Peabody rifle (Spanish moaef), calibre .43, sent by Providence Tool Company, was dismounted, examined and found to consist of sixty parts. II. " The arm was fired with the Berdan cartridge for accuracy. Target Record, No. 1. The sixth and seventh cases were not ejected by the extractor, aud were forced out by the ramrod. III. " The arm was fired for rapidity. Time for twenty-three shots, four minutes. The oases generally being extracted with difBcultjr. IV. " Arm tested for endurance. Cases did not extract easily. The greater portion of them were removed with a screw-driver. Twelve cases were forced out with a rammer. The eases were scored near the base and cartridges did not jit the chamber. Tlis test was therefore discontinued." This explanation as to the difhculty in loading and extracting the shells is certainly conclusive, but it is to be regretted that on this account this model should have been put aside, as such action appears to be irreconcilable with a purpose to arrive at the true merits of the arm under consideration, and with the duty of the committee. By comparison with reports of the performances of the Peabody gun before other committees, the number of shots obtained before this board was remarkably small, being only 5.3 shots per minute as against 27 shots per minute before the Connecticut Board, and 25 shots in the same time when tested before the official Boards of New York and Massachusetts. The number given by the St. Louis Board, has been largely exceeded by every other committee of which there is a record. In other respects, the results arrived at by this Board are at variance with those obtained elsewhere and with the experience of seven years in the practical operation of the arm. In Europe the Peabody has been extensively introduced, and has re- ceived the highest encomiums. After exhaustive trials of all avail- able breech-loading arms extending over a year, the Swiss Com- mittee selected the Peabody as superior to all of its competitors, and despatched Captain Michel of the Swiss Ordnance Corps to the manufacturers in this country, with an order for the immediate com- THE PEABODY SYSTEM. 29 pletion of 15,000 of these arms of .41 calibre, with rim-fire ammmu- nition. This order was filled promptly, and obtained for the arm a wide reputation, principally on account of the high standing of the Swiss in every detaU connected with small arms. The action of Switzer- land was soon followed by Denmark, which government despatched officers to the United States for the purpose of contracting for the Peabody arm, but the terms not being acceptable to the manu- facturers, negotiations were abandoned. The Government of Eoumania also sent Captain Dabija of the artillery to this country, who brought an order for 15,000 Pea- body rifles, which gave such entire satisfaction that the order was supplemented soon after by an additional one for 10,000, of .45 calibre, brought over by Captain Demetresco, who was under orders to superintend the construction of the arms, which were adapt- ed to use the centre-fire cartridge. Orders amounting to about 24,000 have also been received from Cuba, Canada and Mexico, where the arms have been for several years in actual service in the field. The French Government has also endorsed the Peabody arm by orders to the extent of 39,000, mostly of calibre .43, using a centre- fire cartridge. The reports which have been received fully testify to the efficiency of the arm in the hands of troops in the field, thus corroborating the favorable reports of the several Boards and Committees upon whose recommendation it was adopted and issued for service. In several of the European nations considerations of price and a desire to foster home industry, has prevented the adop- tion of the Peabody arm, but even there they have cheerfully acknowledged its merits, as the following reports fuUy indicate : REPORT on a trail made at tlie ^Manufacture Royale d' Armes' (at Liege, Belgium) with a Peahody musket of calibre 11 inillim. (0.43 1-4 inch) disposed for Boxer cartridges : The arm. is ijresented by Mr. H. Keuard, representatiye of the inventoi-. The cartridge (central tire,) is manufactured at the G-OYernment P^'roteclmic establishment at Antwerp, the lead weighs 24 1-3 grams (378 1-2 grains), and the charge is 5 grams (77 1-4 grains) of infantry powder. THE TKIAL COJITKISBS : 1. A shooting at 100 metres (328 feet) to appreciate the precision. 2. A shooting at 100 metres, to estimate the penetration. 3. A quick shooting. PBECISION. The marksman of tlio Manufacture Royal fired twenty rounds from a rest; the result is shown in the copy of the target : PENETBATION. Eleven planks of white wood (poplar), had been placed at a distance of 100 metres (338 80 AMEEIOAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL AEM8. feet), pach plank having a thickness of 35 milimetres (0.9S inch), with a similar distance of 25 millim. between each of them. Seven rounds were fired : The 7 halls went through the first G planks. g The cartridges were passed to the marksman by a soldier placed at his right side. Not- withstanding some difficulty to introduce the cartridges, owing to the circumstance tliat the chamber of the barrel had not the exact dimensions required, the sergeant of the manufactory obtained seventeen rounds iu the minute ; fifteen balls struck the target. The working of the mechanism was examined after the trials. It acted regularly. The automatic extraction of the discharged cartridge shell was perfect; not a single car- tridge missed fire, and no signs of dirt were found in the breech-piece. (Signed) COUSTURIER, Captain Commandant, and Fresident of the Commission. (Signed) TERSSEN, Inspector of Arms. (Signed) De GHESELLE, Captain, Reporter. Royal Danish Legation and Consulate General, ) New York, 15th October, 18GG. f To the President of the Providence Tool Company, Providence, R. I. Sir: His Danish Majesty's Government has instructed me to communicate to you the report on the Pcabody Gun, made by the Royal Commission for examining and trying ex- periments with breech-loading arms. "REPORT: The breech-loading system of the Peabody gun is simple and convenient, and under the whole firing its mechanism has acted very satisfactory. It was subjected to the following trials: 1. 100 shots from rest, distance COO feet 2. 75 quick shots, with and without rests, distance 400 feet 3. Three days later; 25 shots from rest, distance GOO feet 4. 210 shots at target, distance 200 to 2,400 feet- During these trials the gun was not cleaned. Incessant quick firing did not influence the hitting quality, and the mechanism continued to act perfectly to the last shot 13 shots were fired iu one minute. No change was perceptible iu the different trials; good hitting shots were obtained at a distance of 2,400 feet. The Commission, composed of the officers of the Royal Artillery, close their report thus : The Pcabody gun, has, on the whole, given a very satisfactory result, and must be considered the best single shot breech-loadiug weapon, with which copper cartridges are used. I have the honor to be. Your obedient servant, (Signed) H. DOLLUER, Charge de Affairs, ad inter, and Acting Consul General. REPORT on a trial made with three Peabody rifles at the Ilague, Holland, on \Wi of March, 18G7, in presence of the Commission for selecting breech-loaders. The arms presented by Mr. H. Rcnard, of Liege, representative of the Providence Tool Company, R. I., are of the calibre of 11 m. 4 (45-100 inch), but their chambers are of difl"er- cnt dimensions. The chamber of Musket No. 1 (manufactured at Liege) is disposed for centre-fire Boxer cartridges, charged with 5 grammes (17 1-4 grains of powder) ; that of Muskets No. 2 and THE PEABODY 8TSTEM. 31 3 for metallic cartridges with rim-fire, and charges of respectively 8 gr. 88 (GO grains) and 4 gr. 53 (70 grains). The trials, made in one single sitting, comprised, 1. A shooting to appreciate accnracy. 2. Another to test rapidity. 3. One with filed cartridges and heavy charges. 4. One with dirt in the block. Precision, at 300 metres (984 feet). A sergeant fired 20 shots from rest, with 60 grains cartridges. (Diagram A, accompanying original report.) And other 20 shot, equally from rest, with 70 grains cartridges. (Diagram B, also accompanying original report.) 2. Quick shooting at 300 metres, (084 feet.) The sergeant fired 20 shots with gun No. 2 in 3 minutes and 15 seconds, from the shoulder, the cartridges being placed in an outside pocket of the man's coat. It must be remarked that the shooter did not know the arm, and that one shot missed fire. 3. Filed cartridges and heavy charges. With gun No. 1, one Boxer cartridge filed and cut at the rim, so as to cause its bursting, was fired. The escape of gas was considerable, but the mechanism remained closed, and the shooter was not molested. One shot was then fired with grammes (93 1-3 grains) powder and two balls (loaded from the muzzle), and another with 8 grammes (123 1-3 grains) and 3 balls. At these shots the bottom of the cartridge shell was completely torn, and there was a great escape of gas and smoke ; the mechanism remained intact, and the .shooter was in no way molested. 4 Shooting with obstructed breech lock. The mechanism was filled with sand, and tlie sergeant, after having more or less cleaned it with bis fingers, shot three rounds. The mechanism operated quite conveniently. The Hague, 11th March, 1807. The Lieuienani- General, President of the Commission, (Signed,) HAPPB. TJie Captain, Secretary of the Commission. (Signed,) SMISSAERT. SPAiroAU, Prussia, 5th September, 1867. To Messrs. James B. McDonald & Co., Hamlmrg, Representatives Providence Tool Company, in Europe: Gentlemen: — By order of the War- Otfice, dated August 37th, we take the liberty to communicate you the results of the experiments made with the two Peabody Guns, Musket and Carbine, which you sent to the Department of War, by transmitting you here- with an extract of our report to the Royal Artillery Department. Said report speaks, at first, of the construction of the gun. The manipulation of loading is simple, and equally easy to the soldier, in standing upright or in laying down. The mechanism, leaving the percussion-lock out of consideration, is solid, and independent of the etfects of moisture in the atmosphere. After fourteen days trial, in changing weather, during which time only the barrel was cleaned, the inside of the breech-block showed only some rast, which prevented, however, in no way, the regular movement of the same. The explosion failed hardly ever in the Peabody gun. Amongst 700 to 800 shots, there was only a single failure, but when this cartridge was turned it exploded likewise. The connection between the barrel and stock and mechanism is sufficiently secured, and no -fears are to be entertained that the gun, if used for fighting instead of shooting, will be broken easier than a gun, the stock of which is made of one piece. As to the ammunition for the Peabody gun, which has proved itself very satisfactory, it may be mentioned that eight cartridges deposited, for twenty-three days of the most changeable weather of the spring, into the free air, showed no increase of weight, and lost only little of their explosive power, while eight cartridges, deposited for nearly four days, into water, weighed three " cent' " a piece more than before. These latter cartridges had kept their capacity of igniting, but lost their explosive power almost entirely. If it is required, by means of the copper cartridge, to establish a safe closure, which is always renewed, it appears that the Peabody cartridge has been perfectly successful in this 32 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. point. EveD after a great number of shots, neither a bursting of the shells, nor an obstruc- tion of the mechanism by dirt, came to our notice. As to the shooting capacity of the gun, -we found tlie following results: (The results, for Accuracy, Penetration and Trajectory, are not copied here, because the figures are not given in English measure, nor are they clearly understood.) Rapidity.— Repeated experiments showed thirteen shots by average, and fifteen shots as a maximum, per minute, with twelve hits, on the common small target, at 400 paces dis- tance, cartridges given to the marksman, who is a master of his art. Regarding the carbine ; it agrees in the principle with the musket, and therefore most of what is said of the musket might be applied to the carbine also. We resume our report, mike words that the Peahody gun, musket as well as carbine, are weapons perfectly adapted for military scriice. The Directors of the Military Shooting School, (Signed,) VON KALINOVSK Y, Major and Director. VON ANNEZTSKY, Captain and Member. PEERS EN, Captain and Member. MEINHARD, First Lieutenant. HENTSDEN, First Lieutenant. mPERIAIi EOTAL BBEBCH-LOADING AKJIS COMMISSION, OF ATJSTBIA. Besulls of the trials with the breech-loadiiig arm, system "Peabody." The trials with the Peabody arm were conducted in two series, according to the quantity of ammunition on hand ; 1883 rounds in all being fired. The fiist of these two series consisted in : a. Firing for accuracy ; b. Filing for rapidity ; c. A series of rounds solely for testing the durabilitj' of the breech ; d. Firing with cartridges purposely damaged. The second of the two series consisted in a further testing of the breech, as to its etfl- ciency, under a variety of circumstances, 1371 rounds in all being fired. e. A series of rounds during which the recoil was measured, and rapidity of fire re- peated, noted, and finally, /. Firing for accurac}', at targets respectively at a distance of 300 and GOO yards, in order to compare the accuracy of the firing during u large number of rounds, with the results obtained m the beginning of the trial. "With reference to a. The firing for accuracy in the first series was commenced on the 18th of September, 1800, and consisted in, 32 shots at a target, distance 300 3'ards. 30 " " " " GOO " The results obtained are shown in accompanying diagrams of targets 1 and 2. With reference to b. Firing for rapidity was conducted both with aiming from a rest, and from the shoulder without a rest. In the first manner fourteen shots in one minute were fired, the cartridges having been placed on a table near the marksman. Of these shots nine bullets struck the target, the same being 8' square. In firing from the shoulder thirty-two shots were fired in two minutes. The cartridges, in this case, were also placed on a table. With reference to c. Besides the 108 shots above referred to, the following were fired from the Peabody gun, solely for the purpose of testing the breech : 24 shots in 1 series, on the 18tli September; 160 " " 5 " of 33 rounds ca,, 'i' 401 ^ ,, a 1 II I °° ^'^"^ ~-^^' September ; 160 " " 5 " of 33 rounds each, on the 33d of September, 1866. The firing in the single series was continued without intermission, and the pausebetween the series was only long enough to enable the gun to cool. During these 401 rounds as THE PEABODT SYSTEM. 33 well as during tho 108 before menlioned, or together 509 rounds, the breech operated per- fectly well, and had complclcly retained its easy movement, altliongh the gun liad not been cleaned during tlie wliole course of the trial. In short, no difficulty or objection had presented itself during the various series. Tlic breecli-apparatus performed its functions with perfect etBciency, only when loading, it was necessary to insert the cartridge com- pletely into its cliamber, as otherwise the closing of the breech would be impossible and the carlridge would be liable to be deformed in cafe the breech-piece sliould be brou-ht up with a violent motion. Of the 509 shots meniioned, 1 here was one misfire, but this canridge also exploded after having been slightly turned in its chamber. The cartridge cases were not injured by firing, and no escape of gas took place. After the fourth dav of the trial the gun was taken apart and examined ; some rust was found on the barrel, and a deposit from the powder-smoke in some parts of the breech, but the easy movomen'i of the breech- apparatus was not in any manner affected. The gun was now cleaned, and firiun- con- tinued. ° With reference to d. Firing with cartridges purposely injured was commenced, in order to learn the effect upon the breech consequent upon tho bursting of a carlridge case, re- specting the damage to be apprehended from escape of gas to the marksman. To this end, the gun was screwed on a rest, and two shots were fired with cartridges which had been filed and slightly split. The effect of these shots was, that iho base of the carlridge was almost entirely lorn off, the gas escaped upwards and downwards, lore and scorciied a paper which had been adjusted over the breech, and about four to five inches from it. The breech, however, rcmaiucU without anyinjury, and was covered only with a slight deposit of powder smoke. In tlie second series, the following trials are made with the Peabody gun: With reference to e. On the I81I1 of October, 1806: 330 shots, in 10 series of 33 shots, 63 " " 2 " " 81 " 30 " " 1 " 64 " " 1 •• 5 " « 1 " the latter for the purpose of measuring the recoil in tha measuring apparatus, which showed a mean of 41.(5 pounds. There were seven misfires but all the seven cartridges exploded upon being slightly turned. After each series of rounds, the barrel was cooled by pouring water upon it. The last 164 shots were fired with greased bullets, by which the somewhat irregular effect, wliich had been observed with ungreased bullets, was obviated. At the termination of the firing the breech was opened, and water poured into it, and without being cleaned, was put aside until the next trial, which took place on the 19th of October, 18GG. The gun was examined before being fired, and was found to be somewhat clogged with rust, powder dirt, and hard grease, but the breech worked with its usual facihty. The gun was then again put together and firing recommenced, as follows : 59 shots in 1 series ; 256 " 8 " of 33 shots ; 64 " 1 " aiming from a rest in 6' 3" ; 33 " rapid firing without aiming, in 1' 5". The gun from which, in two days, 893 shots had been fired without cleaning, was now examined, and the middle of the barrel was found somewhat covered with powder dirt. In the breech was also powder dirt, but the grease wliich had been dissolved from the firing, had lubricated the breech parts, and dissolved the rust. The breech worked with perfect facility. Before continuing firing, the gun was cleaned. * On the 20tli of October, 1866, the trials with the Peabody wore continued with greased cartridges. 138 -shots were fired in 4 series of 33 shots, without any difficulty. During the last trial, the marksman was provided with an American cartridge-box or pouch, contain- ing 33 cartridges. 33 shots were fired from the pouch in 3' 45", without a rest, but aiming at the target, being 13 shots per minute. Further, then were fired, 159 shots, in four series ; 64 " " one " At the beginning, and during these 5 481 4in 34 AMEEIOAN BREEOH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. rounds a quantity of dirt was thrown into the breech. After each time tho breech opened wUl somelhat Le difficulty than usual, but at the second or tl.ir round ;t recov-ed^^^^ regular easy movement. Daring the first series on this day, tests were made o prove whether, if the cartridge be inserted while the hammer is down, the cartridge wdl not ex- ; de u^on closing theVeech. This did not take place. It was also found ato.ss>ble, and without damage, to fire the gun at exactly the same moment that it was closed. 1 he gun out of .^hicli 1,754 shots had now been fired was again covered with dirt, and was ex- posed to the damp night air, until the following day, for continuing trial, name y : On the 22d of October, 1866. Upon examining the Peabody gun, which had been lelt in the condition above described, it was found, that although the breech was partially covered with rust, and completely clogged with dirt, it was still capable of performing its functions with perfect eflSciency, tliough a somewhat greater force was necessary to operate it. Hereupon, the following shots were fired: _ 64 shots, in one series, in order to compare the results with those obtamed m the early stage of the trial for accuracy. With reference to/. 33 shots, at a target 300 yards distant; 33 " " " 600 " " Tho very satisfactory results, as to accuracy, obtained, are shown in the accompany- ing diagrams of target No. 3 and 4 After the first few shots, the breech apparatus had recovered its smooth movement, and continued to operate thus throughout. Upon taking tho gun apart, and examining it, after 1,883 shots had been fired, no alteration or injury of any part of the breech could be discovered. With this trial, the tests with the Peabody gun were concluded, which, with good cartridges, has been found to answer every requii-ement for a military arm. (Signed) ARCH DUKE WILHELM, Vienna, January 6, 1867. Lieutenant- aeneral. I herewith confirm with pleasure that the 15,000 Peabody guns of 10 1-3 millimetres calibre, purchased by the War Department of Switzerland from the Providence Tool Company's Armory in the United States, have given full satisfaction in the hands of the troops, regarding the accuracy of shooting, as well as regarding their solidity and the working of the mechanism, (Signed) WURSTEMBERGER, Beknb, Switzerland, 26th August, 1870. Col ^3 , ,^ C ^ o >> pi o O d • r^ & •rH •eta lO 'V C CO O OS '^ Hcl ^[^ H-+* -^-^ C5 C-l 00 CO O" ^ 00 cu bo hO <1) a fl ^ >^ ^ r« PEABODY-MAKTINI SYSTEM. 57 1880. THE PEABODY-MARTINI RIFLE. Since 1872, the year of the publication of the first edition of this book, no rifles of the distinctive " Peabody " model have been manufactured. The system is, however, at the present time more prominently before the world than ever before, as the basis of the Peabody-Martini rifle, the weapon which has made such an excellent record in the hands of Turkish troops during the late Kusso-Turkish war, and which is universally pronounced to be the foremost military rifle of the world. The modification of the Peabody system by Mr. Friedrich Martini Avas referred to in our first edition, but at that time it had attracted but little attention. It consists in combining a special device for igniting the cartridge with the breech-closing mechanism, thus doing away with the side-lock as it existed in the Peabody system. The Peabody mechanism for closing the breech and for extracting the empty cartridge shell, after firing, remains as the essential feature of the Peabody-Martini. A very complete and perfect article on the Peabody-Martini rifle and its relation to the original Peabody is given in a recent number of that valuable and well-known authority, " The Army and Navy Journal," from which we make, by permission, the following extracts. In all of the English and, with rare exception if any, all of the Conti- nental publications that have treated of the Russo-Turkish campaign, the breech-loading rifle which was found so terribly effective on the Turkish side is misnamed. The Russian Guard and a considerable number of the best corps of the Czar were armed with an American breech-loader, the invention of Col. Berdan. This arm has never borne any other designation than the name of its inventor, though designed and manufactured, both in this country and Europe, under the supervision of a Russian officer, selected for his mechanical proficiencj'. General Gorloff. It would be quite as just to call the Russian aim the Gorloff- Berdan, as it is to term the Turkish arm the Martini-Henry. The proper name of the latter is the Peabody-Martini. 8 58 AMEBICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL AEMS. The original of this arm known to Europeans, simply through English assumption, as the Martini-Henr3^ is the breech-loader invented by Henry 0. Peabody, a skillful, and more than usually intelligent, mechanic of Boston, Mass. In 1864 he disposed of his patent rights to the Providence Tool Com- pany, which has since with such remarkable business results developed their value. About this time the War Department was considering the question of a new service arm, and a Board of Officers had been ap- pointed to inspect and thoroughly test the large number of guns of the new style offered from all parts of the Northern States. The first Pea- body rifle turned out by the Tool Company was a model designed to be submitted to this Board, which was to convene in January, 1865, at Springfield. Sixty-five different inventions entered into the compe- tition for official preference. Of this number, though several others possessed recognized merits, the Peabody secured the award for su- perior excellence in all respects, and was recommended to the Secretary of War for adoption. By the time the report was rendered, however, the Rebellion had been subdued, and any immediate necessity for a general re-equipment of the army was over. In view of this fact, and of the probability that inventive skill would develop still greater im- provements in the new theory of both guns and ammunition, the Chief of Ordnance, Gen. Dyer, whose opinion was deferred to, deemed it inadvisable to select any particular design for re-armament at so early a day. In September, 1865. the first contract for the Peabody was received, 3,000 stand being purchased by the Canadian Government — a small affair for an establishment which has since executed an order for 600,000 rifles, but worthy of remark from the circumstance that the arm secured its first practical recognition from a British dependency. Undeterred by the adverse action of the U. S. Ordnance Bureau, which indeed could not seriously depreciate the favorable finding of the Government commission, in the autumn of 1865 Mr. Anthony went to Europe with the Peabody, during which visit he submitted the American breech-loader in England and on the Continent to the Ord- nance authorities. Though no immediate result attended upon the trip, its effects were manifest in the large interest which soon thereafter de- veloped in the military inventions of the United States, from which not PEABODY-MAETINI SYSTEJI. 59 only the Tool Compaiij^ but other establishments gathered profitable harvest. In 1867, the Swiss Republic, which had determined to arm its troops with breech-loaders, after a thorough test of a large number of models, adopted the Peabody. A contract was awarded for 15,000 stand, which was executed at Providence under the supervision of an ordnance officer detailed for that purpose. During the trial before the Swiss Board, which extended over a twelvemonth, Friedrich Martini, a native artisan of pronounced mechanical and inventive ability, de- voted himself to a study of the several systems submitted, with a view to an original construction of his own. The principles and practical excellences of the Peabody, however, impressed him so strongly, that instead of evolving a new design, his inventive faculty could simply compass a fancied improvement upon one already made. To appreciate how immaterial a change in the American system was effected by the Swiss improvement, it should be stated that Mr. Peabody in securing his patents originally produced two sj'stems. That which had been the generally accepted Peabody, and which was submitted to our own Small Arms Board of 1865, 1868, and 1872, had its side lock and hammer outside of the receiver, or frame. The other combined these features with other parts of the action, so that no external part was apparent, and, of course, produced a more symmetrical general effect, and possibly a more naturally manipulated system. The latter, however, was not regarded with favor by experts because its firing-pin was controlled by a spiral spring, the reliability and safety of which was seriously questioned. It is needless to say that a most ample experience has since unquestionably demonstrated the fallacy of this prejudice ; but its existence for some years influenced the Tool Company to produce only that model which was operated by an external lock and hammer. Though no essential difference of principle distinguishes the two, it is easy enough to fancy Martini's change of one system an actual im- provement, while it is quite as difficult to detect an essential feature of his design which is not practically developed in the second system. So slightly appreciated, indeed, was the Swiss alteration, that, among the ordnance experts of Continental Europe, it soon became the fashion to term it " Peahody-fih." To do M. Martini justice, he has never, in fact, claimed for his mechanical changes any greater merit than that of an improvement ; in his own specifications for a patent, terming them Q cc O o W o I l-H t> hJ o I— ( H O CO fa I— f Pi I— I ^ >— ( H P3 <) I Q O pq <^ P-i W H a ? ■c g P- y CO w ,J= ^ ^ ZJ o u -tJ 4^ rt CO rt nd O Q O o u >-i ^< Pi pi^ r- t» q o t^ fcX' tc OJ o o P fcC to (P r- 2 5 S 'C '5 pi P2 W hJ tH H ^ THE PEABODY-MARTINI SYSTEM. 65 The American theory of manufacture upon the interchangeable plan may be fairly said to have attained its perfect development in the exe- cution of the great Turkish contract. The Peabody-Martini has sixty- nine distinct parts, and out of the 600,000 rifles delivered, the first in- stance has yet to be made known of any one part being unfitted to take its particular place in any one whole. To assure this perfection and harmony of construction, not only the most thorough organization and administration of various branches of work had to combine with re- sources of machinery and tools never before collected in an armory, but an inspection of unprecedented severity was constantly enforced. This inspection followed each stream of parts from their first rude shaping out of the raw metal, through each process of development, to their full completion in the assembling room. Only an enterprise involving the largest returns would have justified the investment of time and money absolutely requisite to a mechanical achievement so extraordinary in every respect. THE SYSTEM OF INSPECTION. The system of inspection instituted at the beginning of the enterprise was, so to speak, a dual one. General Tevfik, with a detail of Turkish ofiicers and subalterns, superintending the general progress of the work, ■while forty-five expert artisans, furnished, at the instance of the Ottoman Minister, from the Government armories, under the command of Lieu- tenant (now Captain) Henry Metcalfe, of the United States Ordnance, tested by gauge, not only each part as it was finished by the contractor, but again when it came to the assembling room. The Turks at the armory, numbering as high as twenty-seven at one time, as the contract advanced, acquired a growing acquaintance with its mechanical require- ments, and though at first unpracticed and unappreciative, before its close, not a few of the detail were far from inexpert judges of fine machine work. In the second or third year of the contract, an officer of the detachment, having time on his hands, took a fancy to test the excellence of the interchangeable system by his own trial. He accord- ingly, with a squad of his men, ascended to the packing-room, and in a short time had fifty rifles reduced to their original condition of parts, each half hundred parts forming a pile by itself. Having thus effect- ually destroyed the identity of the guns, he proceeded with his purpose to attempt to re-assemble. Within a reasonable time for inexpert men, 66 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ABMS. forty-eight rifles had been made out of the fifty piles. Two incomplete systems, however, remained, each having its recalcitrant part which could not be induced to take its position. Repeated efforts to solve the difficulty were unsuccessful, and it goes without saying that serious doubts of the invariable reliability of the interchangeable plan were be- ins: entertained. At this juncture, the superintendent of the company made his appear- ance, having heard of the officer's sudden inspiration, and being curious to observe the degree of his mechanical expertness. He at once took the obstinate systems in hand, and discovered that the trouble in one instance was due to a fragment of dirt which had crept into the action, and in the other to the mistake of an unpracticed hand by which the proper position of a part had been reversed. This little episode, which at the time afforded no little amusement for both Turks and Americans, was of lasting importance, not merely as a demonstration of the correct- ness of the theory of construction, but as an incentive to the men who were to use the arms to acquire a practical knowledge of their me- chanism. THE SYSTEM OF GAUGES. The system of gauges, which is the essence of the interchangeable theory, was of course a conspicuous preparatory feature at the com- mencement of work. Absolutely necessary to the details of inspection, they were equally indispensable in the stages of production. When the contract was undertaken, it was understood that the English standard arm should be the model, and the Turkish officers, sent over to superintend the execution of the contract, brought with them a number of original Martini-Henry rifles, designed as patterns. The design of the Martini-Henry was followed therefore in the execution of the contract, with very slight changes of machining, agreed upon by both parties as judicious, and but two important radical alterations the introduction of a new extractor, and an essentially improved cham- bering—were made. The gauges used had to provide for these changes. As the work advanced under the supervision of the most intelligent and practical mechanics in the United States, the gauge system marched pari passu with it, new theories of detection and safeguards against imperfection being added, until the absolute precision of every process was assured. THE PEABODT-MAKTINI SYSTEM. 67 Reference has been made to two radical changes in the Peabody- Martini from the Enghsh models. Tiiough these changes were necessi- tated by the decision of the Turks to adopt the Berdan or folded-headed, drawn cartridge for their arm, instead of the Boxer used by the English army, they are still of original design and so important as to merit attention. The Boxer is a considerably more bulky cartridge than the same calibre of American metallic ammunition, its original type, a wrapped cone headed by a thick iron base, being both ngly and clumsy. Tlie drawn Boxer cartridge is somewhat better, but retains the iron base, and is far from symmetrical. A series of experiments prosecuted at Bridgeport by the Ottoman officers, while the Tool Company was making its preparations for work, terminated in the approval of a bottle-shaped cartridge of considerably less diameter than the Boxer, though about the same length. The cartridges each weigh respectively as follows: The solid-head Boxer 822 grains, wrapped metal 791 grains, Berdan for Peabody-Martini 747 grains. A very considerable difference in weight, notwithstanding the Berdan is a stronger shell than the English one ; but the more important result is found in the chambering of the gun. The dimensions of the chamber of the Martini-Henry are, for instance : length 2.87 inches, diameter under head, .672 inch, varying to .507 inch over ball. The Peabody- Martini chamber for its cartridge has the following proportions : depth 2.86 of an inch, diameter .587 of an inch under head, varying to .481 over ball, and .465 of an inch at the commencement of the rifling. As the Aveights of powder and ball are the same in the cartridges of the Martini-Henry and the Peabody-Martini, by its improved chamber- ing the latter arm gains two obvious advantages — a greater strength at the breech and a concentration of the explosive effects by which their force is expended more directly upon the missile. To assure the perfect proportions of the Peabody-Martini chamber, five different gauges were used, two sizes of each, the condition being that the chamber shall receive a cartridge .587 of an inch under the head, and reject one of .589 diameter, and similarly at four other points in its length. After these sectional gauges had performed their test, a single micrometer gauge was applied, measuring the chamber at each interval of an eighth of an inch, and detecting a default of 1-1000 of an inch. J o a >rH lO -* •* ^ Q "oj O r-l <1 C3 pq H o Ph ,ja +j bo a O H^ CO H ■§ o Q r-i tn o "p ^ pq P5 bp PM S -2 'S 'f-i p^ bfj 3 o o ^ CO w ^r Ci5 Q ^ p^ o H Pd < o O _fl iC '^ oT ^ :S cS O THE PEABODY-MAKTINI SYSTEM. 69 In testing the metallic ammunition made at New Haven and Bridge- port for the Ottoman government, Peabody-AIartini rifles were used. One of these — and it is not an exceiJtional instance — which had been subjected to 30,000 discharges with the service ammunition, 85 grains of powder and 480 of lead, is shown to the visitor at the Tool Com- pany's Armory. After it had been withdrawn from its work, curiosity suggested the application of the chambering gauges. The tests discov- ered an enlargement of the mouth of the chamber, amounting to barely .1-1000 of an inch, and extending 3.16 of an inch back from the cartridge head. In all other respects no effect was manifest of this extraordinary trial, barrel and action being in perfect working order, and the arm altogether serviceable. Had a coincident trial been commenced with a Martini-Henry chamber and Boxer ammunition, it is hardly probable that the thirtieth thousand round would have been fired. A recent article in an English journal, evidently from the pen of an expert, giving a comparative view of the arms of different European powers, with tables of ranges and calibre, closes with the deduction that less importance attaches to the particular breech-loading s3-stem than to the perfection of its construction. Probably this opinion will not be accepted by American gun-smiths or inventors, yet so far as it credits a large part of the efficiency and safety of the S3'stem to the controlling judgment and mechanical skill that have secured the light weight and thickness of metal in proper places, correct relations of receiver to barrel, exact chambering, and fine mechanism in the action, it need not be altogether rejected. In the execution of the Turkish contract, each one of the 600,000 rifles delivered was fired at least six rounds, with a service charge, at the armory. Out of this great number of rounds not only not a single accident occurred, but, with very rare exceptions of defective cartridges, miss-fires were absolutely unknown. Giving all the credit it manifestly deserves to the Peabody-Martini breech-loading system, had not the workmanship of the arm been as near perfection as is possible, this remarkable record of immunity from casualties, to which the best design of a fire-arm is liable, might not have been made. As a still further proof of the perfect workmanship, the following fact is cited : In the specifications of the contract it was stipulated that a proportion of one-tenth of certain parts of the sj^stem should be made in addition to the arms delivered, and held as a reserve to draw upon in Sliop No. 1. PROVIDENCE TOOL COMPANY, Providence, R. I., U. S. A. THE PEABODY-MAETINI SYSTEM. 71 the event of breakage by use or accident. This provision was complied with ; but no instance occurred of an extra part being used or called for. From the great number of favorable reports about the Peabody- Martini rifle we give the following : " General Todlebcn, in a letter to General Brialmont, states that the number of Turkish bullets which fell among the Eussian ranks when tliey were still 2,000 yards away from the defenders' position was such, that divisions wliich at the outset numbered from 10,000 to 12,000 men were speedily reduced to a strength of from 4,000 to 5,000 ; tliat, in other words, they lost half their effectives. Captain Kouropatkine, speaking of the attack upon Loftcha, states that, at 2,000 yards from the Turkish position, Eussian soldiers were struck down by the defenders' bullets, and that, at 1,500 yards, men were falling rapidly on all sides; and General Zeddeler, who was present with the Russian Guard when it received its ' baptism of fire' at Gorni Dub- niak, states that, at 3,000 paces from the defenders' position, the Russians began to suffer loss; that, at 2,000 paces, men were falling rapidly, and, as the attack progressed, the reserves suf- fered nearly as much as the firing line. " Here is the narrative of a non-commissioned officer of the Vladimir regiment, which, on the 11th of September, ou the day of the last grand attack upon the Turkish lines round Plevna, formed a part of General Skobeleff's command. During tlie forenoon of the day, tliis regi- ment had been ordered to move up into a position in some vineyards and maize fields, two versts, or about 2,200 yards, away from the central Turkish redoubts on the Green Hill. The most advanced of the Turkish trenches were some 200 to 300 yards in front of this redoubt, and were, therefore, presumably from 1,700 to 1,900 yards from the Eussian position. After describing these preliminary movements, the narrator continues : ' We had not been long in the viueyard when the Turks began to fire at us. Many of our men were wounded before the order was given for us to advance, and among them the captain of my company, who was lying down among the vines. When at last we moved forward, the bullets fell upon us like hail. They pelted upon us on all sides. Men fell on all sides, in the front ranks and in the rear sec- tions alike. We had not gone more than fifty paces when the officer of my sub-division was struck in the chest. He died tvio days afterwards. The other peleton officer led on tlie com- pany, but 100 yards further on he was hit too. We could not fire. Our Krink rifles were only sighted up to 600 yards, and the Turks were a verst-anda-half away.' Here is an instance, related by an eye-witness, of what long-range fire can do ; a company loses all its officers, and becomes naturally seriously demoralized, before it can arrive within a mile of the position it has to assault. The particular battalion to wliich this company belonged did not, it is almost needless to say, carry the Turkish trenches. In the words of the narrator, ' Long before we got near the trenches there was no one left to advance.' " A London Times correspondent at Russian head-quarters says: "The American rifles used by the Turks have a tremendous range ; I have seen dug out of a hard clay bank, bullets which had penetrated sixteen inches after traversing a distance of over 2,000 yards." " The rifle used in the Turkish army is a breech-loader made by the Providence Tool Com- pany and called the Peabody-Martini ; it can be fired by an expert hand at the rate of once in two seconds, and the soldier's capacity for killing is therefore only limited by his dexterity and supply of cartridges ; it suffices to know, that in the crucial test of war on the large scale, this American weapon does its appointed work, and keeps the Russians at bay whene-ier the Turks can get behind a coi'er in strong force. The possession of 500,000 of these rifles — that number having already been supplied by the American contractors, with 100,000 more to be 72 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. delivered — used by brave men behind defenses, may not decide the final issues of the war for the Turks, but it will undoubtedly protract the conflict, and make it friglitfully costly to the Russians. American arms, and the American style of eartliworks which the Turks have copied will give the Kussians even more trouble than that fanaticism and valor which make the Turks foemen worthy of any nation's steel." — yew York Journal of Commerce, 1877. " This skirmish proved, as every recent engagement has shown, the incontestable superiority of the Turkish over the Russian soldier, and aJso the vastly superior shooting power of the Pea- body-Martini rifle over that carried by the Russian troops. At 350 yards the Russian rifle ceases to be deadly, while the Peabody-Martini at that range inflicts tremendous loss. Tlie Turks thoroiiglily appreciate tlie superiority of tJie American weapon which they carry, and being naturally excellent marksmen they pour a tremendous fire upon the enemy before he is within his own fighting distance." — yeio York Herald, 1877. The London Times of January 29th, 1880, says: "The rifles carried by the Turkish infantry were the best in existence." Also, " The infantry rifles of the Turks were the best known." General Whistler, of our own army, speaking of a comparative test he had personally witnessed, says : " This rifle I consider the best possible one which could be adopted for the soldier, on account of its accuracy, penetration, and wonderfully long range. •■HK vyi ■d thftt, il is • pie and liT iHj'.i Without CHAPTER III. THE WINCHESTER SYSTEM — THE HOTCHKISS SYSTEM. The Winchester Repeating Rifle is, as its name implies, a repeating or magazine gun, and differing from single breech-loaders in this, that, while it may be used as a single breech-Joader with as great rapidity as any of the latter class, the magazine, filled with from ten to seventeen cartridges, forms a reserve to be used in emergencies, when greater rapidity of fire is desired. While retaining the same breech mechanism as the Henry, the entire structure of the magazine and method of filling it is so changed that it is filled from the rear or breech end, through a spring cover, which closes automatically after the insertion of each car- tridge, and may be replenished as the cartridges are used, even without removing the gun from the shoulder. From this magazine, the car- tridge is transferred to the barrel by a carrier block, actuated by a finger lever (occupying the place of the trigger guard in other guns), which, by a single motion, cocks the gun, ejects the shell of the last car- tridge fired, brings a fresh cartridge from the magazine into the barrel and securely closes the breech, leaving but one motion, viz. : pulling the trigger, to complete the operation of loading and firing. These two motions, being simple and in direct line with the gun, can be performed with the gun at the shoulder and without removing the hand from it, securing to the Winchester a greater rapidity of firing than any other gun, as no other possesses all these advantages. This gun is strong and durable, and not liable to get out of repair, as its mechanism is simple and constructed of the best material, in the best manner and thoroughly tested. Instances are known of these guns having fired 20,000 to 25,000 cartridges without a single repair being needed. The total amount of parts sold for repairs during the last twelve years is less than three cents for each gun sold during that time. In accuracy and efficiency, it is equal to any other gun using the same charge of powder and lead. These qualities, which are undisputed by 10 74 AMERICAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS, those who have used the gun, were publicly demonstrated at Creed- moor in the combined rapidity and accuracy match, as shown by the following score, the gun being used as a single loader only : Competitions for the prize offered by Messrs. Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, No. 19 Maiden Lane, N. Y., for rapidity and accuracy. Open to all comers. Distance 200 yards. Position standing. Any rifle. Magazine guns to be used as siyigle loaders only. Two sighting shots, to be fired consecutively. Competitors may fire as many shots as possible within half a minute (30 seconds), and to have two chances ; the ag- gregate score made in both rounds to be counted ; half the entrance money to be divided among the three highest scores as follows : The first taking the badge and half the money, the second two-sixths, and the third one-sixth. No restriction as to the manner of taking car- tridges. Badge to be won three times (not necessarily consecutively), before becoming the personal property of the winner. Competitors will stand at firing-point with rifle loaded a,nd cocked, butt below elbow, until the command " Fire." The scorer will command, "Are you ready ? Fire ! " and invert a half minute sand-glass ; at the end of thirty seconds he will call " Time." A bull's-eye will be deducted from the score for every shot fired after " time " is called. WINNERS. DATE. Number of Competitors. NAME. RIFLE. SCORE. l_Julv 22d 19 6 10 5 6 William Eobertson W B. Spg. Win. Win. Win. 37 2 — August 19th 3 — September 16th 4— October 21st J. E. Stetson. . . 52 73 63 J. E. Stetsou Finally won by Capt. J. E. Stetson, who entered only on the last three days, using a Winchester Rifle as a si7}gle breech-loader only, in competition with Ward-Burton, Remington, Springfield, Sharps, and Peabody Rifles. From 1866 to 1873, the success of the Winchester Arm was such that over 150,000 of the model of that year were sold and are now in use. The demand for a more powerful arm resulted in the production of the model known as 1873, comprising many most important improve- ments. THE WINCHESTEU SYSTEM. 75 The first and most important improvement consists in adapting it to the use of a longer and a center-fire cartridge, holding a charge of 40 grains of powder instead of 28, as in tlie model of 1866, retaining the same calibre, ^Vci ^nd the same weight of ball, viz. : 200 grains. Tlie effect of this change is to increase the initial velocity of the arm from about 1,125 to 1,325 feet per second, reducing or flattening the trajectory and increasing the power and accuracy of the arm, and giving it a penetration of about four inches, in pine board, at 1,000 yards. A second improvement in the sporting arm is the addition of a set, or hair trigger. This differs from the ordinary hair trigger, in that it can be used precisely as if this trigger was not on the gun, if as in hunting, it is not wanted. For fine shooting, as in target practice, it is made available thus : After setting the hammer at full cock, the trigger should be pressed for- ward slightlj', and it is thus set. If it is found too delicate, or not deli- cate enough, it can be adjusted to suit the wishes, by turning a set screw in or out. This screw will be found by the side of the trigger. A third improvement consists in a sliding lid, which covers the opening in which the carrier-block moves up and down. This lid, by the action of the finger lever, opens automatically Avhen the gun is loaded, and should always remain open until closed by hand after firing. The object of this lid is to keep dirt and snow out of tlie lock. A fourth improvement consists in the substitution of iron, in place of gun-metal or brass, in the manufacture of the lock-frame, butt-plate, and other parts, thus increasing the strength of the arm and reducing its Aveight. The-gun metal is, however, retained in the carrier-block and the lid in the butt-plate, opening into the receptacle for the clean- ing-rod ; the object being to avoid the liability to rust, so as to impede the movement of these parts, which would exist if made of iron. A fifth improvement consists in a device which absolutely prevents accidental or premature explosions. In most breech-loading fire-arms, the firing-pin, after the explosion of a cartridge, depends upon a spiral spring to be thrown back even with the face of the breech-closing bolt. If this spring is very strong, so as to insure its operation, it tends to break the force of the blow of the hammer ; but if not strong enough for the purpose, it soon gets so foul as not to work, and the firing-pin then projects, and if the breech is closed with a quick motion the car- \*5\ CD 00 Q O \^- THE WINCHESTER SYSTEM. 77 tridge is exploded prematurely. To obviate this, no spring is used, but the firing-pin is carried back by a positive motion retractor, and avoids all danger from the cause above mentioned. In 1876 still farther improvements were made, securing an arm of greater power and efficiency, retaining all the essential mechanical ele- ments of the former model, and adding such improvements as seemed possible, the result has been a gun carrying a central fire cartridge, capa- able of reloading, calibre lYs, with 75 grains of powder and 350 grains of lead, being nearly double the charge used in model 1873, about the same as that adopted by the U. S. Government, and giving an initial velocity of 1,450 feet. The materials used in the construction of the gun are the same in kind and quality as in the Model 1873. Both set and plain trigger rifles are made, and all guns with plain trigger are provided with an attachment which renders premature ex- plosion of the cartridge, even from carelessness, absolutely impossible. In both Infantry Musket and Carbine, the magazine is covered by the forearm its entire length. Another gun of this model has been manufactured, chambered to carry a cartridge having a straight shell containing 60 grains of powder and a bullet weighing 300 grains, having greater power and range than Model 1873, but less power, range and recoil, than the regular Model 1876. The factories, store houses and other buildings of the Winchester Re- peating Arms Co., occupy about six acres, comprising all the appurte- nances necessary for the purposes of their business. At present over nine hundred operatives are regularly employed, and when fully at work over seventeen hundred are kept busy. The Winchester Arms have been largely sold to the Governments of Turkey, France, Spain and the South American Republics, also to Australia, China and Japan. It has also been adopted by the Italian navy, and is in use for special service by British naval officers. Large sales of cartridge machinery have been made to the Turkish and Spanish Governments. o H O Pi O H ^2; P O < CO en I— ( o H O M THE HOTCHKIS8 SYSTEM. 79 THE HOTCHKISS MAGAZINE GUN. This arm is the invention of Mr. B. B. Hotchkiss, an American re- siding in Paris, who first brought it to this country in the spring of 1876, and exhibited it at the Centennial in Philadelphia where it at- tracted general attention from its simplicity. The patent was purchased by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., who have since secured other patents for improvements in the arm, and now control the entire right to its manufacture. The gun thus improved was presented for trial by the board of Ord- nance officers appointed for the selection of a repeating arm for the use of United States troops, and as the result of this trial, the proceedings of which are published in the report of the Chief of Ordnance for 1878, that form of the Hotchkiss repeater now offered for sale was recommended for trial in the hands of the troops, in the following words : — " From the satisfactory manner in ivhicJi the Hotchkiss Gun, No. 19, has passed these tests, and from its combination of strength, simplicity, and great effective- ness as a single loader, the Board is of the opinion that the Hotchkiss Gun, No. 19, is suitable for the military service, and it does, therefore, recom- mend it as such.'''' The Chief of Ordnance farther states as follows : " The report of the board is herewith submitted. It recommended the Hotchkiss Magazine Gun, and upon my recommendation the Secretary of War has approved the action of the board, and of the expenditure under the law of $20,000 in its manufacture. "When we take into consideration the many months of patient labor devoted to this subject by so competent a board, and that its investigations were presided over by Lieutenant Colonel Benton, whose great expert knowledge and high scientific attainments are known and acknowledged through- out the profession, there can be no doubt that the conclusion arrived at will receive general approval." The following rules for operating and dismounting the piece, will give to the reader a clear idea of the details of the Hotchkiss Sj^stem : TO OPERATE THE GUN. 1. To open the breech-bolt. — Hold the stock firmly with the left hand, a little in front of the receiver, and with the right hand grasp the handle, unlock and draw back the bolt, making but one motion. 2. Close the bolt by an inverse motion. This operation cocks the piece. l1 llj!:^ (3=- fl \ \ \ o 52; I— ( tsi <1 CO I— ( o H O w H l_i THE HOTCHKISS SYSTEM. gj 3. To cock the piece without witlidrawing the Ijolt. — -Grasp the liandle as before, unlock the bolt and iuunediately le-lock it by turning the handle down. 4. To load the magazine.— Unlock and draw back the breech-bolt. Take a cartridge between the thumb and middle finger, placing the point of the forefinger on the bullet; insert the head of the car- tridge in the receiver, just in front of the point at which it narrows down, and press it back in tlie magazine until a distinct click — the head passing the cartridge-stop — is heard. Repeat the operation until 5 car- tridges have been inserted ; another may then be placed in the chamber. 5. To unload the magazine. — Unlock and draw back the bolt; the cartridge in the chamber will be thrown cut. Close the bolt and pull the trigger ; a cartridge will then be released from the magazine. Open the bolt, and the cartridge will usually feed into the chamber ; if not, it maybe removed with the fingers ; otherwise close the bolt and again open it, when the cartridge will be thrown out. Again close the bolt and pull the trigger ; a second cartridge will be released, and so on. THE MAGAZINE CUT-OFF. This device serves a double purpose, viz. : — 1. To lock the magazine, enabling the piece to be used as a single loader. 2. To lock the bolt and trigger when the piece is carried loaded and at full-cock. TO OPERATE THE CUT-OFF. 1. To use the piece as a magazine gun. — Rotate the cut-off in the direction of the hands of a watch until the pins sparing in their corres- ponding holes in the escutcheon, the notched end being either to the front or rear. 2. To use the piece as a single loader. — Rotate as before, until the notched end is down. 3. To lock the bolt and trigger. — OocJc the piece and rotate as before, until the notched end is up. N. B. — The cut-off cannot be turned to the left, nor can it be turned through an entire circle xvithout caching the piece. The position which necessitates the cocking of the piece is that of the notched end to the rear. In all other positions it may be turned whether the piece be cocked or not. 11 ' to !2 .w S !i fe ;x^ fx N N tsi g E H ■« O M M S 4i .5 .S S ,. O o o S S t^ o o o /; r; o t^ o 't; o ^ ^ 6 &i ©■ i:^ V5 "■^ ^ fci bo be i:; -j- <1J « bti tc be "H +J t^ S H H H O 5 p ft H Ph O H M THE HOTCHKISS SYSTEM. 83 TO DISMOUNT THE GUN. 1. Remove the magazine cut-off. To do this, turn the notched end to the front ; place the point of a screw driver under the rear end and bear down gently, slightly supporting the front end against pressure with the fingers of the left hand. 2. Remove the breech-bolt. To do this, press on the trigger, and at the same time unlock the bolt and withdraw it. N. B. — The bolt can be removed in the following manner : Unlock and draw back the bolt until the cocking-piece just clears the receiver; then, letting go the handle, take hold of the cocking-piece and turn it down to the right until the projection of the bolt-head leaves the groove under the front end of the locking-tube. The latter may be drawn out at the rear, and the head at the front of the receiver. To return the bolt, the head must be inserted from the front and the other part from the rear, unless the cut-off be removed. 3. Remove the butt-plate screws and plate. 4. Remove the magazine-spring and cartridge-follower. Place the point of the firing-pin in the hole at the rear of the magazine-tube, and draw out the tube. 5. Remove the guard-screws and guard, 6. Remove the side-screw. 7. Remove the wiping-rod. 8. Remove the bands. 9. Remove the barrel from the stock. To do this, turn the barrel downward, holding it loosely in the hand just in front of the receiver, and tap the muzzle gently against the foot. This will start the barrel without danger of splitting the stock. N. B. — The barrel cannot be removed until the magazine has been taken out. It will not ordinarily be necessary to remove the side screw washer, side-screw bushing, escutcheon, band-springs, tip, etc. 10. Remove the trigger-spring screw and spring. 11. Remove the cartridge-stop pin and stop. 12. Remove the trigger-pin and trigger. Use a punch to drive out the pin. 13. Remove the trigger-catch pin and catch. Use the point of a screw-driver in the notched end of the pin to draw it out. The barrel should not be unscrewed from the receiver. 84 AJIERICAN BUEECH-LOAUING SMALL ARMS. TO DISMOUNT THE BKEECH-BOLT. 1. Remove the bolt-head. To do this, hoM the cocking-piece firmly in the left hand, and with the right turn down the handles as in the act of locking the bolt. The head will then slip off. 2. Turn out the fiiing-pin screw. 3. Slip the bolt-head paitl}- on the projecting end of the firing-pin, and use it as a wrench to unscrew the pin. The main-spring may then be removed. 4. Remove the extractor by tapping gently on its projecting end with a piece of wood. To assemble, proceed in the inverse order. THE WINCHESTER JIETALLIC CAKTPaDGES. This company is extensively engaged in the manufacture of every description of jMetallic Cartridges, having the most extensive set of machinery for this purpose in the countrjs with a capacity of manufac- turing over a million of Cartridges per day, for military and sporting use. Appreciating the fact that like causes are required to produce like re- sults, it is evident that, in order to obtain uniform shooting from a gun, the charge should be invarialjle ; hence, the marksman with his muzzle- loading rifle, or the sportsman with his fowling-piece, uses the utmost care in weighing his charge of powder and lead, and equal care in plac- ing them in the barrel. Neglecting these points, no matter how finely the gun may be sighted, the result must be wild shooting ; for in any gun, the barrel, if kept clean, is an unalterable fact, and the variations in its work must be due either to the variation of the aim or charge. With breech-loading guns the same holds true, that to obtain good shooting cartridges must be used. THE HOTCHKISS SYSTEiM. 85 In view of these facts, the company have concentrated their efforts to the end of producing a cartridge combining all points of excellence. This perfection has been attained by the adoption of a system of ma- chinery which produces invariable results, by the exercise of constant and close inspection in all stages of the work, and in the use of none but the best material. All bullets, from the smallest to the largest sizes, are swaged by pa- tented machinery controlled by this company, which not only gives perfect unifoiiiiity in size, but also in weight and density of metal. J The ball is so inserted in the shell that its axis coincides with that of the shell, and consequently with that of the barrel of the gun. CHAPTER IV. THE REMINGTON SYSTEM — MAGAZINE GUN, KEENE'S PATENT. This American breech-loader, issued in greater numbers to troops than any other arm, with the single exception of the needle-gun, is one of the most recent inventions of its class. Its first public ap- pearance, though in a shape hardly more than a suggestion of the principle developed fully in the present system, was before a Board of United States Army officers, convened at Springfield, Mass., in January, 1865. At this competition, sixty-five different guns were represented, among them the well-known Peabody, in its present perfection, though paten ted some three years previous ; the Roberts of still earlier date ; the Sharps and Burnside, the former with a record at least as old as 1850, and several other models of recognized merit. The system of Remington carbine tried at Springfield, while — as has been said — suggesting the principle of the present arm, was radically diff"erent in construction, the disposition of strength of parts being faulty, and other errors existing in the mechanism which have been discovered and remedied by experience. The Springfield Board having been, in a practical sense, resultless, since its finding was not endorsed by the Secretary of War, a second body of army officers, under the direction of Major-Greneral Han- cock, met at Washington in March of the succeeding year. In the meantime the Remington had been modified in certain details. In the original the hammer was made to work through a slot in the back of the breech-block, while in the second essay it was placed on the right exterior of the frame, as in the old muzzle-loader, with its horn projecting toward and striking into a recess cut in the block. It is questionable, however, if any material improvement was wrought by this change. In each one of these early shapes of the arm, the supporting shoulders were placed under and close to the 88 AMERICA:^ BREECn-LOADIJS^G SMALL ARMS. pivot of the breecli-lilock, so that the strain, due to recoil, upon that piece and its fastenings, was augmented : the hammer was also relatively liglit and inadequate in stabilitj^ and strength of metal to execute the work indicated for it by the theory of the sys- tem. The new model, however, found greater favor with the Board of 1866, than with its antecedent body. Gen. Hancock's commis- sion, setting aside the conclusion of the Springfield trial, which recommended the Peabody, reported : hrst, that the following modes of transformation be tested in the hands of troops, fifty muzzle- loaders being converted for that purpose according to each system, viz. : the Berdan, the Yates, the Remington, the Roberts, the AUin ; second, that fifty original breech-loaders be made at Springfield Armory of each of the following systems, named in order of merit, viz. : the Remington, the Laidley, the Peabody, and the Sharps. It will be remembered that the Hancocli Commission, like its pre- decessor at Springfield, had no definite result, the Secretary of War and Lieutenant-General Grant declining to endorse a proposition tending to a general conversion of muzzle-loaders, or a permanent adoption of a new system at the time. During the same year, and not long after the adjournment of the Commission, the Remington system, as now in use by so many nations of botli hemispheres, was perfected. In the interval, a carbine had been produced which claims a qualified approval from the fact that it lessens the manual hy one movement, though its mechanical complexity and the awkward feature of an outside hammer obviously outweigh this 2:)0ssible advantage. Other models were likewise constructed, each discovering a greater or less approach to the present arm, which has been termed, by the head of the American army, " the most perfect breech-loader in the world." The first endorsement of the new Remington breech-system by the Government of the United States, was from the Marine Service, Capt. Henry A. Wise, the highly accomplished Chief of the Ordnance Bureau of the Kavy, signing, on the 14th of November, 1866, a con- tract for 5,000 single-shot pistols of .50 calibre, similar to the terribly effective weapon afterward recommended by an army commission, and now m large numbers issued to the cavalry. This order was extended, till 6,500 pistols were made and delivered. On the 24th of October, 1867, actual trial having thus demonstrated the extra- THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 89 ordinary fitness of tlie system for sea service, the same tlioroiigli ofiicer concluded a contract for 5,000 carbines, wliich were delivered witliin a short period. It was this partial introduction of a weapon, acting upon new principles, into the Navy, probably, which inspired an officer, dis- tinguished as much for his progressive and improving policy, as for his esprit du corps ^ to initiate a general change in the small- armament of that branch of the seivice. On the 24th of March, 1869, Rear- Admiral Dahlgren, successor of Captain Wise in the Ordnance Bureau, ordered a Board of officers to convene at Wasli- ington, to "make an examination of the best systems of breech- loading, and test them fully in respect to endurance, convenience and general efficiency." This body, comprising Captain William Reynolds, senior member, with Coiumanders S. Nicholson and K. R. Breese, U. S. N., and Capt. McLane Tilton, United States Marine Corps, as associate members, held its first meeting on the 25th of March. Public notice having been previously given of the session, during the succeeding month several of the most approved American inventions were presented for trial, conspicuous in the number being the well-known Sharps rifle, the Roberts, the Burton — now called the "VVard-Burton — and the Remington. The series of tests con- ducted by the Board were of the severest character, anticipating every possible incident of service. The report, dated August 2d, endorsed the Remington system, its recommendation being express- ed as follows : ' ' While each system of breech-loading examined or tested by this Board has its own peculiar merits, the Board is unan- imous in preferring the Remington system for naval u.se in the service of the United States, and therefore recommend that it be adopted for the naval service." In accordance with the above determination, ten thousand rifles were ordered constructed at the Springfield Armory, but this was not done before the finding of the Commission had been repeatedly (;onfirmed, by a personal inspection of the several small arms factories of the country, and of a number of systems not entered during the session of the Board. The ultimate decision, after so thorough and patient a trial, regarding not only the qualities of inventions, but the facilities for production, is indicated by the subjoined official conclusions : , „ 12 90 AMERICAN BKEEOH-LOADING SMALL AEM3. " October 1, 18G9. " Having visited these ditferent establishments for the manufacture of breech-loadiug arms and of tlieir ammunition, and having carefully considered all the information we have thus obtained, we find ourselves confirmed in the recommendations made in our first report of August, and adhere to each and all of them. Very respectfully, your obedient servants, WM. REYNOLDS, Captain and President, S. NICHOLSON, Commander U. S. Naty, K. R. BREESE, Commander U. 8. Navy, McL. TILTON, Capt. U. 8. Marine Corps. CARLISLE P. PORTER, Lieutenant U- 8. Marine Corps and Recorder. " NovEMBEB 20th, 1869. "Each of the breech-loading systems presented have their peculiar merits, and may be classed among tlie most serviceable ; but tlie Board are still of the opinion that for naval purposes the Remington system is the best. K. R. BREESE, Commander U. S. Navy, McLANE TILTON, Captain U. 8. Marine Corps." The suTjseqiaent experience of tlie Navy with the arm has been altogether favorable. Its peculiar adaptation for boat service, due to the simplicity of manual by which it is loaded and discharged, without removal of the ej^e from its objective, or any change of the position of the hand, is universally remarked. The suj)erlative ex- cellence of tile system, in its freedom from the clogging effects of humidity in every shape, has been proved by actual service. Since its adoption by tlie Navy, the arm has been subjected to probably the most severe trial that could be suggested, in the recent Corean expedition, throughout the reports of which, both official and private, it is without exception commended for efficiency and reliability. In this connection may be quoted the following letter from the accom- plished officer now at the head of the Ordnance Bureau of the Navy, written in refntation of an anonymous charge that the Remington arms issued to that service had been returned to the United States Armory for repairs : " Bureau op Ordnance, Natt Depart.ment, \ WAsnrNQTON City, November 25th, 1871. \ "Messrs. E. Remington & Sons, " Sirs: In answer to your letter of this dale, calling its attention to the article in the New York Times of the 24tli inst., in relation to the Remington gun, the Bureau has to in- form you that there is not a particle of truth in the statement relating to the arms furnish- ed by you for the navy. Not one single gun of the ten tliousand (10,000) has been re- turned to the Springtield, or any other armory, 'to be overhauled.' On the contrary, six hundred (GOO) are now on board tlie ships of the Asiatic fleet, and the guns have been supplied to every ship which has been coramissioued since the deliveiies commenced. Nothing in relation to these arms has transpired to sliake the confidence of the Bureau in them ; a confidence based upon tlie unanimous report of a Board of Officers who had sub- jected the system, and that of every other guu submitted, to a most searching examination and trial. The above statement also applies in full to tlie paragraph in the New York TribuTie of the 17th inst., under tlie head, ' Objections to the Remington Gun ; ' to which you have also called the Bureau's attention. " I am. Sirs, your obedient servant, A. LUDLOW CASE, Chief of Ordnance." THE KEMINGTOI'r SYSTEM. 91 In the army of the United States the Remington system has been known for some years, a few hundred guns of reduced calibre hav- ing been transformed upon its j)lan in 18GG-7. Its present relations to this branch of the service, properly claim an adequate statement at this stage of our article. The exhaustive trial of breech-loaders conducted by the Navy, with the actual service tests to which the system had necessarily been subjected during the time following the original issue of car- bines and pistols, would have probably justified a similar deter- mination as to re- armament on the j^art of the army. Aside from the fact, however, that examples set by the marine are rarely copied by the land force in the war offices of nations, the Ordnance Bureau of the United States Army has always pursued a course as marked for its independent and thoughtful consideration, as for its progres- sive spirit. A professional staff corps which, in 1818, first of all bureaus throughout the world, entertained the new conception of an ann, would hardly risk its v/ell-eavned prestige by adopting, out of hand, the conclusion of a cognate body, however elaborate and thoroughly constructed its premises and arguments. The exact ap- preciation of the necessities of the service, which distinguishes the veteran chief of the Army Bureau of Ordnance, was in favor of in- dependent action, and his opinion was endorsed by the General of the army. In the early part of August, 1869, General Sherman issued an order for a Board of officers to meet at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for the purpose of practically testing systems of tactics, etc. On the 23d of October, this body, empowered by the order organizing it to adjourn to another locality, and having assembled at St. Louis, was further instructed " to examine and report on the best small arms for the use of the Army of the United States," to conclude its labors by the 1st of May, 1870, if possible, and, in its final report, ^'^ to designate the six test viusliets for infantry^ and carbines and pistols for cavalry and artillery, in the order of merit.'" The Commission was composed of the following officers : Major-General J. M. SchoSeld, U. S. Army, Brevet Brigadier-General J. H. Potter, Lt.-Col. 4th Infantry Brevet Major-General Wesley Merritt, Lt.-Col. 9th Cavalry, 92 AMERICAN BEEECH-LOADIKa SHALL ARMS. Major James Yan Voast, IStli Infantry, Brevet Colonel John Hamilton, Major 1st Artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel Potter was, upon tlie meeting at St. Lonis, charged with the direction of experiments and tests. With regard to the general conduct of the trial, the Arviy and Navy Journal remarks : " The trials prosccnted at St. Louis were conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel Potter, of the Fourlh Infantry, and in point of exactness of detail and thoroughness ot experiments, are examples for all succeeding commissions. As authorities upon the working and cnduung capacity of breecli-actions, the character of the mechanism and the number of parts enter- ing into' different systems, the several reports rendered by this accomplished officer, are a final and decisive resort for all desh'ous of information." The numher of distinct systems represented at St. Louis, was but fourteen, a notable falling off from the crowd of competitors upon the two previous occasions. Among these fourteen, besides the Rem- ington in its perfected shape, were the Allin, the Peabody, the Ber- dan, the Roberts, the Sharps, the Ward-Burton and the Martini- Henry. On the 10th of June the Board submitted its report, em- bodying the following conclusion : " Our investigations have been limited to tlie determination of the relative merits of the various systems of breech-loading small arms, vrithout regard to questions of caliber, rifling, ammunition, etc. The main elements of excellence considered are : strength, dura- bility, and simplicity of breech mechanism; ease, certainty, and rapidity of firing; and security against injury to arms, or accidents from use in the hands of troops. " Tlie following are the results of the deliberations of the Board, in view of our experi- ments with, and examinations of the several systems of small arms. " We have selected the following six systems for infantry muskets, in the order of rela- tive merit: First. — The Remington, Second. — The Springfield, Third. — The Sharp, Fourth. — The Morgcnstem, Fifi7i. — The Martini-Henry, Sixth. — The Ward-Burton. "For cavalry carbines the order of relative merit is, in the opinion of the Board, the same as for muskets; bnt it is regarded as essential for cavalry service that the Remington carbine be so modified as to load at the half-cock. " Only the first three systems named possess such superior excellence as warrants their adopdon by the governm'ent for infantry or cavalry without further trial in the bands of troops. Of these three, considering all the elements of excellence and cost of manufacture, the Board are unanimously and decidedly of the opinion that the Rejiington is the best SYSTEM for the Army of tlie United States." The report likevsdse recommends the adoption of the single-barreled Remington pistol, of a breecli system similar to fhe rifle, for tlie United States Cavalry, suggesting that it be made to load at half- cock. The Chief of Ordnance, to whom the papers and determination of THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 93 tlie Board, were in due course referred by tlie Adjutant General, re- turned tliem with tlie following endorsement : "I agree with the Board that the Remington, tlie Springfield, and the Sharps systems are decidedly superior to all othiir systems wliich iiLivo been broitglit to their notice, and I recommend that one thousand muskets and three hundred carbines be prepared according to each of the three systems and issued for comparative trial in service — companies of in- lantry and artillery to have an equal number of muskets of each system, and companies of cavaliy an equal number of carbines of each system — month!}' reports on the com- parative merits of which to be made regularly to this Bureau, by company commanders, during a period of not less tlian twelve months after their fiist introduction into service, upon forms to be furnislied bj' this Bureau; which reports, at the end of that time, to he laid before a board of officers to be appointed, to select a breech-loading arm for adoption by the War Department for the military service." The exceptions taken to the proposition of the Board, by General Dyer, seem to have been mainly based upon reports received from commands to which the few hundred guns transformed upon this sys- tem had been issued, the defaults ascribed to tlie system being its failure to discharge cartridges, and tlie occasional sticking of the eteipty shell in the chamber. In justice to the arm, it should be stated that no such trouble, as is suggested, as to the efficient work- ing of the system, has occurred with the cartridges made by the different private establishments of the country. The Government metallic ammunition, of less perfect finish and uniformity of g^uge than that of individual production, has been shown not only by the trials at St. Louis, but by general experience, to be badly adapted for the greater number of sj^stems. A reference to the tests with other arms indicates, moreover, the fact that the alleged failure with the United States cartridges, was not singular to, nor even especially marked in, the Bemington, which worked invariably well, as did all its competitors, while using the Berdan and other ammunition of private manufacture. It is, besides, a recognized premise in the theory of modern arma- ment, that the cartridge is made for the gun, and not the gun for the cartridge ; in support of which may be cited the introductory condition of Gen. Schofi eld's report : " Our investigations have been limited to the determination of the relative merits of tlie various systems, wltliout regard to questions of calibre, rifling, ammu- nition, etc.'''' The objection that the system does not load at half-cock, —if it be an objection at all, — concerns merely the particular lots of arms thus constructed. The Remington carbine produced in 1866 pos- 9J. AMERICAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. sessed this feature, as well as that of ejecting the shell. At the naval trial this particular form of the system having been submit- ted, with others, the Board reported, after careful deliberation, that "in rapid firing, which is the first object in the use of breech- loaders, there does not seem to be any disadvantage in full-cocking to load. The Board do not consider this requisite of this arm as a disadvantage." It is noticeable that in systems loading at half- cock, this operation is very rarely practicable when in action, the sol- dier naturally drawing back the hammer to its extreme pull. It should be stated in this connection that, since the issue of the 1,300 trial arms to the army, the construction of a quantity possess- ing the half-cock loading and the shell ejecting features, has been ordered by the Chief of Ordnance. Gen. Dyer has, besides, within the last year, ordered the construction of 5,000 cavalry pistols of the original fuU-cock action, which will soon be issued to troops in the field. The reports from commands using the original issues, are understood to be generally corroborative of the recommenda- tion of the Board. The most recent triumph of this well-known arm, is its adoption by the State of New York, a tribute to its superiority awarded after the most thorough trial of all the approved systems, and certainly quite as creditable as the greatest of its foreign victories, since it is an exceptional merit to be honored in one's own coun- try. The question of re-armament in this State was first considered in 1867. January 10th of this year, a special Board of officers was convened by the Adjutant-General of the State for the "examination and trial of the recent improvements and inventions in the breech-load- ing military small arms, and especially of such inventions and im- provements as have been made for alterations of the muzzle-loading military arms now in use." This Board was composed of the fol- lowing officers : Brigadier-General George W. Palmer, Com. -Gen. of Ordnance. Brigadier-General Wmiam G. Ward, Com. -Gen., 1st Brig., N. G. Colonel George M. Baker, Commanding 74th Regiment, N". Qt. Colonel SUas W. Burt, Assistant Inspector- General. The following breech-loading arms were presented in competition : The Joslyn swing-breech rifle, Morgan stern rifle, Roberts " AHin " Aronson " Ballard THE EEMINGTON SYSTEM. 95 Berdan rifle Miller rifle Chabot " National " Cocliran " Poultney " Empire " Peabody " Fitch & Powers " Remington " Gray's " Eobertson " HubbeU's Sharps " Joslyn' s ' ' Thunderbolt " Lamson ' ' Ball's repeater, Milbank's side-gate " Spencer repeater Meigs " Gray' s- repeater. Montstorm " After a most complete and exhaustive series of experiments, ex- tending over nearly a month's time, this Board reported in favor of the Remington gun as first in order of merit of new arms. Giving to the adjournment of the Legislature of the State, no action was taken upon the report of this Board. January SOtli, 1868, by an order of the Adjutant- General, the same Board of Officers was reconvened for further tests, the following arms being submitted : Morgan stern rifle, AUin Roberts Miller Conroy Empire HubbeU's Cochran Needham rifle, Burton " Berdan " Lamson " Hinden & Schweikart's needle-gun, Montstorm rifle, Yates " This Board convened on the 9th day of July, and continued its sessions at various dates for twenty-eight days. "The guns pre- sented for competition embraced the best systems invented, and the Board is conviaced that all practicable methods of breech-block movement have been already applied, and that future efi'orts in this dii-ection must be confined to details or combinations." As before, the tests were exhaustive, and so far as the Remington arm was con- cerned, the Board reported as follows : "The favorable opinion of the Remington arm as expressed in the previous report is reaffirmed." (Signed,) GEO. W. PALMER, Com.-Gen. Ordnance, S. N. Y. W. Gt. WARD, Brigadier-General. GEO. M. BAKER, Col. Com. 74th Eegt, N. G. S. N. T. SILAS W. BURT, Col. and Asst. Inspector-General. 96 AMEEICAW BEEECn-LOADINO SMALL ARMS. ItL addition, tlie following letter was written after tlie conclusion of the trials above referred to : New Tokk, March 2Cth, 1868. E. Bemington & Sons, Gentlemen : Replying to your iuqniry, and for your satisfaction, we would state tliat, the Board for examination of breech-loading small arms, which was convened by the Gov- ernor of tlie State of New York, after having examined a great variely of breech-loading systems, during a series of severe trials, lasting through many mouths, have affirmed, and in conclusion have reafflrmed their preference of the Remington system for new arms. GEORGE W. PALMER, Com.. Gen. of Ordnance, President of Board. SILAS W. BURT, Assistant Inspector Gen., Secretary of Board. The proposition for re-armament, so strongly recommended by these successive Boards, was, however, dropped until the beginning of 1871, when it at last assumed practical sliape in a bill, which passed the State Legislature, ai)propriating$2o0,000 for the purchase of breech-loaders, of such model as a Commission, to be appointed by the Coiumander-m-Chief, should decide upon. In pursuance of this legislation, early in May, a Board, comprising the Adjutant- General, Inspeotor-G-eneral and the Chief of Ordnance, was ordered to examine into the merits of various kinds of breech-loading rifle muskets, and report the result of such examination to the Governor. In comj^liance with this order the Board convened on the 7th of June, in the city of New York, having previously given public notice of their procedure. The following arms were presented in competition : Roberts (new), Brown, Roberts (transformed), Peabody, Barn ekov- Green, Ward-Burton, Whitney, Berdan (slam -bang), Berdan (Russian), Reiuington, Spanish, cal. .43, " .50. Green, Conroy, Wohlgenmuth, Williamson, Kentucky rifle, Joslyn-Tomes, Spriiigfield (AUin patent), Needham, Brou2;hton. After a most complete and thorough trial of the various anns pre- sented, the Board made a careful report, from which the following is an extract : After careful examination and fall explanation by the exhibitors of the various arms subniiUcd, the Board selected from among them those, which in their opinion, were best adapted lo the use of the National Guard, and caused circulars to be sent to tl'iem asking for proposals. * * * Tlie representatives of tlie arms tested were afforded every opportunity to display the merits of their respective systems, to point out tlio alleged de- THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 97 fects of competing guns, and to demonstrate by actual test the supriiority claimed for each in any particular. The experiments resulted satisfactorily, and demonstrated that all the arms possess greatmei'it in point of accuracy, duraljility and facility of manipula- tion. * * * In arriving at tlie recommendation embodied in this report, the Board considered primaiily, tlie relative merits of tlie various systems presented, as regards strenglli, durability, accuracy, and simplicity of meclianism, and liability to accident in tlie hands of troops who miglit lie comparatively inexpert in the use of arms; secondly, economy rendered necessary by tlie limitation of the appropriation for theirpnrchase,and, in view of tlie urgent necessity for the immediate procuiement of breech-loaders for the National Guard, the ability to finish the requisite number within a short time. The Board, recommend, unanimously, the adoption of the Remington rifle musket of tlie improved model maiiufictured for, and submitted to this Board (loading at as.similated half-cock, locking tlie breech-piece in the act of loading, withdrawing the firing-pin by a positive motion, and ejecting the shell on opening the breech), as the best arm in all re- spects for the use of the National Guard of the Slate of New York. Respectfully submitted, JAJIES JIcQUADE, Brevet Maj.-Oen., Inspector OeneraX. SAMUEL W. JOHNSON, Brig-Gen., CJiief of Ordnance. J. B. STONEHOUSE, Cohnel and Assistant Adjt.- Gen. Received November 1st, 1871, and approved. Issue order accordingly. JOHN T. HOFFMAN. e,i General Headqtjatiters, State of New York, Ad.jt.-Gen.'s Office, Albany, November 1, 1871. Qeneral Order No. 22 : The Bnard appointed by General Order No. 11, Current Series, 'to examine into the merits of various kinds of breech-loadmg rifle muskets,' having reported to the Governor the result of such examination, and recommended the adoption of the Remington rifle musket, improved model, for the use of the National Guard, the same is hereby approved and confirmed. By order of the Commander-iu-Cliief, J. B. STONEHOUSE, Assistant Adjutant-General. The introduction of tlie new American breech-loader in Europe dates from the autumn of 1866. During the summer of tliis year a special commission was appointed by the Emperor of Austria to in- spect and test the various systems of the new type of small arms. The commission, under the direction of the Arch-Duke William, commenced its work on the 20th of September. With the single exception of the United States Board at St. Louis, it is doubtful if any similar body of ordnance experts has ever prosecuted a trial as thorough and severe as did this Austrian Commission. The following extract from the official report will measurably suggest the exceeding harshness of the tests imposed : " The trials of the Remington gun, marked No. 1, had for their principal object the testing of the breech -with regard to its adaptation for military purposes, and with regard to its efficiency and durability under the different circumstances occurring in warfare. The ann was fired sixty rounds with the heaviest charges present, that is, containing seventy- five grains of English powder, forty rounds with cartridges of sixty grains of powder agaiust a tari^et 300 yards distant, and forty rounds with sixty grains of powder fired for 13 98 AMEEICAN BEEECH-LOADIKG- SMALL AEMS. rapidity. With these one hundred and forty rounds there ^vas no fault of any kind. The breech acted perfectly. The accuracy, as shown by annexed target, proved very good, and in firing for rapidity thirteen shots were fired per minute." BS US ■■■■■! ■!■■■■ ■■■■■I BE BE !S3 BSB ■nil SS^raiSSi iiSpj jiina mfMM BBiMaw»in — ■■■■ ■■BrnpiHiBmBglgging ■■■■DfiaaBBIHiaBBB!!!!! laaaanHBaHH ESSbnniiiBaa^ „ linBBBBBU!! ■BBnUHHSgBBBBBBB ■bbbm Bmbb bbbbbbbb —■Bill BBB SSB BBH !*'~ BBI " The arm having been t.aken apart after this trial, showed no signs of wear in any parV of the breech. It was put together without cleaning of any of its parts, and preserved for further trial. Second trial, September 21st, 1333. The firing for testing tlie durability of the breech was continued with cartridges of sixty grains. Eighty rounds were fired in one continuous series. One cartridge split lengthways without causing any difilculty in open- ing the breech and without covering the latter with dirt. The barrel having then been cooled by cold Avater poured througli it, a furtlier number of thirty rounds were fired, after which cartridges of forty-five grains were used, with which three hundred and four shots were fired. The barrel A\as cooled after each series of rounds by running cold water through it, and at last, after having fired four hundred and fourteen rounds, the whole gun, includ- ing the breech, was made wet and left in that state to ascertain the influence of rust upon the working parts. Third trial, September 23d, 1888, The gun left in a wet state on the previous day was taken apart and examined. All parts of the breech and lock were thickly covered with rust, but the working of the breech was not interfered with. The gun was put together without cleaning, and the trials continued in that state, in order to establish the influence of rust covering the breech and lock upon the firinn- of the gun. It was decided to fire two thousand rounds in all with this gun. Of these, six rounds were fired to measure the force of recoil in a special apparatus. The mean recoil was fortv- eight pounds. Thirty rounds for rapidity without taking aim were made by an expert in one minute and fiftv-two seconds, giving seventeen shots per minute. Thirty-four shots were fired in succession after the entire breech was covered with road dust, and fifty rounds after that without any difliculty occurring. The gun was thereupon covered with dust again and left exposed to the influence of damp air during one night. On the 28th of September, 1880, the gun was examined and it was found impossible to set the hammer at full cock. Having been taken apart, it was found that some sand had lodged itself be- tween the breech-piece and the spring acting upon it, wdiich caused the "above-named obstruction. After removal of this sand, but without any further cleaning of the breech the gun was put together and its action was again perfect. The trials were continued' Ten cartridges, which had been previously kept under water for a quarter of an hour, were fired without missing, and eight were fired at a wooden box filled with cartridges ' The eighth shot hit the box, five were exploded, and the lid of the box thrown off thereby • of tiie rest, tea cartridges were squeezed in and spoiled ; twenty-six were blackened outside • THE KEMINGTON SYSTEM. 99 all the rest remained intact. After completing the number of 3,000 rounds, seven car- tridges having their ends purposely filed through and cut in different places, were fired, in order to ascertain the effect of tlio escaping gases upon the breech, in case of bursting of cartridges. Tlie gun was for that purpose inserted in a rest. Five of the cartridges burst open and an escape of tlanie was obsci ved at the breech, but the latter was not injured or thrown open. The final examination of all parts showed no perceptible wear of any of the parts of the breech and lock, the same having retained their original solidity and free- dom of movement." The determination of the Commission was an unequivocal recom- mendation of the system for adoption. Certain conditions affecting the first contract for 50, 000 stand, and the difiiculty of furnishing proper cartridges in the Imperial works, however, occasioned a delay which was permanently unfortunate. The local press took advan- tage of the temporary suspension to incite the prejudice of the army against the foreign invention, and to such effect, that despite the fact that the Remington was the first, and another American breech- loader the second in the preference of the Commission, an inferior Austrian system, the Wandl, was in the exigency adopted. It is hardly to be regretted that the practical Nemesis, sure to follow on such short-sighted action, has not made an exception of Austria, the Wandl having developed features of weakness and inefficiency that condemn it as a military arm. Notwithstanding the unfortunate event of the Austrian episode, the Remington sj'stem was soon to commence a permanent European recoid. In April, 1867, the Kingdom of Denmark, revoking its de- cision previously expressed in favor of another American invention, formally adopted the Remington. The contract with this power was completed in the early part of the succeeding year, 42,000 stand having been furnished, since which time the production of the coiu- plement is understood to have been continued in the State arsenals, under royalty to the owners of the patents. The Minister of War, in his report to the King, November 10th, 1868, in reference to the equipment of soldiers with new arms, says : " The Battalions of the Line, the Reserve Battalions and the Life Guards, are now fur- nished with the Remington breech-loading rifles, and the Cavalry with the Remington carbines of the same model. Tiiese arms have been tried and have given a very satisfac- tory result. During the camp held last summer, eight battalions were armed with the Remington rifle, and it has answered expectations in eveiy respect. Tlic strength of the bi-eech-loading system did not suffer in the least by use. The arm furnished most excellent target-shooting at 800 yards distance, and there is not the least doubt of its efficiency at 1,200 yards. The manipulation of the arm is altogether simple, the soldier rapidly learning and becoming expert in taking apart and re-assembling it After a very short practice, the troops in camp attained, in some cases, to firing seventeen shots 100 AMEBIC AT^- BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. per minnte, while fourteen and fifteen shots per minute were of common occurrence, the average rapidity of firing being 9 1-2 sliots per minute, so that the Kemington rifle can be confidently placed above all other known single-barrel breech-loaders." That coutiniied experience lias not affected the original preference for this arm is evident from the subjoined passage of a recent letter written by a distinguished officer of the Danish War Department : "Copenhagen, Nov. 21st, 1871. "I do not need to say that the Danish Government is pleased with your arms, which have shown themselves to do perfect work in all respects, and are loved by all the sol- diers." The example of Denmark was almost immediately followed by the sister kingdom, Sweden, contracting the same year for 30,000 rifles, and subsequently for the right to manufacture in her royal armories. An order from the War Office, accompanying the issue of the arms, conveys the final endorsement of the Minister : War Department, No. 282: The Remington arm having been adopted as the new model-arm by the Swedish Government, consequent upon the most careful trials proceeded to before handing the new rifles to the army, I hereby certify : That the said testings proved the Remington rifles to unite all those qualities that are required of a first-class arm. * * * And that the War Department has had every reason to be entirely satisfied with the decree, in virtue of which the Remington arm was adopted for the Swedish army, Stockholm, May 31st, 18C9. (Signed,) ABELIN. In confirmation of this official diciuvi, recent letters from Stock- holm report the earnest desire of the volunteers to be equipped with the arm which has become the universal favorite of the regular force. In April, 1867, a Commission, designated by the War Secretary, was convened in England, to examine and test such breech-loading inventions as should be brought before it. The conditions, which made the Snider naval rifle a standard of maximum weight and length, and, without positively insisting, very strongly suggested the Boxer cartridge as the style of fixed ammunition, seem rather inconsistent with a simple study of the merits of systems. Of the 112 different arms entered, 74 were forthwith ruled out. The Rem- ington, by good fortune, having a length of barrel within the limit of the ordnance conditions, was subjected with 37 others, to the test. At the first trial each gun was required to have a complement of 20 cartridges. In the immediate exigency, the representative of this system was obliged to use cartridges made in Birmingham, of mis- erable construction, and so illy adapted for the Remington arm, THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 101 that, in frequent instances, it was necessary to force out the shell by the application of the ramrod. Notwithstanding this embarrass- ment, however, the arm was named as one of the nine to be sub- jected to a second and final trial. In the interval, each competitor being required to provide himself with 6,000 cartridges for the con- clusive test, Mr. Remington had taken care to procure the necessary quantity from the United States. Upon presenting himself with ammunition thus fitted for his gun, he was informed that he must use the same with which the initial test had been conducted. An appeal to the War OSice to be allowed the cartridges suited to the system was answered by a peremptory negative. Obliged to submit to a condition thus utterly inconsistent with the best development of his gun, and, it would certainly seem, with the thorough and im- partial conduct of the Commission itself, the result need hardly be suggested. The issue of the prolonged trial has since been an- nounced in the selection of the Martini-Henry for the British army, an arm thought worthy of adoption by no power in Europe except England. The remarks of a leading English army journal have a pertinent interest in this connection : " It is not calculated to reassure public opinion that no other country endorses the esti- mate of merit which Lord Spencer's Committee attached to the Martini-Henry. In no country has gunnery found such a fair field and no favor, as in the United States; nor has any other country given such a stimulus to invention on this subject of breech-loading. But the American Commission place the Martini-Heniy only fifth in their order of merit, and are unanimous in their recommendation of the ' Remington,' which our committee, in their first report of February, 1868, placed eighth on the list. In common with tlie Martini rifle, the Remington, according to that report, came to grief tlirough defective cartridges, yet the committee,— goodness knows why, — never took the trouble of doctoring the ' Rem- ington,' or any other mechanism as Ihej^ did the Martini One passage in the report of tlie American Commission, is worth noting. They say: ' Our invesligations have been limited to the determination of the relative merits of the various systems of breech-loading small arms, without regard to questions of calibre, rifling, ammunition, etc. The main elements of excellence considered are strength, durability and simplicity of breech-mechanism; ease, certainty and rapidity of firing ; and security against injury to arms, or accidents from use in the hands of troops.' " The wisdom of this reasoning is obvious, and exhibits the blunder of our committee, who, composed almost entirely of musketry instructors and crack siiots, naturally drifted into finding a first rate shooting barrel and a most indifferent breech-action. We do not consider the Remington action to be absolute perfection, but with the American officers, we consider it much superior to the Martini, and, liad it been fondled and fostered with the same care, it would, like many others, have proved its title to be the better mechanism." It is noteworthy that Switzerland, the native country of Martini, where he elaborated his principle, confessedly borrowed from the American Peabody, after an exhaustive trial, in which both the 102 AMEBIC AIT BEEECn-LOADINO SMALL AEM8. Martini and tlie Remington were competitors, formally adopted the latter system. The contract for 100,000 stand required an almost immediate delivery of 10,000, which obliged the Messrs. Remington, then engaged to their full capacity upon their Danish and Swedish orders, to decline it, so that the service arm of Switzerland, with the exception of 15,000 stand, purchased during the Luxembourg excitement, in the United States, is the Vetterly instead of the Rem- ington. Cotemporaneously with the conclusion of the trial in England, the Government of Greece, with a view to re-equipment of its force, in- stituted an examination of different inventions at Paris. The result was a contract with the foreign representative of the Remington arm. A temporary suspension occurring, the officer detailed, Capt. Alexandros Fountouclis, distinguished for his professional ability, made a tour of Europe, and returning to Belgium, conducted most thorough experiments with this system, which resulted in a second report to his Government, re-asserting its superior excellence, and a new contract for 15,000 stand. From the exhaustive record of Capt. Fountouclis' series of tests, comprising the calibres and models of the arm adopted at that time by Denmark, Sweden, the Roman States, Spain and Egypt, the concluding summary is quoted : Extracts from Report of the Hellenic Government by Captain Alexandros Fimntouclis. Advantages. 1st The arm permits of rapid and easy firing. 2d. Tlie working of tlie rifle is so simple ttiat tlie most ignorant soldier becomes familiar witli it in a sliort time. 3d. Tlie required motions, either for opening the breech or for raising the hammer are short and near the body, enabling the rifle to be loaded in double ranks, on horseback or any other position. The absence of all salient parts renders this easier. The hammer can be raised with- out looking away from the enemy. Without looking, and with one finger, the soldier can examine the respective positions of hammer and trigger. 4th. The extraction of the shell is easy, especially when the cartridge is greased or when it enters it loosely. To extract the cartridge it is sufficient to elevate the muzzle a little and strike with the forefinger of the right hand, a rap on the front part on the block's chest. 5th. The mechanism is simple, stable, and very solid ; not containing any part liable to get out of order, even after a prolonged firing. 6th. The rapidity of firing is very satisfactory. 7th. The arm is not liable to any important wear. 8th. A very remarkable advantage produced by the ingenious disposition of the various parts of the mechanism, is that the power tending to keep the breech-block closed during the fire, increases with that which tends to open ii,. 9th. The hammer can never strike the firing-pin, and consequently the cartridge can- not explode unless the breech is perfectly closed. The arm offers, therefore, a perfect secunty to the soldier. THE EEMINGTON SYSTEM. 103 Certificate. The undersigned, Commanding Captain of Belgian artillery, certifies having, by order of Lieutenant-Colonel, the Inspector of Weapons of War, and Director of the State Manufactory of Small Arras, united in rendering this report, and in the execution of the experiments and trials therein mentioned, carried out by Captain of the Hellenic staff, Alexandres Pountouclis. LiKQE, 19th December, 1869. (Signed,) DELBRUTERE. According to the inetructions of the Minister of War, under date of June 1st, 1869, I have authoiized the Captain of the Hellenic staff, Alexandres Fcmntouclis, to make at the State Manufactory of Arms, the trials and experiments contained in this report, with various models of the Remington system. These trials have taken place according to programme established under my sanction and approval. The Mechanical Engineer, Mr. Covin, has been charged to provide and look after all the material means, and Mons. Delbruyere, Commanding Captain of Artillery and Attach^ to the Manufactory of Arms, has been appointed to assist Captain Fountouclis in the ex- ecution of the divers and numerous experiments mentioned in the foregoing report. Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery, Inspector of Weapons of War, and Director of the State Manufactory of Arms. Liege, 20th December, 18G9. (Signed,) GILLION. The Govemment of Spain, whose adoption of the Remington sys- tem is the most recent foreign endorsement of the arm, conducted a trial of nearly all the inventions known to the ordnance world, which commenced before the revolution, and was finally concluded in the late summer of 1870. The Remington models, fifty in number, used in the trial, were constructed in the State Arsenals of Spain. So long and thorough an investigation of systems, engaging the earnest attention of the best professional abUity of the Spanish service, it need hardly be suggested, at last produced a report upon small arms which is exemplary for the careful consideration and prac- tical knowledge therein developed. The following summary of the decision concludes this document, which was signed the 24th of August, 1870, an interval of nearly two years having been consumed in the action of the Commission : Extracts from tlie Eeport of the Royal Spanish Commission at Madrid. Of all the arms entered, the Remington offers the most advantages for bayonet charges, jn account of its length; is the third in weight, the second in the advantageous position of centre of gravity, and the fifth in number of parts; but if we consider the simplicity of the various parts, there can be no doubt that it offers less probabilities of getting out of order, and more facilities for examination and repairs. In the rust trial the Remington proved superior to all, being the only one that, afler the mechanism had been thoroughly rusted, was able to fire three consecutive shots ; none of the others working at all. Piually, in the defective shell trial, the Remington showed its superiority over all the others. The greatest initial velocity was obtained by this arm, bemg 433 metres per second, at 20 metres from muzzle. 104 AMEEICAN BKEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Its trajectory ivns tlie flattest of all, and offered a longer dangerous space than the others The result of these lengthened trials has been to make manifest once more the superior- it}' of the Remington arm over all other breech-loaders. The results of the trials would of themselves be sufficient, -without their being confirmed by the leport received from Cuba, where more than thirty thousand are in campaign. This report made by a Board composed, for the greater part, of officers who had been in the field and witnessed tlie working of the gun, certifies in a most positive manner, the brilliant qualities of this arm, and its undoubted superiority over all others tried there, — among which are the Peabody, Sharps, Berdan (Russian), Palmer, Gallagher, Spencer, and others. It reports the many positive advantages it possesses, and its. freedom from inconveniences ; and above all, the successful experience Lad with it in a climate much more severe and trying than our mild one. It is, therefore, a source of congratulation to see our report of the trials in perfect har- mony wilh the practical results obtained in Cuba. The liemingion system is therefore approved by this Board, for tlie use of Infantry and Vatalry. Madhid, 24th August, 1870. To His E.xccUeucy the Director-General of Artillery. (Signed,) Brig.-Gen. CAYETANO FIGUEROA, Vice President. Col. ENRIQUE BUELTA, Secretary. EOTAL DECnEE OF MAItCU 24th, 1871. Excellency : After carefully examining the results of the numerous experiments carried out by the Board named on the 1st of January, 18G8, and the report that the Board oi Directors make on their extensive trials, the King has been pleased to resolve: That tlie two models of rifle and carbine Remington accompanying this, and which have been duly scaled by this Mmistry, be held as the standard models for the small arm of the various services of the army ; it being besides, tlie desire of His Majesty, that tlie Arsenal should proceed at once with the manufacture of said arms. Which royal determination I communicate to you for your guidance. Madrid, 24tli March, 1871. To His Excellency the Director-General of Artillery. (Signed,) SEKRA.'SO, Minister of War. During the prolonged session of the Royal Commission in Spain, the exigencies of war in Cuba had subjected the system to a service trial, imposing tests naturally severer than those which suggest them- selves to an ofBcial board, in this instance rendered especially demon- strative by the character of the country and climate. Of this actual service experience with the Remington arm, the New YorJc Army and NavTf Journal, under date of January 13th, 1872, remarked, in a review of the business exhibit recently issued by the Company : " The documentary portion of this exhibit is made up of abstracts and summaries of re-' ports, issuing from Commissions of the several Governments which have adopted the arm Among the latest is the dictum of Spain, made through a Board of officers distinguished .■or scientific and experimental knowledge. This body consumed something more than two years in an inspection and trial of a very large number of inventions, including tlie Amer- ican Peabody, Shaip's, Berdan, Spencer, Gallagher, and Palmer. Tlie official tests were of the severest character, anticipating every incident of service. But the Remington arm was meanwhile being tried by Spain under more exigeanl conditions than any which an olBcial miUtaiy commission could impose. More than 30,000 guns of this system had been THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 105 previously to and diii-ing the session of the Commission purcliased and issued to Spanisli troops tigliting in Cuba. Here, wljere tlieluiniidity of tlie climate exercises ^Yllat may be termed a corroding intiueuce upon any mechanism at all exposed, and where the com- batants on both sides were to a '.arge extent unused to the manipulation of breech-loaders, the arm had shown itself proof against a pei'spiriug atmosphere, and the rough handling o( untaught negroes, and raw Catalans as well. The abstract of the Cuban report to the Commission aliove refejred to, is subjoined: " ' The Brigade or Committee of officers appointed by the General Sub-Inspector of this Military Division, composed of those mentioned in the margin, having assembled under the presidency of Brigadie]--General Bon Eduardo Seguera, this officer declared to them that the object of their meeting was to consider and report upon the best war arm to be adopted and selected out of those called breech-loaders, and that have been used in the present Cuban campaign. " ' In consequence thereof, the Committee proceeded at once to the study and close ex- amination of all and every one of the weapons, taking as point of departure the proceed- ings of the nine different Sub Committees that from time to time have made experiments on the Remington gun of 11 mill. ; the result of which was Us adoption for the army on this Island. " ' They likewise made trials with the Peabody, Sharps 4th, Berdan (Russi.an model), Miller, Palmer, Gallagher, Spencer, and other systems of repeating or single-sliotguns, as well for infantry as cavalry. '"Not only were all and every one of the above-mentioned systems closely inspected and examined and tried so as to form the best possible idea of their merits and ballistic qual- ities, but all tlie models generally known in Enrope and the principal ones in North Amer- ica that could be procmed were also submitted to the same trials. " ' In order to ascertain the qualities of each system, it was resolved to ask the opinion of all the superior officers of infantry or artillery, who, during the last eighteen months' campaign, had had the command of troops armed with breech-loaders of whatever de- sci-iption, commanding them to report on the same, and to state the result of their experi- ments. " ' These reports having been carefully examined, independently of information gathered from other sources, the Brigade, or Committee of officers has come to the conclusion that the Remington gun of 11 mill, calibre is by common consent and the general opinion of natives and foi'eigners, that which unites most of the conditions requisite for a war arm, and that the same qualification is applicable to the carbine and pistol to be used by cavalry, tiie rifle carbine and pistol being loaded with central-fire cartridges. " ' Experience lias sliown that system, is not liable to gel out of order, Tiotwitlutanding the rough handling to which in war it must be submitted; that sitols with it never fail ; that its mechanism is so simple and so perfect that several divisions of the army have voluntarily adopted it during tJie present campaign and made use of it wUh facility and without accident, notmthslanding the soldier had not time or leisure to he properly instructed in the luindling of tlie weapon. " ' The result of the trials has been, that though the cartridge may explode or burst, yet the breech mechanism slill remains unchanged ; a circumstance of the higliest importance, and which makes the weapon comparatively preferable to all others of its class. ■ " ' The firing is not only certain but precise, the sighting being so well graduated that the middling marksman invariably hits the target, to which condition of the Remington gun is owed the fact that the soldier who has once used it has unlimited confidence in his arm. "' The Secretary of the Committee, Colonel Don Francisco RuU, saj's in his j'eport, that having been in command of his battalion during the whole year of the present campaign, his men have constantly used the Bemington gun without his having experienced one single case of failure either in the system or in the gun itself. " ' The Committee is finally of the opinion that the Bemington system is in every respect the best, and that which unites all iJie conditions requisite for war. Signed at Havana, this 25th of April, 1870. Col. FRANCISCO RULL, Secretary, Col. ENRIQUE BARBAZA, Col NARCI30 HERRERA DAVILA, Brig.-Gen. EDUAliDO SEGUERA. Pres.'" 106 AMERICAN BKEECH-LOADING SMALL A.EMS. The following documents, emanating from the Corps of Artillery and Engineers of the Spanish Regular force, and from the Chief of the Civil Guard, indicate the unanimous sentiment of the army in Cuba : DEPAKTSrENT OF ARTILLERY OP THE ISLAND OF CUBA. Don Juan de Ojeda y Alcaniy, Colonel of Artillery, decorated with the grand, and also with the inferior cross of San Hermenegildo and with two of San Fernando; also Com- mander of Isabel la Catolica, and with other marks of honor for deeds of war; Director of the Arsenal of this Island, whose Sub-Inspector is General Antonio Venenc, decorated with the grand cross of San Hermenegildo and that of Isabel la Catolica ; Commander of the, same and also twice honored with the decoration of San Fernando, and many others on account of deeds of war, &c., &c., &c. Certify, — That the ten thousand Remington rifles, purchased from Messrs. E. Reming- ton & Sons, of Ilion, New York, United States of America, have been i-eceived in this arsenal, in complete and satisfactory state of construction ; and that in the battalions of the army, wliere these arms have been tried, they have proven their superior quality, both as regards precision and strength. These ai'ms have been so favorably received by all who have had occasion to use them, that many corps of volunteers are desiioua to procure them. Wherefore, at the request of these gentlemen, and by order of His Ex- cellency, I do thus certify. Havais'A, March 19tli, 1869. (Signed,) JUAN DE OJEDA, [l. 8.] Approved, (Signed,) ANTONIO VENENC, \p- s.] General of Artillery. INSPECTION OF VOLITNTEBRS OF THE ISLAND OF CUBA. I certify that the excellence of the Remington guns has been proven, not only as re- gards the simplicity of their mechanism and the facility of their manipulation, but like- wise m respect to their precision and strength ; and that the volunteers of this island have therefore hastened to supply themselves with a very large number of them. The result obtained, fiom practical tests, has been highly satisfactory, and these arms are much pre- ferred to any others. Havana, March 23d, 1869. The Sub-Inspector General, (Signed,) RAFAEL CLAVIJO, [i" S-] aiief of Engineers. CrVlL GITAED. Eugenic Lono y Montano, Colonel of Infantry and First Chief of the Section of the Civil Guard of this Island : I hereby certify that the Remington gun, used by the com- panies of the Institute, is an arm of great strength in its construction ; and that up to this date, notwithstanding its frequent use, not the slightest change has been observed therein. The mechanism of the gun is so simple, that the soldier can readily be taught its effect- ive use. I am of the opinion tliat in battle, this gan must be far superior to any other yet known, since it can be loaded with ease and expedition, discharged with great rapidity, and besides this, the deviation of the ball is so insignificant that the marks- man can acquire a precision iu his aim that cannot be arrived at when using other guns, lately invented, including those of the * * * system. I base this opinion on experi- ments made by members of the Section, as well as on the unanimous voice of the Chiefs of the Divisions of the same. Aud in justice to the manufacturei-s of the gun (Messrs. E. Remington & Sons). I hereby sign the present in Havana, the 28th day of March, 1809. (Signed,) EUGENIC LONO, t^ ^-i Chief of aM ChumL THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 107 The foregoing record of Spanish, experience witli tlie Remington system of arms is happily endorsed by a distinguished American soldier, holding a high command in the Patriot Army. The com- munication which follows seems to have been specially suggested by tlie points of the Spanish-Cuban report : New York, December Ist, 1871. To Mensrs. E. lieminglon tS: Sons, Ilion, iV. T.: GEKTLE>rEN: My uUeolinn liaviiig bceu called to tlie published report of a board of Spanish officers of the experience of their service ia Cuba with the Reiuiugtoa fii'e-arms, I tixke pleasure in saying that my experience upon the same field, both in the use of and in collision with tlie same arms, wananis me in confirming all that those officers say of the efficiency and admirable qualities of your rifles and caibines as weapons of war. The rifle used in the Spanish army in Cuba is of the caliber .43, and is, above all the weapons I ever met, most notable for its precision and certainty of aim. It is, par excel- lence, the arm of precision. Frequently the Cubans used to capture this arm, which was much dreaded in the liands of their adversary, and the capture was always a matter of peculiar satisfircliou, because of the highly-prized character of the gun. The rifle aud carbine, ^Yhich had been purchased in this city for the Cubans, were al- tered arms, and cheaper, being of the caliber of .58. These were thoroughly tested under my own eyes for a period of eleven months, under every disadvantage, aud throughout the excellence of the arm was demonstrated. Nowhere else, in active service, in my be- lief, has any fire-arm been subjected to such trying tests as the Remington rifles in Cuba, both by Spani.«h and Cuban troops, taking into consideration the warm, damp, corrosive climate and the character of the men who handled them — very often negroes, who had never before been used to handle a gun of any sort. The mechanism proved as strong and enduring as simple and easy working. Scarcely any sort of hard usage or any degree of moisture impaired its efficiency. Other breech-loading arms were in use both by Cubans and Spaniards, but none gave the same degree of satisfaction. In close observation of the Remington arm, under circumstances daily of the keenest solicitude, when a single fire-arm in thoroughly efl"cctive condition, more or less, was a matter of great importance to me, I could discover no defect in it. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS JORDAN. Previously to tlie adoption of the Chassepotby the French Govern- ment, in August, 1866, initial trials of a satisfactory character hav- ing been made with the Remington system, a sufficient number of arms were ordered to be made in the United States to admit of such exhaustive tests as could warrant a determination of the matter. The unavoidable delay, however, in the delivery of the arms, necessitated the decision of the Government in favor of the Chassepot, a conclu- sion probably likewise affected by the existing difficulty in the pro- duction of suitable metallic ammunition. A distinguished French officer of ordnance, in a little work criticising the defaults of the na- tional armament, published about the commencement of the Franco- Prussian war, observes of this circumstance : " This last arm, known too late to the Eiuperor, through trials at Biarritz and atCompiegne, balanced for an instant the fortune of the Chassepot ; but the latter, 108 AMERICAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. backed by influential partizansbip, was, after all, the final victor." In a foot-note the writer thus refers to the success of the Remington in the Vienna trials: "A characteristic anecdote was first at thia time current, for the truth of which, however, I cannot vouch : ' Very well. Prince,' said the Emperor one day to M. De Metternich, ' what is going on in Austria ? ' ' Your Majesty,' replied the Min- ister, ' we are trying the Remington !' ' The Remington ; pardon me, what is that? ' Inquuy having thus been suggested, it was discovered that this arm had been for some months at the Artillery Bureau, but that no one had spoken of it to the Emperor. So far as the general preference of the French Government has been manifested, with the smgie exception above noted, it has been strongly in favor of the Remington system. Its repeated endorse- ment by the ordnance ofiicers in view of a Grecian re-armament, has been already stated. About the same time a committee of English, Belgian and French ofiicers, proposing to raise a fund to equip the troops of the Papal States, consulted the French Government, which again strongly recommended this arm. To the application of a Chinese Commission, the same favorable report was made. In 1868 the Vice-Royalty of Egypt requested the French Minister of War to select a board of experts from his command to aid the Egyptian General-in-Chief, who had been sent to Europe to deter- miae upon an arm. This Commission was organized under the di- rection of Col. Nessler, an accomplished ofiicer of infantry, and prosecuted its investigation of the merits of various inventions for more than six months, in the presence of the Egyptian envoy, Gen- eral Ratib Pasha. The Remington was the arm finally selected from a large list of competitors, conspicuous among which were the Chasse- pot, the Martini-Henry and the Peabody. The Viceroy thereupon visit- ing Europe in person, efi"orts were made on the part of several par- ties interested ia the competition, to have the trial resumed ; but the Egyptian ruler concluded to defer to the action of the Commission and the opinion of his son. On the 30th of June, 1869, a contract was signed in England for 60,000 Remington rifles, which were de- livered during the succeeding twelvemonth. The construction of this complement was superintended in the United States by Colonel Minie. This distinguished officer, occupying a responsible position upon the Egyptian Military Staff, has repeatedly communicated to THE EEMIKGTON SYSTEM. 109 Messrs. E. Eemington & Sons the general satisfaction with which the system is regarded by the rank and file of the Viceroy's army. It has been observed from the foregoing relation of the facts re- garding the re-armament of several powers that have applied to France for advice, that the sentiment of the professional authorities of that nation has been invariably favorable to the Remington. The adoption of the Chassepot in 1866 was the incident of an apparently imperative exigency, and the choice was actually made out of no competition at all, there being but two other entries, one of which was an improvised modification of the successful arm. In every subsequent trial, the results have been highly favorable to the American breech-loader, the last one, conducted just before the late war, concluding in a recommendation of its adoption for the mount- ed force of the French army. The names of JSTessler and Minie are too well known, to necessitate any suggestion of the value attaching to their endorsement of the system. There may be added, however, to these names of practical and thorough military scientists the more conspicuous one of a French Marshal. At the Imperial Exposition of 1867, the United States, and several European countries, were represented by large contributions of war material, comprising not only siege and field ordnance and general munitions, but the latest types of small arms. The sentiment of the Commissioners controlling the Industrial Palace was adverse to any consideration of this feature of the exhibition — it has been sug- gested on account of the paucity of the French contribution. " The fruit of peaceful civilization, it was designed that the Exhibition should remain true to its object. Founded upon progress in peace, it was not thought proper to extend a friendly hand to engines of destruction." Against this rather narrow construction of the pur- poses of the gathering of a whole world' s resources, the Grovern- ments represented protested vnth such force of argument, urging the cost incurred by tuventors and manufacturers in the preparation of models as well as the fallacious inspiration of the International Jury, that the Emperor decided to form a High Commission, under the presidency of Field Marshal Canrobert, and composed of general officers of different nations, to whom was assigned the duty of ex- amining, classifying and reporting upon the army material sent to the Exposition. In accordance with the Imperial order, the Min- isters of War and Marine named the following members : 110 AMEEIOAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ABM3. MM. De Faillt, General ol Division, Aide-de-Camp of tlie Em- peror. FoEGEOT, General of Division, Member of Ordnance Board. GuioD, General of Division, Member of tlie Ordnance Board. Labeotjsse, Vice- Admiral. Fei^bault, General of Division, Chief of Ordnance of the Navy. Vigo-Roussillon, Military Intendant, Professor in the Im- perial Staff School. RiBOUET, General of Brigade, Superintendent of the Im- perial Staff School, Secretary. And the following foreign officers, sent by their respective govern- ments, were added : England. — Col. Younghnsband, of the Royal ArtUlery. AusTEiA. — Col. Von Ebner, of the Engineers. Belgium. — Capt. Vantier, of the Artillery. Spain. — Gen. De Elorza, of the ArtUlery. Italy. — Col. Mattel, of the Artillery. Holland. — Major Van Sousbeeck, of the Artillery. Peussia. — Major Von Burg, Military Attache of the Prussian Embassj'. Russia. — Gen. Gadolin, and Col. De Novitzky, Military Attach^ of tlie Russian Embassy in London. Sweden. — Major Staaf, MiUtary Attache of the Swedish Legation. Thus was constituted a sort of International Military Jury, on the pattern of the Jury of the Exposition. Tlie war contribution, thus recognized as a legitimate feature, was divided into twenty-one classes, the first class inoludhig small arms under the title Amies Portaiioes. The collection under this class was very comprehensive, England liaving sent, among other inven- tions, the Medford carbine, tlie new Wliitworth rifle, and the Mar- tini-Henry ; Austria the Wandl ; Belgium the Albini ; and the United States tlie Joslyn, Peabody, Spencer, Wesson and Remington. The report of the Commission, a very large volume of 630 pages, presents a most thorough study of the progress of destructive inven- tion. Its determination of the relative merits of the small arms en- tered was in favor of the Remington. " This arm, very remarkable for its accuracy at loag ranges, its strengtli, and the almost THE EEMrNQTON SYSTEM. Ill unalterable working of its pai-ta, enjoys like tlie preceding (anotlier American system), and perliaps to a mucli greater degree, general favor. Tlie action of ttie extractor ia sure and efficacious; it may be fired twelve times per minute." As a material evidence of this official endorsement, the European representative of the arm received for the Messrs. Remington, from the hands of the Marshal, the silver medal of the Exposition, the trophy of the highest class awarded to military and sporting arms. In the summer and fall of 1870, the terrible exigency of France demanding an immediate reinforcement of her armories, a contract was concluded between the Provisional Government and E. Reming- ton & Sons for the construction of 50,000 stand of rifles, speedily followed by an order for their entire production. The extraordinary resources of the establishment were exercised to their extreme cap- acity, and a result was attained which, it is belived, has no prece- dent in the record of arms manufacture. A leading industrial journal,* alluding to this episode in the history of the Remington enterprise, embodies the following facts of practical interest : "The fall of 1870 doubtless witnessed in the Ilion armory a larger number of men em- ploj'ed, a greater daily production and a more earnest concentration of thoughts and ener- gies upon one object, than the small arms business in this or any other country had ever known. The contract with the French Government was commenced about the middle of September. The final installment was sliipped in the first week of the succeeding May. During the seven months inclusive, from September 21st to the latter date, the number of service arms of its own production furnished and shipped to French ports from the Ilion armory, was about 155,000, a total result altogether unprecedented in the history of similai' transactions. The arms composing this total were divided among the following classes : 130,000 rifles of .43 calibre ; 5,000 carbines, and 20,000 transformations. The Army and Navy Journal remarks of this great industrial achievement, ' the resoui'ces of the great armory have, of course, been taxed to the utmost. The buildings devoted to small arms manufacture have, for twenty hours of each working day, been crowded with workmen, from 1,300 to 1,400 employees having been all tlie time engaged. The largest daily pro- duction has been 1,400 rifles (our contemporary's figures are not large enough, each of tlie last three day's product having been 1,530 stand of rifles, with 1,.300 stand on each of the fifteen working days preceding), " and about 200 revolvers, and the monthly pay roll amounted to fi'om $138,000 to $140,000.' " " In September, at the reception of the order from France, the capacity of the aimory, working double gangs, was equal to the production of a little over 500 stand of new- arms and 200 transformations. Thenceforth the effort was general not only to sustain the ori'final figures, but to provide machines and tools for a much larger production. Three months saw tiie daily total handsomely enlarged. By the end of five months the number of new arms turned out in each twenty hours reached 1,000. We have already noted the cuLninating daily results at the close of the contract." » The Iron Age, New York, March 7th, 1872. THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 113 The present establishment at Ilion, a thriving village of some three thousand population, located on the line of the New York Central Railroad, in Herkimer County, about eighty miles west of the State capital, Albany, was originated in 1825 by Mr. Eliphalet Remington. In 1816 the singular good fortune which had succeeded the crude essay of the founder, then a youth j ust reaching maturity, at the construction of a barrel for a fowling-piece, with only the simple ap- pliances of a disused farm-forge, inspired him to enter upon the manufacture of small arms as a life occupation. Pursuing his humble work for nine years as a handicraft at the starting point upon his father's farm, the excellence of his gun-barrels having mean- while secured a reputation throughout the country, he in the year 1825 was able to purchase a large tract of land and erect the first structure of the present armory. The journal previously quoted, narrates the subsequent progress of the industry : " In 1825, the Erie Canal having been made througli the valley of the Mohawk, Mr. Rem- ington, after a few years' hard experience of the difficulty of conducting his growing busi- ness at so considerable a distance from that thoroughfare, with wise prevision of the future, purchased a large tract of land where now stands Ilion. His first erection, a low one-story building, is included in the present forging-sliop. The variety and capacity of plant for some years was not increased to any great extent, though tlie distinct business of barrel-making experienced a natural and healthy growth. In 1835, tlie establishment of Ames & Co., of Spruigfleld, Mass., which had a United States contract for a number of thousands of carbines, wisliing to dispose of a portion of its award then uncompleted, and of its gun-fiuisliing machinery, Mr. Remington became the purcliaser of both con- tract and plant. At this time, his first government contract necessitating an increase of shop capacity, he erected a frame building of considerable size for that day, wliich is still standing, and known as " the old armory.'' Before finishing the carbine order, the enterprise of the rising estalilishment was encouraged by the reception of another con- tract — tliis time for .5,000 Harper's Ferry rifles. Tools were forthwith made or bought, and the work proceeded witli, still another contract for 5,000 similar arms coming be- fore the first was flnislied. At tiiis date (1835 to 1840), the machine plant amounted to four milling machines, one stocking machine and one turning lathe, tlie fixtures or tools having to be changed as occasion demanded. About 1810, tivo of Mr. Remington's sons coming of age, became active in the enterprise. " Tlie accession of his two elder sons to the business gave the founder a temporary respite, grateful enougli, we may well believe, after such a quarter of a century of endeavor and achievement. " The award of a third contract— this time for 2,500 Harper's Ferry rifles and for a quantity of Maynard's magazine locks -was the first fruits of the new management and an initial trip to Washington. " In 1847 the Remingtons commenced the construction of pistols, their first effort being a pocket revolver, which from its simplicity and general etficiency, secured a market at once. A short time anterior to the rebellion in 18R1, they began to produce their well- known army and navy revolver, since adopted for both branches of the United States service. The company now turns out eighteen different sizes and pat- terns of holster and other pistols, from the terribly effective single-shot arm of .50 calibre, of a breech-loading system similar to the rifle, to the vest pocket 15 114 AMEBIC AW BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. companion, a toy weighing but three and a half ounces, yet in the hands of an expert marksman true enough to kill a squirrel at fifty feet. " The establishment of E. Kemiugtou & Sous (Mr. Remington, the founder, died in 1861), exclusively devoted to the production of small arms, lias, of course, very largely increased in capacity since the Danish and Swedish contracts first brought the new military arm m- to ].)rominence. The structures in which this branch of the business is pursued, thougli erected at intervals, present an architectural ensemble fir from disagreeable to the eye, an effect by no means lessened by the pleasant village surroundings in the midst of which they stand. They cover, including tlie pistol department, from three and a half to- four acres of ground. The motive force is furnished by three principal engines, aggregating 400-horse. The number of operators averages about 1,000, though the machine plant as now perfec- ted would probably provide work for double this number. The superficial area of the armory, estimating the floor space of tlie immense four-story buildings that constitute it, is very nearlv equal to fifteen acres. A detailed description of the several departments, though practically interesting, is not within the scope of this article. It maybe said, how- ever, tliat every feature of constructioji has here subsidized all that scientific and mechan- ical achievement can contribute, each operation, from the first subjection of the steel mould in the rolling-mill, to the ultimate equipment of the barrel with stock and breech-system in the assembling-room, being effected by the most improved artificial device, the direction of the most thorougii skill and e.xpcrieuce. It need hardly be suggested that such ex- traordinary results as are above recorded, results absolutely unique in the history of manuficture, required not merely organization, but earnest individual co-opera- tion on tlie part of all engaged, whether principals or employees. We do not know that the organization at the Remington armory is oppressively exacting, that a grind- ing discipline absorbs every breath of labor ^ in fact, we fancy there are many large establishments in which the workmen are much more enslaved b)' sj'stem and supervision. There is, however, sometimes a something more exacting than organ- ization, or system, or supervision. In tliis instance, indeed, it is a something infinitely more creditable to tlie humanity of labor tlian either or all of these forces. The great armory at Ilion, is, in fact, but a great family— and this, indeed, may be truly enough said of the whole busy village, every member, every citizen of which owns an interest, at least of good wishes, in the general prosperity. A7hile the Remingtons are sole owners of buildings and machinery, the work is given out by contract. Each contractor, of whom tliere are more than thirty in all, has his particular job, hires his own gang of men, and executes his work, whether itlje on tlie barrel, the stock or some part of the system, to exact gauges, of wliich one set remains in the hands of the company, and the other is kept carefully in liis own little office, his sole care being to sustain his branch of produc- tion upon a base willi the general result. The direct issue of such a, division of labor is that it equalizes or disseminates interest; and is a constant spur to endeavor in its various shapes, every little while bringing out of some clever brain a tool or a process by which operations may be reduced in number, or helping the enterprising sub to realize better re- sults from his gang of artisans. The system of labor as above suggested is certainly better calculated to answer such im- perious exigencies as that of France in 1870, tliau any other could be. It does not turn out an individual arm as speedily perhaps as a single expert gunsmith might, but it turns out a thousand in less time by far than the same number of smiths, separately employed would dare to think of doing. Thus, while it would be possible to take one of the molds' of excellent steel, piled up in the rolling-mill, and have the gun-barrel completed in three hours, a careful estimate gives thirty-three days as the average time in which the mold goes through its eighty-three distinct operations and reaches \\ie assembiing-room in the shape of a gleaming tube of .50 calibre ready to be issued to tlie National Guard It is however, not the single mold but the pile of a thousand, more or less, that the barrel- making gang, in all its various branches, has to consider, and both lon>' experience and wise economy show that this dissemination of work and multipUcity^of operations ef- fects the quickest aggregate at the smallest cost. THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 115 From 1835 to 1840, we find, Ij)' recnrring to tlie early part of our sketch, that the en- tire machine stock of the Remington establisliment comprised one turning lathe, one stooliing and four milhng machines, and tliat tlje fixtures and tools had to be changed about as occasion demanded. In those days barrels were forged and welded into shape. Now in tlie rolling-mill each furnace turns out from 300 to o.lO barrels per thiy at tlie hands of four men. If we follow the barrel department tlirough, we sliall find that this branch of the establishment alone, when at full head, has at work about a, score of milling machines, fort}--six drilling machines of various capacity and speed, thirty-one lathes and nine rifling macliines,not to mention a legion of other labor devices, whose names have escaped our memoranda. A hasty estimate gives the number of milling ma- chines alone, used in the establishment, at over four hundred. "As in most large workshops, there are in use at the Uiou armory several processes spe- cial to the establishment. The courtesy due to the company wliich has furnished us the means of giving our readers a general idea of the extent and organization of this rei)re- sentative American industry, forbids a particular description of mechanical resources, the origin and uses of which are private property. SutBce it that tlie long and intelligent ex- IJerience of tlie Keraingtons and of their artisans, many of them a second generation of the same family in the employ of the company, has achieved large results in the meelian- ical features of their work, as well in tlie economizing of operations as in the lessening their number. There are especial features of the Ilion work wliich we can not err, how- ever, in noting particularl3^ The e.xcellent shooting qualities of the barrels made at their establishment, have been from the era of tiie founder a proverb in mouths of wisest cen- sure. This superiority has' been, moreover, quite as generally observed in the barrels of the military as of the sporting rifles. It is possible that a degree of this excellence may be due to choiceness of material, but the exl;raordinary care given to the interior finish, the delicate gauging of the chambers, and the exact tut uing of muzzles, and, more than all, the patient and faithful straightening process, which is never neglected, are pmbably the general claimants in this instance. The operation of straightening a barrel, an achievement as yet unattained by mechanical process, is one of the most difficult in the manufacture of a gun, an art so rare in fact tliat accident has often produced a guinea Brummagem fowling-piece that would outshoot a Wesley Richards, or Greener, in the same field. The Remingtons, with an honorable pride in the excellence of tlieir productions, and correctly estimating the superlative importance of this quality ina barrel, have omitted no care, whether it concerns the experience and skill of artisans, or the severity of intermediate and final inspection, that will secure the merit of precision for their work.'' In 1864 the business at Ilion liad attained sucli proportions as to render a new organization imperative, as well for the purpose of perpetuating it, as of more easily controlling the multiplicity and extent of its operations. The private firm, still including only the sons of the founder, was accordingly made into a company, under the general law of the State of New York. The incorporation, legally known as E. Remington & Sons, dates from January 1st, 1865. The first officers were Philo Remington, President ; Samuel Rem- ington, Vice-President, and Eliphalet Remington, Secretary and Treasurer. In 1866, in anticipation of Mr. Samuel Remington's going to Europe, he was chosen president in order to more fully represent the company in the Old World. At this time Mr. Philo Remington became Vice-President. In the summer of 1870, Colonel Eh O W « THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 117 W. C. Squire, to whose large executive abUityand fine business tact are due no small measure of the more recent triumphs of the estab- lishment, was elected secretary of the organization. This gentleman being a son-in-law of PhUo Remington, all the offices are retained in the family. The nominal capital of the comj^any was named at $1,000,000, the value of the buildings, machinery and stock in pro- gress having been moderately estimated at $1,500,000. The entire stock of the company at the date of incorporation was — ^and still is — ^owned by the different individuals of the Remington family, with the exception of a few hundi-ed dollars in amount, necessary bylaw to qualify the three other members of the board of seven trustees, aU of whom are residents of Ilion. The present valuation of build- ings, machinery and stock ranges from $3,750,000 to $3,000,000. DESOKIPTION OF SYSTEM. The mechanical construction of the breech-system of the Reming- ton arm is plainly shown in the accompanying wood-cuts, figure 1, exhibiting the system with breech-block and hammer closed, and figure 2 with those parts open in position for loading. The sim- plicity of the system, the largeness of its parts and their peculiarly natural operation, it is thought, avoid the necessity of more elabor- ate and distinct illustration. The receiver, composed of frame and guard -strap (A A), is a sub- stantial housing of ^vrought iron, case-hardened, the sides of which are 28-100 inch in thickness. This frame, containing the lock and action, is closed at the bottom by the guard-strap, which is firmly secured in its place by two screws. The butt- stock is morticed for the reception of the end of the guard-strap (lower A) and tang of frame (upper A), tenoned into the receiver, and fastened by a tang- screw passing through the stock vertically from tang to guard-strap. Tlie front part of the receiver is the chamber. It] inches in length, into which the barrel is screwed. The fore-stock is secured to the barrel by a recoU-stud upon the under side of the latter. The constituent parts of the action are the breech-block (B) and pin (b) ; hammer (C) and pin (b) ; main-spring (a) and screw ; trig- ger (c), trigger-spring (e) and screw ; locking-lever (D), locking-lever spring (d) and screw ; firing-i^in (f) and screw. The extractor, not indicated by a letter, is seen in figure 2, engaging in a slot in the 118 AMEEICAK BEEEOH-LOADINa SMALL AEM8. slioTilder of tlie breecli-block. Tlie end of the ramrod screws into a ramrod-stud, similarly sliown in the cuts. The breech-block and hammer are solid pieces of fine steel, 69-100 of an inch thick, pivoted upon pins of the same material 46-100 in diameter. These pins pass entirely through the sides of the frame, and are held in place by the button screwed on to its left exterior side. The main-spring, trigger-spring, locking-lever and locking- lever spring are all of steel, the springs having the simplest possible curves, and the action of the main-spring upon the hammer being direct. The function of the locking-lever is two-fold, one of its of- fices being to lock the trigger, so that it cannot escape from its notch in the tumbler, when the breech-block is opened, and a second to secure the breech-block when closed by the force, directly trans- mitted, of the lever-spriug (d). It should be remarked that the whole of the lock work of this system, with the exception of the hammer, is attached to the guard-strap, which is thus by a very ingenious con- struction made to subserve the double purpose of guard-strap and lock-plate. The extractor works in a recess cut in the left interior of the chamber, and is operated by means of a projection on its lower face, which engages with the shoulder of the breech-block, so that the act of swinging back the block withdraws the empty cartridge-case by an entirely positive motion, iudependent of spring or indirect agent, a mode of extraction distinguished for its simplicity, ■ smoothness and certainty of operation. The firing-pia works through the breech-block, as indicated by the dotted lines at/. It is forced against the primer by the sudden shock of the hammer, which is imparted through the direct action of the strong and very slightly curved main-spring, so that a misfire is impossible with cartridges properly made and fitted to the cham- ber. Tlie operation of this arm is especially simple. To load the piece, the hammer is first brought to full cock, and the breech-piece swung back by pressing the thumb-piece with the thumb of the right hand. The backward motion of the breech-block withdraws the discharged shell from the chamber, and if this motion is executed quickly, with the muzzle of the arm slightly elevated, the case will fall out with- out necessitating the use of the fingers. The freah cartridge is then THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 119 inserted, and the breecli closed in one continuous motion. The arm is then ready to fire. Tlie successive stages of improvement by wliicli tlie present excel- lence of this breech-system has been reached, are indicated in the opening pages of this cliapter. In the carbine first tried at Sjiring- field, in 1865, the motive of the invention was apparent, though crudely considered and very imperfectly adapted. The successful result witnessed in the improved arm, so far from being an initial triumph, has been wrought out only through patient study and thorough experiment. And now that the award of so many official trials has been honorably certified by the crucial test of actual serv- ice, beneath different flags and under conditions of climate, military organization and individual usage, more extreme and varied than any other modern arm has been subjected to, the theory upon which this system is constructed may justly claim attention. FEATUEES OF CONSTEUOTION". The mechanical characteristics of the system are its simplicity, manifest in the small number of parts and their direct action ; its solidity and strength, due to the extraordinary size of parts and the relation of each part to its fellows and to the whole action ; dura- bility, secured .by the foregoing features and by the general design, which in the highest degree prohibits the entrance of gas to the action, offers the least possible frictional surface to the rusting effect of humidity, and, if sand or dust is admitted, ejects it freely fi'om the working principle. SIMPLICITY. The simplicity of the system, so far as it consists in the number of parts, may be appreciated, in its comparative importance, by a study of the official reports of the United States Commission of 1870. Of the various arms represented at St. Louis, the entire number of mechanical details in each one of the most prominent, is thus stated : Remington, carbine, No. OF Pabts 51 " (U. S. .50) rifle, 55 " (Spanish .43) u 55 (Schofield's half-cock) ii 65 Peabody (Wessely) (( 66 " (Spanish) tt 60 120 AMEEIOAN BEEEOH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. No. OF Pabtb. Peabody (U. S. transformed) " 64 " (Roumanian) " 69 " (self-cocking) " 67 (Wessely) " 65 Allin(U. S.) " 62 Sharps (Hartford) " 78 Martini-Henry, " 61 " " 62 Ward-Burton, " 59 u a 57 It is worthy of remarli that this relative superiority has not been attained by the sacrifice of a single mechanical incident essential to the effectiveness of the organization, nor has it been the mere pur- pose of designer and fabricant to construct a system which the veriest dolt, blindfolded, can take to pieces and assemble at first sight. The fact of fewness of jDarts in a breech action is valuable in the degree that it contributes to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the weapon. In considering such simplicity, it should always be kept in view that the mechanism of a service arm* should be of a " simple, strong and diirable character, free from risk of derange- ment, either by accident, long wear and tear, rough usage in active service, exposure to wet or sand, or fouling from long continued fir- ing. In the case of military guns, the latter requirements are of especial importance, as the whole value of a breech-loading gun, on account of increased rapidity of fire, would be outweighed by any inci'eased liability to failure in action." The justice of this observa- tion, of a very clever inventor and artisan, has been illustrated by the fate of more than one system, which by the elimination of neces- sary parts, has been made, in the hands of an expert, to show ex- ceeding liability of discharge when tested a few minutes for rapidity, yet when undergoing the ensuing test of 500 rounds, soon exliibited the effect of fouhng and clogging, and afterward, tried with filed cartridges or an excessive charge, at once became disabled. The simplicity of the Remington system is happily characterized by Captain Fountouclis : " the mechanism is simple, stable and very * Essay of Mr. Wm. P. Marshall, of Birmingliani, British Association of Mechanical Engineers, May, 1871. THE REMINGTON SYSTEM, 121 solid, not containing any part liable to get out of order, even after a prolonged firing." So far as has been consistent witli tlie permanent effectiveness of tlie action, the number of details lias been reduced to the extreme limit. The guard-strap secures by direct attachment every part of the lock with the single exception of the hammer. The action of each part is, moreover, natural and direct. Especially is this general character of the system observable in the extractor, which, avoiding the use of a spring or irregular cam motion, exe- cutes its work by a direct and positive withdrawal of the shell. STRENGTH OP THE SYSTEM. Strength and stability are necessary results of the general design of this system. Tlie breech-piece and hammer of the best obtainable material, and forged into shape with tlie most severe inspection, are of very large size, and secured in position beyond a possibility of de- rangement. The parts of the lock, each firml}^ attached to tlie heavy guard-strap, are in weight, formation and material, equally calcula- ted to ■witlistand the most sudden or harsh shock. The whole action is so securely protected in the solid frame as to remain serviceable even after the entire destruction of the stock. In the course of the trial of breech-loaders, conducted at Washington Navy Yard, in 1869, by the United States Official Naval Commission, this extraordinary sta- bilit_7 of organization was demonstrated by actual test, as follows : " tte butt-stoclc {wood) loas then removed from i?Le piece, and the exhibitor fired eighteen (18) shots at a distant marJc on the river, with a fair aim, and with tolerabte accuracy, showing tlie inde- pendence of the loch and Ijarr el parts from the butt-stock. The obvious material strength of the system requires hardly more than a suggestion, to be appreciated, the reader having already data as to size and proportion of parts. The distinct merit of this sys- tem, however, derivable apparently from these material features, is to be discovered by a careful study of its arrangement of parts, rather than of their individual solidity. AYhile the success of tlie arm may seem certain from its avoidance of complex detail and the intrinsic strength of each constituent of its action, its actual merit exists in the design itself. It would be perfectly easy to dis- pose the same weight and strength of metal that are collected in this system, so tliat a comparatively Aveak shock would throw them out of relation, and consequently disable the action. 16 122 AMEEIOAK BEEECH-LOADIKG SMALL AEMS. The inventor has, however, aimed to arrange its details so that the individual strength of each is brought into play, in every case sup- ported by its fellow. The elaborate paper from which (Quotations have already several times been made in this article, after noting with extreme fairness the defaults of previous iuveutions, observes of the necessary scientific relation of the parts of a breech system to each other, as follows : " If our analysis of other popular, or once approved models, has been of adequate clear- ness, the reader will have deduced from it the truth that mere mechanical design and exe- cution are not the onl.y requisites to the endurance and reliability of a system. While the mechanism must be of the very best to insure efficiency, the constructive design must be based upon correct science to make safety certain. It is the unique claim of the patentees of this arm that no accident has ever occurred with one of their productions. The reason of this alleged security is to be found in the perfectly scientific design of the system. The relation of the parts to each other and to the whole organization, the relative stieugth of each part, the directly parallel planes of recoil and resistance axes, are the characteristic merits of this system, without whicli no system, however excellent its mechanical execu- tion, can be depended upon against extraordinary incidents. " It will be observed that at tlie moment of discharge the breech-piece is immediately supported by the front portion of the hammer, which forms a superlatively powerful recoil tumbler. Both of these pieces are of considerable weight and thickness, and of the choi- cest metal— as substantially designed and constructed, in a word, as the largest capacity of frame will permit. The metal in these parts, and in the pins upon which they move, is so located as to equalize their power to absorb the recoil shock. The result, indeed, is that the recoil shock is practically co-operative in the stability of the system, a fact due to the scientific relation of the two sectors of circles, the hammer and breech-piece, between which there is a constant interlocking and biacing connection. Thus the greater the recoil, the more securely the hammer is locked, and the shoulder of the hammer becomes of necessity a fulcrum, acting upon the bearing of the breech-piece in such a manner that the entire strain upon its axis is taken up by tlie part iu the rear of the forward pin. This theoiy of correlation of forces in a breecli system was admirably illustrated at Washington, where, says the official report of the naval commission: " ' The exhibitor fired four shots with a wooden pin (hickory) substituted for the front recoil pin. No derangement of the piece ; no marks on the pin; and then fired four shots with two wooden pins in place of both steel recoil pins. No derangement of the piece or impressions on the wood pins. " 'A breech-piece, filed away to nothing, in front of forward pin, was then substituted in place of tlie ordinary breech-piece, and the gun fired seven times without jar w injury to any of Hie parts' " No more pertinent demonstration of tlie valuable relationship of science to mechanism could be furnished than the foregoing, yet, as a further proof of the extraordinary strength of the system we are describing, the fact may be adduced that on several occasions it has been subjected to charges which filled the entire barrel of the piece, from breech-chamber to muzzle, without effect upon its action or efficiency, a statement which, we believe, can be made of no other breech-loading arm." A conspicuous instance, above referred to, was furnished at the Belgian trial, in 1869, and is thus certified by the Director of the Proving-house : The undersigned. Director of the Proving-house for firearms at Liege, certifies having THE EEMINGTOW SYSTEM. 123 proved on behalf of Messrs, E. & L. Nagant, manufacturers of arms at Liege, a Remington rifle, 50 cal., as follows: 1st proof, 90 grs. powder, 1 ball, 3 wads, 2a " 750 " " 40 " This rifle has received tlie two coriespoudiug stamps. The Director, (Signed,) ALPH. POLAIN. LiBGB, Sept. 29, 18G9. The barrel could not receive a stronger charge, as the last one filled its entire length, 750 grains of powder and 40 balls, occupying 36.31 inches. (Signed) EM. & L. NAGANT. As a further demonstration of tlie strength of this breech system, the report of Captain Fountouclis, who conducted experiments with the arm at Liege, with the co-operation of the Director of the State manufactory, furnishes tlie following tests : " A Belgian cartridge-shell has been introduced into the Grecian gun, and the loading has been completed through the muzzle as follows: ten grammes (a double charge) of powder, a strong paper wad, rammed by two blows of ramrod, and a forty-four grammes slug wi'apped in paper and upset by the ramming home. "■Nothing extraordinary was noticed. "Tlie same rifle has again been loaded in the same manner with twelve and one half grammes of powder, wad, ten spherical balls of .43 calibre and another wad. " Nothing remarkable took place. " Again the same rifle lias been loaded with six grammes of powder, wad, twenty-five spherical balls of .43 calibre, and a wad. ''Nothing occurred ; the barrel and system uninjured. ■' The Egyptian rifle has been loaded with its own cartridge, but with the shoulder of the head filed otf, the ramrod left in the barrel so that its head sliould be ten centimetres from the ball. After firhig it was discovered that the ramrod had been ejected against the target, but that its head as well as the bullet had remained wedged at thirty-three centimetres from the muzzle of the barrel, which experienced a considerable swelling at the origmal position of the ramrod head, and was also split below that point lenglliwise a distance of fifteen centimetres, with two transverse cracks at the point of swelling. The stock at this place had been shattered, but the barrel, though weakened by the sight-base screws, did not burst at this spot. " The CAETRIDGB was intact, as also the MECHAi^ISM." More severe tests of the stability of an arm could not be devised. The admirable arrangement of the parts in the Remington is, how- ever, more satisfactorily proven by trials less dependent for severity upon the exaggeration of charges than upon conditions affecting the pivotal action. The curious experiments conducted at the United States Naval trial, introducing wooden in place of the steel pins, has been already noted. At Liege, under the class of tests termed "Facility of Service," and reported in Captain Fountouclis' report, the following conditions were prescribed : "To fire one shot, the block-pin being pushed out of one of its bearings. " To fire two shots, the block-pin being of oak {chine) in one instance and of beech (Mire) in the other. 124 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. " To fire one shot, the block-pin being removed. " To fire two shots with the Danish rifle, the block-pin being cut in two through the centre. " Under the first condition, no cff'ect upon the working of the system was observable. " Under the second, though the oaken substitute was broken bj' tlie block in three parts, so that the firing-pin was bent, the cartridge-head blown ofi', and the lower part of the countersink of the chamber slightly dented, after a few taps of the armorer's hammer upon the affected parts, tJie steel pivot being replaced, the mechanism worked perfectly well, and was not injured in the least degree. " In the succeeding tests, the breech-pin was slightly indented, allowing the block to fall back upon the cam of the hammer, and the cartridge-head was blown off with, how- ever, but a very slight leakage of gas. A momentary application of the hammer handle upon the block, to make it assume its place, with a re-insertion of the steel pin, set the action in order again, and the mechanism tcorked perfectly well. " With the front pivot entirely removed, the block was ejected vertically out of the frame, firing-pin broken, countersink of chamber bent and cartridge-head blown off, with large escape of gas as a matter of course, yet the mechanism remained peifect. "In the concluding (rial, with front pin cut through the centre, the first fire being made witli the regular service charge, five grammes, and the second with fourteen grammes of powder and a forty-four grammes weight bullet, nothing noteworthy was observed ; the pin resisted loell ; the mechanism as before. Therefore no danger could exist for the soldier, even if, through defect, or any other cause, the pin should break in two." If the result was in no other degree noteworthy, it certainly may be justly cited as demonstrating a very considerable superfluous solidity in the breech-block pivot and its bearings. The strength of the Remington breech-system has thus been demonstrated under conditions of a character that may seem ab- surdly severe to all but experts in mechanism and material. Tak- ing into consideration, however, the inadequacy of the most thorough and honest inspection, and of the most carefully conducted proving- house, and the actual impossibility of the best artisan detecting hidden faults in the metal he is fashioniiig into shape, trials that dis- cover the inherent weakness or the essential strength of an organ- ization are undeniably valuable. A more extended analysis of the system now under view is not within the scope of this paper, nor should it be necessary. It should be remembered that this system is actuaUy the last invention in its line, although distinct in character from all others, and that in its construction regard has been had to the defaults of its predecessors. In practical simplicity it is mani- festly an improvement, as this simplicity abides in the direct action and plain formation of the parts composing it, as well as in their relative fewness. In stability and solidity it possesses a kindred claim to superiority. A carefully conducted series of experiments, with proper instruments, that could show with mathematical preci- sion, the degi-ee in which each part of its organization contributes to THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 125 the strength of the whole, how far the recoil shock is taken up by the tumbler, and how much of it is diverted by the inertia of the breecli- block, would be of hardly less value to the patentees than of interest to the i^rofession. It is a fact that whatever accident may happen to the details of this system from defects that are attributable to occasional flaws or weakness of material, never one has been due to the force of recoil, nor has an arm ever been injured beyond the power of an ordinarily clever armorer to render it again available in a few minutes. That this is due to the admirable capacity of the de- sign to distribute the shock of an excessive charge or of a defective cartridge among its parts, and to the perfect locking of the breech* at the moment of firing and by the recoil itself, is assumed to be obvious enough. A glance at other systems, which, however well mechanically constructed and easily manipulated, take the recoil upon an indirect plane, or permit it to be diverted and altogether thrown upon a single point, has a present pertinence in this connec- tion. In guns of the bolt class, it is obvious that the recoil must be finally expended upon the shoulder of the bolt which secures it in the frame or housing. The experience of the Franco-Prussian war has shown the serious character of this default, large numbers, botli of needle-guns and Chassepots, having been collected upon the field, disabled by expansion of fran)e through a recoil at the point suggested. Where the bolt is secured by a screw-thread entirely surrounding it, or engaging both its sides, the default is hardly less liable. At the St. Louis trial, the disabling of a bolt gun in the test of 500 rounds for endui'ance is thus recorded : " Second 100 rounds: lime, nine minutes for niuely cartridges; lliirty-eight cases were puffed in front of rim; dispersion of balls, 20 by 15 1-3 inches. The arm could not worli any furtlier without removing the stock , several times the rear end of the sleeve cover slipped over the threads of the locking-screw, and the breech could not be closed without pushing the cover back with the hand. The shell extractor slipped in several instances over the rim of the case in opening the lireech. " After the parts had been put in proper position, the third 100 rounds were fired: time, ten minutes fiflv-five seconds; dispersion of balls, 37 by 16 1-3 inches. In extracting tlie third case, the sleeve cover slipped over the threads of the screw, and was forced back to its place by slight blows; cartridges were forced home with difficulty; the sleeve cover slipped over the threads of the locking screw four times in this 100 rounds ; the extractor slipped over the base of the cartridges several times. " Arm removed. No further tests made with this arm." * "The locking of the breech by the tumbler commences as soon as the hammer is re- lieved from full cock, and is perfectly secure at half cock or down."— United States Naval report, Beniington system. 126 AMEEICAN BREEOH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. This diversion of recoil in systems having the breech-block pivoted at the rear above the axis, and swinging longitudinally through the frame by the operation of levers, is equally a result of over-charge or of bursting cartridge-head. Of systems of tliis nature the trial above referred to disabled nearly all the arms entered, the shock naturally departing from the plane of resistance and seeking the weakest point, with the effect, in one instance, of blowing away the stock beneath the breech-block, in a second of raising the breech- block and bending the lever uj)ward, and in a third of bending the hinge-screw and cracking the adjacent receiver ; in each case the piece being disabled. In this class of systems, moreover, the long swing of the breech-block necessitates a difficulty of locking it by mechanical device, which, as has been seen, is avoided by the very organization and operation of the Remington action, in which, to follow the ^ic;;w7?i of Captain Fountouclis, "the power tending to keep the breech-block closed during the tire increases with that which tends to open it." DTJKABILITY AHD ENDUKANCE OF THE SYSTEM. The design of this arm is such as to ensure durability, so far as simplicity and strength are agents in this result. Primarily the very least frictional or bracing surface is attained, stability of the system having been secured, not by the extent, but by the relation of con- tiguoiis surfaces. Compared with the long sleeve-encased cylinder of the bolt, or the broad sided breech-block of the lever action sys- tem, the surfaces meeting in the Remington action are obviously small. This feature originating in the design itself, is, moreover, fully appreciated in the mechanical execution. Thus the greatest care is taken that the action and frame shall not have too close re- lation. The breech-block and hammer tumbler have delicate bosses raised up on their lateral faces, through which the pivot pins pass, in such a manner that those parts cannot wear against the corre- sponding area of the frame. The action is likewise so open and free internally that both the clogging attrition of sand and the corrosion of salt water tests have been found inefficient to stop its workino-. Consequently there is hardly a possibility of rust 'from humidity, a fact singularly proven by the favorable experience of both Spanish and Patriot officers in the damp atmosphere of Cuba. The absence of spiral spruigs, which have been found practical objections to the THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 127 reliability of the Martini-Henry and of bolt-guns generally, sliould also be noted as a distinct merit in this direction. Another impor- tant feature of the system is the perfect closing of th(i lower part of the chamber by the breech-block, at the moment of discharge, thus entirely preventing tlie entrance of gas into the lock mechanism, and the presence of deeply grooved cliannels on the inner surface of the frame, which conduct the fouling agent away from tlie system into the open air. By this mechanical device, the serious defect of admission of gas to the action, a necessary evil in the systems above suggested, has been effectually avoided. A farther advantage of this breech construction exists in the fact that the main part of the actioa is not entirely enclosed by the frame, as in other arms, but projecting out of it, and swinging back from the chamber in a manner not only to offer easy exit to gas, but to facilitate the removal of a shell or any occasional obstruction. Still another concomitant of durability is found in the peculiar action of the extractor, which, operating without spring, cannot possibly slip over the cartridge- head, but, immediately actuated by the movement of the breech- block, performs its office positively and directly. One of the tests conducted at the Liege trial of the Remington arm was : " To fire 2,500 shots with the Grecian model, and an equal number with the Egyptian, witliout cleaning the guns or lubricating the mechanism during this trial. The Hellenic report states the result tlius : 3,500 shots have been fired with the Grecian gun, having alread}' fired 3,000 other shots and having stood the severe tests of bursting cliarges and several bullets. A like number of shots were fired with the Egyptian rifle that had also already fired 3,500. During this experiment the arms were in no wise cleaned or greased. The arms have stood the test as usual, the tips, however, becoming detached from the stocks on account of the heat of the barrel" At the Washington trial, which resulted in the adoption of the Remington arm for the United States Navy, the official record states as the result of a firing test of 500 rounds, with the Spanish model of .43 calibre, average time for each 100 rounds four minutes, fifty- five seconds : " At conclusion of the 500 rounds, the gun was carefully examined, cooled, and cleaned. Not a trace of lending was to be seen in the barrel, and very little fouling, which was removed by washing. Barrel and stock greatly heated. No injury to the breech parts. Grun worked well." In this connection the record of the following tests at the same trial may properly be quoted : " Fifth test. — Simplicity of mechanism and liability to derangement in ordinary ser- vice. 128 AMERICAN BEEECH-LOADIKG SMALL ARMS. " It seems to be reduced to the minimum as to both conditions. " Eleventh test— Effects of the ititroduction of the extraneous matter, sand, etc., into the open bi'ecch. " Five shots were fired, without any difaculty or obstruction, after throwing a handfijl of sand in the open breech parts, and removins it partially by the liand and by shaking. " Twelfth test.— Effects of moisture upon the action of the breech-picce. " After steeping in salt water of somewhat greater density than that of ordinary sea water, from noon until 3:30 P. M., luid then being exposed to the atmosphere until the next day at noon, tlie piece was examined and found to be very fairly coated with rust about its breecli-loading parts. "Five shots were fired without obstruction or difficulty; after oiling and cleaning the piece, it was found to be uninjured, and in good serviceable order." The accomplislied autlior of tlie Hellenic report, concluding his sutnmary of the cinalities of the Remington arm, observes : "It should be remarked that tlie whole mechanism does not contain any part liable to get out of order, and that no main-spring vice is necessary to pull to pieces or to put up the system. The occurrence of any repair of importance is very rare, as has been observed in tiie course of these trials, and tliose repairs that might be needed would be of such a nature as to come within the scope of the regimental armorers." FACILITY OF DISCHARGE AND MANIPULATION. The official documents, from which coi^ious extracts ha,ve been made in this article, are ample endorsement of the justice of any claims set forth for rapidity of fire and natural ease of handling. The Danish report, observing that the soldiers, after very little prac- tice, get 17 sliots per minute, adds : " Tlie manipulation of the arm is altogether simple, the soldier lapidly learning to become expert in taking apart and assembling it." This language is very nearly repeated by Capt. Fountouclis, and by the several Spanish experts and professionals. The expression of the Cuban commission is especially strong : '^Experience has shown that this system is not liable to get out of order, notwithstanding the rough handling to which in war it must ie submitted; that shots with it never fail ; that its mechanism is so simple and so perfect tJiM seiieral divisions of the army have voluntarily adopted it during tlie present carnqmigii and made use of itioith facility and without accident, notwithstanding the soldier had not time or leisure to be properly instructed in the liandling of the weapon.'' The folloAving illustration of the availability of the system, in the features suggested, is the record of an award of a prize trial for rapidity of fire, including dismounting and re-assembling the mech- anism, conducted before a Belgian jury : The following conditions were established: 1. The competitors will perform a seiles of fifteen shots, the gun at the hip. 2. Will dismount the mechanism of their arm, placing on a table and separate from each other the parts that close the breech, the hammei', percussion springs (main), and those of the closing block, if any. {The trigger may remain in its place.) THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 129 3. Will assemble the mechanism, and will then fire another series of fifteen shots, with the gun at the hip. The aminimitioii may be taken from a Uible within reach of tlie person firing. Time occupied (in tliese operations) will be measured l)y the sachimetre,.a.s, follows: 1. Betweeu the first and fifteenth shots of the first series of firiiij;, for nipidily. 2. Between the fifteenth shot of the fiist series and the first of the second series. 3. Between the first and fifteenth of the second series. The prize will be awarded in favor of the gun with whicli these three operations are completed in the shortest time. The guns intended to compete will be presented the eve of the trial to a jury, composed of three members. The jury will determine the number of parts that will have to be dis- mounted to conform to the preceding condition. First Phizb. — The Remington system ****** has satisfied the conditions of the trial in one minute, thirty-nine seconds, -...-. 500 francs. The Secretary, The President of the Jury, F. RAICK, ALPH. POLAIN, LmoE, October 35th, 1869. IHrecieur du Bcme d'Bpreuves. The value of the above decision is appreciable from the fact of fairness with which the trial was made. The test of rapidity, con- ducted by an expert used to the manipulation of a particular arm, affords anything else than a relative demonstration that can be relied upon. The best firiag for rapidity with the Remington arm, made at the naval trial, is recorded as follows : " Thibd Tbst.— Rapidity of fire from the shoulder at a target at a distance of 100 feet. Accuracy of fire will also be considered in this test. "Jtesult. — First round of 16 fires in one minute; 14 sJiois striking the figure of an oi'dinary- sized man on the target in vital parts, and two (3) striking the arms of the figure. Regard to aim was paid in this round. " Second round of 19 shots in one minute was had ; 6 shots striking the figure in vital parts, 4t outside and 9 wild. This round was fired with less regard to aim than during the first round." At the St. Louis trial, soldiers from the barracks having been de- tailed for firing, the test being "twenty-five shots to be fired from the shoulder ; fair aim to be taken at the target ; distance 100 yards," the relative result is thus reported : .50, 2 min. 51 sec. " 2 " 11 " .44, 2 " 20 " .50, 2 " 8 " .43, 2 " 21 " .50, 2 " 38 " « 2 " 3 " " 2 " 55 " .43, 2 " 1 « 17 Remington, rifle, cal. (( (( (( (( (( (( (( *' p« irliinp (( 130 AMERICAN BEEECH-LOADINO SMALL A.BMS. Peabody rifle, cal. .42, 3 min. 40 sec (( a ii a ... 4 " « li (( Ward-Burton, (( (( Springfield- Allin, Martini-Henry, " .50, " .45, " .42, it a " .45, " .50, " Boxer .45, 2 65 3 15 3 40 2 51 3 — 2 8 2 21 2 33 2 38 R a The foregoing trial for rapidity, made by soldiers presumed justly to have no habitude for any particular system, was doubtless as fair an exhibition of relative superiority as could be anywhere secured. While a considerable usage of any arm is indispensable to a perfect command of its powers, the superior ease and simplicity of a system are most honestly developed under such conditions as governed the St. Louis tests. To recur again to the thorough essay of the Iro?i Age: " Externally, the Remington gun is in all respects an admirable military weapon. Its manner of loading is so easy and of discharge so natural, ttiat raw recruits aud untaught Africans, according to the testimony of the Spanish leaders on one side and of the patriot commander, Gen. Thomas Jordan, on tlie other, need no drillmaster to instruct them in Its use. In sliarpshooting contests or in close engagements, where the arm is handled closely parallel to the ground, top of breastworks or level of rifle-pits, it can be charged and fired without exposure of the hand above the line of the barrel and without raising the gun, while it has the same facility for loading with muzzle elevated as in the old posi- tion for priming, thus fiivoring its use in two-rank fonnation of troops. For rapidity of fire, its simplicity of mechanism and ease of handling give it such advantages that at the prize trial in Belgium a few years since it won the first award in a general competition of the most approved systems. Tlie expert at the ' works,' with a little practice, gets from 25 to 28 sliots per minute out of the arm, while the Dan]sh soldieis, with no practice at all, were reported, in 1868, as firing their new arms 17 shots per minute.'' The suggestions embodied above are of the greatest importance as regards a military arm. The unnatural movement of the bolt- system in opening and closing the breech by an eccentric and forced manual, and the awkward lever action of the Martini-Henry type, always uncomfortable to and frequently wounding the hand of the soldier, have become serious objections to those arms after practical service trials. Less serious, but still of considerable detriment to the usefulness of the gun, is the necessity of a forward motion in THE EEMINGTON SYSTEM. 131 throwing up the block, in systems having the breech opening upon the upper surface and hinged at the rear or on either side, in which class experience has demonstrated the great danger of breaking the fastenings of the block as well as the difficulty of loading with the muzzle raised at any considerable angle. In the Remington system the motions are all toward and near the body (the breech-block being closed by the thumb), and so natural that the constant surveyance of the eye is entirely unnecessary ; the arm can be loaded and dis- charged without changing its elevation or direction ; not only "without looking and with one finger the soldier can ascertain the relative positions of hammer and trigger," bat there is no danger of accident from ignorance of the contents of the gun as would be in the case of an "enclosed chamber," or "concealed bammer." The motions for loading being all performed from the wrist, by the thumb and finger of a single hand, the carbine of this system is an especially available weapon for cavalry. The subjoined formula for dismounting and assembling the parts of the arm may be of use to those entirely unacquainted with its construction : To KEMOTB THE Bbeech-piece AND Hammer. — Loosen the Button screw until tlie Button can be removed from the lieads of the Breech and Elaramer Ping. Cock the Ham- mer, push out tlie Breech-pin, takeout the Breecli-piece, let down the Hammer as far as it will go (which leaves the Main-spring resting upon a stationary pin, and obviates the necessity of using a Main-spring vice in re-adjusting tlie parts). Remove the Hammer-pin and take out the Hammer. To REPLACE THE H.uiMBB AND Bbeeoh-pieoe. — Lay tlie arui down on the right side, press upon tlie Trigger, at the same time replacing tlie Hammer with the Thumb-piece for- ward and downward, until the hole in the Hammer and Receiver correspond. Replace the Hammer-pin, cock the Hammer, replace the Breech-piece, insert Breech-pin in Receiver, and by pressing on the pin, at the same time pressing down llie Breech-piece and working it back and forth slightly, the Pin will enter. Adjust the Button and tighten the Button- screw. To TAKE THE ENTIBB Abh apabt. — Take Out the Extractor screw, open the Breech, re- move the Extractor, take out Breech-piece and Hammer as above described. Remove the Wiping-rod by unscrewing the same, remove the bands, separate the Tip-stock from the Barrel at the muzzle nntil it is liberated from the stud upon tlie under side of the Barrel, when it may be withdrawn from the Receiver, take oat tlie Tang screw, remove the Butt stock. To detach the Guard-strap, take out the two side screws which pass through the Guard-strap, always removing the rear screw first. Unscrew the Barrel from the re- ceiver, taking care that the Extractor has been removed before unscrewing the barrel. To ASSEMBLE THE Arm. — Screw the Barrel in the Receiver until the mark on top of the Barrel and Receiver correspond. Replace the Extractor and Screw, place the forward end of the Guard-strap in the Receiver, putting in the screw. See that the Main-spring is in the centre of the Guard-strap. Press the rear end in until the screw will enter. Re- place Hammer and Breech-piece as previously described. Replace Butt stock and Tip. In putting on the Bands, see that the letters upon them are on the same side with the Band- springs. Replace the Wiping-rod by screwing it in. 132 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. It lias already been suggested that the original success of the Remington enterprise was due to the exceptional quality of the Imrrels produced, which at once became recognized by military and sporting men. The tradition of tlie founder has not been forgotten, and in the construction of the small arms made at Ilion the most tliorough finish of the barrel interior is an imperative rule of the establishment. The straightening process, an operation as yet im- 2iracticalile by meclianical appliance, at the Ilion armory is con- ducted with the most rigid care and under the severest inspection. The legitimate result is found in the singular unanimity with which official commissions and experts report the shooting powers' of the Remington arm. While a certain degree of the relative excellence of targets made by breech-loading arms is to be credited to the char- acter of ammunition used, the fact should not be lost sight of that, in the largest measure, superiority of precision, attained by fixed- rest firing, is a just claim of the gun itself. Fac-iimile of ten-shot target made with Remington Military Rifle, calibre .50, United States model, range 100 yards. THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 133 The firing test for accuracy at the United States naval trial was particularly thorough. The succeeding targets are copied from the official report of the Commission : 9 O Denotes Centre of Impact. Test of EEMmoTON (U. S. Ordnance) Rifle for Acodeact, at Washington Navy Yard. — Distance 100 yards. Distance in Inches from Centre Distance in Inches from Centre o of Target. of Impact. Cf^ ^ Remarks. Vertical. Horizontal. Vertical. H(iriz(jntal. — 15 Aljove. Below. Right. Left. Above. Below. 2.28 Right. Left. 1 6.00 4.00 3.65 Size of the tar- 3 3.00 1.25 0.73 0.90 get, 80"x80" a 5.00 1.00 1.28 1.35 4 3.00 1.25 0.73 0.90 lO m 5 2.35 3.00 1.47 3.6 « 6.00 2.00 2.28 1.65 7 7.. 50 3.66 3.78 3.35 "'S 8 0,.50 1.75 3.23 2.10 fclj^ 9 2.00 3.35 1.73 2.60 •r .o 10 3.00 1.00 8.00 1.73 9.57 9.75 1.35 ll 37 25 11.50 9.62 9.75 a-j "So 3.73 0.35 1.93 1.95 t3 Absolute =^ 3.73. 134 AMERICAN BKJiECH-LOADINa SMALL ARMS. Q Denotes Centre of Impact Test of Kemtngton (Spanish) Rifle for Accukacy, ai' Washington Navy Yahd. Distance 200 yards. 12 c Distance in Indies from Centre of Target. Distance in Indies from Centre of Impact. ■f. r5 c Vertical. Horizontal. Vertical. lI<»rizoiil;d. Remarks. ^ Above. Below. Rigiit. Left. Above. Below. Right. Left 1 o 4 5 6 8 9 10 20.00 24.50 24.50 22.00 23,5 21.5 22.2 23 2 28.2 24.7 050 2.25 2.00 2.00 0.50 2.25 0'.25 125 4.25 10.50 3.4 1.4 1.9 1.2 0.2 1.1 1-1 o'.i 4.8' 1.3 0'.08 1.08 2 83 58 2. .58 0.33 1.42 1.07 07 3.07 Target 80x80. w *- « 3 S 1 V !^ O £ 234.3 4.7 81 84 7.48 7.43 Ilia- o — ^ ^ o 43 58 1.05 1 .49 ^ W ^^ :^ rt ■^. -^ :5 Absolute = 2.21. THE r.EMINGTOK SYSTEM. 135 The seven following targets Avere made upon the tiial ground at Ilion. The gun used was the Danish model of .45 caliljr(j ; lengtli of barrel, 33 inches ; riiiing, 7 grooves, 5-1000 of an inch deep ; twist, one turn in 22 inches ; weiglit of gun, 9 pounds 9 ounces ; charge, 70 grains of jjowder, 450 grains projectile. Scale of Cuts. \ of an inch to the foot. Size of Target 12x12 feet. 1 r'-"^i^^\\^i''""^^-i 1 — 1 - 1 i — f , i f I • • 1 • i • ;. » I — - , _- >vn> J -^ . ' 1 1 1 - •^ \ -1 LwVN-v>-L...-.Sy Target No. 1. 10 Shots. Distance 200 yards. Target No. 2. 15 Shots. Distance 300 yards. Windage 30 degrees to tlie riglit. 136 AMEMCAN^ BEEECH-LOADIKO SMALL ALMS. Target No. 3. 20 Shots. Distance 400 yards. Target No. 4. 1.5 Sliots. Distance 500 yards. Windage to the left at 45 degrees. THE EEMINGTON SYSTEM. 137 5s, -1 "' • 1 1 F - \- 1 1 1 * • y V --p- 4 f > . y ! • • • i } t 1 ' • • I . -1 \i 1 1 1 ;-' ! /- ; ' 1 " 1 1 ^ Target No. 5. 15 Shots. Distance 600 yards. Windage to the right 45 degrees. Target No. 6. 15 Shots. Distance 700 yards. Windase strong to the left at 90 degrees. 18 138 AMEBICAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Target No. 7. 25 Shots. Distance 1,000 yards. The succeeding cut \ii facsimile of a tar- get made by Mr. Grove, of Denver City, Colorado, witii a Remington sporting riHe of .44 ealihre, or 60 round balls to the pound. The ten consecutive shots Avere made with the rihe in a fixed rest, at a range of fifty yards. Arms of tltis system, including rifles, carbines, and pistols, as has already been stated, have been issued to troops in larger numbers than any other breech-loader, with the single e\'ce-|ition of the needle- gun. The subjoined summary is interesting, as it shows not only what countries have adopted the invention for service, but will sug- THE EEMINGTON SYSTEM. 139 gest the different models now in use. Arms have been furnished or are being issued to governments or private parties as follows : Denmark 43,000, Sweden 30,000, U. S. Navy 23,000, including rifles, carbines and pistols. Spain, for Cuba 75,000, Rome 10,000, France 155,000, Egypt 60,000, Japan P,a>0, U. S. Army 10,500, South America 10,000, New Yorli 15,000, model of 1871. South Carolina 5,000, Springfield muzzle-loaders, transformed. Miscellaneous 100,000. It should be stated that the details of the system, as described in the foregoing pages, have been more or less modified in the different models. In all, with the exception of those being issued to the State of New York, and those now in course of construction for the United States army, the original plan of simple cartridge extraction and full-cock loading has been adhered to, not because a mode of cartridge ejection as well as of loading at half cock was inconsistent with the design of the arm, but in deference to the judgment of the accomplished professional experts who have superintended the con- duct of trials and the completion of the contract for foreign States, and to that of the best mechanics as well. It is believed that the expression of the United States Naval Commission and of the Hel- lenic inspector, in declining, after serious consideration, a model which loaded at lialf cock, on the ground that such a faculty was practically unnecessary, will yet be fully justified by experience. The decision of tlie United States Army Commission, however, was imperative in this respect, and has since been followed by the official commission of the principal member of the Union of States in the re-armament of her militia. In accordance with the views of the latter body, the arms which have been manufactured for the State of New York have, in addition to the distinct features of the system, the faculty of loading at half cock, the introduction of an improved device for ejecting the shell after firing, and another of withdrawing the firing-pin, out of any possible contact with the cartridge, by a positive motion. In the New York model, the relation of the sear and hammer is such that the arm is always left at half cock, and tlie breech block firmly locked after loading. A necessary result of this f^ THE REMtNGTON SYSTEM. 141 construction is that tlie soldier must alwaj^s go through the same motions. In ordei- to charge tlie piece the liammer must be pulled back to its extrtnne limit, the breech-block being opened by pressing on the thumb-piece. This latter motion disengages th(3 sear from the full cock and the hammer advances to a safe position, from which, after the breec.'h is closed, it cannot be moved excei:)t to draw it back to the tiring or full cock point again. The result of safety is mechanically assured by this moditication. Yet under no circumstances is a gun as innocent an affair as a walking-stick and, liowever strong may be tlu^ arguments in favor of a half cock load- ing mechanism, experience has, developed the fa(;-t tliat soldiers in action rarely avail themselves of it, it being the most natvxral act to draw the hammer back to its utmost tension. rtjsainimHiaBTjj^ Among the several recommendations of the United States Board of 1870 was one in favor of tlie single shot, breech-loading pistol, of the Remington system, for cavalry. To determine upon a proper holster weapon was a distinct portion of the order directing the organization and action of the Board. Its decision is embodied in the subjoined extract from the report, as published in Ordnance Memoranda^ No. 11 : " Of the breech-loailiag pistols submitted, llie Board liave selected the fuUowing six in the oj-der of relative merit : " First. Tlio Remington single-barreled pistol, with guard, centre-tire, " Sera/t(?.— The Smith-Wesson revolver, " r/«'/YZ.— The Remington revolver, No. 3, "i?»?(?'a.— The Remington revolver. No. 5, " Fifth.— 'VXm Remington revolver. No. 3, "jt^irM —The Remimjton revolver. No. 4. " Tlie Remin'^on is the only single-barreled pistol submitted. It is an excellentT^'eapon, but should be so modified as to load at half cock. Tlie main-spring of the Remington THE EEMINGTON SYSTEM. 143 should be strengthened so as to increase tlie certainty of fire ; also tlie pluncer should be made to strike more accurately the centre of the base of the cartridge. Pistols and re- volvers should liave the 'saw-handle' so shaped that, in bringing the weapon from the holster to an aim, it will not be necessaiy to cliange the first grasp or bend of the wrist." By a reference to the antecedent record of this system, it will be seen that a complement of single-shot pistols was, in 1867, furnished to the United States Navy. In his communication to the Secretary of War, accompanying the report of the Board, General Dyer recom- mended that 1,000 arms of this type be purchased for trial. Titis number was in due time secured, and since the original order, 5,000 pistols of the same model have likewise been ordered for, and will soon be issued to, the army. The cuts which follow are illustrative of the style, entire action and mechanical details of the REMINGTON BEEECH-LOADING, SINGLE-SHOT PISTOL, MODEL OF 1871. This new holster arm in construction conforms to the suggestions of the St. Louis Commission, in so fi^r as that body recommended a change of handle and a modification of the firing-pin. Tlie " saw- handle," as applied to tlie new model, renders it an almost perfect weapon in simple ease of manual, as it "brings up" in the most natural manner possible. A second improvement is the introduction of a, positive firing-pin retractor, in lieu of the spring heretofore filling that office, by which the clogging or fastening of the firing- pin by rust or dirt is rendered an impossibility. The length of barrel of the improved model, — eight inches,— and the admirably adapted degree of rifling twist, secure not only almost a carbine's range, but remarkable precision for this pistol. The ex- ceeding ease with which it is loaded and its natural grasp, make it also capable in practical hands of a rapidity of consecutive discharge, per minute, greater than that of any revolving or repeating arm. In addition to such shooting qualities and facility of manual, possess- ing the calibre of .50, it is, beyond a doubt, the most formidable weapon known to any service or as yet produced. The weight of the model of 1871 is but slightly over two pounds. The parts of the improved system are fully shown in cuts 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Cut No. 1 represents the pistol with breech closed and ready for discharge. Cut No. 2 is a sectional view of the system open and in a position to receive the cartridge. 144 AMERICAN BKEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. iig.3. rig.4. Fig. 5 AA. Receiver, consisting of Frame and Guard-Strap, connected by three screws. BB. Breech-Block. C. Hammer. D. Cartridge retractor. UU. Hammer and Breecli-Block Pins. aa. Firing Pin. b. Firing Pin Retractor. c. Sear. d. Trigger. e. Main-spring. /. Sear and Breecli-Block Spring. Tlie Frame and Guard -Strap are made of wrought iron, case hardened. The barrel and lock work are of steel. The breech-block, Fig. 3, is formed with an annular groove for the reception of the cartridge retractor, D, which serves the double piir- pose of withdraAving the empty cases from the chamber and operat- ing the firing pin retractor, &, to effect a positive withdrawal of the firing-pin. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section through the breech-block, THE KEMINGTON SYSTEM. 145 showing the eiigagement of the firing-pin and firing-pin retractor. Figs. 5, 6, and 7, show these severai parts in detail. Shoulders Ic and I are formed on the breech and hammer, which prevent the closing of the breech if the trigger is accidentally pulled while the breech is open. The sear, c, and trigger, d, are pivoted to the guard-strap. The sear-spring, ./', rests in a slot in the trigger, and is held in place by the trigger-pin. One end of the sear-spring rests upon the sear, and the other against the breech-block, serving to keep it closed. DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Bring the hammer to full cock, open the breech by pressing back tlie thumb-piece. The backward movement of the breech carries with it the cartridge retractor and withdraws the empty cartridge case from the chamber. After the cartridge retractor has moved back a certain distance the shoulder, 7i, comes against the frame and arrests its movement, while the backward movement of the breech is continued to permit the insertion of a cartridge. The firing-pin retractor, b. is thus caused to roll over and receive a slight angular movement from the tooth, i, on the cartridge retractor, which angular movement serves to retract the fiiing-pin as shown in Fig. 4. A cartridge being then pJ.i'jed in the chamber and the breech closed the arm is ready to fire. Care should be taken to keep the chamber clean and free from sand or dirt, which would cause the cartridges to extract with difii- culty. The hammer should be carried at half cock. As this new holster arm is already fast gaining precedence "on the plains," and wherever buffalo or other large game is, to be en- countered in the saddle, the following directions for dismounting and assembling the parts of the sj^stem will be of general service : To REMOTE THE Breech-piecb AND Hammek. — Loosen the button-screw until tlie button can be removed from the heads of the breech and hammer-pins ; cock tlie hammer, push out the breech-pin, take out the breech-picce, let down the hammer as far as it will go (which leaves the main-spring resting upon a stationary pin, and obviates the necessity of using a main-spring vice in re-adjusting the parts); remove tlie hammer-pin, and take out the hammer. After the breech is removed from the frame, the cartridge retractor maybe removed, and the firiug-pin and firing-pin retractor taken out. As the last mentioned parts are held in place by the cartridge retractor, care should be taken not to lose them out when that is removed. To REPLACE THE HAMiiER AND Bbeech-piece.— Lay the arm down on the right side; press upon the trigger, at the same time replacing the hammer with ihe thumb-piece for- 19 146 AMERICAN BKEECH-LOADING SMALL ABMS. ward and downward, unlil the hole in the hammei- and receiver correspond ; replace the liammer-pin, cock the hammer, replace the breech-piece, insert breech-pin in receiver, and by pressin? on the pin, at the same time pressing down the breecli-piece, and workmg it back and forth slightly, the pin will enter. Adjust the button, and tiglUeu the button- screw. To TAKE THE ENTIRE Akm ap.vrt.— Take out the breech and hammer, as above de- scribed. Take out the tang-screw, and remove tlic butt-stock. To detach tlie guard-strap, take out the two side-screws which press through the guard-strap, always removing the rear screw first. Unscrew the barrel from the receiver Th<3 virtual adoption of th(^ siuglo-sliot pistoi for tlte United States service, — since tlte recent order of the Cliief of Ordnance that 5,000 pistols of this class, alter(-'d and iniprf»ved in accordance with tht^ recommendations of the Commission Avliich named' it "hrst in ord(^r of merit," is equivalent t<» its ad(i]>tion, — suggests a most iitiportant official endorsement of tln.^ Remington system, wiiich, thfiugli appro- priate enougli in this pltice, with perfect regard to the consecirtive unity of the chapter should have been quoted in an earlier connec- tion. In his annual report to tlte S('cr(4ary of War, dated Nov. 10, 1870, General W T. Slierman observes of tln^ administration of ordnance aflFairs during tlu- year : "The board of officers assemlileJ at St. Louis, JMissouri,* by virtue of General Orders Nos. 60 and 72, of 1809, has reported tliat their labors have been substantially concluded and although not yet in possession of tlie text, I desire to express my opinion of the im- portance of tlieir work. This board, composed of officers of great experience, was required to report on the best small arms and equipments for the army, and also to prepare a svstem of tactics for all arms of service. Tlieir cunclusiou on the first l)ranch of the subject has heretofore been l;ud before the Scerrfary of AVar, wlio has ordered a supply of the arms recommended by llie l)oard to be distributed d) tlie army for further practical tests. But I observe that the Chief of Ordnance, in Ids annual report, advises that auotlier 50,000 of •■■ Since the par/ex, In which the. niniounreinciit shoiilil hare heeii nniije, liare lieeii stereuiyped, Gen. A. I!. Dyer, C'ldef of the Bnremi r or more iHix)artial aiitlioiity conld add its weight of credit to tlie mass of t(.'stiBiony collected in tlte jav'^wl-iiig pages, tlian tliis official (.■oraniendation of tlie Remiiigton systinn astln^best for all uses of war on land or sea, for infantry, t^avalr}-, or boat ser- vice, from the General of tlie army of the United States. EXPOSITION FNIVEUSELLK DE 1807, A PARIS. LE JURY INTICRKATIONAL DiCERNE UNE :\lftDAILLE D'ARC4ENT A E. REJxINGTON AKD SONS, (ILION, l;TATS-ENIS). Agriculture et Industrie, Groupe IV, Classe 37, Armes de Guerre. Pabis, b ler Juillet, 1807. Le Gcnseilh'r d'etat, Commissaire <4eneral, F. LEPLAY. Le Ministre, Vice-President C3 cS ^ J2 c S CD C ^ H il o :zi O 1 ^ cS 1 '. rC! a ^UJ j -t-5 w B d Q O Q O o ^ O r^ ."t^ '? r* & .^ b^ -tJ »^ > ^ M ^JO -n _bD <^ '3 ^ '3 THK KEMINGTON SYSTEM. 149 THE REMINGTON MAGAZINE GUN, KEENE's PATENT. This gua is now being made for ilie United States militaiy cartridge, forty-five calil^re, seventy grains powder, Ijut can be adapted to the use of other forms of military cartridge, sucli as tlie Spanisli and Russian. The magazine is located under the barrel, thereby enabling it to carry the greatest possible number of cartridges within a given weight and length of barrel. It is believed that this is for man}- reasons the best position in which to carry tlie cartridges of a magazine gun. All of the motions are direct and positive. The cartridges are held securely in position while passing from the magazine over the carrier to the chamber in the barrel, in Avhich respect it has a decided advan- tage over other magazine arms. The cartridge does not pass on to the carrier until the gun is opened for the purpose of loading, i-:o that there is no danger of a cartridge being exploded in the carrier in case a de- fective cartridge is fired in the gun. The arm is always left at lialf-cock and tlie breech locked so that it cannot be jarred open and the cartridge lost out. From the half-cock it can be brought to the full cock readily and quickly while the arm is being carried to the shoulder and without removing the finger fro7n the trigger ; in this last respect differing from other magazine guns whicli can only be cocked by removing the hand from the trigger. The parts are all large and strong, and can be readily removed and replaced for the purpose of cleaning or inspection. The magazine is so arrano'ed that it can he charged while the l)reech is closed, thus avoid- ing the entrance of dirt into the working parts of the gun. The gun may be held either barrel up or reversed for this jjurpose. The importance of the advantages above mentioned has lieen so evi- dent, that although the gun in its present form has been perfected since the completion of the trials made by the United States Government, an order has been given for a number to be used in the United States navy. DIRECTIONS FOR USE. To charge the magazine — Hold the arm in the left hand, the butt stock under the right arm. Grasp the cartridge between the thumb and forefinger of right hand, and press it forward, bullet first, into the maga- zine with the end of the thumb, which may be held sideways for that >3l O I I I I I I I I I c: o T-i CI rt -+ o 'c^ t- cl M CO cc r: CO ct r- rt fc til .■ ^' O .S +^ n "1 ■; 3 o t- >■ >A k^ t- ■R f; jj pq M P3 ^ h i^ tjj tc tt c: H-l T, 5- /3 o o o s C = O c s 4-:i o ^ o t- g 2 S 3 3 ^ .^ ^ 2 c o- c) ca w W B ^-; ►-! J K O O 1 i 1 1 ^ ^^^^^^ 1 1 c? Pm oi ;» M I M I I I I I rf ic ^ t— cc C-, i:^ >-H ei ^ & . ■ 0) bo ^ s ; 5 %\ c CD z O H O W tf THE REMINGTON SYSTEM. 151 purpose. Tlie magazine may be cliaiged with the breech either open or closed, and with tlie cut off lever in its forward or backward posi- tion, but it is more convenient to do so with the breech closed and the cut-off lever hack. To load from the magazine. — First. If the arm has been fired or the hammer is down. — Unlock and draw back the breech bolt quickly and with sufficient force to bring it clear hack., thereby raising and locking the carrier and bringing up a cartridge. Shove the bolt forward and lock it, the hammer will remain at half-cock. If it is desired to fire, the hammer may be brought to full cock while the arm is being lifted to the shoulder, the forefinger remaining on the trigger. Second. If tlie arm has been closed, and left at half cock. — Lower the hammer, and then pro- ceed as before. After tiie cartridge has been transferred from the magazine to the chamber, it should either be fired or removed from the gun before another cartridge is passed through the carrier. To use the arm as a single loader with the magazine in reserve. — Push the cut-off lever forward. This cuts off the passage of the cartridge from the magazine. The arm may then be used as a single loader. TO TAKE THE GUN APART. To remove the breech. — Turn the large screw at the right hand side of the stock below the hammer to the right, until the carrier (which should be in its lower po.sition at the time) drops free of the bolt and allows it to be withdrawn. Note. — The screw referred to is cut with a left hand thread. To separate the rear end of the bolt and firing-pin from the front end, bend back the hammer and twist it around to the right until the shoulder on front end of rear cap slides back in the groove in breech bolt. To re-assemble it, reverse the operation described. To ]-emove the stock. — Take off the bands ; take out the screw at the end of the metal tip, and remove tip stock by slipping it forward over the magazine tube. Unscrew the magazine tube, take out the tang screw, remove the guard bow, and take off the butt stock. The barrel should never be unscrewed except by an experienced armorer and with proper appliances to avoid injuring the receiver. THE REMINGTON IMPROVED NO. 3 RIFLE. THE KKMINGTON SYSTEM. To ve-;isseinljle Uie parts reverse the o[)eratious descriljed, taking care in screwing in tlie magazine tube that the follower does not catch against the cut-off and interfere witli replacing the tuije. THE KEMINGTO-V IMPROVED ^0. 3 RIFLE. Solid breech, rcl)0undii)g lock, side lever (Hepburn's patent, October 7, 1879). This riiie is designed especially for long range target shoot- ing, and for genei'al use as a sportsman's and liunter's rifle, heing con- structed with special reference to the use of a leloading shell. It has a solid breech block, with direct rear support, side-lever action .and re- bounding hammer ; so that tlie arm alwaj-s stands with the trigger in the safety notch, thus rendering prematuie discliai'ge impossible, and is believed to be the Ijest in use, for the purpose described. They are nil made with pistol-grip stocks, which have hei-etofore been furnished only with the liigher priced rifles, and are chambeied for the straight fort)' calibre and forty-five calibre shells, using eitlier a patelied or cannelured bullet. rrijinrii 154 AiMEKlCAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Directions for taking apart. — Remove the nppei' screw in the left hand side, and the breecli block may he taken out. To take out the hammer, remove the next upper sci'ew and slip the hammer forvs^ard into the breech block hole. To take out the extractor, remove the forward screw on left hand side. The lever which operates the breech block passes through the rocker sleeve with a square stud and is held in place by a set screw directly under the fore stock, which must be removed if it is ever desired to take off the lever. If necessary to remove the guard it can be done bj' taking off the butt stock and taking out the side screws in the usual way. The barrel should not be unscrewed from tlie frame except by experi- enced iiands and with proper appliances. When necessary to unscrew the frame the extiactor should be taken nut, the breech block and guard put back in place, before putting on the wrench. ti > m 1 i 9 u s > a N 1^ m TUB ^VXnr^rr SYeTFM—r,,,:; UUkHUm yY:^TFM-THE ts!" - r (-,» . The mv Wlntm^y hns ff,r n.-m-.reaTS l.oon coiuiect.-] Willi yil ITiV. ,;U((I1 >\iii(-Il, (r -iifur^; i),;r-;i >i-:i of \: ni«ukiii(], ])as not vt'uiio!) will hn •■U'lj jilgo ■t'-!.-,. of "'' '''- i-'i^<-iiiCeu, tiiej'L-i.a I lU'i •11 J • for iri.cii i:H. M.>- -^.. '■ ^h^^ Home fcrm an,] ^um.^n... . iutrc,>l,L.^.l - iTegnJar V ij.H. ■'-S to A: ^ h, aJi ;)r)jic tnterclian,uv.alui\ ■'' ''"it oppoM; Inglish and idiiance ofiie>'rL. . - .; : '..-i. n-.n;-- -> i "i U L. y , ;t,ii(.i tliat each arm vv--"-iM ^ ,,.; ..i j,,.,^;? I floliui hy crovoi'n]!' ' ■-, ^ j'lbors, aiiil (■'-■inbJ.isked ai( am" ^' ' ' , as SL^cured to v : :■ P^priiigfif-"' ■ CHAPTER V. THE WHITNEY SYSTEM — TOE JiURGESS SYSTEM — THE KENNEDY SYSTEM. The name of Eli AVhitney lias for many years been connected witli an invention wliicli, of tlie gi-eatest value to mankind, lias not in half a century been improved upon. This invention will be recognized as the Cotton. Gin. It is not so well known, however, that to the ingenuity and inventive genius of Mr. Whitney are also due great improvements" in the machineiy for the manufacture of small arms. His establishment for this purpose was originally started in 1798, thus maliing Mr. Whitney the pioneer in this line of manufactures. He was the first to invent and develop die system known as the American or interchangeable system, carried out by the use of hardened jigs or forms of the same shape as the part to be produced, thereby turning out every piece for each par- ticular part of the same form and dimensions. He also introduced the use of milling, by means of revolving cutters, those irregular and intricate forms necessary to be produced in making a gun. At the special request of President Jefferson when Secretary of State in Washington's administration, Mr. Whitney undertook the manufacture of muskets for the United States, taking as a model the Frencl) Charville flint-lock, that being the most approved arm in use in Europe. In presenting his views to Mr. Jefferson in reference to the feasibility of hiaking all arms interchangeable, Mr. Whitney met with most violent opposition, both English and French ordnance officers ridiculing the idea as an impossibility, and claiming that each arm would be a model and would cost at least one hundred dollars. Supported by government, Mr. Whitney prosecuted his labors, and established an armory where the most perfect uniformity of parts was secured to the great satisfaction of his friend, Mr. Jefferson. The Springfield armory was established in the year 1800, and the system invented by Mr. Whitney was put in force there, and has been in use in all Governuient works THE WHITNF.Y SYSTEI\[. ^ 157 ever since. The Englisli War Department was forced to adopt the same system, and put it to practical use in 1855 by importing a large amount of American machinery. Since that date other European governments have adopted the same general system, whicli is made specially necessary in the proper manufacture of breech-loading small arms. Tlie admirable series of inventions used in tlus sj'stem of Mr. Whitney's remains now, like the Cotton Gin, the same as when tirst invented, no practical change taking place in eighty years, notwithstanding the inventive genius wliich has been at work during that period of time. No patents have ever been taken out for the Whitney inventions, but they have been freely given to the public, and have saved the United States Government large sums of money by lessening the cost and perfecting the manufacture and repairs of tire-arms. The Whitney ville Armory, property of the Whitney Arms Co., is now one of the largest in the United States. It is located near New Haven, in the State of Connecticut, and has a capacity for employ- ing over 500 men, being supplied with all the modern improvements in machinery, and now under the control of the son and grandson of the founder, who have added riiany valuable improvements. Polishing the outside and inside of gun bari-els by machinery, straightening the barrels while in the process of boring by the shade in place of the imperfect method of a string; also an automatic machine for smooth or tinish boring barrels were invented at this armorji'. The system of breech-loading small arms, now known as the Whitney system, has its foundation in the invention of that expe- rienced officer. Colonel T. T. S. Laidley, of the United States Ord- nance Bureau, and was first patented in the United States in 1866, at which date foreign letter patents were also obtained. In its original form it was put to the severest tests by United States and foreign military boards, and was almost universally pronounced by them an excellent arm for military service. It has been remodeled and greatly improved by the present owners, who have carefully endeavored to meet every objection, and is now presented as the Whitney system. The claims made for this arm are very strong, the most prominent being as follows : THE WHITNEY SYSTEM. 159 Raxjidity of Firing. This arm can be loaded and Hred with a rapidity eqnal to that of any other single breech-loader, and it is claimed that in con- tinuous firing, its rapidity cannot be excelled by any repeater or magazine arm. Weight, Force and Accuracy. The weight of this arm varies from 8 to 9^ pounds, according to the calibre and length of barrel. The best system of rifiing is employed in manufacturing, and barrels of any calibre can be adapted and fitted for any ammunition. Transformation. Arms of other systems can be transformed upon the Whitney system at very small expense comparatively. Since the publication of " The History of American Breech-Loading Small Arms" in 1872, tlie Wliitneyville aimory lias been kejjt con- stantly busy not only in the regular manufacture of arms already estab- lished, but alscj in the production of new improvements that have been made in the Whitne}' system. Thousands of these arnrs have Ijeeii made and sold in our own and foreign countries and gone into actual service in the field, thereby being put to every possible test, and with the most satisfactory results. The Whitney arm has been fired on the first trial by a novice, twenty-three times in one minute with an addi- tional cartridge in the chamber. The specially novel systems of arms introduced by the Whitney Arms Company, are known as the Bui'gess and Keunedy systems of repeating rifles, and are manufactured in all the various styles for military and sporting service. Thk Burgess is a repeating or magazine rifle with the magazine placed under the barrel, and is operated by a lever, the backward and forward movement of which cocks the hammer, opens the breech, throws out the empty shell, and brings a new cartridge into place, ready for discharge. It has all the recpiirements requisite to a first-class magazine gun. It is of simple construction, and has fewer parts than any other mag- azine rifle operated by a lever. It is strong. The parts are of such size and form as not to be liable to break or get out of order. ► It is made of the best material — wrought iron or steel, as is most suit- able for each part. * l\ I Pi \^ THE WHITNEY SYSTEM. 161 The workmanship is superior throughout. It is very easily manipuhited, and can readily be understood by any person who is at all familiar with fire-arms. It is safe, accidents from premature discharge being impossible. The resistance to the discharge is in direct line with the bore of the barrel. The firing pin cannot reach the head of the cartridge until the breech is fully closed — consequently, The piece can only be fired when the breech is locked. It has been thoroughly tested by firing many hundreds of rounds suc- cessively, by excessive charges, by defective cartridges, etc., and has stood every test. It meets a want long felt, for a magazine rifle, that, while of lighter weight and less cumbersome than those now in use, would cany a suf- ficiently heavj' charge to make it reliable for large game, target practice at long range, and military service. The cartridge used is the 4:5-caIihre center-fire, United States Govern- ment standard, containing 70 grains of fowder and 400 grains of lead. When a lighter charge is desired, the United States carbine cartridge — the same length as the above — but loaded with only 55 grains of powder, may be used. The shells can be reloaded. The magazine is charged through the side of the receiver when the breech is closed. The rifle can be used as a single loader, the charged magazine being held in reserve. The prices are reasonable. The musket weighs 9 lbs. 4 oz. The barrel is 33 inch. It carries when loaded, 11 cartridges. The carbine weighs 7 lbs. 8 oz. The barrel is 22 inch. It carries when loaded, 7 cartridges. The sporting rifle weighs 9 to 10 lbs. The barrel is 28 inch. It carries when loaded, 9 cartridges. The Kennedy is similar to the Burgess in general outline, and the manipulation is the same with the exception of its being necessary to open the breech before charging the magazine through the side of the receiver. 21 f*^. > --■ I J 4 li. H P I — I H THE WHITXEY SYSTEM. 163 The difference consists in the an-angeinenfc of the carrier Llocl^, and otlier parts whereby it is adapted to a cartrid_;e of different calibre from, and ligliter weight than tliat nsed in the Burgess. The cartridge used is tliat Icnown as the " Winchester model of 1873." It is 44 calibre center-fire, containing 40 grains of powder, and 200 grains of lead. Tlie shells can be reloaded. The musket weighs about 9 lbs. The barrel is 30 inch. It carries when loaded, 17 cartridges. The carbine weighs about 7i lbs. The barrel is 20 inch. It carries when loaded, 12 cartridges. The sporting rifle weighs 9 to 10 lbs. The barrel is 24 inch. It carries when loaded, 15 cartridges. In addition to the above, the Phoenix system breech-loading rifle is manufactured by the Whitney Arms Company. These arms possess all the elements of liie best breech-loading i-ifles. They are veiy simple of construction, and perfectly stiong, safe and durable, while the ease of mani[)ulation in opening and closing the breech, and extracting the shell or cartridge cannot be surpassed. They have less parts than any other breech-loading rifle in use, and llie parts are of such form as to render the arm strong and safe as a rifle can be made. They have short top action, and are synnnetrical in form. On this system are made military arms, sporting and tar- get rifles of 'both rim and central fire of the different calibres, and single barrel shot guns, which are considered the best and cheapest breech-loading single barrel shot guns in market. Every part of the gnn is made from the best of steel or wrought iron, by the most ap- proved machinery and skillful workmen. These guns have been fired 1400 successive shots, with no signs of failure of any part. 1 Lever pin. 2 Lever pia screw SHARPS LONG-RANGE RIFLE, MODEL 1878 SHARPS LONG-RANGE RIFLE, MODEL 1878. MILITARY RIFLE AND CARBINE, MODEL 1878 CHAPTER VI. THE SHARPS SYSTEM — THE LEE MAGAZINE SYSTEM. Sharps rifle is perhaps better known as an American rifle than any other up to the present time. It was invented, in 1848, by Christian Sharps and with the improvements and new inventions, made by him, was produced in 1857 as the first practical breecli-loading rifle, and dur- ing what is known as the Kansas struggle, secured for itself permanent fame for its rapidity and accuracy of fire. The inventor continued his improvements up to 1873, and in 1875 a com^oany was formed under the name of Sharps Rifle Company, a large armory erected at Bridge- port, and the manufacture carried on upon a scale commensurate with the increased and growing demand for this arm which had become ex- ceedingly popular. The certainty of the results with the Sharps Rifle have led to its receiving the familiar cognomen of " old reliable," which it retains to the present day. For safety, accuracy, penetration, range, ease of manipulation, rapid- ity and certainty of fire, strength, durability, and lightness of recoil, they are claimed to be unexcelled by any military rifle made. The safety-catch is so located behind the tiigger, and under the trig- ger-guard, that it can be instantaneousl}', but in no case accidentally, released. When great rapidity of fire is desirable, as in battles, the safety lever may be quickly removed, so that the piece can be discharged immedi- ately upon closing the breech, and thus save one movement. U. S. cartridges 45 calibre, length of shell, 2^^^ inches, with 75 grains powder and 420 grains lead, can be used. The length of barrel is 32 inches, length of rifle 48J inches, weight without bayonet, 9 pounds. For carbines U. S. Government cartridges 45 calibre, length of shell, 21^ inches, and 70 grains powder, can be used, length of barrel, 24 inches, weight about 7-J pounds. Double triggers can be apphed to both military rifle and carbine. During the war of the rebellion, nearly ■^QQ AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. one liundied thousand of Sharps Rifles were ordered by the Govern- ment fur use by the army of the United States, a hirge majority of them being issued to mounted troops, and the general result of their use proved liighly satisfactory. The reports of the Secretary of War and Cliief of Ordnance in 18G9, fully indorse the opinion already formed by officers and soldiers in the field. The Adjutant-General of the State of IMichigan, who has made a very complete and learned report on the nr- troduction of breech-loading small arms, states as follows in Lis report for 1878. "After full consideration hij the State Militarij Board, the State Arm has been changed from the Spriiifffcid Breech-Loading 50 calibre Buflc, to tlie Sliarps Militarij Bifle, calibre 45, a breech- loader with tlie latest improrements. This cxcliange is vol onlij made on account of the great super- iority of the Sharps, but that the Government has adopted the 45 calibre. * * * * The Sharps is an arm of fine Jinish, great durahiliti/, perfectly safe in use, of comparatively light iveight, ivith rapidity and certainty if fire, light recoil, and for accuracy, at either sliort or long range, is consid- ered to be unsurpassed, ])crhaps unequaled. * * *" The following has also been received : State op North Carolina, Office Adjutant General, ) Raleigh, Juue 21, 1879. ) The Sharps Bifie Company, Bridgeport, Conn. .- Gentlemen : — I desire to say, that I regard yoiir gun, as " The Military Rifle,'' perfect and simjile in its inecliaiiisni ; it is the quickest and easiest luaded of any arm I e^'er fired, while the locking trigger gives perfect safety. The absence of a liammer is aiiotlier advantage. In its qualities as a hard and close shooter, it has not a sujierior, and may always he depended upon for sure work. Respectfully, FRED. A. OLDS, State Ordnance Officer. In computing percentages mado in the great International Match of 1876, with forty competitors in the field, using rifles of six different makers, including all the crack British muzzle loaders, it was found that Shar^DS headed the list with .877, the next highest scoring only .867. (See ofQcial report in Rod and Gun, September CO, 1876.) In the International Match of 1877, America against best marksmen of England, Ireland, and Scotland, Sharps is found still in the lead with an average of 420 per man against 414 by any other rifle, and a percent- age of .933, the next liighest being but .920. In Fall Meeting, 1878, of N. R. A., at Creedmoor, Sharps rifles en- tered in sixteen matches, took first prize in twelve of them, and good prizes in the other four. Among them tlie inter-state military match. The New York State Team, using Sharps Military Rifle, won with a score of 974 Best score with other rifles „„„ 960 THE SHARPS SYSTEM. 167 THE INTERNATIONAL MILITAEY MATCH. New York State Team, with Sharps Eifles, wou with a score of 1044 Best with other rities 903 THE INTEIt-STATE LONG-RANGE MATCH. Average per man using Sharps Rifles 213 Other rihes used, averaged 193 and 197 THE WniBLEDON CUP. Won hy Mr. Frank Hyde, with a Sliarps Long-Tlange Rifle, with a score of 143 out of 150, at 1000 yards. (The Leech Cup witli same rifle at Spring Meeting, was won with a score of 205 points against best score liy any other rifle of 197.) For tlie grand aggregate prize, three competitors, Mr. F. IIy- LEE MILITARY RIFLE, WITH MAGAZINE IN PLACE. Weight, nine pounds. SECTIONAL VIEW OF LEE SYSTEM. WITH MAGAZINE IM PLACE A. Receiver. n t^ , B. Bolt. jj g^^^ N. Magazine Spring. C. Firing Pin. j rp^.^^.J O. Trigger Guard. D. Main Sprinof. r^ ^.^^^ ' P- Stock. ^- Magazine Catch. x> r^ TOO. -'^- -"-^ng Screw. L. Sear Spring. c r. , M M,„ • Guard Screw, ivi. Magazine. E. Thumb Piece. F. Key Sleeve. THE LEE SYSTEM. 169 THE LEE MAGAZINE SYSTEM. All magazine guns, hitherto made and in use, have been constructed with a tubular receptacle for containing the cartridges, placed either under or above the barrel, or in the butt stock. In this tube or mag- azine tire cartridges ride lengthwise, one following another ; the bullet of one coming directly in contact with and resting on the primer of the cartridge next it. All of the cartridges are forced toward the breech mechanism by a spiral spring which spring must be of sufScient strength to support the weight of the column of cartridges, and force them into the receiver or breech of the arm as fast as required, and of necessity it must have very considerable stiffness or strength. A French army cartridge, which is about the average weight of militaiy cartridges in use, weighs more than 1-^ ounces. The weight of a column of five such cartridges would be seven ounces, four-fifths of which weight would, in a tubular magazine, rest upon the point of the Vjullet of the last car- tridge, and which bullet comes directly in contact with the primer of the cartridge in advance of it. The Lee Magazine System, patented in 1879 in Europe and America, is claimed to be entirely novel in principle, obviating all the objections found in tubular magazine systems, but possessing numerous and marked advantages peculiar only to itself. As will be seen, the Arm is of the bolt class, which years of use in the armies of many of the great powers of Europe, has proved to pos- sess all the essential qualities of a military weapon. The Lee Bolt System (not referring to its magazine attachments) has fewer parts than any other in use, there being in all 1. Receiver A. 7. Extractor G. 2. Bolt B. 8. Sear H. 3. Firing Pin C. 9. Trigger I. 4. Main Spring D. 10. Sear Spring L. 5. Thumb Piece E. 11. Trigger Guard O. 6. Key Sleeve F. 12. Extractor Spring Q. together with Tang and Guard Screws R and S, and four pins, two of which are shown in lower part of Receiver A. 22 170 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS, In this system the resistance is direct, and is taken on both sides of the receiver; a lug being constructed on the lower side of the bolt and opposite the shoulder on the bolt handle, wliich locks itself firmly into a recess made ior that purpose in tlie receiver, therel)y affbiding an equal bearing on each side instead of on one side only, as in most other bolt systems ; the extractor is of new design, having direct action and great power. The main-spring D is made of best steel wire, five feet in length, coiled, and having only tln-ee-fourths of an incii movement or thrust (being about 1 to 80) the metal is subjected to but slight strain, and all danger of breakage is obviated. The arm can be caiiied while loaded with perfect safety by withdraw- ing the thumb piece E to the lialf-cock notch, which opeiation fixes the bolt firmly to its closed position, and locks the firing pin backward clear from the cartridge until the thumb piece is drawn back to full- cock, when the piece may be fired. The ease and rapidity with wliich this arm can he dismounted and assembled is noticeable. By inserting the point of a knife or screw- driver into the notch cut on tlie exti-actor spring next the shoulder of the bolt handle the extractor spring Q is pressed forward, releasing the hook on its under side, from the pin with which it engages when in place. This releases the extractor spring and the extractor, and the bolt may then be drawn out of the receiver. By pressing forward and downward on the lug of the key sleeve F it is released from the bolt, together with the thumb piece E, the firing pin C, and the main spring D. To assemble tlie bolt and its parts, the pieces E, C and D are placed in their proper position, and tlie lug of the key sleeve F is pressed upward into its locking notch in the bolt. Returning the as- sembled bolt into its place in the receiver, lay the extractor in its notch on the bolt and place the extractor spring in position, giving the bolt a sharp pusli forward, and tlie hock \\ ill engage itself on the pin on the bolt-rib created for the purpose, and the arm is ready for use. For simplicity, strength, ease of manipulation, rapidity and certainty of fire, this S3'stem is not excelled as a single-firedircech-loader bj^ any other in use, the weight of the Lee Army jMusket not exceeding nine pounds. To change this single-fire breech-loader to a magazine arm, consists THE LEE SYSTEM. 171 simply in introducing through a slot or opening cut through the stock and receiver, forward of tlie trigger guard, a magazine made to contain live (more or less) cartridges, which insertion or removal can be effected more quickly than a single cartridge can be loaded into or ejected from nuy ordinary single breech-loader. The magazine is held in place by the magazine catch (K), which engages into a notch or depression in the rear of the magazine, and can be released in a moment by an up- ward pressure on the magazine catch K at its lower end, where it projects downward into the trigger-guard. Tiie magazine is retained so firm and secure in position that it is im- possible for it to become accidentally released, no matter how roughly the arm is used or how severe a shock it may I'cceive. Tliese magazines are pressed into shape from one piece of metal, and are strengthened by a rib formed on their rear and bottom interior, which renders them, al- though weighing but about tin-ee ounces, strong and rigid enough to endure Avithout injury any shock or blow liable to be received in rough service. They may be adapted to cartridges of any length. The car- tridges ai-e held in a nearly horizontal position, the flange or head of each being in advance of the one below it, rendering it impossible for anything to impinge upon the primer of either cartridge, and thus obvi- ating every possible danger of premature discharge in the magazine. The cartridges are fed upward into the system by the magazine spring N as fast as required, and being held strongly in position, no deform- ation of the bullet is possible. By actual experiment, the bidlet of cartridges so held, and exposed to the recoil received from one hun- dred shots fired in the arm, sliowed no diminution in length. The simplicity of the magazine mechanism proper, of this arm is un- equaled and remarkable, consisting of only three pieces, the Magazine M, the jNIagazine Spring N, and the Magazine Catch K, and, incident- ally, the Spring "W, which operates in a slot in the side of the receiver, and projects over the opening through whicli the cartridges pass upward fi'om the magazine, forming a bottom to the receiver, while the arm is being used as a single loader. The lower part of this spring is bev- eled, so that on introducing the magazine into the sj'stem, the spring is forced back into its recess in the side of the receiver, and out of the way. The complexity of the magazine mechanism of repeating arms hitherto produced, with the consequent liability to breakage or de- rangement, has been one of the objections offered to their adoption for POSITION OF SOLDIER WHILE INTRODUCING OR REMOV- ING MAGAZINE FROM THE LEE MAGAZINE RIFLE. THE LEE SYSTEM. 173 military purposes. Here are, at most, four pieces, each simple and strong, and whose place and purpose are so apparent that the least in- telligent recruit cannot for a moment be puzzled as to their proper use. The cartridges contained in charged magazines (while the magazines are not in the arm) are retained in position by sliding forward the upper cartridge until the point of the bullet rests in the hemispherical de- pression formed in the front and upper part of the magazine. The up- ward pressure of the spring N holds the head of this upper cartridge against the projecting inclined flanges on the upper and rear part of the magazines so tightly, that the filled box may be carried, handled or dropped without displacing the position of the ammunition. The charge magazine should only he inserted into the arm lohen the system is closed. When the magazine is put into place (accomplished either by pressure or by a sharp tap of the hand), the liead of the upper cartridge is relieved of its tension against the inclined flanges on the rear and upper part of the magazine, by its pressure against the under side of the bolt B (the upper edge of the rear wall of the magazine being slightly hollowed to the shape of the bolt). The rearward motion of the bolt in opening the breech, draws back the upper cartridge, relieving its front end from the hemispherical depression in which it rested; the spring N lifts the bullet end of the cartridge upward, and free from the magazine, the bolt moving backward just far enough to allow its front end to pass in rear of the head of the cartridge, which head, thus relieved, rises by the pressure of the spring N sufficiently to engage the end of the bolt. The forward movement of the bolt then carries this cartridge into the chamber of the barrel. On opening the system and withdrawing the bolt, the extractor ejects with certainty the exploded shell, and the same operations apply until the magazine is exhausted. It is intended that two or more magazines shall be furnished with each arm, which are to be carried, charged, in the cartridge box or pocket of the soldier. The magazines can be charged with cartridges (five is the number recommended that they shall contain), each in less than five seconds. It is quite practicable that all ammunition issued to troops be contained in these magazines, which may be made, if required, very light, of skeleton form, and of such cheap construction, as will ad- mit in action of their being dropped and left on the field, as are the ex- hausted shells of expended cartridges. 174 AMERICAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. The arm can Le used as a single loader until the need of rapid firing becomes apparent, when, at the word of command, the charged maga- zines may be inserted and used. The least intelligent soldier can obey this order without looking at the arm. While removing or inserting the magazine, the arm should be held at the grip by the soldier's right hand, in the position illustrated. It is believed that the feature of ddacliahiVdij, as arranged in the Lee Sj'stem, will particulaily commend itself to the minds of military author- ities. The ease, rapidity, and certainty with which the charged maga- zines can be inserted into or removed from the arm, places it in the power of the officers of disciplined troops, to positively control the ex- penditure of ammunition. The soldier may use his arm as a single loader until the vital moment when a i-apid fire is needed. At the or- der a loaded mnga/.ine can in an instant be inserted, and a volley of five, to be immediately succeeded by five, ten, or fifteen more shots (if as many as four magazines be supplied), lapidly dclivei'ed. It will lequire but little diill to teach the ordiiiaiy soldier to deliver twenty-one well directed sliots from a Lee Magazine Gun in forty seconds. Experts at the Armory fiie that number easily in thirty seconds. Using the de- tacliahU magazines, the necessity of all cwi-o/f appliances is obviated, and the danger of soldieis becoming so confused in the heat and excitement of action as to err in the proper adjustment of the cut-off, need not be feaie;l. It is, however, cpiite piacticable to construct and use the Lee System, as a fixed magazine arm. By a very simple device the car- tridges contained in a magazine of similar construction, lut permanerdly attach'd to the arm, may be carried in reserve, or otherwise, as desired. Tlie magazines so affixed, can be as conveniently and quickly refilled, as those of any other repeating rifle. The Company do not recommend sucli fixed attachment, believing the adjustable form to be far preferable, but are prepared to manufacture them, if ordered in quantities. The originator of the Lee IMagazino System had not sufficiently de- veloped his invention to submit it to the Board of U. S. Ordnance Officers, appointed in 1878 to examine and test the various magazine arms presented before them, and consequently no examination was had, or report made, by that Board as to its merits. The "Equipment Board," selected, as the General of the Army has written, " by reason of their fitness, and tlieir large experience with the wants of the troops in a,ctual service on the plains, and in the mount- THE LEE SYSTEM. 175 ains of the interior of the continent," of which Gen. N. A. Miles, IT. S. A., was chairman, bj' order of tlie War Department issued May, 1879, made an examination and the following report on the "Lee Magazine Gan." " This Gun, wliich ivas relurred to tlie Board by tlie Iloiioraljle the Secretary of "War, may be briefly described as belonging to tlic class of breeclidoading bolt guns. The peculiarity consists in the apjilication of the magazine principle In otiier breech-loaders the magazine is permanently attaclied, and placed under the barrel, over tlie barrel, or in the butt or stock. These jriagazines are all tubular, the cartridges being placed one behind the other, so as to be in dangerous contact \\heu the gun is fired. The magazine of the Lee Gun is a sni.all metallic case containing five cai fridges, which can be attached or removed at pleasure, and in the time required to load a single cartridge. 'J lie cartridges are side by side, and the magazine, when in position, is just below the receiver in front of the guard, and the weight of the cartridge is therefore iu the center of the piece. When detached the gun may bo u.sed as a single loader. In the breech mecliauism tliere are but 22 parts. The recoil is taken upon both .sides of the bolt, and the gun can be fired with accuracy 20 times in 30 seconds. The comparative simplicity of the mechanism, and the case wiUi which the magazine can be applied, make it a valualde and destructive weapon. The trials made with this Kifle in the presence of the Board were most sati.sfactory." The commander of the large force recently sent against tlie hostile Indians in the Northwest, an officer of great experience and high repu- tation, being impressed witli the superioiity of the Lee Magazine Rifle, has made request of the U. S. War Department that his command shall be armed therewith. The marked favor and high commendation \Yhich the Lee System has received from all the many eminent military authorities and mechanical engineers to whom it has been shown, but strengthens the confidence with wliich the Company claims that this Magazine Rifle is in many if not all essential points, the best that has been produced. ARMORY OF SHARPS RIFLE COMPANY, BIUDGErOllT, CONN. CQ i: 2 :^ dt ~ i'^ 00 CD 00 O O I— I P3 -^ I— I o o h^ M o O 0) bo W «2 o o I— I H o O I— I CHAPTER VII. SPRINGFIELD BREECH- LOADING RFFLE MUSKET, — MODEL OF 1868. MODEL OF 1879 BENTON'S ELECTRO-BALLISTIC PENDULUM. The arm known as the Springfield breech-loader is derived from a model submitted in 1865 by Mr. E. S. Allin, Master Aimorer of th(} United States Armory. A few guns made in accordance with this model were issued to the troops in 1866, but they were not found to answer the requirements of the military service. Extensive changes were made in it from time to time, constituting the models of 1866, 1868 and 1870. These changes were the results of suggestions made by officers and workmen of the Springfield Armory. The arm, as thus improved, has been issued to troops in the field in competition with other systems, and reports will soon be made as to its value. The following description has been prepared by the Ordnance Bureau for the use of troops : I. The rifle musket adopted for the United States Army in 1868, is the muzzle-loading rifle musket, model 1863, altered to a breech- loader. The following are the principal changes, viz. : 1st. The substitution of a new barrel, 36 in. long (33.75 in. in the bore), and one-half inch (0.5) calibre. The rifling is the same as in the altered gun of 1866, viz. : tlu-ee grooves equal in width to the lands, 0.0075 in. deep, and 42 inches twist. 2d. To the barrel is screwed a receinei\ or breech-frame, in which the breech-block swings upwards and forwards as in the model of 1866. 3d. The ramrod is reduced in size and is secured in its bed by a shoulder, about 4 inches below the head, which rests against a dop inserted in the stock just below the tip. 4th. The middle band is omitted, and the swivel is attached to the upper band. The bands are held in place by springs. 5th. The short-range leaf sight is replaced by a long-range sliding-sight, secured to the barj-el b}^ a dove-tail mortice and screw. 23 178 AMERICAN" BEEECH-LOADIXG SMALL ARMS. other lingers in front of tlie breecli-bloclc — and close it down ; the breech-block will press the cartridge home. The cam-latch will spring into its place and lock it ; but to make sure of this, it may be well that the soldier acquire the habit of pressing the thumb on the thumb-piece as the hand is withdrawn to its place. Should there be any difficulty in pressing down the thumb-piece, it is probable that the rim of the cartridge is too thick ; it should be withdrawn and another tried. II. The surface of the cam-latch and that of the recess in the breech-screw should be kept free from dust and rust, to prevent sticking in opening the breech after each discharge ; these surfaces should be oiled occasionally. Should the cam-latch spring break, or impede the 0]3eration of the cam in any way, unscrew the cap screw and remove the cam-latch, whicli will enable the soldier to renew or adjust the spring. The force of the discharge is exerted against the rear of the cam -latch, and to ensure this the arbor and body of the cam-latch shaft are made purposely to fit their bearings loosely. III. The hammer should habitually be carried at half-cock, and care taken that the motion of the firing-pin be not obstructed by dust nor rust. IV. Should the extractor cut through the rim of the shell, and thereby fail to witlidraw it, draw the ramrod and drive the shell out. V. The chamber should be kept clean, and great care should be observed to prevent cartridges fouled with dirt, and particularly sand, from being inserted or discharged in the piece, as the ex- pansion of the shell presses the sand into the metal and mars the surface of the chamber, and thus causes the shells to stick. Care should also be taken in cleaning the chamber for the same reason. The shell of an exploded cartridge should not be allowed to remain in the chamber any lengtlr of time for fear it may adhere by corro- sion. I THE Sl>]«NOFIELD SYSTEM. Fig. 10. 179 Fig. 11. 13 3^ mm CAM LATCH SPRING. FIRING PIN SPRING. " Fig. 10 is tli(^ Cam Latcli Siting. Fig. ]1 is tlic Firing Pill Spring. The firing-piu is sliown in Fig. 1. It is kc^pt in place by a small screw which projects into a slot on its under side. This screw is shown in the broken lines representing the raised posi- tion of tlie breech-block. See Fig. ]. Fig. 12 represents the end of the Ramrod. A is tlie sliouldtr wldcli rests against the stoji ; B \, B is the JiL'ud, conv(:'rted into a lo'rper. Fig. 13 represents the Ramrod Stop. A O is tlie hodij of the stop ; B, the body whicli ^ tits over the shoulder of the ramrod ; C is ■^ the groooe which tits against the barrel. O CO O DIRECTIONS FOR USE. I. Raise the breech-block b}" pressing against the thumb-piece upwards and forwards till the breech-block rests on the receiver ; if there be an empty shell in tlie chamber, it will be loosened from its place by the extractor and tlirown out by the ejector-spring. Place the cartridge in the chamber with th(^ tliuml) and two foi-e- fingers ; seize the thumb-piece with the tliumb and foretingei — the 180 AMEKUAX BREECH-LOADINO SMALL ARMS. Fig. 6. Fig. 7. B EJECTOR SPRING AND SPINDLE. Figs. 6 and 7 represent the Ejector Spring and Spindle. The spring presses against the slionlder of the spindle, and tlie point of the spindle presses against the extractor. EXTRACTOR. Fig. 8 represents the Extractor. A is the part against which the breech-block presses in opening ; D is the countersink to receive the point of the spring spindle ; B is the portion wliicli projects through to tire inner surface of the barrel. The surface of this part is shaped to fit the under side of the head of tlie cartridge-shell. Pig 9. m HINGE PIN. Fig. 9 represents the Hinge Pin. A is tlie body of tlie pin ; B is the arm : C, tlie stud which projects into the receiver to prevent the pin from turning. THE SPRINGFIELD SYSTEM. Pia. 3. 8 181 CAM LATCH AND THUMB PIECE. Pig. 3 represents tke Cam Latcli and Sliaft and Thumh Piece combined. A is the body of the thnmb-piece ; B, the firing-pin guard, cnt away to allow it to pass freely over the head of the firing- pin. The thumb-piece is secured to the shaft by riveting the end of the latter. Fig. 4. BREECH SCREW. Fig. 4 represents the Breech-screw. A is the tang-screw hole ; B, the screw thread ; C, the cam-latcJi recess. , Fig. 5. BREECH BLOCK CAP AND SCREW. Fig. 5 represents the Breech Block Cap and Screw. The object of the cap is to support the cam-latch shaft, and the screw keeps it in place. 182 AMERICAN BREECII-LOADINO SMALL AR.MS. 6tli. The cupping of tlie liammer is removed and tlie main spring sv\dvel is shortened. NOMENGLATUEE OF ALTERED PARTS. II. Fig. 1 represents a vertical section througli the axis of the Rec(dver, witli the several parts projected thereon, shoA^dng their relative ])Osition. A, th(_' bottom of tlie Receiver : B, the Barrel^ witli its screw- tliread : C, tlie Breecli-pin, with its circular-recess to receive the camdatcli ; E, tlie Hinge-pin, around wiiicli the breecli-block turns ; F, the Cam-latcli, which locks the breech-block in place ; Gr, the Cam-latcJi, f^prine/, to pre-ss the camdatch into the recess ; H, the Firing-pin, whicli transmits the blow of the hammer to the jiiim- ing of tlir. cartridge ; I, tlie Firing-pin spring, to press the tiring- pin Itack when tlie hamnn'r is raised ; J. the Extractor, to withdraw the empty cartiidge-sliell after tiring ; K, the Ejector 8pri?ig. When the lireecli-block is closed, the point of the ejector-spring presses against the extractor above the position of the axis of the hinge- block, and no motion tak(_»s place ; when the breech-block is raised so as to press against the point M of the extractor, tkepoint J moves to the rear, withdrawing the sliell, and whcii tlu; point of pressure of the s|iring passes, below tln.^ centre of the hinge, the extractor moves rapidly and throws the shell clear of the receiver. L, the Ejector Stud, wliich serves to deflect the shell upwards and thereby clear the loell of the receiver. Fio. 3. CAM LATCH AND SHAFT. Fig. 2 represents tin' Cam Latch and Shaft. The ]iortion A is the .sYy;/r//-e upon whicli till' /7///.«A/>-/>A-rc is litted ; B is the shaft; C is the arljor ; 1) is the cam ; E is the spring recess. THE SrUlNGFlELD SYSTEM. 183 SPEINGFIELD RIFLE AND CARBINE SIGHTS, MODEL 1879. The Springfield Rear Sight, liuown as the Model of 1879, differs from those of previous models in having a huchhorn shaj)ed eye-piece attached to the slide ; and also that the slide can be moved sidewise, to enable the marksman to correct his aim for wind^ drift, and errors of construction of piece. The onlj^ excejition to side motion is at the lowest, — or 100 yards elevation, — where the sight notch is intended to be always ovei' the axis of the piece. The front sight of the arms to be made hereafter will be thinner at the base, the rear edge will be vertical, and the top will be slightly rounded and polished, to give a brilliant jDoint or " bead " in service firing. Desceiption. — Fig. 1 represents the face and side elevations of the rear sight complete. (A) is the base ; (B) the leaf ; (C) the slide ; and (D) the cross section through the base, showing the thickness of the sides, the front screw hole, and the under cut slot for the base spring. The upper edges of the sides of the base are knurled, leaving minute offsets to prevent the shde from moving forward when the piece is fired. The rifle and carbine sights are distinguished by the letters R and C respectively. The figures denoting ranges are stamped as follows, viz. : for the rifle sight, from 100 to 550 yards on the left side of the base ; 184 AMEKICAX BREECH-LOADING SMALL AKMS. from 550 to 1,300 yards on the face of the leaf; from 1,300 to 1,600 yards on the back of the leaf. The 550 mark is in front of the 500 mark, and the elevation is determined by placing the front edge of the slide immediately over the 550 mark. The top line of the leaf gives, when elevated, 1,300 yards ; to obtain elevations above this, the aim is taken over that part of the slide which projects from the left edge of the leaf and the fore end of the tip of the stock. The upper left hand corner of the leaf and fore end of the tip give 1,600 yards. The letter B opposite the 260 yards mark indicates the most suitable elevation for firing at an enemy's line of battle within a range of 400 yards. " aiming low."' In the carbine sight the graduation marks from 100 up to 800 yards are on the base ; from 800 to 1,500 yards, on the face of the leaf. top 2yin. M Fig. 2. Fig. 2 represents the base spring. (I) is the side and (J) the view; (K) is tlie hase screic, two in number; and (L) is the joint Fig. 3 represents tiie huck-horn plate, rear and top views. The V shaped notch in the lower edge embraces a pin projecting from tlie lower part of the leaf, for the purpose of centering the slide when at the 100 yards elevation. The graduations on either side of the notch are for the purpose of regulating the side motion of the slide. The slide is central when its vertical edges conform to the outer edges of the leaf. The other parts are as follows, viz. : IMII isii Fiff. 4. Fig. 5. Fig. 6. Hi Fig. 7. THE SPRINGFIELD SYSTEM. 185 Fig 4, the slide Mode; Fig. 5, the slide plate; Fig. 6, the slide spring ; Fig. 7, slide screu\ two in number. The points of these screws are riveted, and no attempt should be made to turn them out. New sights issued to replace old ones in the field will have base screws with slotted heads, so that they may be turned in with a com- mon screw-driver. The old sights may be removed by slotting the heads of the base screws with a three cornered file, and turning them out with a screw-driver with a handle. As far as practicable, special files for this worlc will be issued with the sights, until the change is complete. INSTRUCTIONS FOK USE. In the preliminary (or sighting) shots at any range above 100 yards, the slide will be supposed in a central position. If in this position the ball be found to carry to the rigid, either on account of drift or a wind from the left, then the plate must be gently tapped to the left (an empty cartridge-shell will serve) until the deviation is found by trial to be overcome. If the ball be carried to the left, tap the plate to the right, etc. Each space between the lines on the bnckhorn plate is .02 of an inch, and a side motion of the plate through one of these will correct a deviation of 5| inches at 200 yards, SJ at 300, IS/j at 500, 21t% at 800, and 26^ at 1000 yards for the rifle. With the carbine a movement through one space will correct a deviation of 8t\ inches at 200 yards, 13* at 300, and 23 at 500 yards. This gives approxi- mately the side distance through which the plate should be moved to overcome an observed deviation at a known range. The values given result from the proportion, viz. : Distance between sights (c?) : .02 : : range (r) : deviation (x). Or a; = .02 -J-, r and d expressed in inches. The spaces being equal to each other, the value of 2 is twice that of one, and so on. When the aim is taken with the leaf resting on the base, care should be taken to bring the upper edge of the slide into a horizontal position : this will make the plane of sight vertical. When the leaf is raised, the same end is accomplished by making the edges of the leaf vertical. 24 -r=q BENTON'S ELECTRO-BALLISTIC PENDULUM. National Armoiy, Springfield. THE SPRINGFIELD SYSTEM. 187 The following articles, having relation to tests made with the Spring- field rifle, are published in connection therewith. Benton's electeo-ballistic pendulum. This pendulum was invented at West Point in 1859 by Colonel J. G. Benton, Ordnance Department, U. S. A., for the purpose of determin- ing the velocity of projectiles. It belongs to the Navez class of machines in which the error arising from variation in the power of the electro-magnets is eliminated by means of an instrument called the disjunctor. The accompanying figure shows a front view of the pendulum in per- spective. It is simply a time-keeper capable of measuring accurately intervals of time as small as one-thousandth part of a second. It is essentially composed of an upright cast-iron frame which supports two pendulums having a common axis, a graduated arc to measure their vibrations, and two electro-magnets for holding them suspended in a horizontal position until the galvanic currents actuating the magnets are broken by the movement of the projectile, the velocity of which is to be determined. The time of the falling of both pendulums through each degree of the arc is known from a computed table. If the pendulums begin to fall at the same instant they will meet opposite to the zero point ; if one pendulum stalls before the other, the aic described by it will be longer than that of the other, and the difference in the times of starting will be equal to twice the time corresponding to the arc measured from the point of meeting to zero of the arc. The time thus obtained will be that which the projectile has taken in passing between the two targets to which the galvanic currents are attached. The distance betiveen the targets divided hy the time is approximately equal to the velocity of the projectile at the middle point. The three thumb screws (10, 10, 10,) of the figure, support the frame, and with the assistance of the two spirit levels (9, 9), afford the means of giving it the necessary vertical position. The two pendulums are shown at 1, 1 ; the bobs of these pendulums are placed near the suspension frame (4) to make their fall rapid; and are so adjusted as to make the velocities of their fall equal. 188 AMERICAN BKEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Two spring clamps (12, 12) are arranged to catch and liold the pen- dulums after the}- have passed each other. Two horse-shoe magnets (5, 5) are inclosed in brass boxes which are attached to the upper edge of the frame, the poles of the magnets projecting through the bottom. Each of these boxes has attached to it three thumb screws ; the central screw (6) is for the purpose of moving the magnets up and down, or to and from, the armature of soft iron attached to the suspension rod of each pendulum, and thereby to increase or diminish the attractive force with which the pendulums are held in suspension. The pendulums do not begin to fall instantaneously with the rupture of the galvanic cir- cuits ; the stronger the current, the longer will it take for the magnets to let go of the pendulums; the screw (6) affords the means of mak- ing the time of starting the same for both pendulums by varying the distance of each magnet from the armature of the pendulum. The point at which the two pendulums pass each other is marked on the graduated arc by means of a bent lever attached to the lower end of one of the suspension lods ; the point of the lever is covered with printers' ink and is jiressed on the arc by the end of tlie rod of the other pendulum when the axis of the jiendulums are opposite to each other. The two Ijinding screws in the oblique surfaces of the magnet boxes are for the attachment of the galvanic wires whicli pass to the targets, over which they are arranged in such manner as to be cut by the pro- jectile when the piece is fired. The projecting pjieces (8, 8) are attached to the upper edge of the frame and are designed for guides to the suspension rods when the l^endulums are held in a horizontal position befoe falling. The disjunctor is an additional instrument used for the purpose of breaking both of the galvanic currents simultaneouslj'. By means of it and the thumb screws (6, 6) both pendulums should be made to reach the zero point at the same time, proving thereby that they start at the same time. Owing to the variations in the strength of galvanic batteries, it is important that this adjustment or " disjunctor observation " shoidd be made shortly before every shot is fired for determining its velocity. No results can be considered reliable without it, and with it there is seldom a failure to get a good result. THE SPltlNGFIELD SYSTEM. 1&9 The modtis operandi for determining the velocity of a projectile by this pendulum is as follows : Place two targets at a certain distance apart, generally one hundred feet ; arrange a small copper wire on each target in such a manner that some part of the wire shall be cut by the projectile in its passage ; from each target the wire passes to the disjunctor to which it is attached by binding screws, and thence to the binding screws of the magnet ; each wire forms a complete galvanic current bymeans of one cup of a Bunsen battery ; the piece being loaded, one or more " disjunctor observations " are made and the strength of the magnets is adjusted as before explained until the point of meeting of the pendulums is at zero of the arc ; when this is accomplished the disjunctor is again closed, the pendulums are again raised, and the piece is fired ; the reading of the arc giving the position of the point of meeting of the pendulums is referred to a com- puted table which gives the required velocity of the projectile. Each target is generally composed of two upright pieces of wood placed a short distance apart, and the wire is stretched back and forth between them without touching to make it sure that some portion shall be broken bj^ the projectile. The pendulum should be placed about 100 feet from the piece to avoid the effect of the shock of the discharge ; the first target should be placed sufficiently far from the muzzle of piece to prevent rupture of the wire by fragments from the discharge. The following statements in regard to experiments recently made at the National Armory at Springfield with reference to range and the use of the Telephone will be found of interest : SPRINGFIELD RIFLE — RANGE. A very interesting series of experiments have been recently carried out by Captain Greer at the National Armory in reference to the in- crease of range in arms now in service. These experiments have proved the rather singular fact that by an increase of the weight of bullet an increased range is obtained, the difference being over 700 yards in favor of a bullet weighing 500 grains over one weighing 400, the charge of powder being the same in both cases. The explanation of this fact is due to the great ability of the heavy bullet to overcome the resistance of the atmosphere. The advantages of heavy charges of powder are to 190 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. flatten the trajectory and increase the danger space, that is the position in which troops are hkely to be hit, this applying speT3ia]ly to short ranges because at all long ranges the bullet is too higli in the air to endanger troops except at the falling point. The heavy bullet also goes more rapidly as shown herewith : 405 grain bullet, 9i seconds, 2,000 yards. 40.5 grain bullet, IT? seconds, 2,500 yards. 500 grain bullet, 11t*j seconds, 2,500 yards. 500 grain bullet, 15i seconds, 3,000 yards. 500 grain bullet, 21-^(, seconds, 3,500 yards. The light bullet starts more rapidly but slows up, while the heavy bullet starts with a slower velocity, yet loses less rapidly and reaches the point of impact much sooner. TIME OF FLIGHT OF BULLETS AS DETERMINED BY THE TELEPHONE. Hitherto the accurate determination of tlie time of flight of small arm projectiles has been prac- tically impossible at long ranges o\\ing to our inability to see them strike even when firing over water. The discovery of the telei)hone has opened up to us a simjjle as "well as novel means of obtaining the time desired, and has also afforded us the means of verifying the formulas by which these times were formerly deduced. In these experiments two telephones provided with Blake transmitters were used. One was placed within n few feet of the gun and left open to receive and transmit the sound of the dis- charge. The other was in the shelter-proof which was but about thirty feet in front of the right edge of the target. A stop-watch beating fourths of a second was used in connection with it. The telephone being at the ear, the instant the sound of the discharge was received at the tar- get, the watch was started, and on the bullet striking was stopped A mean of a large number of observations, which rarely differed more than a quarter to a half of a second from each other, gave the time of flight. Of couise there is a slight delay iu starting the watch, but this is neutralized by a similar one in stopping it. The times given may therefore be accepted as strictly correct. It is worthy of notice that the times vary on different days, being shortened by a rear and lengthened fiy a head wind. The velocity of sound may lie readily obtained with the telephone in the same manner. The time for the sound of the discharge passing through the air was alw.ays shown by the watch, but as it was not desirable for my purpose to stop the watch until the bullet reached the tar- gets these times were not taken. JVote.— Since the above extract was written. Captain Greer informs me he has learned that the same method had been previously used by Cap- tain Starring, Ordnance Department. CHAPTER VIII. SMITH & WESSON EEVOLVEKS — COLT S REVOLVERS — MEEWIN, HDLBEKT & go's PISTOLS — THE EVANS MAGAZINE GUN. This arm, of wMcli two distinct styles are now made, was first in- troduced by tMs well known firm about 1859. Up to that time, no arm had been used in this country in which any form of metallic cartridge was fired other than tlie ' ' Flobert' ' French cartridge, which consisted of a small copper shell containing fulminate, and a small ball, only used in the so-called "Saloon" pistol, a single- barreled arm made in France and sold occasionally in this country. On the 8th of August, 1854, this firm patented a central-fire, metallic cartridge, which not only contained the requisite charge of powder, but which also had the lubricant placed within the case and between the powder and the ball. About the same time they conceived the idea of constructing a revolver that should use this style of car- tridge, or one similar ; and they immediately proceeded to make such an ann, on which they obtained jjatents July 5, 1859, and December 18, 1860. About this time, they learned that a patent had been issued to Rollin White, April 3, 1855, on a revolver, which covered one fea- ture used by them, viz. : the cylinder having its chambers bored entirely through from end to end, so as to permit the charge to be inserted through the rear end of the same. White, however, in his patent, had not contemplated the use of metallic cartridges ; but instead, intended to load the chambers with loose powder and ball, or ordinary cartridge, and then close the rear end of the chambers with a wad having a hole at its centre, through which the fire from a cap placed on a single nipple located in the frame of the arm, was to pass. This arrangement, of course, required a fresh cap to be applied each time a chamber was discharged ; and moreover, the fire from one chamber would tend to pass to the adjoining chambers at the rear, and thus cause a prematare explosion of the others at the same time. Hence the arm was never made as patented by White. SMITH & WESSON EEVOLVERS. 193 Smith & Wesson, liowever, bouglit of Wliite tlie exclusive right to the use of the open-ended cylinder, and thus secured control of the new revolver they hud devised, usinp; the metallic cartridge. In the meantime, Axnil ITtJi, 18G(), they also ol)tained a r)atent upon an im- l^roved rim-lire cartridge specially adapted to tln-se arms. The arm as then introduced is represented by the frontispiece. Fig. 1, of which style two sizes were made. Tiie smaller size. No. 1, of which the cut opposite is a full-sized representation, has seven cham- bers, and uses a cartridge of .22 calibre, Avith conical bullet, weigh- ing thirty-four grains, and three gi'ains of powder. The largest size is of the same pattern, but has a barrel Fm. 2. six inches long, with six chamliers, aiid us(,'s a cartridge of .32 calibre, weight of bullet 103 grains, with 13 grains of powder. Subsequentl}', a new pattei-n of tlie same arm was introduced by them, which, while using a cartridge of .32 calibr<', was much lighter, and still more graceful in style and appearanc(^, as is represented by Figure 2. This arm, as shown in llie cut, has its l)arrel liinged to the top strap of the frame, at the front end of the cylinder, and is locked to the loAver limb of the frani<^ b}' a spring catcli, which locks auto- matically, when th(_' barrel is swung into position. The cylinder is mounted on a centre stem, secured rigidly at its rear end to thei-ecoil shield or breech-piece of thii frame, and bearing loosely at its front end in the projection under the barrel, so that, to remove the cylin- der, it is only necessary to unlock the liarrel and swing the latter upward, when the cjdinder can he slipped forward off from its stem. A pin is attached permanently to the front part underneath and parallel with the barrel, as shown in the cuts, bj- means of wdiich the shells can be readily pushed out of the chambers after the cylinder is detached, thus avoiding the necessity of any separate rod or movable device for that purpose. 25 fcb 3^ O rn * K- '•^ 'o ^ > a:" 9 ,^1 ^ > ^ • ^ r* C^ q,' 1—1 rH "o^ 0^ O '^ rfj C^ '^ 1 — I ^ 1 — 1 be ^ r^ ^ 0; ^ o [» Cj bD bf) ^ 1j 1-^ ■'T' ri 3^ (-H % CJ '^ "' be o -4-' 1-^ o 1 — 1 CD be 1 — 1 O CL' a O ^+^ 4-' ,^ J o g ci 1 — 1 ^9 4-i c3 pi -^ oq C^i '^ te^ s SMITH & ^yESSO]S' REVOLVERS. 195 Up to tlie beginning of the recent war, no revolver had heen adopted by the military authorities in which metallic cartridges were used ; but the advantages of this new arm were so apparent that thousands of these revolvers were bought by officers in the arroy and nav}^, and so great was the demand for them that orders were upon the books of this firm for all their possible production for two years in advance. The demand for these arms in the United States was such that up to 1867 Smith & Wesson made no effort to sell them abroad. At the Paris Exposition, a case of their various models was exhibited, which at once attracted attention, and from that time a de- mand arose which has constantly inci-eased, resulting in large ship- ments to Japan, China, England, Russia, France, Spain, Peru, Chili, Brazil, Cuba, and to almost every nation on the globe. The arm as thus described was manufactured without alteration until within a year or two past. Since then, however, other im- provements have been added, resulting in the production of one far superior, — especially for military purposes, — to anything of the kind ever before made. About the beginning of the war in the United States, in 1861, W. C. Dodge, then an Examiner in the United States Patent Office, turned his attention to the subject of breech-loading arms, with a view of convincing the Government of their superiority as a military weapon, and securing tlieir adoption for the troops. While thus engaged, his attention v/as attracted to the revolver, and he at once conceived the idea of remodeling the same, whereby it should be rendered still more effective as a military weapon. To accomplish this, he assumed two things as being requisite : First — ^A means of extracting all tlie cartridge shells simultaneously ; and, Second — so constructing the arm, that while doing this, neither the cylinder nor any otlier part should be detached, thus enabling the arm to be speedily reloaded and repeatedly fired by mounted men, as well as others. He soon perfected his invention, but as the law did not permit a person employed in the Patent Office to acquire any interest in a patent, it was not patented until January 17th and 24th, 1865, he having resigned his position in the meantime for that purpose. He also patented it in Great Britain, France and Bel- gium about the same time. 196 A.MKRK AX BKEECH-LOADING S.\IAJ-L AliMS. Ill tile spring uf 18G9, Mr. Dodge sold liis patents to Messrs. Smith & Wesson, who imniediately proceeded to get up the new revolver. In so doing, they embodied also another feature i^atented by C. A. King, August 24th, ]8(!(), by means of which the extractor is operated automatically in the act of (jpeiiing the arm. Tliis new arm is accurately repiesented in the ilhistration, Fig. 3, which sliows tlie arm closed read\' for usc- Fiti-. 3. The construction of the arm is shown in Fig. 4, and is as follows : 'Pile i'rame, Avitli its handle and lock, is made as heretofore, ex- cept that the frame has but a single limb projecting forward frrnn the under side of the recoil- shield or breech. To tlie front end of this liml) the barrel is hinged, so as to tip forward and doAvnward in opening, as shown in Fig. 5. The luirrel, with its hinge-arm or projection, is formed from a single solid piece of steel, and it also has a solid arm or strapat its u]i|)er side, which pi-o- jects back over the cjdinder when closed, and is locked to the lireech by a spring latch A, which operates automaticall}' udieu the barrel is swung int(.) ]~iosition, as shown in Fig. 3, The cylinder is mounted on a tubular centre pin, ;/, which is screwed into the rear end of the projection under IIk- barrel, so that the cylinder is attached to, and swings with the barrel, when opened and closey hand which could be used. The patent in England was taken out in 183.J. After a most careful test of this arm by the United States CTOvernment, he received his Iirst order for one thousand pistols. With the capital thus fur- nished him, an armory was established at Hartford, Connecticut, which has since become world-renowned, not alone for tlie manu- facture of the Colt's arms, but for the success achieved in the pro- duction of various systems of small arms, the Galling gun, etc., etc. Tlie sale of Colt's arms from Jannary 1st, 1856, to December 30th, 1865, was as follows : Pistols, .'554,283 ; rifles, 6,693 ; muskets, 103,970. On the opposite page will be found an illustraion of the Colt system as applied to rifles and carbines. The present attention of the Colt Arms Company is devoted to the special production of the revolver or pistol, of which several varieties are manufactured and of which the sales are very large. The revolving pistol C(.)nsists essentially of : 1st, the barrel ; 2d, the cylinder ; 3d, the lock frame (containing the lock) ; 4th, the stock. I. The barrel is made of steel and is rifled. It is in all respects THE COLT SYSTEM. 209 like tlie barrel of any muzzle-loading arm, excejot that it is open at both ends, and on its lowest side are a socket for the rammer and the fixtures for fastening the rammer and its lever to the barrel. These fixtures are all forged in one piece with the barrel. There is also a slot below for holding key of the cylinder-pin, hereafter de- scribed. II. The cylinder is a piece of steel in which five or six ckambers parallel to the axis are bored. Their bore and that of the barrel are the same. Tbey are open at the front and stop at a distance from the rear of the cylinder, great enough to leave sufficient metal behind the chamber to give proper security against bursting. Behind each chamber and entering it, an orifice is cut, which the screw on the base of the cap-cone fits, so that the cone is fixed directly in rear of the cliamber. Beside the chambers, there is another hole in the cylinder, whose axis is the axis of the cylinder, and which is bored entirely through it. Through this, and fitting it p)recisely, passes a pin from the lock-frame to the barrel. The pin is paralleled to the bore of the barrel, and so far below it that the revolution of the cyl- inder brings in succession each chamber directly behind the barrel, so that the chamber and bore of the barrel can be made continuous. This pin secures tlie cylinde]- in position between the lock frame and barrel, allowing it only to revolve about its axis. It is secured to the barrel by a key passing tlirough a slot cut in the pin, and a cor- responding one in the barrel. On the rear of the cylinder is cut a ratchet having five or six teeth, as the cylinder has five or six cham- bers. The centre of the ratchet is on the axis of the cylinder, and the teeth are so ari-anged that when the piece is at full-cock a cham- ber is directly in rear of the barrel. On the siirface of the cjdinder are cut as many small slots as there are chambers. The lowest of these slots is entered by the end of a bolt, which is movalile by the action of the lock, and is pressed into the slot by a sjDring constantly acting. So long as the bolt is in the slot, the cylinder is immovable. III. The lock-frame is directly in rear of the cylinder, and consists of the recoil-piece, into which the cylinder-pin is fastened ; the lock, which contains the machinery for exploding the cap, as well as re- volvino- and locking the cylinder ; and a frame which contains and holds in place the mainspring. In the lock the sear and trigger are in one piece, as are also the hammer and tumbler. In these respects 27 be CO ^ !■ =1^ C o a a bij & THE COLT SYSTEM. 21 i the lock differs from lliat used before the invention of the revolver by Colt. The mainspring acts upon the tumbler and liamrner di- rectly. The tumbler has fastened on its face a " hand," wliich en- gages the ratchet on tlie rear of the cylinder, and is lield against it by a spring. It also has a Y)rojecting pin wluch is so arranged that at the pi'oper time it engages the holt which locks the cylinder, lift- ing it out of its s^ C3 s 1^. pi 1— ( -< rS iJ O P^ t> P H O P3 ^ ^ [a 12; c» H i-J O Q TUK COLT SYSTEM. ■ 219 The two back-strap screws just hebiiid the hammer, the stock, the long-guard screw, gate, gate-catch screw, gate-spring and gate-catch are not shown in Fig. )i. The gate is shown ni Fig. 1. UP KK AT [ON OF THE FAKTS. As the hammer is cocked, the hand, whicii is pivoted to its lower portion, rises and engages the ratchet on the base of the cylinder, and causes it to revolve. The lower point or finger of the hand engages with one of the teeth of the ratchet just as the revolution of the cylin- der has carried away the preceding tooth from the upper finger of the hand. This completes and insures tlie revolution by increasing the effective leverage of the hand. The bolt M engages the stop notches in the surface of the cylinder, to prevent the momuutum of the cylinder from carrying it past the firing point. It is caused to disengage from them by the action of the hammer cam K, which, rising during the cocking of the hammer, presses up the rear end of the bolt and liberates its front end from the notch. When the revolution is about complete the beveled lower surface of the hammer cam comes opposite the point of contact on the bolt. At this moment the tail of the bolt (being slit so as to have a lateral spring, and the head being pressed upward by the flat spring U,) slides down over the inclined surface of the cam, and the head engages with the stop- notch in the cylinder. The spring U is slit and bent so as to act upon both the bolt and the trigger. The bushing around the base pin is useful by affording another sur- face for the revolution of the cylinder, and thereby diminishes tlie chances of sticking from dirt or rust. Both the cylinder and bushing may revolve on the base pin, which in turn may revolve in its own bearings. DIMENSIONS. Total length, 12".5 Length of barrel, 7".5 Diameter of bore,' 0".45 Grooves, number of, 6 Grooves, twist of, uniform, ... 1 turn in 16" — left-handed. Grooves, depth, uniform, .... 0".005 m T3 C P o Ph H=» Oi c H Ec W ■^^ w o CO -t^ ^ S To '5 tH P^ f^ H r—t , '-; J o c VrH •" ' F=5 o CO CO '^ ? < r^ "5 :o ^ 'X!' c ci o > fcf. W -Ui -^^ (D Q> o ^ o ^ 'o rH O cS be cs B CO 00 c be o THE EVANS SYSTEM. 221 EVANS MAGAZINE RIFLE. It is claimed by the manufacturers tliat this Rifle is of positive mechanibm tliroughout ; that it widely differs from the magazine guns heretofore made, which have uniformly contained in their magazine a si)iral spi'ing for the purpose of feeding the cartridges through and from the magazine to the breech mechanism of the arm. This system of spiral spring feed has been and to-day is defective, from the inevitable weak- ening of this spring from use, rust, &c. In the " Evans " the magazine is located in the stock of the arm, a locality regarded as far preferable to a magazine located under the barrel, where the poise of the arm is con- stantly changed by the varied number of cartridges contained therein ; while ill the "Evans" the poise is in no way effected or its accuracy impaired, whether partially or fully charged. The magazine of the " Evans " consists of a cylinder of forged iron, running from the breecli to the butt plate ; around the inner circle of this cylinder is affixed, in the form of a spiral, a flat wire of the jDroper conformation. Into this cjdinder with its fixed spiral is introduced a shaft of fluted, or grooved iron, this shaft being revolved by movement of the lever in the breech mechanism. The cartridges are introduced into the magazine through the butt plate ; with the introduction of each cartridge the breech mechanism is moved, thus carrying forward the cartridge until the magazine is filled. The cartridges as tliey He in the magazine are in separate cells, and cannot come in contact with eacli other, thus precluding any possibility of discharge ; while in all spiral spring magazine guns the cartiidges bear or rest one upon the other, thus rendering a premature dischaige possible. The system of feed in the "Evans Magazine" strongly resembles the Archimedean Screw. The magazine carries twenty-six rounds of cartridges of two inches in length, and may be loaded in one- half of a minute, and the entire magazine of twenty-six rounds dis- charged at will, in from fifteen to twenty seconds, thus embracing the greatest repeating capacity of any rifle made. - This arm maybe fired twenty rounds per minute, while used as single loader, introducing the cartridges into an aperture at the side of the receiver at the breech. It can also be fired twenty rounds per minute, holding the magazine full and in reserve, by introducing cartridges into the magazine at the butt, as each cartridge is discharged. c3 ^^ ^ ■r ce r * -+^ -n -^ (U rf CD ^ 'on tB • ^ ^ on rt o ^ o o o s 43 MEBWIN, HULBERT & COMPANY'S SYSTEM. 223 Tlie lock works .are very simple and strong. The following are claims made for this gun : Novelty of its magazine ; magazine of positive mechanism ; locality of magazine in butt stock of arm ; cartridges situated in separate cells in magazine ; impossibility of cartridges coming in contact with each other in magazine; safety of magazine; unfailing transit of cartridges in magazine by positive movement ; unfailing transit of cartridges from magazine to chamber of barrel by positive movement ; inaljility to dis- charge cartridge before caitridge is home in barrel and breech-block closed ; extraction and ejection of shells by positive mechanism ; exclu- sion of water and dust from arm when closed; simplicit}' and durability of magazine and lock works ; capacitj' of magazine, twenty-six rounds of ammunition ; simplicity of manipulation, but three movements, viz. : forward and return movement of lever, and pull of trigger ; a magazine gun of positive mechanism throughout ; general substantial construction of the arm. MERWIN, HULBERT & COMPANY'S ARMY REVOLVER (Plate 2) makes the following claims for superiority : Compactness, symmetrical easy outline, and general neat appearance. No salient jjoints to prevent its ready and easy insertion into or with- drawal from the holster. In handling, not liable to injure the hand ; all the projecting parts being rounded and smooth ; cleaning being thereby facilitated. The circular form of cylinder front gives a continuous cover to breech of barrel ; prevents sand or dirt entering therein. Accidental unlocking of the parts prevented, as hammer must first be set at half-cock. The front sight forged solid with the barrel ; not liable to be sepa- rated therefrom or injured. The extractor ring prevents the interior of the lock and the ratchet from fouling by escape of gas about the primer when using outside primed ammunition. The hood and collar at front of cylinder covering base pin and base pin hole prevents fouling. The flanged recoil plate covers and protects the heads of the car- tridges ; prevents sand or dirt entering between face of recoil plate and cvlinder, which might clog it and prevent rotation. iMEEWlN, IlULBEllT & COMPANY S SYSTEM. 225 The cylinder and barrel can be dismounted from tlie frame and re- assembled thereto without the use of screw driver or any tool. The construction is not intricate nor fragile, and the extractor is a solid part of the bore pin. Strength, durability and endurance. Simultaneous, positive, and easy extraction of shells ; great power obtained for starting the shells before final extraction by the incline screw action on the base pin. Less lateral escape gas is deflected downward into the works, as no toj3 strap is used. The face of the collar on cylinder takes against the bracket, prevents forward movement of c^'linder when pressed by the ball in rotating ; gives a central bearing ; prevents al^rasiou of cylinder face against rear of barrel ; gives easy rotation; permits a close joint without fiiction, reducing the escape of gas ; the cylinder is not forced backward on firing, but is held forward by tiie hood clutch taking into the recess of the cylinder collar. The lines of recoil and resistance are close together, lessening upward inclination of barrel when fired. DIRECTIONS FOR MANIPULATING THE AEM. To Load. — Place the hammer at half-cock, press the gate downward and insert the cartridges. To Eject the Shelh. — Push back the thumb-bolt under the frame, turn the barrel outward, and draw forward, when the shells will fall out. To Take the Ann Apart. — When the barrel and cylinder are drawn forward, press the small pin in the barrel catch even with the frame, then press the catch down and draw forward. Complimentary letters have been received as regards these arms from all parts of the world ; the following are extracted : Col. George T. Denison, author of the Ptussiau Imperial Report on Arms and Cavalry Tactics, for which he received the government reward of five thousand dollars and gold medals, as well as medals from other governments. Colonel Denison says : " Your army revolver is, in my opinion, the most perfect cavalry pistol in the world." He gives his reasons for this conclusion. 2D 226 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Lient. Weitzenberg, iiispector of ■ arms for the Imperial Russian navy, says : " Your army ]-evolver and Evans magazine gun are tlie best pieces of workmanship and the best working arms for miUtary use that I liave ever inspected." General W. H. Morris, late quartermaster-general, state of New York, savs: " It seems to me that your army revolver meets every requisite called for in a military weapon. It is the perfection of work- manship and simplicity of motion. For strength and beauty of outline it has no peer." The new pocket revolver (Plate 3) is made upon the same system as the Merwin, Hulbert & Co's Army revolver, and the workmanship is as perfect as the Army, which has been accepted by the best judges and experts as liaving no superior. This system insures great rapidity of fire, but is strong, of few parts, durable, and will not injure in warm climates. They claim the follow- ing advantages as compared with any other revolver : It can be taken apart for cleaning without use of any tool, the barrel, cylinder and frame being separated by two motions. The extractor is of one piece, a solid part of the base pin, which is attached to the recoil plate, and cannot get out of order. It has the screw power to start the exploded shells, which gives easy extraction. It has no small parts exposed to rust. The parts are all interchangeable, and of such strength as to avoid breaking. It is rifled Ijy improved machinery that gives the best results in shooting, is well balanced, and pleasant to handle. It extracts one or more exploded shells without removing the loaded ones, by drawing forward the cylinder far enough to allow the exploded shells to fall, the loaded ones remain- ing, when the weapon can be again closed. Both ends of the cylinder are covered and so protected as to exclude dirt that might hinder rota- tion. It can be ascertained whether any or all the chambers are loaded, without opening the pistol, by looking through the loading aperture. The escape of gas while firing cannot work the cylinder loose upon the base pin as in other revolvers, from the fact that the cylinder has a solid collar that sets into the recess of the barrel, and cannot lie forced back by the gases. This clutch or recess also acts as a gas deflector, keeping the base pin always free from fouling. It is believed to be the most perfect and efficient arm for police, bouse, or personal use. CHAPTER IX. SPORTING ARMS. MAYNAED's BREECH-LOADINO KIFLE and shot gun — PAlUvER SYS- TEM BAKER GUNT STEVENS GUN — BUCK SYSTEM. The Maynard Sporting rifle is manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Company, at Chicopee Falls, Mass. Wliile special attention has been paid to the manufacture of a superior hunting rifle and sporting- gun, the interest in rifle shooting at long range, has led to the invention and introduction of what is known as the "New Creedmoor Rifle," in which the acknowledged and superior merits of the system are intro- duced, securing convenience, safety, accuracy and efficiency, all made applicable to meet the jiresent demand for long range practice. The " New Creedmoor Rifle," see cut A, represents a model 32 inch, 44 calibre rifle, specially adapted to the requirements of the Creedmoor lange, and to wliich has been applied every facility and appendage wliich has been found by trial and experience best adapted to secure the most satisfactory results, — including ammunition, vernier and wind gauge sights, spirit level, pistol-grip, and all of 228 AMEllICAN BIIEECH-LOADING SMALL AllMS, superior models and workmansliij). One valualjle and special feature of the Maynard system is, that it admits of an interchange of barrels of any length or calilire, between the Creednioor Mid-range, or sport- ing models. The Creedmoor rifle, cut A, weighs just under ten pounds ; barrel — round, 32 inclies, 44: calibre, oiled stock, checkered with pistol grip, \'einier and wind gauge sights, spirit level and car- tridge )'etractor. It is sold with the following ajjjjendages : 25 cartiidge cases — 100 grs., cartridge capper, charger, loader, loading-block, cap-picker, cartridge cleaner, 3 rods and brusli, 2 rag- holders, screw-driver, and 100 patched and swaged bidlets — 520 grains. TEN CONSECUTIVE SHOTS. 220 YAEES, WITH A MAYNARD CREEDMOOR RIFLE. Bil Geo. ir. Iladley, Chirope,. Fails, Mass. .January 29th., 1877. String-, lO iiiolios. All the advantages comprised in tlie Creedmoor rifle, have also been applied to a new model " Mid-Eange and Hunting Rifle," 32 inch, .4 calibre, and is designed and especially adapted for close target practice up to 600 yards, and fbr hunting where one is likely to meet large or dangerous game. Tliis rifle is represented in cut B, together with two models of targets selected from the large number in possession of the Massachusetts Arms Company, and representing a fair average result THE MAYNAKD SYSTEM. 229 for the distance named. The weight of the Mid-Range Rifle is about 9 lbs. 82 inch, calibre .4, stock checkered and oiled, with elevating MID-RANGE AND HUNTING RIFLE. 10 Rods. peep, adjustable rear leaf, and Beach's combination sights, and is sup- plied with the necessary appendages : NEW OFF-HAND RIFLE. The new off-hand rifle, is one of the most recent and improved specimens of the Maynard system, specially adapted for hunters and sportsmen, it has been received with approval by all Avho have tested it The following are some of the scores recently made at Walnut Hill by meral)ers of the Massachusetts Rifle Association : — J. N. Frye, Pres- ident, in all-comers match; 15 shots; 200 yards; off-hand; without cleaning : 5 4 5 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 5 5—71. L. L. Hubbard, Executive Officer, 200 yards ; off-hand : 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5—49. 0. M. Jewell, 300 yards ; off-hand : 5 4 5 5 5 5 5—34. O. j\I. Jewell, 300 yards; off- hand : 5 5 5 5 5 5 5—35. 230 AMEKICA>i BEEKCH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Another special advantage claimed for the Maynard arm is, that it can Ije taken apart with great ease and packed in a small compass as indicated in cuts 4 ; and Loth stock and barrel can be placed in sljawl or valise Aviiile traveling' witliout attracting observation. The Maynard patent central fire cartridge cases, cuts 1, 2 and 3 are manufactured witli great care, and are noted for tlieir uniform accuracy and durability. Tlie fdllowing targets were made by Prof. Chas. E. Dwight of Wheeling, West Va , with a iMaynard Creedmoor Rifle, Aug. 12 and 13, 1878, and are the 'moat remarkahle on record, the grand total of six targets being 437 out of a possible 450. The nearest to it was made by Blydenl)urg, with a total of 42IJ out of a possible 450. Tliese scores were made without sighting shots, Fulton position, and in competition for lAAce on the American Team for 1878. It will be seen that tlie last thirty shots (iierewith represented) were all bull's eyes. 1100 yards. Score— 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5—75. # ■ 1 1000 yards. Score -5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5- -75. THE PAEKEU SYSTEM. 231 THE PAEKER SHOT GUN. The Parkei Guii is a disUnctively Ameiican production, and has all the advantages of the American system of manufacturing. The nuniher of parts is reduced to a minimum, and the construction is so simple that any sportsman with no tool but a screw-diiver can take his gun apart for cleaning or repairs. All the materials used are selected witli the greatest care, and no metals but the best cast-steel and wrought iron are used in its construc- tion. These arjns are all made with the Parker patent self-acting snap action, which is both convenient and secure. The same principle has been used with eminent success from the beginning, but lias since been much improved and simplified, and is undoubtedly one of the most con- venient methods in use for securing the barrels to the frame, and open- ing the gun to load and unload. The locking bolt is held back while the gun is open, doing away with the wear on the hinge joint, which all breech-loaders are subjected to when the barrels are forced down against a strong spring in the rear of the bolt. In connection with the lock attenlion should he called to the direct blow of the firing-pin ex- actly in the center of tlie cap and at right angles with tlic head of the shell. By this arrangement the chance of a miss-fire is very much lessened, and the efficiency of the arm increased. Plo-1 Fig. 1 represents the gun as closed. The Action. — Pressing up on the finger piece (1) in front of the guard (2) raises tiie lifter (3), and its beveled side — coming in contact witli tlie screw (4) — acts as a wedge to draw the bolt (5) from the mortise which is cut in the lug (6), and releases the barrels as shown in Fig. 2, ready for the insertion of tlie cartridges. It will be observed THE PAIIKER SYSTEM. 233 tliat when the bolt (5) is back to the position as shown in Fig. 2, the small hole which is drilled in the nnder side of said Ijolt conies directly over tlie trip (7), which by tlie assistance of the small spiral spring (8) is made to enter this liole in the bolt (,0j, and thereby holds it in posi- tion as shown in Fig. 2. The finger-piece (1) is solid and a part of lifter (:>). The action o^ the lifter (3) is positive, not oidy to withdraw the bolt from, bat to foice it forward into tlie mortise in the lug (6). For the purpose of cleaning, it can be very easily removed by taking off the locks and removing the small screw (4) from the end of bolt (5), then press down on trip (7), which will allov/ the lifter to Ije with- drawn without i-emoving either stock, guard or trigger plate. Tlie im- proved roll (13) gives great strength to joint. Fig. 2 represents the gun as opened. When tlie barrels are brought to place for firing, the bottom of the lug (6) strikes the trip (7), withdrawing it from the bolt (.5), which then enters the mortise in the lug (6), and securely locks tlio gun as shown in Fig. 1. The taper bolt (5) locks the barrels positively firm, and the use of a taper bolt for fastening the gun gives it a decided advantage over others, as it does not allow a little dirt (which is very lialile to get under barrels when open) to prevent the gun from locking. INIany times, when shooting, sportsmen are balked this way, but tliis gun closes with the same ease, and locks as securely if there is a little dirt in the way. Parker Brothers are established in the town of Meriden, Connecticut, where they have a large factory employing many workmen, who are kept continually occupied. 30 BAKER'S PATENT NEW TOP FASTENER. BAKER'S PATENT THREE-BARREL GUN. THE BAKER SYSTEM. 235 THE BAKER GUN. Tlie Three Barrel Breecli-loading gun ]]as been introduced to tlie public to meet every requirement tliat could he wished for upon any occasion, aud for ail kinds of game. As happens to every hunter or sportsman, unexpected opportunities offer themselves to slioot at a class of game that a shot-gun will eitiier not reach at all or fail to kill, and this arm will give confidence to those who are in the habit of hunting in localities where there are animals that are dangerous, and whicli are liable to be encountered at any moment witljout warning. The weight, not over nine pounds, is sufficient to prevent an unpleasant lecoil, and this arm is as light and easy to carry as any double sliot gun that has metal enough to do satisfactory work. It is demonstrated by actual use that there is less spring or recoil in ' a gun with three barrels than though the same weight of metal was put in one barrel, and this may be accounted for by the fact that the same weight of melal in a hollow tube is much stiffer than thouoh it was in a solid bar ; and, also, each barrel forms a brace to heli) support the other, and especially in regard to the rifle barrel in which use are the lieaviest charges that are manufactured for a sporting gun. It is well known that there is a tendency in all breech-loading sliot guns to become loose and open from tlie effects of heavy and repeated tiring, and it has been the great aim of all makers to overcome this ob- jection, and the top fastening or extension of the upper lib locking into the top of the breech has been adopted as a necessity, as horn the man- ner in whicli many guns are constructed the metal of tlie breech is cut away to such an extent to receive locks that it is so weakened as to be readily displaced by hard shooting, and even witli all the precaution that can be brought to Ijear, many of the best guns require frequent re- pairs. To avoid this weak point, Mr. Baker invented the lock and con- struction of the gun now manufactured by this firm, it being peculiarly adapted to the construction of the Three-Barrel guns, as well as perfect for the Double Shot gun, making them much stronger without the top rib extension than others are with it. Tlie plan adopted is that of extending the solid rib into the breech and making the locking part' of the regular dovetail shape, as seen in cut on foregoing page. This gives it the strongest and most bearing surface, and one that will always be sure to fit, as can be seen by in- spection. These guns are manufactured by W. H. Baker & Co. of Syracuse, N. Y. 236 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. THE STEVENS GUN. .1. Stevens & Co. of Chicopee Falls, Mass., have obtained a special reputation for their sporting arms, of which illustrations are herewith given. DOUBLE BARREL BREECH-LOADING SHOT GUN. The evidence received hy them from hunters and marksmen, is of the most favoraljlo character as regards the si-mplicit}-, strength- and dura- :.f^ BREECH-LOADING RIFLE liility of the arms they manufacture. In target shooting also the result in competition has been very satisfactory for the Stevens Gun. They HUNTERS' PET NEW MODEL POCKET. SHOT GUN make lake a special arm f.r the use of taxidermists, wldch will, with a very small charge, do most effective work. THE BUCK SYSTEM. 237 THE BUCK S Y S T E IM . This arm is presented to the public for tlie first time in tliese pages. Tlie inventor, Henry A. Buck, claims for it many special advantages, not only as a sporting arm, but also as a military breech-loading rifle. In his specification for a patent, Mr. Bnck states as follows : " Tho object of my iiiveullon is to produce a breech-loading tire-arm wliicli sliall have tlie feivest parts possible consistent witli safety and effectiveness, with all the motions of all the parts, except the hammer and trigger, positive, and not dependent upon springs, and in which a tightly-fitting cartridge can be used with ease, in which the recoil is reduced to a minimum, and in which one motion cocks the gun, opens the breech, and ejects the shell, and a return motion places tiic arm in readiness for firing after the cartridge is inserted. "Tlie invention therefore consists in a shell or frame, to which the barrel is i-igidly attached, within which frame the breech-block and lock mechanism operate ; in the combination of a breech-block having a side cam device, provided with a pin, a hammer, a slotted connecting- arm, and an operating-lever ; and, finally, in the general construction and arrangement of the parts by Avhich the gun is cocked, the breech opened, and the sliell extracted by one motion of the lever, and the cartridge forced in, and the breech closed, and the block locked in place by another motion of the lever, leaving the gun cocked." The inventor claims, as also susceptible of proof, that in simplicity of construction and economy in manufacture this arm will enter into com- petition with any military arm now used, either in this country or Europe. There are only six working pieces, all made of large size, with great strength and solidity, which, together with two springs, comprise all the parts used, and insure a durability to the arm of great value when exposed to the wear and tear of active service. Experi- ments in rapid firing have proved its great efficiency in this direction, as it has been loaded and fired thirty-four times a minute with perfect ease, and at one hundred feet distance twe-yity-eiglit shots have been placed in the target also within a minute. The Buck gun is made on the interchangeable system, so that it can be adopted by any Government as a military arm with the certainty that every available advantage in cost, strength, simplicity and dura- bility has been secured, together with the advantage of a weight not to exceed eight pounds. Plate No. 1 shows the position of the parts of the arm when opened ready to receive the cartridge. The lever being pushed forward, acts upon the connecting arm to raise the hammer until it is brought to full cock, when the cam-slot acts upon the breech- block pin to depress the breech-block, and thus make ready for the cartridge. For the purpose of extraction after the lever has passed No. 1. THE BUCK SYSTEM— Closed. THE BUCK SYSTEM. 239 tlu'OLigh that pai't of tlie circle necessaiy for the previous operations, it strikes the shoulder ou the under side of the extractor, giving it a pow- erful and rapid movement rearward, and thus throwing out the shell with great certainty. Plate No. 2 indicates the breecli mechanism at the moment of discharge, the lever cam standing directl}' underneath the breech-block, and the hammer passing underneath the bottom of the block. The inventor claims that he has secured a perfectly safe gun, inasmuch that after the cartridge is inserted it cannot be dis- charged by closing of the breech-block in any manner, the bi'eech-blo-ck being supported by the cam and locked by it as soon as closed, so that in case even that the trigger should be disengaged and allow the ham- mer to descend, it cannot do so until the breech-l)lock is closed, and then only as slowly as the lever moves, so that there is no possible chance of an aeoidewtal discharge. In the case of a cartridge sticking in the chamber, it would be forced in by the action of the lever and the breech-block with perfect safety. It is also considered as an advantage for the Buck gun as a military aim that the hammer is so placed as not to interfere, and being in the usual position it is perfectly feasible for the soldier to carry at " sup- jDort arms " As a sporting gun, the inventor claims that it can use a stronger cartridge than any other arm, that the recoil is much lessened by the firmness in which the cartridge is held by the breech-block, and that the exploded shell can be I'emoved with facility. At a test at the National Armory with a gun weighing eight pounds and three-quarters, the recoil was onlj' one hundred and thirty-eiglit pounds, being much less than the general average for military arms. The Buck shot-gun is also made on the same principle, using any size cartridge, and claimed to have every advantage. These arms are man- ufactured by H. A. Buck & Co., West Stafford, Conn. Fig. 1. ftATLTNO CA^fEL CIUK CHAPTER X. THE GATLING GUN. In" the year 1861 the idea of a macliine gun was fii-st conceived by Dr. R. J. Gatling, of Indianapolis, Ind. Since convincing liimself of its entire practicability the inventor has devoted ten years in most thoroughly experimenting upon it, with what success the records of nearly every Government on the globe faithfully indicate. As early as 1862 he had progressed so far as to have specimens of his gun in working order, and repeatedly exhibited its working by practice before thousands of witnesses at Indianapolis, where his first experiments were made. At this period it had reached a capacity for firing, of more than two hundred shots per minute, and the gun was beginning to attract public attention, from the peculi- arity of its construction and its extraordinary results in |.)ractice. In the autumn of 1862, Dr. Gatling went to Cincinnati, and had six of his guns manufactured at the establishment of Miles Green- wood & Co. The manufactory was unfortunately destroyed by fire while these guns were in process of construction, and guns, patterns, and drawings were destroyed with it, subjecting Dr. Gatling to very severe pecuniary loss. Notliing daunted, however, by this misfortune, he soon after had twelve of his batteries manu- factured at another establishment, meanwhile constantly experiment- ing and practicing with it before Army Officers of rank and distinc- tion, all of whom recognized the weapon as destined to achieve unqualified success, and destined to work ultimately a revolution in the practice of warfare. Dr. Gatling made no attempt at any time to conceal the character or construction of his new invention ; but, on the contrary, published full accounts of it, illustrated by graphic diagrams, which soon found their way to all parts of the world. At this period the French "Mitrailleuse" had not been heard of; and, as there is good reason to believe, had not been thought of. 31 242 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. The mitrailleuse is said to liave been invented by M. Fafschamps, a Belgian Engineer, and having been improved by the addition of a centre fire cartridge and in other ways, by two mechanics— Christophe and MonUgny respectively— it was put forth as the Cliristoxjlie-Montigny mitrailleur. A secret manufactory is said to Lave been established at Meudon in 1866 or 1867, under the direct supervision of the Emperor Napoleon III., and there the new gun was manufactured, and from thence all sorts Oi" impossible stories emanated in regard to it. In the late Prussian war, the Gatling gun was used by the French, conjointly with the mitrailleuse. From the London Journal we clip a correspondent's description of its efficacious use in action : Up to Uiis lime we liad not seen any Prussians, beyond a few skirmishers in tlie plain, lliongb our battery of Gatlini^s bad kept blazing away at notbing in particular all the while; but now an opportunity of its being of use occurred. A column of troops appeared in the valley below us, coming from tbe right — a mere dark streak upon the white snow ; but no one in tlie l);iHery could tell whetlier they were friends or foes, and the commander hesitated about opening fire, liut now an aide-de-camp came dashing down the hill, with orders for us to pound at them at once — a French journalist having, it seems, discovered iheni to be enemies when the general and all his staflf wei'e as puzzled as ourselves. Rr-rr-a go our Callings, the deadly bail of bullets crashes into tlie tliick of them, and slowly back into tlie woods llie dark m.ass retires, leaving, however, a track of black dots upon tbe white snow behind it. This is their famous and historical four o'clock effort and its failure lias decided tbe day. That one discharge was enough. Returning to the direct history of Dr. Gatling' s invention. On October 29th, 1863, Dr. Gatling wrote Major E. Maldon, of the French Artillery, and enclosed him a full description of his gun, requesting him to hand it to the Emperor. The follo-^ving is a trans- lation of Major Maldon' s answer : "Ministry of ^VAT!, Committee of ARTiiiLERT, » " Paris, November 20, 18G3. S " Sir : I read the letter you addressed to me on tbe 29tli of last October, and communi- cated it to tlie private office of the Emperor. " In consequence of the answer received, I have to tell you that your cannon has excited a piofound interest, and I ask of your kindness to answer the following questions that have been proposed to me : — " 1st. What are the results of the tests in regard to precision at the various distances it was tried ? "2d. "What proofs have been made in regard to the solidity of your cannon ? "3d. What IS the weight of the ball, and of the charge of powder, in the combination which gives the best results? "4th. Since your cannon has been adopted by the government of the United States, there should be some official report upon the proofs which lias caused its adoption. Can you send me a copy of such report? " 5tb. If the information which I ask you, and which, wlieu received, will be transmitted to the Emperor, should cause His Majesty to desire that experiments be made in France THE GATLING GUN. 243 witli youi' system, under what conditions would you consent to send to France a cannon complete witli all the munitions necessary to make couclusive proofs ? " Do me tlie favor, Sir, to reply to the tive questions which I have placed before you, and al'ter I have received your reply, 1 will put the matter under the eyes of the Emperor, and cause you to know tlie decision of His Majesty. " Receive, Sir, the assurance of my very disliuguished consideration. " Tour servant, R. 3IALD0N, " Major of Artillery to the Committee of Artillery, Paris. " Mk. RicnARD J. Gatling, Indianapolis, U. S." Dr. iQ-atling replied to this letter giving definite answers to the questions asked in it, and proposed to sell one hundred or more of the guns to the French G-overnment. His proposition was declined, and shortly afterwards the government of the United States forbade the exportation of arms or munitions of war. It appears, therefore, that the Gatling gun was formally introduced to the French Govern- ment in 1863, before the invention of the French or Belgian mitrail- leuse, and that Dr. Gatling was the first inventor of a machine gun which could be of practical use in military operations. During the years 1863 and 1864, Dr. Gatling continued the manu- facture of his guns in Cincinnati, and in the autumn of the latter year he made additional improvements in it — in the locks and rear cam — but without changing its main features, and for which he received his second patent, bearing date. May 9th, 1865. In the years 186.5 and 1866 these improved guns were manufactured at Cooper's Fire Arm manufactor}^ in Philadelphia, but since tliat time they have been constnrcted in large numbers at Colt's Armory in the city of Hartford, Conn., where machinerj^ has been fitted up at heavy expense to manufacture them in the very best manner possible. The first official report on the merits of the Gatling gun was made by a committee appointed by Gov. O. P. Morton of Indiana and was in the following terms : " Indianapolis July 14th, 1863. " To His Excellency Oov. 0. P. Morton : " Sir: The undersigned, agreeably to your request, have examined with much care the revolving gun of Dr. Gatling. "They have also witnessed several trials of it, both with blank and ball cartridges. " We are aware that nothing but actual service in the field, subject to all the casualties of war, can fully establish the utility of any arm, but in this gun, as far as we have been a1)le to judge, everything has been anticipated to render it effective under all circumstances. " The lock is certainly ingenious and simple in its construction, and fully protected from injury from any cause. The barrels are so arranged as to fire independently of each other, so that an injury to one does not affect the others. There are no complicated parts, and 244 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. tlie common soldier can keep it in order as readil\' as lie can his musket. It is so sub- stantial as to endure wiihout injur}' the same usage as an ordinary tield-piece. Tiie dis- charge can be made with all desirable accuracy as rapidly as 150 times per minute, and may be continued for hours without danger, as we think, from overheating. Two men are BufBcieut to work the gun, and two lioi'ses can carry it over the field with the rapidity of cavalry. The very low price at \\hicli the gun can be made, its superiority in every re- spect, induce us to liope that your E.Kcellency will order enough to be inimediatelj' on- structed for a fair experiment in the field. " We are, very respectfull}', your obedient servants, (Signed) " T. A. Morris. " A. Ballweg. " D. 6. Rose." The date of this report, July 14th, 1862, establishes the fact of the manufacture and firing of Dr. Gatling's tirst gun, in tlie early part of 1862. And in this connection it may be stated that one of liis battery guns, made in 1862, and bearing that date, can be found in the Ordnance Museum, at Washington City. The result of this trial was so satisfactory as to impress Governor Morton with the desire to have the gun introduced into the service of the United States, as the following letter from His Excellency to the Assistant Secretary of War will show : " State of Indiana, ExEcnirvE Department, "Indianapolis, Dec. 2d, 1862. " P. H. Watson, Esq., Assistant Secretary of War, Washington, D.O.: •'Sir: Allow me to call your atteiuioa to the 'Gatling gun,' invented by Dr. R. J. Gatling, of this city. I have been present at several trials of tliis gun, and without con- sidering myself competent to judge certainly of its merits, am of the opinion that it is " valuable and useful arm. Dr. Gatling desires to bring it to the notice of your Depart- ment, with the view of having it introduced into the service. " I cheerfully i-ecommend him to you as a gentleman of character and attainments, and worthy in all respects of your kind consideration. Any lavor you may be pleased to show him will be duly appreciated. "Very respectfully, your obedient sei-vant, * " O. P. Morton, " Governor of Indiana." The following letter from Major-General H. G-. Wright, then in command of the United States forces at Cincinnati, where he saw the gun repeatedly fired, to General Ripley, the then Acting Chief of the Ordnance Department at Washington, gives the opinion of another experienced Officer who had ample opportunities to judge of the efficiency of the battery : — " Head-Quartbrs, Department op the Ohio / " Cincinnati, March 11th, 1863. ' f ''Brigadier-General J. W. Ripley, Qhief of Ordnance, U.S.A., WasJiington, D. C: "General: I have examined, ia company with Lieutenant Edson, Chief Ordnance Officer of this Department, the invention known as the ' Gatling gun,' and it seems to me to possess much merit. " As a device for obtaining a heavy fire of small arms with very few men, it seems to me THE OATLING GUN. 245 admirably adapted to traasport steamurs plying upon tlie Western rivers, where infantry squads are needed for security, against guerilla and other predatory bands. "' Mr. llindge, the agent for the gun, visits Washington, and I would aslv for him Die opportunity to exliibit the invention to you, or some designated Officer of your Depart- ment. " Very respectfully, your obedient sei-vant, " H. G. Wright, " Major-General Commanding." Several trials of one of tlie guns took place at the Washington Navy Yard, in the months of May and July, 1863, and tlte following extracts are taken from the official reports : — " Navy Ordnancb Yaud, ( " WAsrriNGTON City, May 20lh, 18G3. f " Rear- Admiral John A. Dalilgren, Chief of Burecm of Ordnance: " Sik: In relation to the ' Galling gun or balteiy,' I have to report as fijllows ; — " The gun consists of six rille barrels, of .^u^o incli calibre ; eacli barrel is firmly connected to a breech-piece hy a screw of 1 incli in length. The breech-piece is composed of one solid piece, wliicli is made secure to a shaft 1| inch in diameter. The bairels aie inserted in the breecli-piece around the sliaft, on a parallel line with tlie axes of said sliaft, and held in the proper position by a muzzle-piece, bored Ijy the same gauge as the lioles for the breecli-piece for tlie reception of the barrels. The breech-piece is also bored in the rear end, for the reception of tlie locks, on a parallel line with the hanels, e,-ich bairel liaving its own independent lock, I'evolving simultaneousl}', so that in case one lock or barrel becomes disabled, those remaining can be used effectively. "Between the locks and barrels is a receptacle for the charges on a paiallel line with the locks and barrels. As the entire gun revolves, the charges find their way through a hopper, containing any given number, fed flora cases, instantaneously. The breech-piece contains the locks, and is entirely protected by a heavy casing of gun-metal, made fast to a wrought-iron frame, resting on trunnions Ik inches in diameter. It is screwed to the frame by four bolts. Inside this casing is attached an inclined ring, which the haniniera of the locks ride as the gun revolves, until coming to the point of line of fire, when the discliarge takes jilace. The locks are composed of three pieces and one spiral spring, and are entirely protected from dust or any injury. The gun is mounted as other field-pieces, with limber attached.'' The report concludes as follows : — " The gun or battery has stood Ihe limited test given it admirably; has proved itself to be a very effective arm at sliort range; is well constructed, and calculated to stand the usage to which it would necessarily be subjected. It is suggested tliat an improvement in the manner of rifling the barrels would be advantageous. " Eespcclfully submitted, " J. S. Skebrett, "Lieut. Commanding, U. S. A." At the suggestion of the writer of this last report, Dr. G-atling had a new set of barrels, with a change in the rifling, made and put in the gun, and it was on the 17th of July, 1863, again fired at the Washington Navy Yard, in the presence of a number of officers. The official report of the trial states that "penetration of the Gatling battery was equal to that of the Springfield musket ; ' ' that the gun in its. "mechanical construction is very simple, the workmanship 246 AMEEICAN BREECH-LOADINfi SMALL ARMS. well executed, and we are of opinion that it is not liable to get out of working order." Tlie trials were so satisfactory to Admiral Dalilgren that he gave permission to Commanders of Fleets and Squadrons to order what guns they might think proper for service ; but few guns were furnished, however, owing to Dr. Gatling's inability to make them in quantities, and want of time to see Naval officers and impress upon tliem the value and true character of the arm. Some of them, however, did get into service before the close of the Americ^an war, and were used effectively in repelling rebel attacks upon tlie Union forces, under command of General Butler, near Richmond, Virginia. In January, 1865, one of the improved guns was sent to Washing- ton, and submitted by Gen. John Love to the Ordnance Bureau. A trial of the gun was at once ordered to be made, and was accord- ingly completed at the Washington Arsenal in the same month. The following exti-acts are taken from the official report of the trial : — Total weight of gun, exclusiye of cairiage, 2241bs. " " carriage, 202 " " " liDiber, 200 " Tlie advantages claimed for this gun. are: — 1st. There is no escape of gas at the breech. 2d. Tliere is no recoil Avhich can destroy its accuracy. 3d. It performs the operations of loading, firing, and extracting the case by simply re- volving the crank. 4th. Accuracy. 5th. Ilapidity of fire. The gun certainly possesses the advantages of rapidity, accuracy, and loads, fires, &c., ■while the barrels are revolvinn-. There is no escape of gas at the breech ; it has one lock for eacli barrel, so that in the event of one barrel or lock becoming disabled, the gun is still cfBcient, as the rest of the barrels can be used without dilBculty. The report concludes in the following words : — " All parts of the gun work well. " J. W. Maclat, 2d Lieutenant, U. 8. Artillery." The gun used in this trial was -fik inch calibre. General Dyer, Chief of Ordnance, being desirous of tlie further development of the Catling system, suggested the construction of guns of 1 inch calibre, and ordered full trials of the same to be made at the Frankfort Arsenal, Philadelphia. In order to conduct these trials successfully, machinery was con- THE GATLING GUW. 247 structed at the Arsenal expressly for making the large metallic shells for the 1 inch cartridge. In the meantime, eight of the 1 inch calibi'e guns were made by the Cooper Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, at Philadelphia, under the superintendence of tlie inventor. As soon as these arms Avere completed, they were placed, under the charge of Colonel S. V. Benet, the able and accomplished Ordnance Officer, in command of the Arsenal, by whom prolonged series of trials were made. Colonel Benet' s report of these trials says : — "The gun worked smoothly in all its parts, and the cartridges were fed and the cases thrown out after firing, with ease and certainty. The cartridge also worked well, and no more difficulty is to be experienced with it tlian with any other metallic cartridge ofsimilar constriiotion, if indeed so much." Subsequently to the foregoing trials, three of the guns were taken to Washington, and fired hundreds of times, in tlie presence of General Grant, now President of the United States, Generals Han- cock, Dyer, Maynadier, Hagner, and a great many other distin- guished Army Officers and Government officials. The Chief of Ordnance then ordered one of the guns to be taken to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, to be fired, in comj^arison with the " 24- pounder flank defence Howitzer." The following extracts are taken from the official report of this trial : — "FoKT Monroe Arsenal, Virginia, July 14th, 1866. " Major- Oenefal A. B. Dyer, Chief of Ordnance: "Sib: I have the honor to state that in obedience to your letter of May 31st, 1866, I have tested Gatling's rifle gun, in comparison with the 24-pounder flank defence Howitzer, and I have also fired it with ball cartridges at tai-gets. " The results of the experiments are herewith forwarded. " I consider it a superior arm to the 24-pounder Howitzer, for flank defence, as from 80 to 100 buck and ball cartridges can easily be fired from it in one minute, being a discharge of from 1,300 to 1,600 projectiles, while from the 34-pounder flank defence Howitzer only four rounds can be fired in the same time, giving for canister 193 projectiles, and for case shot about 700. " The moral effect of the Gatling gun would be very great in repelling an assault, as there is not a second of time for the assailants to advance between the dischaiges. " The machinery of this gun is simple and strong, and I do not think likely to get out of order. I had the oil rubbed off this gun, drenched it with water, and then exposed it for two nights and a day to the rain and weather, but though it was quite rusty, it was fired 97 times in a mmute and a-half, one man turning at the crank. "In my opinion this arm could be used to advantage in the military service, as a flank defence gun, and mounted on a field carriage, to defend a bridge, causeway, or ford. "The size of the bore might be increased to advantage, which would allow the buck and ball cartridges to contain a greater number of, and larger sized balls. " Respectfully your obedient servant, " T. G. Baylor, " Captain of Ordnance, and Brevet-Colonel U. S. A., Commanding. " A true copy. "A. B. Dyer, Brevet Major-General, Chief of Ordnance." Fi'T. 2. THE GATLING GUN. 249 After these trials, the United States Government adopted the Gatling battery gun, and on the 24th of August, 1866, gave an order for 100 of them, 50 of 1 inch calibre, and 50 of i^ inch calibre, which were made at the Colt's Armory, and delivered in 1867. In May, 1868, anotlier trial of large and small-sized Gatling guns took place at the United States Navy Yard, at Washington City, and the following is copied from the report of the distinguished Naval Officers who constituted the Board to test and report upon the merits of the gun : — " WAsniNOTON, D. C, May 80, 1868. "Hon. Gidmii Welles, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C: '■Sir: Tlie undersigned, composing- a Board, ajipoinled by your order of tbe 14tli instant, to examine, test, and report upon the meiits of tlie Gatling gun, as to ils value for use in tlie Navy, liave the lionor to submit the following report: — "From the examination made of tiii gun, and llie report of tlie tests lierelo appended, tlie board is of opinion that, as an auxduiry arm for special service, to be used from lop- gallant, forecastle, uoop-declc, and tojis of vessels of uai-, and in boat operatious against an enemy, either in passing open land works or clearing bieaclies and other proposed places for landing from boats, &c., if opposing infantry and ca\alry, it has no Icuowu superior. " Its great merit consists in its accuracy williin the limits of ils range; tlie certainly, and, if need be, raiiiilily of tire, with additional merit of only requiiing three persons to load, direct, and fire each piece, when suitably mounted, afloat or ashore. "The following detailed report of the trial will, it is believed, fully sustain the opinion of the Board." (Here follows a detailed report of the trial, and a iiiU description of the gun and its ammunition, -which is too extended to be inserted in this paper.) The report proceeds thus ; — " The meclianism (of the gnu) i-, simple, and not likely to get out of order ; but in such an event it could be repaired on board ship. Spare pieces, as in musket locks, could be a part of the outfit." Tlie report concludes by saying tliat at tbe close of the trial, ten sliots -were fired at an elevation of 10° 40', giving by the plane table an average distance of 2,800 yards. None of the cartridges missed fire. " Very respcctfalh', your obedient servants, "M. SMITH, Commodore. "THORNTON A. JENKINS, Commodore. " JOHN L. DAVIS, Commander. "K. K. BREESE, Commander." DESCRIPTION OF THE GATLING GUN. The following is a brief description of the construction of the " Gatling battery." The gun consists of a series of barrels in combination with a grooved carrier and lock-cylinder. All these several parts are rigidly secured upon a main shaft. There are as many grooves in the carrier, and as many holes in the lock-cylinder as there are barrels. Each barrel is furnished with one lock, so that a gun with ten barrels has ten locks. The locks work in tlie holes formed in the lock-cylinder on a line with the axis of the barrels. 32 250 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. The lock-cylinder, whicli contains tlie locks, is surrounded by a casing which is fastened to a frame, to which trunnions are attached. There is a partition in the casing, through which tliere is an opening, and into which the main shaft, which carries the lock-cylinder, carrier, and barrels, is journaled. The main shaft is also, at its front end, journaled in the front part of the frame. In front of the partition, in the casing, is placed a cam, provided with screw surfaces. This cam is rigidl}^ fastened to the casing, and is used to impart a recij^rocating motion to the locks when the gun is revolved. There is also, in the front part of the casing, a cocking- ring, which surrounds the lock-cylinder, is attached to the casing, and has on its rear surface an inclined plane, with an abrupt shoulder. This ring and its ])rojection are used for cocking and firing the gun. This ring, the spiral cam and the locks, make up the loading and firing mechanism. On the rear end of the main shaft, in the rear of the partition in the casing, is located a gear-wheel, which works to a pinion on the crank-shaft, 'i'lie rear of tlie casing is closed by the cascable plate. There is hinged to the frame in front of the breech-casing a curved plate, covering partially the grooved carrier, in which is formed a hopper or opening, through which the cartridges are fed to the gun, from feed cases. The frame which supports the gun is mounted upon the carriage used for the transportation of the gun. The operation of the gun is very simple. One man places one end of a feed-case filled with cartridges into the hopper ; another man turns the crank, which, by the agency of the gearing, revolves the main shaft, carrying with it the lock-cylinder, carrier, barrels, and locks. As the gun is revolved, the cartridges, one by one, drop into the grooves of the carrier from the feed cases, and instantly the lock, by its impingement on the spiral cam surfaces, moves forward, pushes the cartridge into tlie chamber, and when the butt end of the lock gets on the Idghest projection of the cam, the charge is fired, through the agency of the cocking device, which at this point liber- ates the lock, spring and hammer, and explodes the cartridge. As soon as the charge is fired, the lock, as the gun is revolved, is drawn back by the agency of the screw surface in the cam acting on a lug of the lock, bringing with it the shell of the cartridge after it has been fired, which is dropped on the ground. Thus, it will be seen, THE GATLING GUN. 251 when the gun is revolved, tlie locks in rapid succession move for- ward to load and fire, and return to extract the cartridge-shells. In other words, the whole operation of loading, closing the breech, discharging, and expelling the empty cartridge-shells is conducted while the barrels are kept in continuous revolving movement. It must be borne in mind that while the locks revolve with the barrels, they have also, in their line of travel, a spiral reciprocating move- ment ; that is, each lock revolves once and moves forward and back, at each revolution of the gun. The gun is so novel in its construction and operation that, as before remarked, it is almost impossible to describe it minutely without the aid of drawings. Its main features ma}^ be summed up thus : — 1st. Each barrel in the gun is provided with its own independent lock, or firing mechanistu. 2d. All the locks revolve simultaneously with the barrels, carrier, and inner breech, when the gun is in operation. The locks also have, as stated, a reciprocating motion when the gun is rotated. The gun cannot he fired wlien eitlier the barrels, inner hreech or loclis are at rest. This brief description will convince any intelligent person at all acquainted with mechanical princij)les that the ' ' Galling Battery ' ' in its distinctive features is unlike all other fire-arms. There is a beautiful mechanical principle developed in the gun, to which special attention should be directed, viz. : that whUe the gun itself is under uniform constant rotary motion, the locks rotate with the barrels and breech, and at the same time have a longitudinal reciprocating motion, performing the conseciitive operations of loading, cocking, and firing without any pause wliatever in the several and continuous operations. It may be here appropriately remarked as to other "Machine guns" now existing, that their complex mechanism has always been an objectionable feature in their construction, and has greatly mili- tated against their success. But this is by no means the case with the Galling gun. If there is one thing more than another for which it can justly claim superiority it is its simplicity, as has been repeatedly stated by the eminent Army and Naval Ofiicers who have witnessed its 2''2 AMEftJCAN BKEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. operations. Its locks are made intercliangeable, and are strong and durable, bnt should tbey get out of order, the gun is so con- structed that any one or all of the locks can be, in a few moments, taken out, and new ones inserted in their places, and so the gun can be kept in perfect working order at all times on the field of battle. It will not be denied that this is a feature of the greatest value, and is peculiar to the "Gatling" system, for no other machine-gun is made with removable locks and interchangeable in all its parts. The lock mechanism is the most essential jjart of a machine-gun, and is the only part whi(;h is liable to get out of order from use, for all the other parts are of sufficient strength to withstand all usage incident to the service. In this most important particular the Gat- ling stands pre-eminent. There is still another peculiar and valuable feature in the "Gat- Ung" system, which should commend it as a military arm for special service, range and accurac)^ It fires not by volleys, but a shot at a time, in rapid succession, thus dividing the time used in rapid firing into equal parts between each discharge, and preventing an accumulation of recoil. Thus, the Gatling system admits of larger discharges and heavier balls, consequently greater range than can be used in any other machine-gun. For instance, the larger sized "Gatling" fires a shot at a time, in rapid succession, weighing a half-pound, without displacing the gun-carriage by the recoil. This firing a shot at a time also allows a lateral motion of the gun to be kept up during the time of firing, which result is attained in the Broadwell carriage upon which the "Gatling guns" are mounted. !N"ow, suppose a volley of this class of ammunition was fired from a 37-barreled mitrailleuse, would not its carriage, by the accumula- tive recoil, be sent back to a great distance, necessitating re- sighting the piece after each volley ? Most clearly so. It is true the mitrail- leuse can be fired a shot at a time, but to do so would greatly lessen its rapidity of fire. Again, the steel barrels used in tlie 1 inch calibre "Gatling" gun weigh each 28 lbs. Now, if a mitrailleuse, with its 37 barrels, should be made of 1 inch calibre, tlie barrels alone would weio-h over 1 000 lbs. Of course this would make the weapon, including its massive breech-action, &c., t(«o heavy for field service. To reduce the num- ber of its barrels would again lessen its rapidity of fire and efficiency. THE GATLING GUK. 253 There is another important fact which it may be as well to state in this connection. The largest sized "Gatling gun," with a range of 2,000 to 3,000 yards, can be taken apart, packed on mules, and carried up or across mountains, and re-assembled in a few minates. With no other heavy machine-gun can this be done, and here again the ' ' Gratling ' ' bears the palm of superiority. The effectiveness of the large calibre " Gatling battery " does not depend, as some suppose, wholly upon feeding the cartridges to the gun from the feed-cases. The large cartridges used in this arm can be fed to the gan when the hopper is tljrown back, by an active man, by hand, at the rate of 90 to 100 per minute ; and this rate of discharge is, perhaps, quite fast enough when long and continued firing is to be kept up. The use of the feed-cases and rapid firing need only be resorted to ta repelling a charge or in forcing the key of a position. In feeding the cartridges to the gun by hand, all that is necessary is for one man, when the hopper is turned back, to lay the cartridges one at a time, into the grooves of the carrier. The revolving the gun by the man at the crank vdll load and fire the cartridges m rapid succession. It wid take no more time to feed the cartridges to the gun by hand, in the way stated, than it would to load like cartridges into the feed-plates of a mitrailleur. It is true the larger sized improved " Gatling gun," of which a re- presentation is here given, and which has an effective range of from 2,000 to 3,000 yards, has, when the feed-cases are used, a rapidity of fire of only 150 to 200 shots per minute, but it is far more effective than the smaller Gatling, which has less range, and more than double the rate of fire. It is the quality of the shooting, that is, the efficient execution at long range, which gives the greatest value to a machine-gun. There is no doubt that the principle upon which the "Gatling" gun is constructed admits of its range being extended, so as to cover not only the interval between musketry and artiUery fire, but that occupied by artillery, thus combining in one arm the eflfectiveness and execution of both infantry and artillery fire. It must be evident to every thinking mind that the use of such a weapon would be invaluable. Let us briefly examine this question. First, as to musketry fire. 254 AMJiEICAX r.IIEKCn-LOADIXG SMALL ARMS. The execution of the shots tired from a small "Gatliiig" woxild be, no doubt, shot for shot, much greater tlian the tire of intiiutrj'. T]iis valuable result grows out of these facts : — When the gun is once sighted, its carriage^ does not move btit at tlie will (jf the operator, and the gun can l)e moved laterall}- wlieu firing is going on, so as to sweep the sector of a circL' of 12 or more degrees, without moving the trail or changing the wheels of the THE OATLING GUN. 265 It can be trained with far more accuracy and delicacy than small arms from the shoulder. It has no nerves to be disturbed in the din and confusion and carnage of the battle field, nor will the smoke of battle prevent its precision. There is another advantage which it may be proper to state here. The exposure of life is very small with a gun of this character, compared with infantry. In a competitive trial, made at Carlsruhe, Baden, in August, 1869, between a small sized "Gatling" gun and 100 infantry soldiers, armed with the celebrated "needle-gun," the "Gatling" at 800 paces put 88 per cent, of its shots in a target, while the soldiers, in firing at the same sized target and at the same distance, only placed 27 per cent, of their shots in the target. Who can doubt that this difference would have been greater had the firing taken place during the heat and smoke of battle ? Second, as artillery. There is abundant data to prove that only a small per cent, of the missdes fired from field-guns in the excitement of battle prove effective. During an action, and when the smoke frequently prevents the enemy being seen, the firing is done, in many cases, in the most random manner, and especially is this so when the ground is uneven, and the enemy is frequently changing his position. The gun is also changing its position, particularly when the enemy is pressing forward, and rapid firing is kept up. Often, in such cases, the gun is not moved forward, for want of time, to its original position after each discharge, but is fired in the position in which the recoil has left it. And this is repeated while the battle lasts, when, at its close, it is often found that the gun has receded for a considerable distance from its first position. It must be evident that, under such excitement and conditions, the most of the missiles discharged have failed to do execution. On this head, the testimony of an experienced artillery Officer may not be out of place. We quote from Major Fosbery :— With the tield-gnn in its best condition we produce per round 20 efTective fragments or bullets, capal)le of intlictiiig serious wounds or death, and we can throw tljese into a column or other body of troops up to 1,500 yards. We can throw 2i such rounds per minute under favorable conditions, or 5 rounds in two minutes of time, that is 100 such eflfective pieces. When these pieces come to be analyzed, we find that some are segments or bullets, some broken pieces of the envelope of iron which fits the gun, and carries them up to tlieir destination. We employ for the purpose at tlie gun itself a certain amount of apparatus for piercing the fuzes, cutting or otherwise adjusting them ; or we employ a fuze already prepared, whicli depends on some careful adjustment of the gun itself for its efficacy. When all is done, about one-half of the weight of metal put into the gun is finally effective at the object. 256 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. But if this is the case, and it would not be difficult to prove that more is so, it must be evi- dent that somewhere a great waste of material occurs. For could a larger portion of metal be made eflfective, it is clear tliat it would be useless to carry into the field so large a weight as we now do, in order to produce an equal effect; but if a less weight of metal ^yould suffice then also would a less amount of powder be required to drive it, a gun of smaller calibre mi^ht be used, and the whole of our field equipments would become easier to move, handier in°the working, requiring fewer men and fewer horses for its transport and service ; and as a matter of course, both in a military and in an economical point of view, fitter for service of the couDtrv. So far is this now 'from being the case, that we find the 9 pr. guns of the horse artilleiy unable to produce the effects which we would wish to see, and a proposition entertained for exchaugins them for 12-prs., which will doubtless add to the efficiency of their fire, thougli the°ad'^litional weight to be dragged must detract to a large extent from their mobility. Supposing for a moment such a change to be carried out, and a horse artillery battery of 13-prs., to be brought into action, not to breach a wall, batter a farm-house, nor oppose an enemy's artillery, but merely to play upon troops either waiting an attack, or forming to make one, what do we find? We find guns weighing 900 lbs., each brought rapidly to tlie front, with limbers and wagons weighted with at least twice as much powder, lead, and iron as will ever produce, under the best of circumstances, either death or wounds to an enemy; and we find these deatlis and wounds dealt out very slowly indeed, at the rate only of about 50 per minute under these exceptionably favorable con- ditions. If a '■ range-finder " is used, a mmute and a half is consumed in finding the distance of the enemy ; if it be not used at any but the shortest distance, the fire is mere guess work, and may be either good or bad, with a strong presumption in favor of tlie latter. Superior as our artillery is acknowledged to be, we can scarcely wonder, knowing what we know of its performances, at the failure of either tlie Austrian or Prussian rifled field services to influence lai'gely the fate of tlie battles, where botn were so freely and ably made use of Neither succeeded in any instance, as far as I am aware, in stopping the advance of infantry, or even in greatly impeding the operations of cavalry in the field, though doubt- less both were efficient and well served." In another part of his commnnication, Major Fosbery says : — " In order to produce these twenty fragments (above alluded to) and lender them eflicient, many independent (operations must be truly performed, and even then sudden gusts of wind, or considerable barometric variations may render all of no avail by their influence on the flight of the projectile, by delaying or accelerating the burning of tlie fuzes. * * * " The gun must be laid between each discharge, an operation demanding time and care, necessitating a cleiir view of the object, and all but impossible to get exactly repeated by the most highly-trained and skilful gunners when on an artillery practice-ground, and neither greatly pressed for time, nor deprived, iu however small a degree, of lliAt sang f void which few persons possess completely, when exposed to a lively fire, and endeavoring to crush it by the rapidity of their own.'' This is the evidence of an Ofiicer who has had the best opportuni- ties of judging, and whose experience entitles him to speak advisedly on the subject. At the risk of being considered tautological, we will enumerate the advantages of the larger sized "Gatling gun" over such an arm, when used to play upon troops either awaiting an attack or forming to make one. THE GATLING GUN. 257 1st.. Its great range, equal to tliat of the iield gun for all practical purposes, and its greater accuracy and precision. It is the use of the elongated leaden bullet, which has great specific gravitj' and small aii- resistance, that gives the " GfatUng gun " its superior range and precision. 2d. Its rapidity and continuity of fire, 200 siiots per minute, when well served, each baU weighing a half-pound ; 1,200 shots a minute from a single battery of six guns ; 7,200 shots per minute from six batteries ! "It would be difficult to find the troops who could face such a hailstorm as this." 3d. No re-sighting and re-laying are necessary between each dis- charge. As before stated, ' ' when the gun is once sighted, its carriage does not move, except at the will of the operator, and the gun can be moved laterally when firing is going on, so as to sweep the sector of a circle of 12 degrees or more without moving the trail, or chang- ing the wheels of the carriage." The smoke of battle, therefore, does not interfere with its precision. 4th. It is lighter than a 12-2)r., therefore, more easily moved, and requiring fewer horses and men to serve it. 5th . The balls of the ' ' Gatling gun " ricochet for a greater distance than the balls or shells of the field-piece. 6th. The Gatling system is more economical, not only in requiring less horses and men to manage the gun, but also in its ammunition. The ammunition now used in the " Gatling gun " has been greatly improved. The large 1-inch metallic case ammunition first made for the use of the lai'ger sized "Gatling gun," and which was used in the first European trials, proved defective. Its defects grew out of the fact that the cases or shells were made out of sheet metal, which had not the proper solidity to enable them to withstand even the small charge of powder then used. The result was that in firing the heads of some of the cartridges came oflT or burst, interrupting, of course, the firing. Moreover, the cartridge shell- ex tractors first used in the locks were imperfect, failing, at times when the heads of the cartridges were small, to extract the shells after they had been fired. AU these defects have been entirely overcome by subsequent im- provements. Instead of making the cartridge cases or shells of thin material, as 33 258 AMERICAN BREECn-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Ill the first instance, they are now manufactured by the aid of power- ful macliinery, out of sheet metal, which is one-tenth of an inch thick ; the heads are made solid, and, in order to increase their solidity, solder is used in their base. The sliells are now so constructed as to admit of being reloaded. Indeed, they have been loaded and fired 100 times, without being perceptibly injured. If one of these shells, or "loading chambers" cost, say, lOcts., and it can be reloaded and fired on an average of, say 60 times, without injury, it is evident tliat it must be cheaper-than ordinary metallic cartridges, the shells of which can be fired only once. This class of reloading metallic ammunition will, probably, ere long, be adopted by all civilized nations. These cartridges are water- proof, and strong enough to stand all usage incident to the service. They are not only cheaper, but they are safer in the transport and are of less weight, and occnpy less space, requiring, therefore, fewer men and horses for their transportation and service than artillery ammunition. Besides the trials of the " Gatling gun" in the United States, to which we have already referred, and that at Carlsruhe, Baden, also noticed, numerous competitive trials have taken place at various points in Europe, of which we shall give the results in diagrams here- after. One would have reasonably concluded that such results as were attained at Vienna, where, at a distance of 800 paces, the i inch " Gatling gun " made 208 sliarp hits out of 216 shots, and at a dis- tance of 1,200 paces made 149 sharp hits out of 191 shots — and then at Carlsruhe, where, in a contest between 100 infantry soldiers armed with the celebrated needle gun, the i inch Gatling, at a distance of 800 paces, made in the space of one minute, 216 hits out of 246 shots, against 196 hits out of 721 shots made by the infantry, would have sufficiently demonstrated its vast superiority and undoubted merit as a death-dealing instrument. But Governments are slow to believe in new inventions and to act in their adoption, and the London Times actually sneered at the Russian Government as making undire haste to adopt " most American inventions, Avhethergood or bad," because, after experiments and trials, that Government ordered a number of the " Gatling guns " for the use of its army and navy. The recent war between France and Prussia, however, in which artillery played so THE GATLING GUN. 259 prominent a part, and so largelj^ contrihnted to tlie Prussian victo- ries, had tlie effect of awakening tlie other Powers of Europe to tlie urgent necessity of equipping tlieir armies with tlie best and most effective weapons in tiiis l)ranc]i of the sei-vice. Tlie ti-ial at Slioe- buryness, was the result of this necessity. A special committee was oi-ganized to conduct these experiments. The English Grovernment prided itself in the possession of a new nine-pounder Indian bronze gun, from which great deeds were ex- pected, and it is but justice to say that the weapon at the trial at Shoeburyness, maintained its high reputation, but it is equally true that that trial demonstrated beyond a peradventure, tliat the artil- lery branch of no army is complete without tlie "Gatling gun." The experiments were made with the small, medium, and lai-ge Gatling, the nine pounder Indian bronze muzzle-loading field gun, the twelve- pounder Armstrong breech-loader held gun, the mitrailleuse, the Martini-Henry breech-loading rifles, and the breech-loadijig Snider rifle — the three last only at the short distances, up to 1200 yards. It will thus be seen that the " Gatling gun" contended against the best arms, both for short and long ranges, known to modern warfare. The great importance attached to the trial at Shoeburyness, and the high character and distinguished military knowledge, impartial- ity, and experience of the able members composing the Committee under whose direction and superintendence these trials were made, will be sufficient excuse for giving their report in full. REPORT. President, Colonel E. Wrny, C. B., R. A. Members.— Caplaiii the Hon. F. Foley, R. A. ; Colonel G. Shaw, R. A., Assistant Adjutant General ; Lieut. Colonel Flelclier, Scots Fusilier Guards ; Captain Beaumont, M. P., R. E. ; Captain W. H. Noble, R. A. Secretaiy, Lieut. Colonel Heynian, R. A. 28tli October, 1870. Sir: — 1. The special committee on Mitrailleuse have the honor to submit their Report upon the results of the trials they were directed to cairy out, to asceitaiu tlie lelatiye value of two systems of Mitrailleuse, knowu as tlie Montigny and Gatling- guns, as compared with the fire of field artillery and infantry. 2. Concurrentl\' with the above systems, the committee have had under their considera- tion several other designs (ou paper) of multiple guns, alike in general character, but differ- ent in respect to mechanical detail. The names of the proposers are given in Appendix D., together with a brief description of each of the systems referred to, the majorit}' of which were dismissed on the grounds of their inapplicability to the service, while the remainder were rejected on account of their apparent inferiority to the Montigny and Gatling guns. 3. The mechanical action and constructive features of the two machine guns actually under trial, will be found detailed in Appendixes A. and B. Photographs are likewise transmitted. l!GO AMERICAN EREECH-LOADIXG SMALL ARMS. 4. The results of the comp.-irative experiments carried out by the committee are tabulated in Appendix C, in which also is given the calibre and weight of the respective guns, as well as of the ammunition used. Previous to pi'oceeding to compare tiie relative merits of the two systems ofMitrailleuse wliich have been under trial, the committee think it desirable to submit a few remarks upon the general application of macliine guns of this nature for purposes of war. 5. Up to a very recent period tlie opinions of the majority of the great military Powers were decidedly adverse to the introduction of these weapons for service in the field, and the early experiments carried on in this country appeared also to justify their condemna- tion. G. The Prussians, who within the last eighteen months had instituted a searching enquiry into the merits of these machine guns, came to the conclusion that the very narrow sphere within which their eti'ect was restricted, did not at all compensate for the personnel and material required in serving them. 7. The French, however, appear to have taken a different view, and have adopted the mitrailleuse m comparatively large numbers. 8. Judging li'om the accounts received from time to time through the public press of the effects produced by mitrailleuse fire during the present war, the committee are disposed to think that jtractical experience has led the Prussians to attach more importance to the value of lije machine gnus. This question miglit be readily set at rest by reference to Colonel Walker, Military Attache at Berlin, but tlie committee are the more disposed to adopt tiieir view of the case from tlie circumstance that tliree great military nations, viz.: Russia, Austria and Turkey have apparently been induced, by the experience of the present war, to recognize the value of tliese weapons, by giving large orders for immediate supply. 9. Of tlie two system of machine-guns which have been under consideration of the com- mittee, the Galling has been proved to be far superior, and the committee can only account for the pi-eference expressed by Major Fosbery for the Monfiguy, in his report of the 2nd September, 1868, by the supposition that he had not personally a trial of the Gatling in its present perfected condition. At any rate he could not have seen the gun worked with the '' feed drum," which is one of the most recent improvements, the original mode of , feed to which Major Fosbery probably refers, was undoubtedly most defective. The particular points for which the committee claim the superiority of the Gatling gun over the Montigny areas follows:— 1st. Greater destructive effect, owing to the rapidity with which it can be fired. 2d. Greater command of range, the Montigny system being necessarily leslricted to small calibres, whereas the Gatling is equally adopted to large as to small calibres. 3d. Tlie Gatling gun, so far as the experience of the commiilee goes, is capable of being worked by fewer men than the Montigny. 4tli. Greater strength and simplicity of mechanism. 5tli. Greater facility of repair, the locks of the Gatling being removable, and easily replaced in a few minutes if out of order, or otherwise Lijured ; whei'eas, with the Montigny mechanism a similar accident renders the gun for the time unserviceable. 6th. The greater demoralizing effect produced by the continuitv <,f the fire of the Gatlin-^ as compared with that of the Montigny. " ^ 7th. The "drum" arrangement affords a better means of carrying the ammunition un- injured than the plan proposed by Major Fosbery for the Montigny. The results of the recent enquiry have fully satisfied the committee of the expediencv of introducing a certain proportion of these machine guns, ,o act as auxiliaries to the olher arras of the service, and of the several designs which have been submitted for their con- sideration including those that have been under trial, they are persuaded that the Gatlin-^ gun IS the best adapted to meet all military requirements To assist in defending such positions as villages, field entrenchments, &c., the committee feel satisfied that the small Galling would be invaluable. For the defence of caponnieres, for covering the approach to bridges or tetes depont, fo. THE GATLINO GUN. 261 defeuding a breach, and for employment in advanced trenches or in field-works, where economy of space is of the utmost importance, the same sized Galling would unquestion- ably be a most eflFective weapon. For Naval purposes the small Galling would apparently be well adapted for use in the tops of vessels of war to clear the enemy's decks, or open ports ; while for gunboats that carry only one heavy gun, and for boat operations, the medium sized Galling would be most effective in covering the landing of troops, or for service up close rivers. The committee are also impressed with the effect produced by the medium sized Galling 0,65 inch calibre, at long ranges as compared with that of a field-gun, but looking to the weight of ammunition required to produce tins effect, and to the exceptional conditions under which the larger Galling could be used with advantage in the field, they are satisfied that a gun is far preferable at long ranges, and consequently they do not recommend the introduction of the larger description of Galling for land service. In advocating the introduction of the small Galling gun, the committee wish it to be distinctly understood tlial they do not for a moment contemplate their supplanting or dis- placing a single field-gun, the proportions of which have been laid down by tlie best military authorities, as indispensable for an army in the field. The characteristics of the two weapons are essentially different. Except against an enemy in tlie open, the fire of a mitrailleuse is comparatively worthless, whereas artillery fire will search out an enemy from almost any position, whether covered by trees, brushwood, earthworks or houses, and at distances far beyond the range of a mitrailleuse; but in the open, and at distances up to 1,200 yards, there is reason to believe that the latter will be found the more destructive, owing to the rapidity and continuity of its fire. The committee have now the honor to submit the following recommendations : — The immediate introduction of the small Galling gun for employment in the field. The guns to be mounted on suitable carriages adapted for two-horse draught, cwts, qi-s, lbs. Weight of Gun 3 10 Six Drums containing each 368 rounds 2,208 3 2 Carriage and limber 10 Total, 16 3 The whole of the carriages for tliese guns should be fitted with musket proof shields, and range-finders should be used in connection with them. The exact number to be altaclied to eacli brigade or divison, as well as the mode of horsing and manning the guns, to be left to the decision of the proper authorities. For the defence of caponnieres and field works, &c., to be mounted on carriages suitable for con- fined spaces. For the Navy to be mounted on such carriages or swivels as may be found best adapted. Should these recommendations be approved, the committee would suggest that for a first instalment 50 guns of the small calibre for laud service, and as many of the small and medium sized guns as the Lords, Commissioners of the Admiralty may consider requisite for the Navy, be ordered from Dr, Galling pending the preparation of suitable plant either at Enfield or Woolwich for future producdon. The carriages to be designed and manufactured in the Royal Carriage Department. With reu-ard to ammunition the cartridges used in the recent trials were supplied from America, and were manufactured at Bridgeport, Connecticut. As compared with the Boxer cartridge, Uiey are expensive, and before proceeding to make provision for supply of ammunition, the conrmittee recommend tliat the Superintendent Royal Laboratory be asked if he can make a cartridge on the Boxer principle which will be equally suitable for service with the Gatling guns. The calibre of the small Gatliug tried by the committee was 0,42 inch, but looking to the probable introducdon of a small bore rifle at a period not far distant, the committee con- sider it indispensable that the bore and rifling of the Gatling barrels should be made to 262 AMERICAI^' BREPXH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. correspond, viz.: 0.45-inch bore, so as to provide for the possibility in future of having an interch;nigeal)le ammuiiitiiin. The committee liave ascertained from Dr. Galling that tliere will be no difficulty or delay by the adoption of a 0.45 calibre, with the rifling and weight of bullet and charge oi the Martini-Henry rifle. We have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servants, E. AVkat, Cdlonel R. A., President. F. A. Foley, Captain, 11. A. G. Shaw, Colonel, R. A. H, C. Fletcher, Lieut. Colonel, Scots Fusilier Guards. Fred. Beaumont, Captain, R E. W. H. Noble, Captain, R. A. H. Heymak, Lieut. Colonel, Secretary. The Director of Artillery, War Office, Fall Mall. This is a candid admission from a source that only two months before had "laughed" at the niaciiine-gun system, and conclusively shows tliat tlie Gatling achieved no ordinary triumph at the trial at Slioeburyness. The official accounts of those experiments have been published by the committee, and a brief reference to them is essential to establish the relative positions of the several weapons used on the occasion. In the first experiment at targets, practice against time, (two minutes,) only Shrapnel shell fired from the field guns, the results were : AT 300 yards' range. Hits. Small Gatling, with 53 lb. of ammunition 369 Twelve-ponnder breech-loader field gun, witli 12] | lb 268 Nine-pounder mnzzle-loading field gun, with 107 lb 208 Moniigny mitrailleuse, with 25 lb 171 Six Marlini-Heniy breech-lnading rifles, with 15 lb 74 Six breech-loading Snider rifles, with 8 1b g3 AT 400 yards' range. Small Gatling, with SO lb „ 3IO Nine-ponnd('r mnzzle-loading gun, with 118 lb 236 Jlontigny mitrailleuse, with 30 lb 170 Twelve-ponnder breech-loading gun, with 12U lb 166 Six Snider lifles, witli 9 lb r^q 8Jx Martini-Henry rifles, with 17 lb 'go AT 600 yards' range. Small Gatling, %vith 56 lb 520 Nine-pounder muzzle-loading gun, with 75 lb ogs Twelve-ptiuiider breech-loading gun, with 94i lb 142 Moniigny milrailleuse, with 80 lb __ ^27 Six Snider rifles, with 9 lb V.V.". 63 Six Manini-Heniy rifles, with 11 tb 53 THE GATLTNG GUN. 263 AT 800 yards' range. &mall Galling, -nith 30i lb 229 Montigny mitrailleuse, -with 25 lb 154 Twelve-pounder breecli-loading gun, with 83 lb 152 Nine-pounder muzzle-loading gun, witli 53 lb 118 Six Martini-Henry rifles, with 10 lb 66 Six Snider rifles, with 10 lb 48 But the differences come out still more prominently in the grand totals of work of all kinds done in the experimental trials by each weapon. Thus, taking first the totals of all work done within the musketry range, we have : Hits. The small Gatling mitrailleuse, weighing 3 cwt, expended of ammunition, 4931b., scoring 2,803 The Montigny mitrailleuse, (3 cwt.,) expended 472 lb., scoring 1,708 The twelve-pounder breech-loading gun, (8 cwt,) expended 1,232 lb., scoring 2,286 The nine-pounder muzzle-loading gun (8 cwt.,) expended 1,013 lb., scoring 2,207 Making the same comparison of the field guns with the medium Gatling, for work done at ranges beyond musketry distances, up to 2,100 yards range, we have : Hits. The medium Gatling (5 cwt.,) expended 341 lb., scoring 209 The twelve-pounder breech-loading gun, (8 cwt.,) expended 312 lb., scoring 258 The nine-pounder muzzle-loading gun, (8 cwt,,) expended 225 lb., scoring 219 This last comparison is not so reliable as the other, for the reason as stated by the committee, that the practice with the weapons on this occasion was unusually bad, and showed them to a manifest dis- advantage. The careful obser^^er will not fail in his calculations, to take into consideration the amount of ammunition expended by, and the weight of each gun. The sights of the larger sized Gatling guns used in these trials had been adjusted only for ranges of one thousand yards and less, and this fact materially affected the practice made with them at longer ranges. It is confidently believed that, with improved ammunition, and a more perfect system of rifling, the larger calibre Gatling guns, worked by men perfectly familiar with their use, will be as effective at long ranges as the best field guns, and far more effective at short ranges. The committee also reported the result of a competitive trial, on the same occasion, between the Montigny Mitrailleuse, using the 264 AMERICAN BUEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. latest pattern of ammunition submitted, and the small Gatling gun, at a row of ten targets, 9 feet by 9 feet, as follows : At 600 yards, 720 rounds from each deliberately iMontigny Mitrailleur Small Gatling At 800 yards, 555 rounds from each deliberately Montigny Mitrailleur Small Galling Time Min Sec 26 Hits Through, 536 608 284 423 Lodged. Struck. 3 10 Total. 538 618 293 439 In tliis long range firing we have in the third experiment the following results between the large and medium sized Gatlings and the field guns : AT 1,400 TAKDS' KAKGB. Firing against time (3 minutes) at a column of taigets 9 feet by 9 feet, representing 90 infirntry divided into 3 troops or companies 30 yards apart. No. of BallH Tl]vouL;h^& Lodged. Infantry Disabled. Time. Lar^e Gatlin^ . . 99 336 104 178 90 224 103 54 103 55 66 43 104 53 1 ;Minute and 18 Seconds. Medium Gatlin"* 65 inch 1 Minute and 9 Seconds. Small " Nine pounder bronze M. L. E. Shrapnel.. . . Segment.. . . Twelve-pounder B. L. R Shrapnel Se^^ment AT 3,070 yards' kakge. Firing against time (3 minutes) at a column of targets 9 feet by 9 feet, representing 36 cavalry or 45 infantry, divided into 3 troops or companies 30 )-ards apart. Total Hits. Cavalry Disabled. Infantry. Disabled Lar^e Gatling 99 164 35 6 41 115 38 34 16 oo 33 36 46 Medium Gatling 0.65 inch Nine-pounder bronze M. L. R. Shrapnel Segment 44 SO 31 Twelve-pounder B, L. R. Shrapnel Segment 24 37 The committee also reported the experiments, the result of which is shown in the followino- tables : THE GATUNG GUN. 265 S-f S e Li '^; ^ > Qj ■« s ?■§ fill H i ? P =* s H £ § 5 a t, fi 2 r5 ■» .s «^ li"-S W, ~ 2; 1J ^ " .« .< ^ ^^ « '?, a D a k> Ti) •O ;i- i rn ss -O 1 o fl" Tl o o o p C t; oj 2 -a o CO fl 8 a o o fl 'T 1S3 s II 11 SI a < 1 ^ ^ =1 o .g 5a, a o O r3 fl a " S ? a 2 » u 7j o a > ^ o -3 3 o B s o £5gS =1 Id o S o . S3 o =2 ;:: fl O ^ fl q3 o -^^fl s i= !- O O CI oi ^ »gH-2 ■■" o p-'E'is Boll •P0I ^mi . - ^ M ' i^ - I - iM C^ "M rc C-l 1-1 rt ■ -M C-l rt lO o • o o o ^ ij ^ 2js ; :: :; B m r 0*3 ■^9^% e-a ooo r^- n- hli 'a _fl pci fl o ^ ■« m O o o 5 ^ 2 j- -"n CB s t- ^ fl '^ 'si: fl fl ^ p ft ^ --- g o ^ rt o j: o ; ^So^o Ti fl rt« iH '7 ^"- o^ ri flcn-*- 1 o me nut leu leu o ^agg -^j H ;<.-t::fl I I 4-i fl fl E: 1 1 1 tc fl fl fl rti3 O C=4 rt OT'cJ'fl lO to U 266 AMEEICAU^ BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. And yet, after these experiments, it was not until after the Gatlmg e;uns were brought to Woolwich, and, in the words of the London papers, " subjected to a general and exhaustive trial at the Govern- ment Butts, Royal Arsenal,"' that they were linally adopted by the British Government ! After all these trials, so thorough, searching and exhaustive, culminating at all, in the most complete triumph, is it necessary to waste words in commendation of the Gatling gun ? Tliese experiments have shown the main features and superiority of this gun to be : 1. Its rapidity and continuity of tire. 2. Its simplicity — there is nothing complex about the gun. 3. Each barrel in the gun is provided with its own independent lock or firing mechanism. 4. These locks are made interchangeable, and are strong and durable, but should they get out of order, the gun is so constructed that any one or all of them can be, in a few moments, taken out and others inserted in their places, and so the gun can be kejst in perfect working order at all times, on the field of battle. It will not be denied that tliis is a feature of the greatest value, as the lock mechanism is the most essential part of a machine gun, and is the only part liable to get out of order from use. 5. All the locks revolve simultaneously with the barrels, carrier, and inner-breech, when the gun is in operation. The locks also have a reciprocating motion when the gun is revolved. The gun cannot be fired when either the barrels or locks are at rest. 6. The gun is made of single barrels, open at muzzle and breech, with space between them for the free circulation of air and radia- tion of lieat, thus preventing to a great extent that heating and fouling of the barrels, which, otherwise, the rapidity and continuity of its fire would cause. 7. The isolation of the barrels makes their expansion and con- traction equal and uniform, and thus they suffer no distortion from these causes, as they would if massed together. 8. The barrels are open from end to end, and can easily be kept clean by the use of a swab or wiper. 9. The cartridges are loaded directly into the rear ends of the barrels, thus all leakage of gas at the breech is prevented. 10. The gun fires a shot at a time in rapid succession, and thus THE GATLING GUN. 267 by dividing the time used in rapid firing into equal parts between the discharges and preventing an accumulation of recoil, it admits of larger charges, heavier balls, and consequently, greater range. 11. This peculiarity of no recoil is of special value in the defences of bridges, fords, mountain passes, etc., vpliich are fre- quently attempted during darkness, fog or storm, as also in the smoke of battle, when the movement of the enemy cannot be accu- rately observed. 12. Firing a shot at a time also allows a lateral motion of the gun to be kept up during the time of firing, which result is attained in the Broadwell carriage upon which it is mounted, or by the Kinne attachment to the carriage manufactured at Colt's Armoiy, Hartford, Conn., by which the gun is traversed automatically. 13. No re-sighting and re-laying are necessary between the dis- charges. When the gun is once sighted, its carriage does not move but at the wHl of the operator, and the gun can be moved laterally when firing is going on, as heretofore remarked, so as to sweep the sector of a circle of 12 or more degrees, without moving the trail or changing the wheels of the carriage. 14. The continuous firing, a shot at a time, avoids all deflections of the balls. 15. As musketry fire, the small Gatling can be trained with far more accuracy and delicacy than small arms from the shoulders, and has no nerves to be disturbed in the din, confusion, and car- nage of the battle-field, nor will the smoke of battle prevent its pre- cision. 16. It requires fewer horses and men to serve it. The weight of the small Gatling is only 3 cwt., of the medium 5 cwt., and of the largest size 6 cwt. Two men serve the first, and from five to seven men the last two. 17. Its great economy, not only in men and horses, but in ammu- nition. 18. The great safety in the transportation of this ammunition. The cartridge cases or shells for the larger Gatling guns are con- structed of sheet metal, which is of an iVij inch thick, the heads are made solid, and solder is used in their bases. These shells can be reloaded and fired from 50 to 100 times. They are also water- proof, strong enough to stand all usage incident to the service, and Fio'. n. TRIPOD GATUm GUN. THE GATLING GUN. 269 are safer in transportation, are of less weight, and occupy less space, tlius requiring fewer men and horses for their transportation and service than artillery a-nimunition. By carrying loading- machines, with extra balls and powder, and detailing men to reload the shells after they have heen lired on the held of battle, a supply of ammunition can always be kejjt up in time of action. 19. The operation of loading is greatly simplified. There is no need of sponging, capping, priming, adjusting of fuses, cocking, etc. All that is required is to supply the hox)per with the cart- ridges and to turn the crank, when a continuous stream of balls can be discharged. 20. The flanges of the cartridges have square faces in front, which enable the shells to be easily extracted from the chambers of the barrels, after they have been fired, by the improved extractors with which the locks are now made. 21. The great range of the large gun, equal to that of the field gun for all practical purposes, and, in accuracy and precision, greater, given to it from the use of the elongated leaden bullet, which has great specific gravity and small air resistance. 22. The projectiles of the large gun may be either solid shot, shell, or canister, like those of field artillerj^. 23. The balls of tlie Gatling gun ricochet for a greater distance than the shells or missiles of the field-piece. 24. The feeding drums and feed cases of the gun can all be used with any gun of the same calibre. 25. The working parts of the gun are encased in the breech cover- ing so as to be entirely protected from dust and bad weatlier. 26. The largest sized gun, witii a range of from 2,000 to 3,000 yards, can be taken apart, packed on mules, (see Fig. 7, p. — ,) car- ried across mountains, and on its arrival at its destination can be reassembled in a few minutes. In order to supply the demand for these fire-arms, the following various sizes are now manufactured by the Colt's Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company, at Hartford, Conn., U. S. A. Gatling guns are also now being manufactured by Messrs. Paget & Co., in Vienna, Austria, and by Sir W. G. Armstrong & Co., at Newcastle- on-Tyne, England. 1st. The smallest size (Fig. 4, p. 233) has ten steel rifled barrels,and is 270 AMERICAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. made of any proper calibre to suit the musket cartridges used by diiferent goyernments. 2d. The second sized gun (Fig. 2, page 226) has ten steel rifled barrels, is -^ inch calibre, and discharges solid lead balls weigh- ing 3i ounces. 3d. Tlie third sized gun also has ten steel rifled bar- rels, is 1% inch calibre, and discharges solid lead balls weighing 4i ounces. This gun in its exterior dimensions is precisely the same as the t'otj inch calibre gun. 4th. The fourth or largest-sized gun, (Fig. 3, p. 231,) is of one-inch calibre, is made with six (sometimes with ten) barrels, and discharges solid lead balls weighing one-half pound. This gun also uses a canister cartridge which contains sixteen balls, (a cut of which is shown in Fig. 6.) It also discharges explosive balls with great eifect. 5th. Guns of 6 and 10 barrels are made, adapted to the size of cartridge used by the infantry, so as to use their ammunition. (Fig. 6, p. — ) also shows the cartridge used by the infantry and the Gat- ling gun in the Russian army. Special attention is called to the new improved Gatling gun (a cut of which is shown in Fig. 2.) In this new model, the mechanism of the locks has been greatly strengthened, as well as otherwise im- proved, and there are means provided for their insertion and removal without taking off the cascable-plate. These means consist of the perforation of the covering and back diaphi-agm in the outer casing, and by the closure of the apertures through both these plates by a single removable plug, as shown at B. This is a very valuable im- provement, inasmuch as the repairing or inspection of the locks is thereby greatly facilitated. As stated heretofore, the cartridges used with this and one-inch- calibre guns, have been greatly improved ; (a section of one of them is shown in Fig. 6.) 6th. A new model Gatling gun, weighing 125 pounds, using infan- try ammunition, and having ten barrels, the calibre being the same as that of the musket, has just been completed. ^ It is designed to be carried on mules or camels, and will be par- ticularly useful in mountainous countries, where the roads are im- passable for vehicles. ^ » *, tot. * f^ N w ^ ^ 3 SI • • -• - I • • . 5 • • • 1 • • . • • . ■] • . . . .^ • :,'• ^ • ••• ^ « •^ -^ a ife- •: * ^ .• .f\ ' ' • •- • z •• •. , • • • • • • • • •' • :• • ___ '< • •• eP p. . " fc • • •• ' • • '( • • • • ^ • -- . • .' ■^ tt ■ . '" « • • •. . • • -, • . •. • 1 ^ . "^ • • ^1 • ^ • • • 1 • • • 1 . • 1 • • * h— ^-«- ^ • • 2| ^ 3 a 15 31 S * ft % »< to '1 * 1 tl Jl"'k o CO -3 3 o a .'S '<, ,jq h=H c f^ H ^ o A ^' H 0) gn T# _g (/J -^^ -'!»'/ 9 ft. 9 ft cb n3 S be <1 ho EH O tX2 4J PJ QQ CD „ „ c • • -♦: — ; •. • ' • ; • o • lih o • •' . o • • -Jkl • ; - • " ... ■, ■ • ' • • .••i o • ^ , • . ^ .' • •/ • >; • ' •.: , • ' .1 • , \ . • ; % : . • *i . •* • • . •i . , ^ o , o . . ,• , 1 H ■ H 01 O j j i i I . '• i .^ I — ^y^ — ~® — '- -s 2 0^ e E-f W cb Oh EH I— ( EH <^ d3 EH -r ERKl-XII-LOAUING SJIALL ARMS. tridge of a smaller size for use in pistols or otlier smaller arms, then the cup B may l.e omitted ; and it is also ohvious that the l)rass shell and patched lndl<4 may he used with the fulminate arranged within the sliell ; l)ut in such case the shc^ll cannot be retired, which I con- sider a great object, because in case of necessity, where, for instance, a new supjily cannot be readily obtained, these shells can be reload- ed and used many times over. By this method of constructing a cartridge I am enabled to produce an article much superior to any- thing of its kind heretofore known. Tlje paper patch is the only thing that can be relied upon to adhere to the bullet and pass with it through the bore of the gun, and thus prevent leading. A car- tridge made on this plan lias sufficient strength to withstand the effect of a large cliarge, thus insuring great range, a flat trajectory and consequent accuracy of flight of bullet. By reduction of the diameter and lengthening the bullet its momentum is preserved, while its resistance in passing tlirough the air is lessened, and by means of the paper patch the leading of the barrel is prevented and the friction thereby kept at its minimum, thus fulfilling all the re- quired conditions for success. ' Having thus described my invention, wliat I claim is — 1 . The comlunation of the drawn brass sliell Avith the patched bullet, substantially as described. 2. The combination of the metallic shell v»'ith a paper-patched bullet and a re-enforce cup, all constructed and arranged to operate as set forth. 3. The combination of the metallic shell A with the paper-patched bullet, and a cap or primer applied exteriorly, substantially as de- scribed, whereby the same shell may be repeatedly used, as set forth." This cartridge is so perfect in all its parts that, while it admits of being reloadecT and fired a full average of fifty times, it is perfectly water-tight, as will be seen from the following taken from the Rus- sian Inspector s Report from February 22d to April 19th, 1871 : " Tliere have been fired in our regular work 30,720 cartridges witliout one miss fire, and 1,200 redoaded ten times, maldug 33,720 -svitliout a miss fire m tlie inspection of 2,000,000." " Tlie Barque Freya, from New Yorli for Cronstadt, witli 3,045,130 cartridges aboard for the Russian Government, made by this Companj', was dismasted in a gale, liad the deck stove in, and was abandoned at sea. Slie was found \>y the steamer lotca, from Liverpool, partly full of water, pumped out and towed to the port of New York, arriving April, 1871. A large part of this ammunition had been und^r water five weeks. The whole was taken out and returned to this factory, the wet paper boxes removed, and 10,450 of the cartridges fired, proving that they were uninjured.'' CKNTUK-FIUE CARTRIDGE. 301 So fiir as regards lieat tJKj si;vere test uiid(^rgone by tlnj Btei-dau cartridg(' wIiIIl' in use l)y our navy in tli(; tro])ics subject to tli.^ moist heat of the tried thennoiueter 135, is tlie best proof of their i)erfecti(jn in quality. The same results have been arrived at by the Spanisli navy, tlie Berdan cartridge withstandhig all tlie heat of a two years station in the waters of the West Indies. That they are eqiial to all varieties of climate may be considered settled, as tliis cartridge has l)een adopted by the Russian Government, which has had many millions manufactured by the Union Cartridge Com])any under tlie super- vision of its own officers. The great value of the American cartridge may be in pai't owin"- to the quality of the native copper used in tlie manufacture, which is specially adapted to this purpose. The heating of the barrel by liriug does not expand the brass, the nature of the metal being such that, although the shell expands on firing, its immediate contraction there- after leaves it in a condition to be easily extracted. This rpiality is not obtained ijy those made in otlier countries, and the natural result is that the governments of Russia, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, 'Switzerland, Roumania, Egypt, and other Eurojoean nations, have or- dered in the aggregate over 100,000,000 of American cartridges made of native copper. In Russia, a simple reloading apparatus has been adopted, which enables the armorer of each company to reload shells. A strict accountability is kept witli each soldier, to whom is given 40 cartridges, for which he is personally responsible, unless in actual en- gagement with an enemy. Each night he must hand his empty shells to the armorer, who returns them to him in the moining reloaded, when they are inspected by his otBcer. As a special evidence of the safety of these cartridges, it may be mentioned that a box filled with them was dropped in the hold of a vessel without explosion ; and that on another occasion a nail was driven through one cartridge in a box filled with the same, only that single cartridge exploding. The following models are selected from the large number manufac- tured by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, as an evidence of tlie variety and tvpe. Fig. 3. This is llie smallest size Pistol /?^^^^SSfc>. Cartridsie made. Tlie consump- tion is very large, tlie daily pro- ajiy have conti-ol of several patents (which cover this objec- tion) for the ntanttlactnre of solid ctirtridges, and are prepared to manufacture the same whenever required. Among the macliinery used by the Union Metallic Cartridge Com- pany special attention should be directed to the IIEABIXO MACniXK. The head or rim t,f the cartridge case is ft.rmed by this machine, which consists of a horizontal die countersunk at on,^ end for sliap- CENTUE-FIEE CARTKIDGE. 803 ing the head ; a feed punch to insert the- tubes into the die ; and a heading punch to flatten the closed end of the tubes into the coun- tersink. The tubes, which are a little longer than the headed case, are fed into the inclined trough of the Heading Machine, whence they are taken up on the feed punch. A shoulder on this punch, at a dis- tance from its extremity equal to the inner depth of the headed case. prevents it from extending to the full depth of the tube, and a sur- plus of metal is thereby left at tlie closed end of tlie tube for the formation of the head. Tlie feed punch inserts the tube into the die, and holds it there, while the heading punch moves forward by a powerful cam and presses and folds the unsupported, projecting portion of the tube into the countersink of the die, fojming and accurately shaping the head or rim. The headed case being left in the die as the feed-punch recedes, is pushed out by the succeeding tube, and thrown by a Hipper into the receptacle below. No oil is used in this operation, the moisture of the tubes from the recent washing sufficing as a lubricant. The machine is fed at the rate of sixty-five per minute. LOADING MACHINE. The cases are now loaded with powder and bixUetby means of the Loading Machine, which consists of a revolving circular plate with holes or receivers, and a hopper and powder measuie. The cases and bullets are fed on revolving plates, thirty-five a minirte ; the former are lifted into the receivers, passed under the hopper and measure for a charge of powder, and then under the bullet feeder for a lubricated bullet. In order to insure a full charge in each cartridge the machine is provided with a bell which gives notice to the opera- tive of any failure in this particular. The edge of the case is then crimped on the bullet in a very simple manner. The receivers are smaller at the top where the bullet enters than at the bottom where the case is received, the diameter of the former being only equal to that of ihe interior of the open end of the latter. After the bullet has been pressed into the case, the cartridge is lifted, so that the edge of the case is forced into the conical surface of the receiver, between its larger and smaller diameters. 304 AMERICAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Tlie powder is placed in a brass hopper, about two feet above the machine, and is fed to the cases through a paper tube one inch in diameter ; the hopper and tube stand inside of a large conical shield of boiler iron. During the j^rocess of manufacture accidents are only possible with the Loading Machine, and consequently every precaution has been taken to j^rovide against their occurrence. As the machine is now made and arranged, the explosion of one cartridge may com- municate fire to the few charged cases near it Avithout danger. Tlie entire charge of powder in the hopi^er may be thus exploded with- out the possibilit}' of injury, either to the operative or to the machine, as the hopper and tube offer but slight resistance to the action of the gases tliat expend their forces in every direction without aflfecting the stability of the ])rotecting shield. This has been proved by ex- perimentally exploding full charges of Iavo and a half pounds in the hopper itself But the explosion of a cartridge in the operation of loading is of vei y rare occurrence. Out of the many millions loaded in the past four yeai-s, a trifling number only have exploded pre- maturely, resulting in no damage whatever. After loading, the cartridges ai'e wi]3ed clean, and put up in x)aper packages, and packed in wooden boxes for storage or sale. The following reports are added as evidences of the value of the Berdan Cartridge manufactured by the Union Metallic Cartridge Com]jany : — Office of Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manp'g Co., ) Hartford, Conn., Aug. 6, 1808. I CoLOKEL : In a sciies of experiments made by this Company, to test tlie strength of certain steel gun barieU, eleven bairels were tested, the maxinuim loads of gunjio^ dei-, varying from 175 to 000 grains, and the maximum loads of lead varying from 1,800 to 11,700 grains. All of the ban els were tested to destruction; and in all cases Berdan Cartiidge Shells were used. In no case was the head of the Cartridge affected by the enormous pressure, although in some cases the heat develojied was gi'eat enough to melt the front ends of thp Cartridge Shells. Verj- respectfulh' yours, (Signed), W. B. Frakkltn, Col. H. BERD.VN, Vice-Pres't, Gen. Agent Colt's Arms Co. Hartford, Conn. [certificate.] Dnn Enrigne Barbaza y Z'Arden, Col. of Ivfaniry, and Lieut-Col. of Ariilleiij, Secretary to the Inapcctvr Genend of the hhirid of Cuba, in the Refjular Army of Spain: By order of His Excellency, Senor Marshal of the Army, General Don Antonio Venenc UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE CO. 305 y Aiidiada de Waiulerwlioiilde, Kuiglit of llie Grand Cross of the Royal and Military Or- ders, etc., elc, I-lEHEny CEimniiS, That tlie maniifictory of cartridges called the "Union Metallic Cai'tridge Com])any," of Bridgei)oi-|, Conn., in the United States of Aniei-Jea, have made six millions of cartiidges, of different calilire and systems, for the use of the army of this island, which have proved to have a perfect constiiiction in all llieii- parts, and to be of the very best materials of the kind best adapted for their manufacture. Of the different sj'stems that have been used on this island, the cartridges of theBerdan system, central fire, have always proved, without one single exception, to be the best, and ai'C uninjured in the shell by firing— and watei'-proof, not admitting dampness, when expos- ed to it. The metal has an elasticity, peifect and equal to all required tests. Wherefore this Ceitificate is granted at Havana, on the 20th April, 1870. Approved, Venenc, Enrique Barbaza, Inspector Geneial. Col. of Artillery. Extract from the report on Breech-loading s^^stems, made by a Board of Naval Officers, to the Bureau of Ordnance, in the year 1869, from Navy Department, 16th February, 1870 : — " Five hundred lounds Avere then fired, as lapidly as practicable, in series of one hun- dred rounds, with a short interval between each one hundred rounds to cool, but not to CLEAN, the guu. Aveiage time per one hundred rounds, four minutes fifty-five seconds. " At the conclusion of the five bundled rounds, the gun was carefully examined, cooled and cleaned. Not a trace or leading was to be seen in the barrel, and vi/ry little fouling, which was removed by washing. Barrel and stock gieatly heated. No injury to the breech parts. Gun worked well. " During this test Brass Case Cartridges, Calibre 42, Berdan Primer, lubri- cated between powder and bullet, and rarer ratcii on bullet were used." 1880. UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE COMPANY. Since the publication of the preceding remarks the capacity of this coinpany has been increased threefold, so that it is now enabled to turn out one million of cartridges daily. Eveiy effort has been made to add the latest improvements and suitable machinery to meet all the requirements for military and sporting arms, including paper shells for sliot-guns, gun-waddings, etc., etc., the present price list of the com- pany comprising over one hundred varieties of metallic cartridges, all distinct and separate i:iatterns, including the new inventions for maga- zine arms and battery guns. The special water-proof character of these ctirtridges has been shown most conclusively, the writer having wit- nessed the fifing of some specimens taken at random from a case sunk on board the steamer Guatemala and destined for one of the South American Governments. These cartridges after being under water some months, were brought to the factoiy in the origintd cases, which when 39 306 AMERICAN liKEBCH-LUADlKG SMALL AltMS. opened were found full of water ; upon firing, every cartridge exploded promptly, as has been the case whenever these cartridges have been tired. The best evidence of the high value placed upon the cartridges manufactured by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, is the fact that the Governments of Russia, Germany, France, and Spain have established manufactories for making this system of cartridges which has been adopted by them as the ammunition of their respective armies. In addition, it is a well known fact, that the Turkish Government ordered some hundreds of millions for their nse during the Turco- Russian campaign, and have since then purchased a large plant of machinery for the establishment of a manufactory of this special cart- ridge in Turkey. These statements are very conclusive evidence as to the approval of this system by tlie leading military authorities of the world. For the j>ast eight years they have been largely in use by the various South American Governments. The perfect freedom from acci- dents as the result of the transportation of such an immense quantity of cartridges has satisfactorily proven that thej' are perfectly safe to handle, and can be transported without difficulty. With the view to secure the most perfect cartridge possible, both the United States Ord- nance Department and private manufacturers have expended much time and labor in exhaustive experiments upon the subject. The ques- tion as to the relative merits of the solid and the re- enforced folded head has attracted mucli attentioir, as also the system upon which the anvil is made for exploding the primer. THE FOLDED RE-ENFORCED HEAD CARTRIDGE is claimed to have the following properties, viz., that it being con- structed of metal so treated that it will expand equally upon beuig fired, so as to completely fill the chamber of the gun, and thereby be UNION METALLIC CAIITIUDGE CO. 307 equally supported in all its parts by the walls of the chamher, at the' same time being elastic, it immediately contracts after the firing so as to admit of easy extraction. The head of this shell, which is the pait most liable to give out, is strengthened by the re-enforced cup, which is so placed in the shell that if a fracture should occur in or near the head of the shell there would be no leakage or escape of gas at the breech of the gun. Should any such defect occur the shell could Ije easily ex- tracted, and it would at once be discovered in the event of reloading the arm. The service cartridge of the United States army fabricated by the Ordnance Department is of this character, and known as the folded head cartridge, and is regularly issued at the present time for use in the army. Admiral Selwyn of the Royal Navy of Great Britain has recently at a meeting of military and scientific men alluded to the American cartridge as follows : " I was in Turkey during the whole of last year, and I noticed j^articularly that the supply of cartridges given to the Turks was both highly efficient in itself, and provided for much larger expenditure than had ever been thought probable in any other army before." The cartridges thus referred to were those supplied to the Turkish army and manufactured by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, and were made on what is known as the Berdan principle with folded heads. liiiDllilPpEpH THE SOLID HEAD CARTRIDGE on the other hand rests its claims upon the following points : First, that the metal being much thicker, consequently the shell itself must be stronger, and, especially, the metal is left much thicker in and near the head of the shell, and tapers rapidly to near the center of the body. In consequence of the great difference in the thickness of metal in dif- erent parts of the shell the thinner portion expands when fired, and is supported by the walls of the chamber of the gun, that portion of the shell nearer the head being much thicker, and m consequence expand- 308 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. ing in a less degree, does not bear against the chamber of the gun sufficiently hard to hold it in position. By that means a longitudinal strain is brought on the cartridge to that extent that when a break in the cartridge does occur the shell parts longitudinally a short distance from the head, and upon an attempt to extract the same, the bead por- tion with a small piece is drawn out, while the remaining portion is broken off by the discharge, and is usually carried forward into the barrel and completely disables the arm. THE PRIMER. The system of priming used in the Berdan cartridge, as made by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, is formed as follows : The anvil upon which'tbe primer is exploded is formed in a cavity in the head of the shell by raising a portion of the metal from which the shell is made, the primer is a shallow cup wliich holds the fulminate, before the fulminate is placed in this cup the cup is covered with a coating of varnish and cai'efully dried, which is a sure prevention of its coming into contact with the metal. The priming is then covered with a piece of tin foil, also var- nished, which prevents anj' amalgamation of tlie mercury with the metal of which the primer is made. This primer is .very largely used by Foreign Governments in their cartridge manufactories as it can be ap- plied to either the solid or folded head cartridge. The other system of priming is best known as the French system, and also consists of a small cup with a flat anvil of different forms jiressed in the cup on the priming and held in by the rim of the cup. It is claimed that the Ber- dan primer is less liable to allow gas to escajje, and in consequence the primer is left entirely free to expand by the explosion of the fulminate, while in the French cartridge the pressure of the anvil in the cap suffi- ciently tight to hold it there, strains the periphery of the cap out of place and allows the gas to escape around the primer. @ (_ ICsJLi^ S ., V ■^^ caktbumj'"., m':;T'ii.,. ;',0'.) <-AIi;TBrDOB VIET/U, — THE COK BV. \ . ■ u of fixed aniinaniiion for 'kjp ir, sm,. .iii)' large and inci-.'.i.i;ing Jcmanr] " '■ I ..' Cbft of f:hu cartn(3"'"-; ■"■> i;^ in the 1jim« ..1 , . .■ : lUre to tho adraimbi ion of the luefi'l ('('.■^Vi made, mid which has hd t-j t'lip ishiproeist o'-' luiih ■; ■ ' Jiuiiiy of the foi-fjigr,' goveinni'jiii^. (")^liciui ex. -i'^'-^K-i <-• =. ';k-: ;i;Uv;. i-jii ye.'u's iudicate boyotiil a peradvtntnre thut tlie .■^h' ii'l teuuily uf AnKirican ijopper has Tii.'i'i^' ^ ■ • '■■_■■: ^t-^ufile,}, auO ■ iiily ihni v.'h'e'' v, mU)M ir. !'t ' 'il't- -n;-' r-:.'] -vh-. sheet, >on ami > ' .'■. tits U ,: '. f ihi? turnint; out of blanky ::. ' n iiior.' the metal is delivern; ui i\.l. :■■,■ -.. :■'■■■ ■.:..!■-■ / •■ . .i...,.,v,-. Geiieiiil Gorlofi', of the llussian ^i, „.j . .vhi* is well knosvij for'his tlioiougli kiiowledge of the synj. ■"t of fix'_d ■.muiBiiiun, paid spiicud ;-itcen(ioii, whilu in t'li;- h,: ; -■ ■ he Berdii.a cartridgi-, snd fi>"- : tl. . yi: I,' of that, vintxi'h'/- -jm t'i ■ l-ii,!. ,;; .■lUfactuff of br;> :-• c ;T":^io!i j.ri Fenijsyh.u/:.,, ju^'. ■ 'y all nations. The various exhaustive trials to whicli it has been exposed since its presenta- tion to the Array and Navy Departments of the United States and the triumphant results are significant evidence of the value of the improved Gardner in the eyes of experts, and the manufacturers look with confi- dence to a similar or better result wherever tested. It is claimed for this gun, as now improved, that in simplicity, durability and lightness it is unequaled by any other gun of a similar character ; also, that it can be turned with much more ease. The original gun was invented by William Gardner, of Toledo, Ohio, in 1874. In the following year arrangements for the construction of the Gun were made with the Pratt & Whitney Co., and the fii'st gun was carefully tested by the Ordnance Board U. S. Navy at the LI. S. Navy Yard, Washington city, in November, 1875. There were present on this occasion Commodore Jeffeis, Chief of Ordnance U. S. Navy, and General Benet, Chief of Ordnance U. S. Army. In this trial the system was greatly commended. Since then the feeding apparatus has been greatly improved by adopting the one now in use, the invention of Mr. E- G. Parkhurst, of the Pratt & Wliitney Co., which is very simple and efficient. The system of swinging levers (known as the Gardner System), tliat transfer the cartridge from the feed guide to the perforated plate, with the help of gravity, have been superseded by a system that positively carries the cartridge to its place, and retains the shell in position until it is ejected. With these improve- ments, the gun was again presented to the Naval board at Washington, for trial .lune 17, 1879, the official report of which is appended. This report gives no miss-fires, six failures of one lock to extract cartridge shells ; perfect working of the other lock during the trial. The recent introduction of an extractor, that has a positive movement, and will in TO ACCOMPANY ORDHANCB NOTES No. 12 4. THE GARDNER SYSTEM. 339 all cases remove the shell, has strengthened the only weak point that was developed by the trial above referred to, and has made the gun reli- able and worthy of confidence in all respects. This gun possesses every qualitj' desirable in a machine gun, namely : lightness, strength, sim- plicity and durability, ready accessibility to all the working parts, an in- dependent feed for each barrel and adaptation to firing one or more barrels at will. The gun can be arranged for any calibre of small arm, or can}' length of barrel. As improved, it works perfectly, and com- mends itself to the critical examination and consideration of all govern- ments. In the present system of springs for locks, the tension is entirely taken from the springs at each discharge of the gun, the firing pins and springs are relieved from unnecessary atrain, the crank can be revolved without compressing the mainsprings, and ammunition can be run through the gun without being tired. DESCRIPTION. The Improved Gardner Gun, as shown on tripod and carriages, con- sists of two simple breech loading rifled barrels, placed parallel to each other, about 1.4" apart, in a case or covipartment. These two barrels are loaded, fired and relieved of shells by one revolution of the hand- crank. The working of the gun is simple. One man inserts the heads of cartridges projecting from a feed block into the feed-guide, drawing the block from the cartridges ; another man turns the crank, by which the gun is fired, and as the cartridges disappear down the feed-guide, their places are supplied from another block ; in this manner the firing may be made continuous. The barrels are open from end to end, and chambered at the rear to admit a flanged center-fire metallic cartridge. The barrels are firmly screwed into a rear barrel ring, which is pinned fast to the rear case, and the muzzles pass through another similar ring called /row^ barrel ring, which is fitted into the front case and made fast with a taper pin. The rear case extends from rear barrel ring far enough to contain all lock parts, together with the driving crank and safety stop. A swinging cover, hinged at forward end of case, is firmly locked in position by a cascabel having a screw thread cut on its stem that enters the rear case. When the cover is raised, which can be quickly done after turning back the cascabel, all the working parts of 3-iO AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. the o-un are fully exposed; and should an accident occur, like the burst- ing of cartridge heads, or derangement of locks, the trouble can be in- stantly discovered, and as quickly remedied. The hand-crank that operates the gun is pinned fast to the 7nain craji/c, which is supported by journal boxes. The boxes are locked into the rear case, and serve as a protection to the swinging cover from side thrusts. The body of main crank is circular, having journals, or crank pins, for operating the locks, diametrically opposite each other (tlie firing being alternate) and eccen- tric enough to give the required motion to the locks as they are moved forward and back, driving iu cartridges and withdia^ving sliells. The outer portion of crank pins or journals are flattened to the circle of the peiiphery of main crank for the purpose of holding the lock stationaiy while firing, about one-fifth part of the revolution of hand-crank, and allowing ample time for hang fires. The lock in form resembles the let- ter U, having an extension from its side, which contains the firinff pin, main (spiral) spring, sector or spring compressor, sector-sleeve, extractor, and lock head, The U part of the lock, that works under and around the crank pin, is carved at the inner front to correspond with the outer circle of the crank; the office of the curved front being to hold the lock in position for firing. The circular firing pin is flattened a portion of its length near the front end, to allow it to pass under the extractor by which it is held in position. It extends from the head of the lock, through the mainspring and sector-sleeve, terminating in a flange or head, for locking into the sear. The sear, having the form of a bell crank, pivoted in the center to the lock, holds the firing pin securely, and prevents it from touching the cartridge until it is released from its hold by the action of the crank journal when the lock is in its extreme forward position. The sector or spring compressor, hinged in a recess of the lock, and engaging by means of gear teeth with the sector-sleeve, has its arm forced against the safety stop as the main crank advances, thus compress- ing, through the medium of the sector-sleeve, the main spring, and hold- ing it tense until released by action of the sear. The lock heads serve as breech plugs, and receive the recoil when the cartridges are fired. Each lock carries a hook extractor, which rides over and catches the flange of the cartridge, when the lock is forced forward, and when the lock retreats, withdraws the empty shell until it THE GARDNER SYSTEM. 341 comes within reach of the ejector, by which it is positively thrown out. Tlie sliell starters have a positive movement in connection with the lock liead. Should the cartridge be driven by the extractor, into the barrel, to Its head, (as is the case when the gun is worked rapidly,) before the lock is in firing position, it is forced from the chamber by the shell starter as the lock advances, and is held long enough for the extractor to engage with the head, when the lock, extractor, and cartridge are driven home together. The ejectors, hinged to the case, are driven by projections on the sides of the locks which give them positive movements to eject the empty shells. They also serve as stops to prevent the cartridges from falling through the perforated plate as they are forced down through the feed- valve. The perforated plate extending across the rear case, to which it is fastened by a pin, has two parallel semi-circular grooves, which are en- larged extensions of the chambers in barrels. From the back part of the groove, slots large enough to pass freely the cartridges, (being wider at the rear, behind the ejecto]-, than at the front,) are cut downward through the plate. When the retractor has drawn the shell back nearly to the extent of the throw of the crank, the ejector forces the shell through the slot, and is then in position to receive another cartridge from the feed plate or valve. The feed valve, attached to the swinging- cover, has a reciprocating motion across the perforated plate. It has two angular openings, of the size and shape of the outline of the car- tridge, with centers equidistant with centers of barrels. After a car- tridge has dropped one-half its diameter into the valve, it is forced by the action of the latter into its true position, and held positively against the cartridge stipport. When the valve is again moved back, the car- tridge is forced downward into the perforated plate, and the column of cartridges is cut off in the swinging cover feed-ways, which are exten- sions of the feed guide., that is located above and in line with the per- forated plate. The feed valve is driven by the feed plate lever ; this also is attached to the swinging cover and is operated by the locks, using about one- eighth the stroke of the crank in its forward motion, thereby giving the valve ample time to hold both cartridge and shell down in position as they move in and out from the barrel. The feed guide is a simple plate 342 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL AKMS. having two parallel T-grooves, extending from end to end, their centers equidistant with the centers of the barrels. The upper end of the guide has a trumpet-shaped mouth, to facilitate the entrance of the cartridge heads. The lower end is provided with a cartridge stop, which lifts all cartridges contained in the guide when it is taken out from the swinging cover by which it is supported. The guide is held fast in firing position by a spring catch. It can be quickly released, by drawing back the spring catch by pressure on its exposed arm. In placing the guide in position, the si)ring catch becomes self-acting. These operations require but one hand, leaving the other free to place the safety-stop arm in po- sition. The safety-stop is an oblong block having an angular face, against which the arm of the sector in the lock may engage when the locks are moved forward by the crank. It is held in position bj' two links which are moved by an arm that is pinned fast to a shaft passing through the rear case, to the outer end of which is pinned the stop arm. This arm is constructed in the form of a hand crank, having a stop spin- dle placed in its handle, behind the shoulder of which is placed a spiral spring that forces the spindle out from the arm into the stop holes, two in number, in the rear case. When the stop spindle is in the upper hole, the arm is in line with barrels, the safety stop is thrown within reach of the sector-arm by which the mainsprings are compressed, and tlie gun is in tiring position. When the spindle is in the lower hole the stop is carried forward out of the way of the sector-arm, and in no case can the springs be compressed while the safety-stop arm is down. LOADING AND FIRING. The commands of the oiEcer in charge of the gun are — I., Load ; II., Fire ; III., Cease firing. At the command load, No. 1 steps to the gun, sees that it is properly pointed, then takes hold of the cascabel knob with his left, and the crank handle with his right hand. No. 2 steps forward, places feed guide, sees that safety-stop arm is in firing position. No. 3 steps forward, hands a block of cartridges to No. 2, who takes them in his left hand, inserts the cartridge head into the trumpet mouth of feed guide, steadying the block cover with his right hand as he forces the cartridges down the guide, until the cover is removed, when he pulls the block i'rom the car- tridges with a quick motion, throwing aside Ijoth block and cover. At THE GAKDNER SYSTEM. 343 the command fire, No. 1 turns the crank with a steady motion. No. 2 in- serts the cartridges into the feed-guide, No. 3 hands the cartridges to No, 2. The cartridges may be taken fjom haversacks or from limber, using the fourth man to pass cartridges to No. 3. In this manner an un- broken fire is maintained for almost any length of time. At the com- mand, cease firing, No. 2 takes out feed guide, puts safety stop arm down ; No. 1 continues to turn crank until all the cartridges are out (in no case can there be more than 4), No.1 and No. 2 and No. 3 return to their original positions, which will be dependent upon the field tac- tics of the nation using the gun. TO DISMOUNT THE GUN. 1st. Unscrew cascabel far enough to relieve breech cover, swing over the same until it rests on barrel case. This will expose all working parts of the gun. 2nd. Drive out the pins that hold front and rear barrel rings : Force forward by the locks moved by the crank (using a shell or other article to lengthen the locks) the rear barrel ring into the enlarged part of the case. This will carry the barrels and front ring into such a position that they can be easily removed by hand, and the barrels be unscrewed from rear ring with a socket wrench. (In replacing the barrels in the ring, see that it is done according to the number on each, for the extractor recesses in the barrels are unlike.) 3d. Take out ejectors by the knobs on their pins. 4th. Drop safety arm out of firing position. Caution. — This safety arm should in all cases be "down," except in actual firing. It is a sure preventive of accidents in careless handhng of ammunition, also a relief for firing pins, and mainsprings. 5th. Take crank handle with right hand, turn main crank nearly to the top of U part of lock, grasp the lock at the small part, with the left hand, raise the front end enough to clear perforated plate, make a slight backward movement of lock with the hand crank, at the same time raise forward end until it swings clear of safety stop ; this will allow the U part of lock to clear the crank. In returning locks to place, have crank uppermost, keep steady with right hand, place U part of lock over crank, and drop the lock into place. 6th. Grasp the crank and journal box with the right hand, the op- 344 AMEEICAN BKEliCH-LOADtNG SMALL ARJJS. posite journal box with the left hand, and raise them with the main crank, out of the recesses in the case. To remove the jouinal boxes from the crank, drive out the pins that hold hand crank and left hand box to the crank gudgeons, and remove by hand. 7th. Drive out the pin that holds the perforated plate to the case, move back and raise the plate. 8th. Turn out from the bottom of the case the screw that holds the cocking cam, and lift out the latter. Drive out the taper pin that holds the safety stop arm on the shaft, take out the shaft from the case, draw back and remove the safety stop. S -") lllltl'M TO ACCOMPANY OKDHANCBJ NOTES No. 124. THE GARDNER SYS 1 EM. 345 REPORT OF TRIAL AT WASHINGTON NAVY YARD. Okdnakce Office, Navv Yard, Washington, D. C, June 24, 1879. SiE: In obedience to your order of the IGtli instant, convening a Board to condnct tlie ex- periments with tlie Gardner Machine Gun and Cartridges, presented liy 1\ A. I'ratt, E,s(j., we have the honor to report as follows : The gun arrived at the Yard on tlie 16th June, and on the same day a careful examination of it was made by the Board, the gun being taken entirely to jiieccs, and its mechanism and worlty shell is thrown out of the gun, after having been talrn fom the barrel by the extractor. Hardened steel pieces have been introduced into the cams, and also in the locks when they take against the cams. The trial of the gun took place on the 1 7th in.st., ten thousand rounds being fired : The car- tridges used (brass shell with reinforced folded head ; outside primed ; weight of ball four hun- dred and fifty grains ; weight of powder charge seventy grains) were those of caliber .50, manufactured at Bridgeport, Conn., by the " Union Metallic Cartridge Co.'' The accompany- ing record shows in detail the working of the gun, and gives a full account of tlie experiments made ; the maximum number of shots fired in one minute ; all stoppages, their causes ; and tlie condition of the gun at different times during, and at the conclusion of the firing. The gun was not provided with spare locks or any other spare parts for use in case of failure or accident. The only circumstance, however, which interfered to prevent the completely suc- cessful working of the gun, occurred after four thousand six hundred and fifty charges had been fired, when the extractor of the right lock failed to extract an empty shell from the right hand barrel. Several similar failures occurring in quick succession, and there being no spare lock to replace this one, it was found necessary to take it out and stiffen the extractor, and also file its hook slightly. After this had been done, the experiments were continued, and the re- mainder of tbr ammunition was fired without any further trouble, the gun working perfectly in every respect. The ease with which this gun is worked deserves special notice. The crank is turned with little effort, and the speed of firing is only dependent upon the rapidity with which the person turning it can make his hand revolve. The jacket covering the barrels, while it would act as a good protector in case of rough usage, has some disadvantages ; the principal of which is in its confinement of the heat when the gun is being worked. It should be perforated to allow the free access of air to the barrels, and should also be fitted so that it could be readily removed if required. 44 346 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS As tlie gun is at present, it is necessary to take out all of its ^^'orking parts before the barrels can liC removed. 'J'lie liarrels should be fitteil so tliat they could be removed from the guii withuut interfering witli any other parts of its niachiner)'. The gun is exctcdinghj simple in device and lig/tt in construction, weighing, with its tripod, tn-o hundred and one pounds, and without the tripod, one hundred and forty-seven pounds. The cartridges come from the Cartridge Company iu wooden boxes, each containing one thousand rounds put up in paper boxes, twenty cartridges in a box. They were liere trans- ferred to the wooden feeding blocks, with tin covers, peculiar to tlie Gardner sy,stem. The space occupied Ijy a tliousand cartridges thus put was to the space occupied liy the same num- ber in the paper boxes, nearly iu the ratio of nine to seven, increasing the weiglit of one thou- sand cartridges, exclusive of weight of wooden packing boxes, by fourteen pouuds. All of the faults noted in the gun were those of construction ; and the general results of the cxperi- ' ments were highly satisfactory in every respect. We are, sir, your obedient servants, H. L. HOWISON, Commander, U. S. N. R. I). HITCHCOCK, Lieutenant, U .S. N. T. C. McLEAN, Lieutenant, U. S. N. To Commoilore WILLIAM N. JEFFERS, Ciiief of Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department. Note. — All alterations suggested in this report have Ijeen made, with such additional im- provements iu the extracting mechanism as will overcome all difficulties. TO ACCOMPANY OHDKAJffOB NOTES No. 12 4. PLATE I. -e .K» s s K Cb ? ^ « < 3 6? S •^ k ^ ,a f-1 S Q ^ ^ f^< .i^ o ^ «| ^ .^ ^ to t^ ^ ^-T 1 1 t ' J i / 1 •1.. ♦ • ; '•• *4 ^ ^•^ 7-^^- .• . , — \ — • , • • • • t3i1ztl -it^rtii^ 1 -+~^'-tJL!tt" ' -^ i-..;.v. - 1 1 1"" ' -^H— '^ ST^nr " it .••••• *_^_^ tiii^^iL iirs^'- ^K'- • 1 m 5L4^°^T^""^ J^lc-'^'^tD — uJ^ -kV^^+-i— i^ « 1 p • . - i ■ 1 — * — i — 1 i » i [~ 1 ^ijnzti "2 <& V Is THE GAUDNEK SYSTEM. 347 RECORD OP FIRING OE THE GARDNER BATTERY GUN, WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, JUNE 17, 1879. REMARKS. The gun was mounted on its tripod, thirty feet from the butt, and laid level. Mr. F. A. Pratt, assisted bj- Messrs. Saundei-s and Wljitney, repre- sented the propjrietors of the gun, The mechanism of the gun was explained, and the locks were taken out and lightly lubricated with tallow. Two hundred cartridges were fired at the rate of 429 per minute. Mr. Whitney at the crank, and Mr. Saunders feeding. The gun was then examined and found to be in good condition. The ammunition in two boxes was placed on the ground, at the left of the gun. One thousand cartridges were fired in three minutes, forty-one sec- onds, which is at the rate of 271 per minute. One ordnance man was at the crank, and two ordnance men were feeding. All parts worked smoothly. The gun had a slight motion in a vertical plane, owing pjrincipally to the working of the feet of the tripod. There was no perceptible motion in a horizontal plane. The barrel cover was quite hot. The small amount of fouling on the locks and extractors was kept soft by the tallow. An ammunition box was placed on the ground to the left of the gun. Two ordnance men were feeding, and Mr. Saunders was at the crank ; 431 cartridges were fired in one minute. The bairel cover was very hot, and a cartridge taken from the right barrel was too hot to be held in the hand. The fouling of the locks and extractors was light and soft. The bar- rels were ruoderately foul. Owing to the limited number of feeding blocks, there was some delay in prepjaring ammunition for continuance of trial. Commenced firing, with the intention of firing 5,000 cart- ridges without stopping. The ordnance men relieving at the crank, and two feeding from am- munition boxes on the ground to tlie left of the gun. 348 AMERICAN BREECH-LOADING SMALL ARMS. Fired 3,019 cai-tridges in eight minutes, tliirty .seconds, which is at the rate of 365 per minute. A cartridge failed to extract from the right l)arrel when the men were changing at the crank. Backed out the cartridge with a cleaning rod. Examinations made of extractor. Dehiy of one minute, twenty-five seconds. Cartridge failed to extract from the right barrel, and was backed out as before. One bundled and three cartridges v.'eie fired in fifteen seconds. Delay, one minute, sixteen seconds. Cartridges failed to extract from right barrel after firing 259 in forty-two seconds, which is at the rate of 370 per minute. Tlie locks were taken out and the extractors carefully examined. The extractor hooks were in good condition, but the shank of the right extractor seemed less stiff than that of the left one. The extractor re- cess in the barrel, and the grooves in the locks for the extractor shanks were only moderately foul. Tlie barrels were very foul. As each failure had occurred with the right extractor, it was evident that the ammunition was not at fault, and it was decided to go on with the trial. Fired 694 cartridges in one minute, forty-two seconds, which is at the rate of 408 per minute. Cartridge failed to extract from right barrel. Thoroughly cleaned the extractor recess in right barrel. Delay, one minute, three seconds. In one minute and live seconds, fired 420 cartridges at the rate of 388 jjer minute. Cartridge failed to extract from right barrel. Cleared out the chamber of right barrel. Delay, fifty-three seconds. In one minute, twenty seconds, fired 430 cartridges at the rate of 323 per minute. Cartridge failed to extract from right barrel. Delay, forty-five seconds. In eight seconds, fired seventy-five cartridges at the rate of 563 per minute. Total time of firing 5,000 cartridges, twenty-five minutes, fifty-three seconds. Time including delay for examination of locks and extractors at eleven hours, forty-six seconds, nineteen minutes, one second. TO ACCOMPANY OBDliAKCB NOTES No. 12 4. PLATE II THE GAEDNEK SYSTEM. 349 Longest deliij' (except that at eleven liours, forty-six minutes, sixteen seconds,) one minute, twenty-five seconds. The gun was carefully examined. The l)arrels were very foul and very hot. The cover or jacket I'or the barrels was also very hot, charring paper and pine splinters. The working parts were moderately foul, but in excellent working order, with the exception of the right extractor, which appeared to have not enough stiffness in the shank. Permission was given to the exhib- itors to take out the locks and put the right extractor in working order. The hook of the right extractor was filed slightly, and the shank was bent in a little more toward the lock. Gave the ordnance men their noon hour. Two thousand cartridges were fired in one series for rapidity. Before commencing the firing the jacket for the barrels was still too warm to be borne by the hand. Three ordnance men at the crank and two feeding. At one hour, twenty-four minutes, twenty seconds, there was a delay of eight seconds owing to awkwardness of the men feeding. In five minutes, sixteen seconds (excluding the eight seconds delay), 2,000 cartridges were fired at the rate of 380 per minute. One hundred cartridges were fired for lapidity in eleven seconds, which is at the rate of 545 per minute. Mr. Wliitney was at the crank, and two ordnance men were feeding. About two quarts of water were poured through the barrels, which were then swabbed out, and the gun moved to the sea wall, where it was mounted on its tripod, and depressed to an angle of twenty-nine degrees. Witir two ordnance men feeding and one at the crank, 430 cartridges were fired in one minute ; gun in good condition and working smoothly. With three ordnance men at the crank and two feeding, using the full traverse motion, in two minutes, fourteen seconds, 839 cartridges were fired at the rate of 376 per minute. The gun was carefully examined, and found in good working condition. The barrels were very foul and very hot, hut the working parts ivere only moderately foul and worked as smoothly as at the beginning of the trial. During the whole of the trial a light breeze blowing across the line of fire (from right to left) carried the smoke clear of the men serving the mm. ■ Ten thousand cartridges were fired during this trial. 350 AMEKICAN BEEECH-LOADING SMALL AEMS. ORDNANCE NOTES.— NO. 124. Washikgton, Makcii 17, 1880. GARDNER MACHINE GUN. [6 Plates.] TRIAL OP THE GAKDXEE MACHINE GUN BY THE OKDNANCE BOAKD, U. S. A., COMPOSED OF LIEUTENANT-COLONELS S. CRISPIN AND T. G. BAYLOR AND MA.JOR CLIFTON COMLY", OKDNANCE DEPAKTMENT. Plate IV. The Gardner gnu, as submitted to the Board and as shown with its carriage on the drawings hereivith transmitted, consists of two hreech-loading rifled barrels, calibre .45, chambered for the service cartridge, placed horizontally and parallel, 1.4 inches apart, which with the working mechanism are inclosed in a brass casing. By one comidete turn of the hand crank both bar- rels are loaded, fired, and the shells ejected. The barrels are held in position by rear and front barrel rings pinned to the case. The casing extends sufficiently from the rear barrel ring to contain the lock mechanism, together with the driving cranl- and safely stop. A swinging cover, hinged immediately over the rear barrel ring, gives ea.sy access to all working parts of the gun in case of defective cartridges, derangements of locks, or other accident. The cover when closed is secured in position by a few turns of the cascabel, which for that purpose has a screw-thread cut on its neck or stem entering the rear of the case. The hand-crank that oper- ates the gun is pinned fast to the vtain aanh, which is supported by journal boxes. The boxes are locked into the rear case, and serve as a protection to the swinging cover from side thrusts. The body of the main crank is circular, having journals or crank-pins for operating the locks diametrically opposite each other— the firing being alternate — and eccentric enough to give the ret|uired motion to the locks as they are moved forward and back, driving in cartridges and withdrawing shells. The outer portion of the crank-pins or journals are flattened to the circle of the periphery of the main crank for the purpose of holding the lock stationary while firing, about one-fifth part of the revolution of hand-crank allowing times ior hang-Jires. The lock in form resembles the letter U, having an extension from its side, which contains the firing-pin main (spiral) spring, sector or spring-compressor, sector-sleeve, extractor, and lock-head. The U part of the lock that w orks under and around the crank-pin is curved at the inner front to cor- respond with the outer circle of the crank, the oflSce of the curved front being to hold the lock in po.sitiou for firing. The circular firing-pin is flattened a portion of its length near the front end, to allow it to pass under the extractor, by which it is held in position. It extends from the head of the lock through the mainspring and sector-sleeve, terminating in a flange or head for locking into the sear. The sear, having the form of a bell-crank, pivoted in the center to the lock, holds the firing-pin securely and prevents its forward motion until it is relea,sed from its hold by the action of the crank-journal when the lock is in its extreme forward position. The sector or spring-compressor, hinged in a recess of the lock and engaging by means of gear-teeth with the sector-sleeve, has its arm forced against the safety-stop as the main crank advances, thus compressing, through the medium of the sector-sleeve, the mainspring and hold- ing it tense until released by action of the sear. The lock-heads serve as breech-plugs, and receive the recoil when the cartridges are fired. Each lock carries a hook extractor, which rides over and catches the flange of the cartridge when the lock is forced forward, and when the lock retreats withdraws the empty shell until it comes within reach of the ejector, by which it is positively thrown out. The "shell starters have a positive movement in connection with the lock-head. Should the cartridge he driven by the extractor into the barrel to its head (as is the case when the gun is worked rapidly) before the lock is in firing position, it is forced from the chamber by the shell-starter as the lock advances and is held long enough for the extractor to engage with the head, when the lock, extractor, and cartridge are driven home tog:ether. The ejectors, hinged to the case, are driven by projections on the sides of the locks, which give them lateral movements to eject the empty shells, or full cartridges in case of miss-fires. They TO ACCOMPANY OKDliANCB NOTES No. 12 4, PLATE III. THE GAKDNEIi SYSTEM. 351 also serve as stops to prevent the cartridges from falling tlirougli the perforated ]jlate as they are forced donu through the feed valve. The perforated plate extending across the rear case, to uliicli it is fastened h}' a ]»in, lias two parallel semi-circular grooves, which are enlarged (.'icn^iuns of the chambers in tlie liarrels. From the hack part of the groove slots large enough to pass freely the cartridge (being wider at tlie rear hehiud the ejector tliau at the front) are cut downward tlirougli tlie ])late. Wlien the retractor lias drawn tiie sliell Ijack nearly to the e.xtent of tlie throw of the crank the ejector forces the sliell tlirougli the slot, and is then in position to receive another cartridge from the feed plate or valve. Tlie feed valve, attached to the swinging cover, has a reciprocating motion across the perforated jilate. It has two angular openings of the size and shape of the outline of the cartridge, witli centers equidistant with centers of the barrels. After a caitridge has dropped one-half its diameter into the valve it is forced by the action of the latter into its true position and held positively against the rarlridrje support. When the valre is again moved back the cartridge is forced downward into the perforated plate and tlie column of cartridges is cut off iu the swinging cover-feed ways, wliicli are e.xtentions of the/rc-t/ ijuide that is located aho^■e and in line with the perforated plate. The feed valve is driven by thefred plate lever. This also is attached to the swinging cover and is operated by the locks, using about one-eightli the .-itroke of the crank in its forward motion, thereljy giving the valve time to hold both cartridge and shell down in position as they move in and out from the barrel. The feed ijuide is a simple plate, having two parallel T grooves extending from end to end, their centers equidistant with the centers of the barrels Tlie upper end of the guide has a trumpet-shaped mouth, to facilitate the entrance of the cartridge heads. The lower end is pro-\ ided with a cartridge stop, which lifts all cartridges contained in the guide when it is taken out from the swinging cover hy which it is supported. The guide is held fast in firing position liy a spring catch. It can be quickly released by drawing hack the spring catch by pressure on its exposed arm. In placing the guide in position tlie sjiriug catch becomes self-acting. These operations require but one hand, leaving the other free to place the safety- stop arm in position. The safety-stop is an oblong block having an angular face, agaiii,st which the arm of the sector in the lock may engage when the locks are moved forward by the crank. It is held in position liv two links, which are moved by an arm that is pinned fast to a shaft passing through the rear case, to the outer end of which is pinned the stop-arm. This arm is constructed in the form of a hand crank, having a stop spindle placed in its handle, behind the shoulder of which is placed a spiral spring that forces the spindle out from the arm into the stop- holes, two in number, in the rear case. When the top spindle is in the upper hole the arm is in line with barrels, the safety-stop is thrown within reach of the sector arm, hy which ihe main- springs are compressed, and the gun is in firing position. When the spindle is in the lower hole the stop is carried forward out of the way of the sector arm, and in no case can the springs be compressed wdiile the safety arm is down The cartridges are contained in perforated wooden blocks (holding twenty each), channeled on the sides for receiving the fitted tin covers in the manner adapted to the Gardner gun. The cartridges thus arranged are simply and readily conveyed through the feed guider to the gun, and as the block is emptied before the cartridges previously inserted are expended a continuous fire can be sustained. In the service of the gun three men are required ; one at the lever and turning the crank, one inserting and withdrawing the cartridge blocks, the other in passing cartridges properly fitted in their blocks. Carriage. Plate V. The distincti^'e feature of the carriage lies in the bed-plate, with its arrangement for oscilla- tion, and in the manner of attaching or mounting the gun For the latter purpose the frame fitted to the bed-plate has at its forward portion a projecting arm {x) bored at the upper end for attachment hy an ordinary pinned hinge to the casing of the gun at a point just below the rear barrel rings The second attachment is at the rear of the casing by means of a sliding clamp to the elevating (and oscillating) lever, which in its turn is attached to the plate at the point (y). 352. AMEIUCAN BKEECH-LOADING SMALL AltJlS. Oscillation and Field of Fire. Plate V. The bed-plate holds a spriug (a, Fig. 1) by means of wliicli the oscillatiou of the gun can be increased or diminished, as follows : The lug e, Fig. 5, which governs tlie lateral motion of the gun, has a screw attached to the upj.er end, this screw passing tlirough to the rear of the bed- plate and arranged with an adjustable handle and staj-uut. When the lug is drawn by the screw to its rearmost point the lug enters tlie semi-circular notch c, Fig. 1, and side motion of the gun is checked; as the lug is pushed forward by running in the screw, the lever being worked from side to side, it strikes the sides of. the springs, (a, a,) the amplitude of the oscilla- tion increasing as the lug is pushed forward, until passing the spring it readies the circular cliaimel h, where it is checked by a stop-pin wheu the gun lias the full range of the liorizon. When in this position the lateral motion can be checked at any point liy using the clamp \i, Fig. 4, encircling the rim s, Fig. 1, which, being a part of the bed-jilate and attached to the car riage, is immovable. Results of FivLiHj. Twenty cartridges, fired for the purpose, gave an average initial velocity of 1,280 feet. A test for rapidity of fire gave an average of 357 per minute. Tlie target firing at targets of spruce boards, 11x52 feet, resulted as follows : At 200 yards, 98.20 per cent, of hits. At 500 yards, 92.20 per cent, of hits. At 1,000 yards, 62 per cent, of hits. There were no miss-tires, and the gun worked evenlv and well. TO ACOOMPANT ORUMAMOE NOTES No. 12 4 "* 1 — 1 1 3 © s L ! -:;---i :(^;: ) — — y & (Q) - J 5 © THE GARDNER ,SV&TEM. lU. ti<^n'lati< The trials of this gun at Sauily Hook lia\ hig sliowii it to be one of simple construction, easily niaiiiijulated, and of sure action, (though of less rapidity of tire than other niachlue guns hereto- fore testeil by the Board,) and in \ icw ot tlie fact lliat ils cost, foi- a machine gun, ^\ill be com- paratively light, the Board A\ould recummciid tlic ];nrchase liy the IJepartmeiit of a limited nniuher for actual trial in ser\ice, as compared to otlicr machine guns now in the hands of troops. Koinaittnltut' aj' ihc 1. Main case. '2. Breecdi (•o\cr. 'i. Breeidi co\i'r ]iin. 4, Breecii co\'er pin washer. 5. Cascabel. C. Cascabel screw. 7. Barrels. 8. Front barrel riiig. 9. Roar barrel ring 10. Rear barrel ring ])in. 11. Front barrel ring taper ]iin. 12. Main crank. 1.3. Main crank steel ])ieces. 14. Main crank steel pieces screws. 1.). Main crank journal Ijoxes 17. Hand ci'ani; 18. Hand craid; jiandle. 19. Hand crank handle spindle. 20. Hand crank handle spindle nut. 21. Hand crank tapei- pin. 22. Feed vaho. 2.3. Feed \"al\'e guiile. 24. Feed valve guide screws. 25. Feed valve lever. 20. I'Y'od valve lever slide. 27. Feed valve ]jivot screw. 28. Ferforated plate. 29 Ferforated plate taper jiin. .30. Ferforated ]jlate cartridge support. 31. Ferforated plate cart]'idge. support .screws. 32 Shell starters. 33. Shell starter pin. 34. Ejecto]'s. 35. Ejector ]iin. 30. Lock frame. 37. Lock frame head. 38. Lock frame truck. 39. Lock frame truck pin. 40. Lock frame sectors. 41. Lock frame .sector ]]in. 42. fjoelv frame sector sleeve. 45 (itirdlK:!- Gun. I. 43. Sear. 44. Seal' ]>in. 45. Scar sjii'Ing. 40. Scar spi'iiig pin. 47. Sector sloji pin. 48. Firing j>in. 49. Mainspi'ing. 50. Fxtractojs. 51. Extractor pin. 52. Safety stop. 53. Safet}' stop link. 54. Safety sto]i link ]iin. 55. Safety slop lexer. 50. Safety sto]j shaft. 57. Safety stop shaft taper jiiu. 58. Safety sto]) arm. 59. Safety stop arm stop. to. Safety st0]i arnj s1o]i head. 01. Safety stop arm stop spiing. 02. Safety stop arm .'itop head ]iin. 03. Cocking cam. 04. Front sight. 05. Rear sight bar. 00. Rear sight guide. 07. liear sight ]>inio]n 08. Rear sight jiinion head. 09. ]!ear sight ]jinion bead ])in. 70. Rear sight guide screws. 71. Rear sight tei:sion spring. 72. Feed guide. 73. Feed guide catch. 74. Feed guide catch jiin. 75. Feed guide cattli s]iriiig. 70. Feed guide cartridue stop. 77. Feed guide cartridge sto]. ]iiu 78. Feed guide cartridge stoji slide, 79. Feed guide cartridge st.ip slide s]irii g. 80. Feed guide cartridge stop slide ]iin. Weight of gun, 142 pounds. Weight of gun and carriage, 502 pounds No. 1. Total number of liits on target, 491. ■BBBBSBBZBEBBBBflBBBBBiBBBBBBBBBBaBBBBBBBBBBBnaBHBBI ■BBBSSflBBSBBBSBBBBBiBBBBBBEBBBBBBHBBaBBSBDBBSIQHaBBI BBBBiBPSe»5^KZBBESa!aHRBB9BBBBBDBH(fDgHnKH»QaDg»^BHBBBI ■BBHBieBaSR^anflBBnBinflBaBflXIIBiaBMmBNBBnEKS^fS^tflBnHaBI ■BBBBBBBSNSBaBaHBKHBBBBBBBEHBIEBBllBnHBIiana^SBDaBIBBaBL. ■BBBBBBDIIBSRHBnEBBBDHDaBKHHOIiaBllliaHHHBflflBBnaBIIBBBHBBI Distance, 200 yards. Wind, thirteen miles an hour. N No. 2. Total inimher of hits on tarqet, 461. EnBflBIBHSMBBnHDHaiatflBHHflHBHBBeiHI&BBiRaHESHBHaHBHHHHBfllBHHBB ■BBBI BBHBBB5(QBREaBKDnBBDHBBBBBBBBflHBBHB^HIinHBtgBBBaaBBBBBa BBUKHk!BnHMB«iHBHHflBHBBBBBBDBBBBnHBaHnBaBBBBBBBBBBBflB BBEBIIBnClBBBHBBBIiBBBBBKBBBHBHnR^aiBBEIBHHHBBOIBBaSBBBBB BBBaBEBBWBHBBBBBBBBBBBnBKBBBBBHIiPBgBWHBBBaBBBBWBBBBB ® ttV-c^.iLT WT »\,A<.teT v;r Distance, 500 yards. M Wind, seven miles an hour. ^ No. 3. Total numher of jjits on target, 2tj0. ■BBHBBiBBBBBEBBBMiBBaBaBBBBBaHB HBaBBBHBBBBBBHBBBBBBBB i ■BBBBBBHBBBBaBBBHBaBBaHBBHaBBSiflBBBBBBSBSSllBBBSflflBBB !iSEiSSiSSSiaiB"^""H""»BiBBBS5BBflB&BBfl"SSBBBBB^SBBBB SS!S959EBSiBi3!iS!SiiBBHBB»BBnHBanSSBBBBBiBHBBBBflBBB SSSSBS9iSEB£iSBSBBBB!9iiBBH"""HBBBH""HBaBB3BBBoBBBBB S99EiSiESSiiEBHBBHBBBBBBHBBBBBBBBBBBiiBiifliBBiBiBBB3 S9E§i9i599iiH"B"B"""BIVHHnBHBBHBHnfl3iBBEiBSBEMSB8BBB BBBBBBBaBBBBBBaaBBBBBBBBBBBBHBaBBBBBBBBSi BSSSBESSSSS • O^RL^T \\\T . © ^\\CCjt,\\uT VWT. Distance, 1,000 yards. Wind, three miles an h our. \ TARGET RECORD OF THE IMPROVED GARDNER BATTERY GUN-Cal. 45, As tested liy tlie U. S. Ordnance Durcaa at Sandy IIoolc, N. J., Jan. 15, 1880. t " ■? — IT, — ' ^2.= '^' - ' Q P .1 S gits g?;3 t_ — ^ — |_L — ►_! ^^ |_t ^_ ^^ ^ M h-h- M h-- C pTp -'p p pj (B p p y psccsacBBs El ';5 ^i 'iS '-5 ':i 'i -i -i -i ^i o':S'i'i«!i'i'i-i'i ■ X ^-^ X X X 'X X X 'X X (Xj iX X X. X. X "' ">^ X '-' (X CC X X- X- X Xj X X Xj c ! " — S -' 5" ^"' ^ Ko. of carl ridges iired. ^^-^^-^^^^^^ WWWWCdCCbSWWW Ut aq a^ (n 09 oq oq (r; (It 05 c^:;occcocoo '-l-I'-i'-i-i'-ti-j-^i-iT c+^r+crrcTirT-rTirTc+r-fcT- '-Si-J'-!'-:-!'-!'-)'-!-^"! n? '/I n> "-i o o r-. n. ^-o-d-D-aTT'cun'O -rt ■O'a-O'OtS'D'O'^ re ^ re re re re re fT' re 1 rr" tr o re re re re re re re ^. Wtrtr'^t^^W |_;.rere T ;_;a |_.re 'Ct:[l;p'Cp'^^ ; p p2 P " re if' \ "' '£^v> 'L."- %''■ ri: frt ct re f2.t"ro re ^^ — re ^re -- ■ Average, 12G1.5. j^ vera„e, 121iij.;i. ■2.<- a p a fi: p ft C re .-.« -^ ^ ^ S .^ 3 -■ P V- c o I-, -• E. — f »- h- re "- ., 5^ '^ P ■ E; a : re "^ r-' "J- ^.J- 2505 is = o = : ; M s ^ w a;_ w a c" 5= ^ : t= ??!I C ;i S. = == : -j" a ; a ^ = ^ • ; P 7^'-. 3^2 ■ = H.^-^ Ki re oq r' re C- ^ C &.S , re |-^ -^: re it = re : K-2.312 . i- o S. S !^- -* ^ ; c."(T3 o c £ : t3 H O G O Pi H I— ( I— ( <; o i D.KING. PHILD.I79J ci O o c CIIAPTEIt XIII. HEAVY OKDNANCE— WEST POINT FOUNDRY— SOUTH BOSTON IRON COMPANY. The nianufiicture of ordnance to any extent in the United States dates back to about the period of the Revolution ; previous to that time such small cannon as were in use on the forts were brouglit over from England, Holland and France. The first positive evidence of the cast- ing of cannon for the Provinces was the manufacture \)j Henry Leonard at his foundry in Lynn, Mass., as early as 1647 ; in 16-18 there is also a record of the casting of iron and brass cannon at Orr's Foundry, at Bridgewater. Tlie Hope Furnace was established in 1735 in Rhode Island. In 1739 the following pieces of ordnance were ordered from England for the fortification of New York : Fifteen 32- pounders, twenty-four 18 pounders, nine 12-pounders, ten 9-pounders, eighteen G-pounders. • In 177.5 sixty heavy cannon were ordered by the State of Rhode Island and were cast at the Hope Foundry. In 1776 the Board ordered cast either of bronze or iron, six 6-i)0unders, six 12-pounders, four eight-inch howitzers, four six-inch howitzers, six Coehorn mortars. The heaviest guns used at this period were 18-pounders. Foundries were established for casting cannon in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania ; Daniel Joy of Reading, Pa., turning out one 9-poundev daily. In Salis- bury, Conn., the Committee of Safety expended £1,450, in fitting up a furnace to cast cannon and shot, employing fifty nine men where guns were made from 4 to 32-pounders, and mostly supplied to the navy. In 1776 Silas Deane as agent for the Provincial Government purchased in Fi-ance two hundred brass cannon, and twenty-four mortars ; at about the same period the Massachusetts Committee of Safety resolved "that £43 Is. lOd. be paid in full to Preserved Clap ; and whereas said Clap says that he has invented a machine for boring cannon, therefore, re- solved that if said Clap will exhibit a plan or model to Hugh Orr, Esq., and a committee, if satisfactory will grant adequate pay." 353 HEAVY ORDNANCE. In 1794 an estimate was submitted by General Knox, Secretary of War, for the casting of two hundred camion for the fortifications of tiie United States at a cost of #06,745, 82-poundeis to be nine feet six inches in length from the hind part of the bore ling to the extremity of tlie muzzle, with a total weight of 5,£00 pounds ; 24-pounders, length nine feet, and weight 5,000 pounds. The same for tlie navy, eight feet, with a weight of 4,500 pounds. A contract Avas also made with the Hope Furnace ''for 34-inch cannon to carry a 32-pound hall at the cost of 8106.66 for every ton weight of said cannon as the same shall wei'di when bored. The cannon to be cast solidly with a sjiruce liead of metal of at least 500 pounds weight, and to be bored out with machineiT, each cannon to be proved by U\o successive discharges." In 1790 one William Denning made wiought iron cannon of iron staves, liooped like a barrel, with wrought iron bands firmly bound together and then boxed and breeched ; one of these guns captured by the English may l)e seen in the Tower of London. Tlie only authentic piece of ordnance of these early dates, now in existence in this country, is a small Howitzer made by Daniel King, 68 South Fiont street, Phila- delphia, 1793, and of this through the couilesy of Capt. J. G. Butlei', Ordnance Department, an illusti'ation is lieiewith given. Several of these guns may Ije seen at the Watei'vliet Arsenal, West Tio}', N. Y. They are supposed to liave been ordered by Gen. Anthony Wayne for special purposes. In 1795 Secretary of War Pickeiing authoi'ized the seeming of the services of experienced iron founders from abroad, and the following estimate was made as to the cost of 1,300 cannon : One hundred 32-pounders, 1420 each, |42,000 Two hundred 24-pounders, 350 each, 72,000 Two hundred 18-pounders, 318 each, . .... 63,600 Three hundred 12-pounders, 211 each, 63,000 Three hundred 9-pounders, 140 each, 42,000 Two hundred 6-pounders, 130 each, 26,000 $308,900 By this time foundries were established in nearly all tlie States and actively at work turning out small calilire guns. In 1798 a bill was offered in Congress for the estal)lishment of a national foundry for can- non, and the President was authorized to take or lease one or more jiiiAVi: (juDXA.NCic. 3,59 suitable places for the purpose. In 1811 The Coiuniittec of Con- gress on aims, ammunition, etc., leported " the foundries in Rliotle Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, District of Columl)ia, etc., as havnig arrived at perfection, the art of boring cannon being so well understood that our inspector of artillery has declared to the world ' he never was compelled to reject a gun on account of a defect in the bore, although he examined upwaids of two thousand cannon of different calibres.' " An estimate was made that it would cost 130,000 to establish a national foundry at Washington, but the successful woiking of the various private foundi-ies established at heav}' cost prevented an}' ac- tion being taken. In this same year the Congressional Committee le- ported that the government had on hand, 4ti2 Ijrass jiieces : 1,870 iron jjieces, of which 201 were 2-1-pounders, and 277 were 32-pounders ; 46,(]77 grape strapped and canister shot of all sizes ; 217,652 cannon balls of various sizes ; 378,719 pounds of giape shot; 486,064 pounds of pow- der. In 1812 the Board of Ordnance was established, and in 1816 the Navy Department made contracts with the foundries to secure supplies for eight guns with the assurance that said foundries should have peima- nent work. In 1816 a contract was made with John Mason to supply thirty-two 42-pounders at $12.5 per ton ; thirty-six 32-pouiiders at $135 per ton ; twenty-four 32-carronades at $135 eacli ; 130 tons round shot, five cents per pound ; 60 tons grape shot eight cents per pound ; this contract to include turning and chiseling at $8 per ton. In 1818 Col. Bomford, Chief of Ordnance made a contract with R. L. Stevens of Hoboken, N. J , for 2,000 elongated thells, the manufact- ure of the shells to be a secret between said Stevens and the Secretary of Navy. At about this time brass cannon were made at the Govern- ment Arsenal, Watervliet. In 1819 foundries were established in Ariel Co., Maryland, near Washington, and at Richmond, Va , with a capacity of three hundred pieces of artillery a year. In 1825 experiments weie made in London with steam artillery, invented by Jacob Perkins, an .American, with a I'esult showing the discharge of balls at the rate of 1,000 per minute, iron targets shattered to atoms, and eleven planks each one inch thick placed at a distance from each other were pierced by balls fired in this manner, but no practical result has ever been arrived at. At the com- q o 'fi 'Tj xTa K p a:> hj "^ < ^ \^ o r' < bo 2; !C -V* r~i 3 Ph -u (■-^, IX' CD fe ^ Ph O ^ o o Q pi^ ^z; ^' ^ f<5 ^ 6 O ^ r; O o ^ Q fe CD H J ■4^ 3 & 'o CD s Ph o Tj 55 r^ l-H t> 1 — 1 fi ci <; O CD Ph hj -+^ ti tS o CD W -t~i w O m HEAVY ORDNANCE. .^Gl cdinineuceiiiciit of the late war tliere weix- in the possession of the War IJepai-tnient 1,0.32 pieces of siege and cf)ast ai-lilJeiy of all ealil.res, 2^1 pieces of ficlil ai-tilleiy. The iN'avy Dei.artment had on Jiand 2,066 guns of all calilircs, of which 1,872 \\-ere o2-pounders of different patterns, 107 12-pomiy the Ordnance Bureau in the srdgect at the present time is clearly indicated by the following extracts from tlie reports of the Chief of Ordnance : lleport of Chief of Orrhunce, 1873. " liJ my last report attention was specially invited to the alisolute i;ecessity of provision beinj)- made for the armament of onr sea const defenses. The inipurtancc of the subject increases with the earnest and continued efforts on the part of all nations not only to improve tlie (piality of their guns, Ijut in providing in quantities those th.at have given Ijest results in experimental trials. Large grain powder for heavy guns was first adopted by this Department in 1861, at a time when other nations continued the use of small grain. This great improvement in the mode of manufacture ivas tlie result of careful .study and experiment by the late Gen. Rodman, who succe.ssfuUy u.sed it in his first 1 5-inch gun. This and his invention of " perforated cake " powder, Avhich has been adopted by and is now in use in both Russia and Germany, and the " pebble " powder similar to our " mammoth " adopted by England, created that revolution in the manu- facture of gunpowder, based upon purely scientific principles of eondrastion and evolution of gases, that has enaliled all nations to increase the size of their ordnance." Report of Cliief of Or(hianre, 1874. " I desire to call attention to the fact that the first grand strike toward the introduction of great gnus in any service was made in this country by the late General Roilman of the Ord- nance Dapartmcnt, whose reputation as an ordnance officer is world-wide, and that the 1.5-inch gun he first made in 1861 w.as the most powerful weapon then known, soon to Ije surpassed hv his 20-inch smooth liore made in 1864, welgldng 116,000 pounds and throwing a shot weighing 1,030 pounds. * * * In this country the success of the Ordnauce Department in improving the quality of our cast iron for cannon has been marked and satisfactory, and we may lay claim with good reason, to tlie best east-iron guns in the worhl." Report of Chief of Onhinnre^ 1875. " Since the report on the 8-inch rifle was made, the Board has continued its trials with that gun ; and up to the present time it has been successfully fired 700 rounds with battering cliarges and still remains " sound and serviceable," giving an endurance that fully justifies the recom- mendations of the Board, and my approval, that our large number of smooth-bore guns ought to be converted into rifles, as it is entirely practicable to give the requisite strength and conse- ciuent endurance by the invention of a wrought-iron tube. Additional proof of the correctness of this decision is found in the results obtained by the firing of the 9-inch rifle (10-inch Rodman lined with wrought-iron tube) which has thus far sustained 250 rounds with battering charges of 40 to 45 pounds of hexagonal powder, and shot of 200 to 247 pounds weight, the gun re- maining sound and iii gooil condition. * ■■■' '■- We h.'ivc the best cast-iron metal known, and this plan of conversion enables ns to utilize our own jiroilucts. * * * We cannot stand witli folded hands and permit fitbcr nations to gel far in tlie van in a line of impro\enient in which tlie United States not many ,\ ears ago knew no superior * * liitle guns of size, endurance and power, to enal)le ns to meet on fair arid equal terms a foreign foe, must be provided while we have tlie time, and it is certaiidy not the part of wisdom to delay making such provision until the eiiciiiv iin'aih's our shores." 46 362 HEAVY ORDNANCE. Heport of Chief of Ordnance, 1876. " It must now be conceded tliat tlie strength and value of conversions by using coiled wrouglit iron lining tubes for 8-inch rifles have been proved and established. The success wliich has attended these experiments at Sandy Hook in the effort to utilize oursniooth bore cast iron Lciins liv converting them into rifles of great power and efficiency is a source of great satisfac- tion, and this uniform success justifies us in the conclusion that equally satisfactory results will follow our trials with the higher nature of 10-inch and 12-inch rifles which are now in course of preparation. If our auticipatiojis are realized in the success of these larger calilircs, the De- partment will have developed a system of heavy ordnance at small expense which will compose an armament for our forts fully able to cope with foreign gnus of ei|ual calibre. Such a system will bring the manufacture entirely within the capacity of our jirivate foundries, using our own raw material and with no dependence on foreign establishments." Report of Chief of Ordnance, 1877. " A consideration of the urgent wants of our sea coast defenses, the length of time required to supply these wants, the absolute impossibility of providing for them in time of danger when the events of years are crowded into days, the wisdom and policy of fostering our mechanical indus- tries for the manufacture of warlike stores in the absence of n, government providing the economy of products which are the results of passing orders and steady labor satisfies me that a permanent annual appropriation for the amount of fortifications would be most judicious and satisfactory in the interest of the public purse and the public service." Report of Cliief of Ordnance, 1878. " The lajq-inch rifle was completed and mounted at Sandy Hook the past year. It has been fired only twentv-four rounds with charges varying from CO to ISO pounds power, and shot weighing 600 to 700 pounds. The report shows that with 11,") pounds powder and shot weigh- ing 700 pounds, it gave a velocity of 1,485 feet with pressure of 33,.')00 pounds to the square inch ; a very satisfactory result, and comparing favorably with results obtained in other countries with guns of the same calibre. To the length of bore and the excellent character of our powder and projectiles may be attributed its superiority, if any, over others. While unable to make an e.xact comparison between this gun and those used abroad as to capacity for work because of differences in charges of powder and weights of projectiles, the following favorable indications may be noted : The English 28 ton gun with 85 pounds powder and COO pounds shot has given 450 foot-tons less energy than ours ; Krupp's with 88 pounds powder and 664 pounds shot has given 1,254 foot-tons las than ours. The Italian with 110 pounds powder and 770 pounds .shot has only given about 400 foot-tons more than ours. Our gun uses only eighty pounds powder and 600 pounds shot. With 110 pounds powder and 700 pounds projectile our American rifle yields 9,551 foot-tons, an energy about as great as given by any gun known using this charge, and decidedly superior to the Krupp and Italian using heavier charges." THE WEST rOINT FOUNDRY. This foQiicliy was estaljlished under the special patronage of the gov- ernment in 1817. In 1819 an agreement was made witli the Ordnance Bureau to receive all the old unserviceable cannon, carronades, sliot, stools, etc., at the Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y., and to return kentledge therefor ; to pay $25 per ton for old iron, and deliver the kentledge at|i55 per ton. Oil July 11, 1820, the first contract was made and signed by Gouverneur Kemble, President of the West Point Foundry Association, for 32 42- pounders, long guns at $12.5 per ton, to be delivered in New York in twelve months ; December 1st the same year the foUowiag guns were HEAVY ORDNANCE. gg3 ordered by the Ordnance Board : 24 42-pound carronades at |185 each ; 32 42-pound cannon at |!l25 per ton ; 36 32-pound cannon at .$125 per ton ; 4,500 42-pound round shot at five cents per pound ; 3,500 32-pound round shot at five cents per pound ; 1,200 42-pound stools at five and one-half cents per pound ; 640 32-pound stools at five and one-half cents per pound; 14,400 42-pound grape shot at eight cents per pound; 7,680 32-pound grape shot at eight cents pei' pound ; 300 32-]joiiiid double head at six cents per pound. From the establishment of the "West Point foundry until the com- mencement of the Rebellion this establishment was engaged in the manufacture of cast iron smooth-bore Dahlgren and Rodman guns, which were at that date as efficient as anj' ordnance then manufactured in the world. At the commencement of the civil war immediate de- mands were made by the government upon the West Point foundr}^ and its whole force was devoted to the production of lifled cannon on the Pari'ott system, a peculiarity of which consists in the band or rein- force of wrought iron made by coiling a bar of iron upon a mandrel and the welding of this coil into the breech of a cylinder wliich is after- wards bored and turned and shrunk upon the breech of the gun ; the manner of attaching the band to the gun is another peculiarity, as is also the mode of rifling and tlie expanding projectiles used in this system. In 1860 were first manufactured the 10-pound Parratt guns, and in the following year 20 and 30-poundei's, the Parrott projectile, and also the 100-pounders ; still later were made the 200 and 300- pounders; of this special system of ordnance were manufactured of the various sizes about three thousand, and one million six hundred thousand projectiles. Since the close of the war the West Point foundry has re- ceived orders for supplying ordnance f]'om Spain, Peru, Chili, and Venezuela and have also converted for the U. S. Government a con- siderable number of ten-inch Rodman guns into eight-inch rifles, and eleven-inch Dahlgren guns into eight-inch rifles, for use in the army and navy. The original Rodman and Dahlgren guns are of cast iron, and the conversion consists in the inserting of a coiled wrought u-on tube inside of the old gun. The system adopted by the United States after careful experiments is a combination of the cast iron shell with the wrought iron tube, a gun being thereby produced which, it is be- lieved, will stand as heavy chai'ges and repeated firing as the built up HEAVY ORDNANCE. y65 wrought iron guns lined witli sleel, miuuifactured at Woolwicli by the British Government, and at Elswiok hy Sir William Armstrong, or even as the forged steel ordnance made by Fred Kriipp in Germanj^ These guns can be produced at much less cost than the European ordnance, more particularly for the reason that the largest portion is composed of cast iron, a much cheaper material than either steel or wrought iron. The plates given herewith represent converted ordnance constructed fi'om guns now belonging to the United States, and in length of bore and other details are not what experience indicates as producing the very best results as regards initial velocity and penetra- tion. The performance of these guns however is sufficiently satisfactory to demonstrate that they would be very effective against the powerful iron-clads of Europe, and their success has led to the adoption of the system by the Government of the United States, and it is quite evident that with new guns built upon this system and adopting the latest European improvements, there can be no question but that e(pially good results could be obtained. The expq,rinients made iti Europe dur- ing the past ten years have been at a vast expense, and we can take advantage of all the results arrived at, and, adopting such improve- ments as seem advisable, omit the errors that have been committed, with no outlay for experiments beyond the cost of the tiring of trial guns as required by the U. S. Government when a new model or calibre is in- troduced. The West Point Iron Foundry is supplied fully with all tlie necessary appurtenances for manufacturing heavy ordnance of all classes, including wrought iron tubes up to eighteen-inch bore, also muzzle-loading and breechdoading rifled cannon of all calibres, and which are in every respect fully up to the standard of quality required by the Ordnance Department of the Army and Navy. They also have facilities for the manufacture of expanding projectiles of all the new patterns together with shells and battery shot with chilled ends. There seems no question but that the use of muzzle-loading rifled guns will be discon- tinued, and that they will be superseded by breech-loaders, of which the advantages are now admitted and the difficulties of construction have been overcome, thus securing through the new system adopted Ijy the United States greater initial velocity, heavier projectiles and guns of much greater strength, sufficiently powerful to destroy any iron-clad which can cross the Atlantic. (D X> a -*-* t3 tn Ti o o o c (^ s o • i-H o ■4-3 o r^ o r-> ~ o ^ o ^ o LO tj_, t^ CiJ o -t-i -— 2 o o o OJ t- Ph c >1 ^ ^. r^ *" >^ a; ^ W < ) r. r^ -*-' ^ Q^ n I— O ^ a ci r/^ P C Qj t-^ O n in Pi ct -c TD o ^^ c o O en f5 o 'O i c/1 PC O o O on IIEAVV ORDNANCE. 367 THE SOCTH BOSTON IRON FOUNDRY. The Soulli Boston Foundry possesses the only works for heavj' ordnance existing in the country, and can cast guns weigliing ninety tons in the rough. The West Point Foundry makes tlie production of coiled wrought iron tubes a specialty and produces medium and light ordnance. Both make all varieties of guns and projectiles, but the South Boston Foundry has, also, with the Ames Company of Chicopee, Mass., been since ISiiG recognized conliactors for bronze guns. The survival of the existing ordnance works has been due not to chance but to their excellent work and, failing proper support on the part of Congress, to their engaging in other lines of manufacture. The South Boston Iron Company, for instance, was the first maker of chill rolls in this country, Mr. Alger having patented the method in 1811, also improvements in plows and cylinder stoves for anthracite before 1840, later, fine statuary castings in iron ; and heavy machinery was made from the first or since 1828. At all times many foundry special- ties such as gearing, pulleys, kettles, &c., have been made. About forty years ago almost all the machine shops of Boston and vicinity drew their castings from "Alger's foundry." Capt. Thomas A. P. Catesby Jones wiites in 1835 concerning tlie different foundries: "The Boston Foundry, owned by Mr. Alger, has not, I believe, cast any guns for the navy, nor am I certain that he has for the army ; but for shot he had a considerable contract with the Ordnance Depaitment in 1833, and his specimens were the best I have ever seen. And from the extensive plan, perfect machinery, and experienced workmen connected with that work, I should place great confidence in the productions of that foundry." All the cannon and shot required for the gradual increase of the navy were cast at the Columbian, Bellona and the West Point Found- ries. The qualit}' of the castings of these three works does not materially differ, but the shot turned out by the West Point Foundry are decidedly superior in every respect to those cast at the Bellona and Columbian Foundries. Lieutenant Wahlback states, in his Annual Report in 1847, that "the cannon furnished by the South Boston Iron Foundry have all been HEAVY ORDNANCE. 369 cast since the revised regulations of 1840, and are not, therefore, in- cluded in the foregoing. The few trials 1 have made of guns from this foundry have afforded the most favorahle lesults, and the quality of the metal is unsui'passed.'' About 1840 the character of " gun-iron " used for ordnance became definitely fixed, largely due to the efforts of Major Wade. Previous to that time, each foundry used its own iron in its own way, taking either hot or cold blast, and of tlie grade the founder thought best. But it was found about that lime that only cold blast charcoal iron carefully made, properly mixed, and refined in air furnaces, gave uniformly good and reliable results. A knowledge of the mechanical properties of metals was first exactly obtained by Major Wade's testing machine, which lias gone all over the woild as the American testing machine. Originally called the " Metallo- Dynamometer," it was" built by Mr. Alger about 1840 under the direc- tions of Major Wade, and the original machine is still in daily use at the foundry, giving accurate results. The knowledge thus gained enabled the value of new guns to be fixed, from the character of their metal, without subjecting them to the damag- ing proof previously applied to eacii gun. Their reliability was shown by a few rounds of service charges, and American guns cast under the United States regulations since 1840 have had the highest reputation for strength and endurance. The South Boston Iron Company began to cast heavy guns about 1839, and erected in 1842 what was then the heaviest shop in the coun- try for ordnance. Previous to that time many light guns of bronze and cast iron up to twenty-four pounders had been made. Beginning at that period it had the advantage of all previous failures and avoided the hap-hazard methods of the earlier foundries. About 1836 Cyrus Alger patented and made the first guns of malle- able iron, cast and converted in an oven, supplying fifteen of them in 1837 and 1838. The first gun rifled in America was rifled at the foundry in 1834. About 1840 Mr. Alger invented the following improvements in fuses and in casting shell, which have been adopted and are still in use in the United States service and abroad, but for which he received no compen- sation whatever from the government. 47 370 HEAVY OEDNANCK. First— The use of a fuse composition rammed in a paper case fit- ting into a wooden or metal plug inserted in the shell. Second.— A safety plug of lead fitting like a cup in the bottom of the paper case. The top edges of the cup are thin enough to expand tightly against the paper, but be easily detached and the cup thrown into the shell cavity by the shock of discharge. The cup thus ordinarily shuts off the fuse from the powder, but opens the passage as soon as the fuse begins to burn. Third.— A safety cap to ensure the ignition of the fuse under all cir- cumstances combined with a leaden disc, removed on loading, to prevent ignition out of the gun. Fourth.— Plucing the holes for the escape of gas from the burning fuse in a metal plug and obliquely, and in such a position that the fuse is not extinguished by mud nor by ricochetting on water. Fifth.— The use of a metal bushing in connection with a hollow core arbor to receive the fuse, "that is, a bushing, with a small hole to receive fuse, which is placed directly upon the core arbor, and is re- tained in place as a part of the shell by the metal cast around it." These fuses were immediately adopted, as leaving nothing to improve for a time fuse for smooth bores of the heavier classes. They were used in the Mexican war, and ever since in the United States for all smooth bore ammunition. The metal bushing has been extensively copied everywhere, and a chilled cored shot could not be made without it. The earliest piece of what would now be called heavy ordnance, cast at the South Boston Foundry, was the ten-inch Columbiad. This gun marked, at the same time, a departure from old ideas and the introduc- tion by Col. Bomford of horizontal shell fire of great power. It was cast 6th September, 1839, under Col. Bomford's superintendence, and was copied soon after by Gen Paixhan, in France. Its dimensions were in extreme length, 111 inches ; length of bore, ninety inches ; weight of gun, 14,.500 pounds ; weight of shot, 180 pounds ; of shell, ninety pounds ; and of powder charge, eighteen pounds. In 1839 a Board of Ordnance Officers was sent to Europe to inspect European ordnance and ordnance works. It purchased 6 and 12- pounder cast iron guns, and 12 and 24-pounder iron howitzers from Swedish, French and English foundries. HEAVY ORDNANCE. 371 These guns were subjected to extreme proof at P^ort Monroe, 1841-42, with the result that the Finspong guns proved themselves the best of all tried, including West Point guns of similar sizes. The proof of the Finspong 6-ponnder was as follows, the gun bursting at the last fire. The chartres had two wads in each : Series. Pounds powder in each round. No. of balls in eacli round. Kounds. First. Second. ■ Third. Fourth. 2 3 3 6 1 2 3 / 20 20 10 2 Totals. 142 104 .52 The Stafsjo gun stood forty-nine rounds in similar series, the Aker forty-seven rounds, the West Point thirty-nine rounds, and the Gospel Oak gun thirty-eight rounds, I'espectively. There were twenty rounds each in the first and second, and ten in the third series ; the Finspong gun only reached the fourth series. In March, 1844, the South Boston Foundry submitted a 6-pounder cast iron gun. No. 7 of their make, for extreme proof, which took place at City Point, South Boston. In strength and endurance it was found superior to the Finspong above mentioned. Rounds. Powder charge, pounds. Number of balls each round. Number of balls. 16 4 2 14 2 2 2i 3 3 6 1 to 16 13 to 16 14 and 15 16 each. 7 136 58 29 224 14 38 102 461 The result of this and other proofs was so much to the credit of the South Boston Foundry, that it again cast for the army, ordnance on 8th July, 1846, the first twelve-inch Columbiad of Col. Bomford's design. This gun weighed, finished, 25,510 pounds ; for the period it was truly a colossal gun and was the largest that could be made in the country at that date. The weight of its shell was 172 pounds, with twenty pounds of powder, and ten degrees elevation ; the shell ranged 2,770 372 HEAVV: OKDNAxNCE. yards, and its extreme range with maximum elevation was 5,761 yards, or tliree and one-half miles. Tlie weight of the gun precluded it from sea service at that period. This twelve-inch sea coast gun remained the limit of size of our army guns till 1860. About 1844 Mr. Alger, taking advantage of Col. Bomfoid's experi- ments on the pressure exerted by fired gunpowder at different points of the bore, brought out a 32-pounder which was the first gun wholly plain in outline, and was the original of what is now known as the Dahlgren gun. This .32-pounder gun was known as Alger's 32-pounder, and after its proof and trials was preserved and still exists at the foundry. It is shown on Plate 2. On comparing its outline with the Dahlgren it will be found to differ no more than is due to the powder pressure curves of the resjjeutive charges, and to the absence of the tulip muzzle. The trunnions were cast hollow so as to diminish the "shrink" due to their mass of metal. In connection with this gun Mr. Alger submitted a " Port Carriage " to the Navy Department, involving a friction compressor binding the wooden cliassis and the now universally adopted eccentric axle for the wheels of the carriage itself. By this arrangement the gun carriage slides back on firing the whole weight of the gun, creating friction, and when raised off the chassis and on its wheels by turning the eccenti-ic axles, rolls back easily into tiie firing position. Major Wade witnessed about 1843, " in Boston, the trial of several devices for checking the re- coil of cannon by friction — by means of clamps, compressors, and eccen- tric axles — designed l)y Captain Van Brunt of the Navy, and by Mr. Cyrus Alger. The eccentric axle designed by Mr. Alger, caused the gun carriage to aUcle in its recoil and to move on rolling tvheels when re- turning to battery. This appeared to be the best of the methods then tried." During the course of the improvements of our navy guns by the late Admiral Dahlgren, the South Boston Foundry made many guns remark- able for strength and endurance. Admiral Dahlgren said that Cyrus Alger " possessed tliat rare quality, sagacity, which constitutes in truth the highest attribute of the intellectual man, and enabled him to arrive at results which others sought by disciplined study and often in vain." Tiie shell guns of Dahlgren design were introduced largely into our navy not long before the civil war, and the safe limit of charge for the HEAVY ORDNANCE. 373 eleven-inch gun was not known till investigation was compelled by the failure of the " Monitor's eleven-inch guns, which were made at the South Boston Foundry to penetrate the armor of the Menimac." It was perhaps not expected they would he brought against armor, or if the idea was broached it was answered by the statement that " the occa- sions on which shot could be advantageously used are so j-are as hardly to warrant their being considered as part of the regular allowance." The South Boston nine and eleven-inch shell guns exhibited enduran- ces, which bore comparison with the best forged Armstrong guns of 1862. A cast-iron eleven-inch gun if fired with thirty-one pounds of powder and ninety-three pounds shot, would be doing more proportional work than the Armstrong wrought iron gun whicli in April, 1862, pierced the warrior target with a round 156 pound shot and fifty pounds of powder, afterwards bursting under that charge. It is proper to say here, we do not know But that between the two dates it had fired greater charges. But an eleven-inch of South Boston make (No. 1262 S. B. F. 1862) was fired 155 times as follows : 22 rounds, twenty pounds powder ; 101 rounds, twenty-five pounds powder ; 32 rounds, thirty pounds powder ; shot from 165 to 169 pounds each. After this proof the gun exhibited no marks of strain or defects of any kind. Another eleven-inch gun was fired 170 rounds in two successive days without injury, although the gun became so heated that it was found warm eighteen hours after the last lound. The trial gun, for extreme proof, of a contract in 1857 (No. 1098 S. B. F. 1857) a nine-inch Dahlgren shell gun, 9,090 pounds in weight, en- dured the following proof before destruction, a series of 1,532 rounds : Rounds. Powder charge Number of shot each round. Total weight shot each round. 1 15 pounds. 1 shot 91 pounds. 9 10 1 shell 72 " 1,500 10 1 '• 72 5 15 1 shot 90+ 5 15 " 2 " 181 2 15 " 3 " 271 + 3 15 4 shell 288 1 20 3 shot and I shell 343+ 1 20 2 " "4 " 469 1 20 2 « .< 5 " 613 1 20 " 7 shot 636+ 1 20 " 8 " 724 1 20 " 9 " 812 1 20 10 " 903 and burst. HKAVY OKDNAN'CE. 375 With twenty pounds powder and 343i pounds weight shot, the gun recoiled nineteen feet ; with twenty pounds powder and 469 pounds shot, the recoil was thirty-three feet; and with twenty pounds powder and 636^ pounds sliot, the recoil was twenty feet up a steep slope, although the breech of the gun had been completely buried before firing. With ten shot the bore was nearly filled, the fronts of the last being seven and three-fourths inches from the muzzle. At bursting the gun was torn in two from cascabel to middle of chase, the part blown off, about two-fifths the circumference, being broken into five large fragments. The proof firing was extremely rapid, 500 rounds being accomplished in four successive days. The enlargements due to firing were incon- siderable, the bore remaining in serviceable condition, and the endur- ance was reported on the 1,527th round as "really astonishing." Nothing could exceed the confidence these guns inspired in the war, and their eificiency on the new Ironsides is matter of history. The Monitor was armed with eleven-inch guns fired with 169 pound shot and fifteen pounds powder. It was not known then that the charge could be increased to thirty pounds, as was afterward proved safe in case of necessilj'. This inciease would give a shot of 169 pounds, an initial velocity of 1,400 feet, and a similar increase of the charge of the nine-inch gun from ten to thirteen and one-half pounds of powder, would give an initial velocity of 1,290 feet to its shot. The low velocity of her shot was consequentl}^ the reason why in all proba- bility the Monitor failed to sink the Merrimack. In 1860 the fifteen-inch gun of 49,000 pounds was cast, and proved in 1861. Being demanded for both naval and sea coast armament in great numbers, the South Boston Iron Company erected a new ordnance foundry and machine shop, and began in 1863 to apply the Ftodman method to the production of fifteen-inch guns. Tliis shop was designed to cast and finish the largest guns then thought practicable. During the war the demands of service prevented any extended ex- periments on the strength of the gun. But after the war, and armored ships had to be met, it was found safe to fire 100 pounds of powder with the 450 shot instead of fifty pounds, the heaviest service charge during the war. The initial velocity was thus increased to 1,600 feet per second. It is a fact that a fifteen-inch Rodman gun made at South Boston Foundry has endured twenty-six rounds with 140 pounds of mammoth powder and 450 pounds shot without bursting. 376 HEAVY ORDNANCE. Perhaps the best instance of the reliability of both guns and shot, made by American methods, will be found in the iiistory of the fifteen- inch Rodman gun of South Boston, model made by Cyrus Alger & Co. in 1867 for the British Government (S. B. F. No. 186). The report of the Ordnance Select Committee during its trial at Shoeburyness was understood to liave slated " that it was doubtful if the Rodman gun can be burst with any charge of American powder, as it will not burn more than 100 pounds, which it has fired without injury." The wood cut shows the gun skidded for firing, at an elevation of thirty-two degrees, with 100 pounds of American (jjrismatic or mam- moth) powder on 6th September, 1867. The shot weighed 4.^2 pounds ; time of flight was thirty-three seconds, and range was 7,680 yards or about four and four-tenths miles. Tlie trial of the gun lasted a year from June 1867, during which it was tried against all the armor shields in use. It was fired thirty-six times ; fifteen rounds of these were with cliarges of 100 pounds mam- motli powder or its equivalent (831 pounds R. L. G.). The velocities of the shot at impact were ],174 to 1,500 feet per seoond, and it was shown that at 200 yards the gun could not penetrate eight-inch armor nor materially injure the nine-inch Hughes elastic shield. This conclu- sion caused the gun to be regarded as a formidable weapon, but not especially dangerous to Briti.^h men-of-war as the admiralty had jji'e- viously adopted heavier armor. If, however, the force of the shot failed to meet the expectations of American officers, yet their material — gun-iron — also that of the gun itself, exhibited its wonderful tenacity in the best light. The illustration shows a shot which struck the Gibraltar target with a velocity of 1,174 feet per second and making an indent four inches deep, rebounded twelve feet to the front nearly entire. The strikino- face was flattened and a few largish fragments s])lintered off. Many others exhibited similar behavior, tlie shot rebounding to the front, set up and disfigured. Their toughness induced the belief that they must in some way be made partially of wrought iron. They were of course wholly of cast iron, but cast iron in its most per- fect state, combining all the hardness and toughness possible for cast iron. The essential characteristic of gun-iron is its elasticity, which it oi a a. ui O V) m-': -t-- >\^\'M 1\\\N\^ %rid (- I C3 CQ I- z O o (J Q X o 3 HEAVY ORDNANCE. 377 exhibits to a limit of 9,000 to 12,000 pounds per square inch, an amount somewliat less than that of ordinary bronze and nearl}- half that of average wrought iron. The South Boston Foundry has made since 1836 a specialty of pro- ducing bronze guns, and turned out for the United States and for Mas- sachusetts, probably the first sound ones made in this country. Bronze cast in sand is liable to many defects — porosity, and separation — often the gravest, and the Company is entitled to the credit of at least the iifj'Vi ^>""l^ application of cast-iron molds for guns, and it believes it made the first discovery of that improvement before 1855. In sand molds it made bronze gun, the average tenacity of which was 41,270, and density 8.64, which is considered now a first-class bronze. But after the adoption of chill casting verj' high results were obtamed. The average density of 24-pounder navy howitzers, between S. B. F. Nos. 1,417 and 1,693 of 1863-64, was 8.72, and average tenacity 50,041 pounds per square inch. Nine guns included in the above series exhibited an average density of 8.80 and an average tenacity of 60,610 pounds to the square inch. These are believed to be the highest recorded qualities of bronze gun metal. In 1869 Mr. S. B. Dean, while engineer of the South Boston Iron Company, discovered that bronze guns could l)e greatly improved and rendered highly useful as rifles by i-ough-boring the gun, and then for- cibly expanding the bore to its finished size by means of mandrels suc- cessively enlarging in diameter. This pi'ocess he patented here, in 48 378 HEAVY ORDNANCE. France, and unwisel}^ perhaps in Austria, where it has been pirated by the Austrian artillery under the name of the Uchatius system. All the field guns and many siege guns of the Austrian army are now made of so-called "steel bronze," a very good name considering the fact they should be " Dean bronze " guns. The effect of the Dean method is to bring the exterior of the gun under tension while the interior is hardened and rendered capable of re- sisting the wear of the rifled projectile. The first condition renders the gun stronger, all portions helping each other against the explosion, and is tlie counterpart of the Rodman process where the exterior is put under tension by shrinking it, as it were, on the more quickly cooling interior of the gun. The hardening effect is great and highly valuable. The following table of properties of similar cylinders, one of them cut from the chase of a three and one-half inch Dean rifle after "con- densing," exhibits the improvement effected. Uiicondensed. Condensed. Hardness, 1.40 5.12 Density, . . 8.35 8.70 Tenacity, 35,810 pounds. 51,571 pounds. In 1863 Mr. Francis Alger, a son of Cyrus, patented the use of a bag or pouch to hold the bursting charge of a shrapnel or a shell. He made the bag waterproof and attached it to the fuse. This method has been widely adopted, and in large shells is an essential safeguard against the explosion of tlie bursting charge by the shock of the explosion, and con- sequent friction of the powder against the shell. Various improvements in fuses for rifled shell were experimented with and Mr, F. Alger patented in 1862 a combined time and percussion fuse of merit. During the civil war the South Boston Iron Company furnished the Government with over 1,700 guns, including 700 bronze guns and howitzers, about 700 solid cast guns of eleven-inch calibre and less, 332 Rodman guns ten-inch calibre and over, and only nineteen rifled guns of all sizes. This record will show how largely the war was fought with smooth-bore guns. The Rodman gims were barely fifteen-inch guns for the army, and to meet the demand a new ordnance foundry and machine shop put into HEAVY OEDNANCK. 379 operation in 1863, which is now the only works for Heavy Ordnance in the United States, and is capable of turning out guns of fifty tons weight. During the war it made nothing heavier than the fifteen-inch gun of 49,000 pounds. It might be expected that the foundry would have many interesting records of so busy a period, but its energies, as well as those of the Ordnance Bureaus of the Army and Navy, were almost wholly devoted to producing guns of serviceable design. Even the usual proofs were dispensed with, so great was the need for ordnance, and after the trial gun of a class had fired 1,000 rounds in proof the rest of the class were accepted according to the tests of their material. In respect to projectiles, however, the Company did good work. The need of good rifle projectiles became decided wlien lifles began to be appreciated, as our artillerists became more experienced. Many experi- mental projectiles claimed attention and the Company decided on the Schenkl plan as affording the best solution of the difficulty. The pro- jectile was cast with a conical base over which a papier niache sabot fitted almost half the length of the shot. The explosion drove the sabot up, the cone thus compi'cssing it between tlie shot and the gun and causing it to take the grooves. In service eight)'-two per cent, took the grooves perfectly in tVie Parrott gun, for wiiicli they were not in- tended. Being light it fell off almost immediately in flight without danger to troops over whom it was fired. The shot was thorougldy rotated and was considered most reliable until it was found that the sabot, under influence of moisture, often swelled so much as to refuse to enter the gun. The South Boston Foundry furnished some 500,000 jounds of ammu- nition of all sizes to the Government, of which some 400,000 were Schenkl projectiles. Although the question of a perfect pi'ojeetile remained unsolved, yet the Schenkl percussion fuse furnished with the shot was one of the un- qualified successes of the war. It was found absolutely certain in ac- tion and combined extreme simplicity with perfect safety. It remains the standard fuse of our Navy and requires very slight modification to render it equal to all requirements. During actual service in the civil war eighty-two per cent, proved perfect. 380 HEAVY ORDNANCE. THE BUTLER PROJECTILE — MUZZLE-LOADING. The projectile manufactured by the South Boston Iron Company, for use in their guns, is tlie invention of Captain J. G. Butler, Ordnance Corps U. S. A., and is considered without an equal, either for muzzle- loading or Ijreech-loading guns, with appropi'iate riliing. It was early adopted by the government, and the very perfect results with it, to- gether with the wonderful conservation of the bores of the lined guns during the experiments of the Ordnance Board in 1873 and 1874, led to quick imitations abroad in both the muzzle and breech-loading field of ordnance. In 1872, Congress having made an appropriation for the construction of certain heavy guns, the question of rifling and shotting them became one of paramount importance. The defects of existing plans were very grave, and Captain Butler, after much consideration of the sub- ject, aided by a successful but limited range of private experiment, was convinced that the germ, so to speak, of the perfect system, lay in the expanding jirinciple which other countries liad thrown aside as un- worthy, and which witli ourselves had proved hitherto unreliable and especially unequal to the demands of the heavier calibres. But very few were of this opinion. The costh', and presumed exhaustive, experi- ments in England, and our own want of success with it, had shaken the faith of many in the expansive system, and it was therefore in depreca- tion of a tendency to abandon the expansive and take up the stud (English) system that this officer laid before the Chief of Ordnance de- tailed reports upon the subject. He says : " I maintain tliat no leps important than tlie ([uestion of gun construction are tlie questions of rifling and projectiles — nay, more important to-day ; for wliatever be the respective merits of various gun constructions, most of them would he found abundantly strong, if their strength were only properly economized. " An examination of many firing records showed frequent enormous and destructive powder pressures clearly traceable to the bad conduct of projectiles, and it would be difficult to say which of the prevailing systems furnished most of such disastrous failures. The South Boston Iron Company, in a statement compiled from official records concerning the action of their Double-lipped Expanding Sabot Projectile, makes a powerful showing of its value. We quote : Flale 1, THE BUTLER MUZZLE-LOADING PROJECTILES FIG. 2 FIG S S 3 INCH FIELD SHELL, Scale Vz. FIG. 3. 4/2 INCH SIEGE S H E LL, Scale /a 12-INCH 700 POUNDER, Before Firing. FIG. 4 12-1 NCH 700 POUNDER, - AFter Firing, Scale, 1-7 HEAVY OKDNANCE. gg^ The facts have been carefully compiled, unchanged, from the official reports of the Bureau of Ordnance, U. S. Army. These records will he found of such weight and cliaracter as to free our claims in behalf of the Butler projectile from the slightest suspicion of boasting. The great guns of to-day, though developed in themselves to gigantic power, are weakened in effect, and finally destroyed, by projectiles entirely inadequate to their work. Projectiles for riiied guns have remained unimproved, or, rather, have been subjected to charges in entirely wrong directions, as shown by tlie results readied by the U. S. Ordnance Corps during the trials of the last five years. At the present time, wlien steel tuljcs are destroyed liy studded projectiles, and the great pressures developed crush tlie shot or sliell while in the gun, any system which works .safely and uniformly, with h)w pressures and high velocities, must command attention. It will per- fect the power of guns already good, and, in the future, will give eciually favorable results with less expensive systems of ordnance construction. Assume that projectiles can be made quite unobjectionable, is it not true that a poor gun, firing them, will outlive the best guns firing .shot that wedge, jam, and crush to fragments in their bores ? The essential features of a perfect projectile may be thus classified : 1. Accuracy. 2. Perfect rotation ; indicated by the proper marks found on the rifling device or sabot, after recovery of the projectile. 3. Non-liability to jam, either in loading or in firing. 4. Non-liability to strip, eitlier in gun or in flight, with the heaviest charge. 5. Uniform and moderate powder pressures. 6. Uniform and high velocities. 7. Uniform and good ranges. 8. Safety in firing over one's o^vn troops. 9. Wide margin of strength and safety, over all errors of manufacture or mishaps of service. 10. Not easily injured in store, in handling, nor in carriage. 11. Not too expensive. Those conversant with modern results will agree with us in the opinion that there is no sys- tem now in vogue which has not sacrificed too many of these features. From English journals and from French reviews, from official and from piactical quarters alike, are heard complaints of projectiles more or less dangerous and unsatisfactory. Modern systems of projectiles may be classified as follows : * a. The Expansii-e sijstem. Including all projectiles loaded without reference to the rifling, but the sabots or rotating devices of which are, by the force of the discharge, readily expanded to take the grooves. b. The Cumpressiue system. Including all projectiles loaded, at the breech, into a chamber somewhat larger than the bore of the gun, into and through which the projectile is driven. c. The Flanged or Studded system. Including all forms bearing projections corresponding to grooves in the gun. Each of these systems was exhaustively criticised by Captain Butler ; but, recognizing any criticism which stopped short of suggesting prac- tical remedies for existing evils as unprofitable, certain modifications were proposed, more or less radical, and the subsequent adoption of these suggestions, both at home and abroad, is the best compliment to their soundness and practical value. The Butler muzzle-loading projectile is illustrated upon Plate 1 an- nexed. This projectile, like others, is characterized chiefly by the device adapted to give it rotation. A double-lipped ring or annular * " Systems of Projectiles and Rifling," by Capt. J. G. Butler. D. Van Nostrand, N. Y. 882 HEAVY ORDNANCE. band or sabot, having a narrow groove or gas cliannel in its posterior face, is attached to the base of the usual cylindro-conoidal mass form- ing the body of the projectile. The circular groove E, which may be deep or shallow, quite oiien or a mere narrow slit, separates the' ring into two portions, an upper lip or flange, o, and a lower lip, j». The projectile being freely loaded from the muzzle, without respect to the rifling, and the gun discharged, the powder gases are Cjuickly and evenly distributed around the annular channel, E, and the upper lip, o, is uniformly expanded into the rifling of the gun, whereby the desii'ed rotation is communicated to the projectile. But, while the upper lip is expanded into the rifling, the lower liji, ^, is pressed ujion the body of the projectile with an intensity proportionate to the force of discharge, thus causing the ring to hug the projectile tightly. Tlie powder gas is thus stopped, not only from entering between the shot and the gun, but also between tire sabot and the shot, thereby preventing both scoring and stripping. The shot cannot be broken at its junction with the sabot, because the expansion does not crowd and lift at the shoulder. The sabot becomes a practical gas-tiglit re-inforce, and the projectile leaves the gun a compact whole. Upward of five thousand (5,000) experimental, proof and practice recorded rounds have been fired with tlrese projectiles in the United States. This series of rounds has been for the projectile an ordeal far more severe than that of any mere service record, the firing having been done under circumstances demanding a critical inspection and record of every round, as well as the recovery of the projectile for examination, in most cases. No irregularity of any kind could, therefore, escape de- tection and comment, and while the tests were often exceptionally severe, the manufacturers are able to quote from full official reports in proof of their claim of a perfect and unparalleled record. The rifling recommended as best adapted to the expansive system is poly-grooved, the lands and grooves being of nearly equal width- something under one inch for all but the smaller calibres; the depth of the grooves is ^\ inch as a maximum, the i)itch moderately increas- ing and varying with the calibre from one turn in thirty-five calibres for three-inch guns up to one turn in sixty calibres for twelve-inch rifles ; the angle of the pitch at the breech is one-half of its ultimate value at the muzzle. PLATE n THE BUTLER B, L PROJECTILE, CHAMBERING, &C VLAN A. r ; ^'LAN B VI. AN C. NON-EXPANSIVE OR SOLID BANDS, 'T r^ L Jl \ ^cRf.F^ (V ^^.;ro.-j. HEAVY ORDNANCE. 883 THE BUTLER PEOJECTILE BEEECH-LOADING. This projectile lias proved not less successful in breech-loading than in muzzle-loading guns, and, although we have at present but few breech-loadiug cannon, yet the subject, as one of growing import- ance, has received much attention in this country, and this article would be incomplete without reference to the great improvements made in rifling and shotting guns of this class. The system used by Krupp up to within the past two or three years, and still prevailing (1880) with many guns in service, consists of a lead-coated projectile and a chamber eccentric with the bore of the gun ; the rifling is poly-grooved and fine, to facilitate cutting through the leaden jacket, and the grooves contract toward the muzzle in order to make up for the shearing of the lead. This system is shown in the annexed Fig. A, in which P represents the projectile in the position ready for firing, B the rifled portion of the bore, and the powder chamber, the axis of which is seen to be above that of the bore. This eccentric position of the chamber was found necessary in order to have the projectile enter the rifling with its axis as nearlj' as possi-i ble coincident with the axis of the bore, but it is attended with the very serious disadvantage, that the powerful rush of gases through the space and over the projectile injures the gun, by scoring, besides causing an objectionable downward pressure upon the projectile, producing an increase of friction and an inaccurate impression of the rifling, and although the use of the lead-coated pro- jectile was found to be incompatible with the employment of the heaviest desired charges of powder, besides possessing many other serious defects, yet a recourse to harder metal, such as copper, applied in the form of front and rear bands, led to unsatisfactory results and had to be abandoned as inferior to the leaden jacket with this form of cham- bering and rifling. To obviate these difficulties Captain Butler proposed three plans, in each case making the chamber concentric instead of eccentric with the bore, and the edges of the rifling, as in muzzle-loading guns, parallel with each other. These plans are sufficiently illustrated on Plate 2, hereto attached. 384 HEAVY OKDNANCE. In plan A, the cliamber is the same length as Krupp's eccentric cham- ber, that is, long enough to accommodate Loth charge and projectile, the forward part of the projectiles impinging as heietofore against the beveled junction I> of the chamber and rifling. The use of the leaden-jacket is however abandoned as a means of giving rotation to the projectile, this being done mainly by an expanding sabot or gas-check attached to the base of the projectile and similar to that used witli the muzzle-loading projectile, but having tlie upper hp or flange flared or swelled out slightly so as to allow no more windage over it in the chamber than would obtain with the muzzle-loading projectile in the bore. It will be readily seen that while the front of this projectile is "centered" by being slioved against tlie slope I), tlie rear expansive device will, under an early effort of the gases, expand and center the rear of the projectile, which, thus centered or lifted at both ends, passes accurately into the rifling, where it is rotated by the impression of the rifling upon both the rear expansive device and the front band if desired, although it is considered best that the front band should be mainly a bearing. This plan of juojectile chambering and rifling was successfully applied to an experimental 3.15 inch breech-loading rifle (Moffatt's) manufactured by the South Boston Iron Company, and successfully tested in 1873. Plan B lepresents a modification of that just described, and was ap- plied to the Thompson twelve-inch breech-loading rifle, one of the heavy guns recommended by tlie Board of 1872. This gun was also manufactured \>y the Boston Company, and is the largest breech-loader ever made out of Europe. In this plan of " double chambering " there are two chambers and two slopes, and the projectile is accurately centered front as well as rear in the operation of loading. The front narrow band of the projectile is seen to be stopped by the sloj^e D and the rear band bj^ the .slope D' The j)Owder cliamber C maj' be of any recj^uired size, but the shot chamber C must be more or less restricted in diameter. The front band must be at a constant distance from the rear band in all projectiles, and may be arranged to assist the rear band in imparting rotation to the projectile, or it may constitute a simple bearing. This system may be regarded as theoretically perfect, but as practically no more efficient, while less simple and convenient, than the plan of simple base rotation to be next described. ^x-^^ 1 - — / /■'"' ^ ~'\ J / /' *'L ■^-, \ K ■'!! ' ■ .-- \^ i ^^-..__ J ,^ ^ __l HEAVY' OKDNANCE. ' 385 111 plan C, wliich receives the strongest indorsement, the pi-ojectile is pushed forward in loading until it rests, like a muzzle-loading projectile, in the ritled portion of the bore; the upper lip is liared out sufficiently to afford the necessary stop against the slope i>, while the powder ehandjer is made long enough to accommodate the powder charge alone. Rota- tion is conve3'ed, as in the muzzle-loader, entirely by the sabot upon the base ; the edges of the rifling are parallel thi'oiigliout, and the pitch is moderately inci'easing with an ultimate value depending upon the cali- bre and the same as for muzzle-loading guns ; the gi'ooves and lands are of equal width, and are not necessarily more numerous than in the jnuzzle-loaders. In plans i? and C the rear hand may lie solid instead of expansive, as shown in the small sections, but in this case the rifling must be finer ill order to cut through the solid band without too gi-eat friction or "slugging" effort. Moreover, with the solid band the tendency of the projectile is to become looser as it passes through the bore of the gun ; whereas, the expanding device secures a perfect fit fiom breech to muzzle. The advantages of this last plan of shotting, chamliering and rifling breech-loading guns over the Krupp system of lead-coated or banded shot, eccentric chamber and fine wedge-grooved rifluig, became speedily manifest, and are thus briefly enumerated: Some of these advantages apply also to plans A and B. 1. Simplicity of construction as to both projectile and gun. 2. The gases of discharge operate only upon the base of the pro- jectile. 3. Scoring is prevented, as the expanded sabot completely stops the hurtful rush of gas over the projectile. 4. The chamber may be of any desired diameter, without affecting the favorable position of tlie projectile when loaded. 5. The rifling does not have to be fine, less of the bore has to be cut away, and it is therefore less liable to injury. 6. Friction, and the power absorbed l)y the passage of the projectfle through the bore, are reduced to a minimum. 7. The expansive sabot is kept distended by the elastic effort of the gases throughout the entire passage of the projectile in the bore, and a perfect fit thereby secured. 49 386 HEAVY ORDNANCE. 8. Fouling is obviated, as the projectile cleans the bore, and " lead- ing of grooves " cannot, of course, occur. 9. The charge may be indefinitely increased, within the power of the gun, without incurring the danger of any failure, such as stripping, wedging, jamming, etc., on the part of the projectile. 10. The projectile is not liable to injury, and does not require the careful handling that many do. It is not improbable that the great perfection to which our expansive system has been brought will cause a revolution in gun-building, by permitting more rational designs (in the use of soft, extensible iron in- side, instead of outside, of comparatively unyielding material) and less expensive constructions than those now needed to resist the extravagant powder-pressures or strains occasioned by the use of faulty systems of projectiles and rifling, and that thus, without the aid of a German Essen or an English Woolwich, we may be placed in possession of powerful ordnance. The recent successful tests, at Sandy Hook, of several large rifles, manufactured by the South Boston Iron Company, point very conclusively to this opinion, as also to the fact that we have available, within our own resources, cheap, reliable and efficient systems of heavy-gun construction. < 1^ o 1 Pi o m o o a rb M rjj h-:^ -< SI -<1 tr-l 1— 1 M ;Z HM u. pa P^ CM S -^ 1 — I H^ Q hJ P=5 W s Ph 13 M W -OO '■f.o 1 i ; 1 1 , I u'C CHAPTER XIV. UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING GUNS AND PROJECTILES. Ill the early part of the year 1875, the honorable Secretary of the Treasury applied to the Secretary of War for assistance in the prosecu- tion of experiments for the purpose of improving the life-saving appa- ratus used by the Treasury Department, which, at that time, were under the special charge of Capt. J. H. Merryman, United States Rev- enue Marine, and requested that an officer or officers of the Ordnance Department be designated to assist Capt. Merryman " in these import- ant matters." On the recommendation of the Chief of Ordnance, the Secretary of War directed that the "Board on Experimental Guns" convened l^y Special Order No. 221, Adjutant-General's Office, October 10, 1874, of which Major Crispin, Ordnance Department, was president, be charged with the prosecution of these experiments, in connection with Capt. J. H. Merryman, United States Revenue Marine. This action was taken April 12-16, 1875, and Sandy Hook, N. J., was selected as the most favorable locality for these experiments. The important and multifarious duties with which the Ordnance Board — formerly "Board of Experimental Guns" — was specially charged were so great as not to admit of any one of its members devot- ing the time necessary for a thorough investigation -and discussion of the subject. In view of this fact, Capt. Merryman recommended, on May 21, 1877, "that an application be made to the Chief of Ordnance for the detail of an officer for this special service." Colonel Crispin, president of the " Ordnance Board," concurred in this recommendation in his indorsement of June 1, 1877, upon Capt. Merryman's letter, and further recommended that said officer should place himself in commu- nication with Capt. Merryman and the Ordnance Board, "for such suggestions and instructions as may be deemed proper to give him." These recommendations were approved by the Chief of Ordnance June 388 LIFE-SAVING ORDNANCE. G, 1877, and Lieut. D. A. Lyle, Ordnance Department, was "specially assigned to this duty, in addition to his regular duties at the National Armory, Springfield, Mass. This officer entered upon the duty at once, and the results of his labors are embodied in the report from which the following sketch is taken. No claims of great originality are made, as this apparatus, like the Parrott patent, is a direct evolution from the system of Captain Manby, which dates back to the beginning of the present centur}'. The ad- vances which have been made during the past year ai'e the result of careful study and conscientious experiment. The data recorded are of value for future reference. This sj'stem is now officially adopted by the Life-Saving Service of the United States — a bureau of the Treasury Department. Two hundred guns have been made, and every station sui^plied, at a great econom}' in the cost of manufacture ; the guns being made at the West Point foundi-y, by contract. During the many heavy stoims on our coast they have been used with great success, saving many lives. The men in charge are thoroughly satisfied in their management, and the guns are easily kept clean, there being no corrosion by sea-water. The longest distance to which a small line has been thrown is 6941 yards. RECOMMENDATIONS. The following guns and projectiles are recommended for the Life- Saving Service : Tlie calibre of the gun will depei.d upon the size of line used and the range required. For ranges of 300 yards and less, with heavy lines (larger than No. 7), a 3-inch gun should be used. For ranges of 400 yards and less, with service braided lines between Nos. 4 and 7, a 2.5-inch bronze gun should be used. For ranges of 2J0 yards and less, with service lines between Nos. 4 and 7, a 2-inch bronze gun will be sufficient. It will be seen, \)j comparing the above recommendations with the records of firing, that the writer has allowed a wide margin or factor of safety, as far as range is concerned, for even the 2-inch bronze gun (B) has no recorded range of less than 278 yards, and that, too, with a heavy No. 7 line. a, -00 to •ao iZ r-r::;) <1 PL, Oh <^ CD 1 I— I ■ob <:& o pc:; ■g. O W ^ , f-H ^ ^—i UJ , O a ^u- ■< PM <» i k^ "o H 1-3 a ;^ -*> P4 w OQ p=i ^ Oh pel «oU g LIFE-SAVING ORDNANCE. 389 I. JiEONZE LIFE-SAVING GUNS. T|iese guns are intended to be used in connection with projectiles having lines attached to them for the purpose of effecting communica- tion between the shore and stranded vessels ; or, under favorable cir- cumstances, they may be used on shipboard for throwing lines to the shore. These guns are chill-cast, having smooth bores of 2", 2".5, and 3" in diameter, respectively. 1. 2.5-Inch Life-Saving Gun. Model : Brouze gun C. Calibre : 2.5 inclies=6.35 centimetre.s. (Plate I.) The exterior of this gun is divided into four principal parts, viz. : the breech, the first reinforce, the second reinforce, and the chase. The breech is a hemisphere, whose radius is equal to the semi-diame- ter of the first reinforce. The first reinforce is cylindrical, and extends from the base of the breech to a point in front of the axis of the trunnions. The second reinforce is a short frustum of a cone, joining the first re- inforce to the chase. The latter is cylindrical, and is of a lesser diameter than the first reinforce. The chase is terminated in front by the /ace of the piece, without any swell of the muzzle or muzzle-band. The cascabel and trunnions are short cylinders. The rimbases unite with the exterior surface of the gun by tangent- curved surfaces. The vent-piece is of copper. The vent is perpendicular to the axis of the bore, and is 1.25 inches (^3.175 centimetres) from the bottom of the bore. The bore is cylindrical, and is terminated at its lower extremity by a hemispherical chamber, by which term it is proposed to designate the bottom of the bore. NOMENCLATUKE. A— Breech. F— Bore. B— First reinforce. G— Trunnions. C— Second reinforce. H— Rimbases. D— Chase. I— Cascabel. E— Chamber. V— Vent. 390 LIFE-SAVING ORDNANCE. DIMENSIONS, KTC. Inches. Centim'rs. Diameter of first reinforce 5.5 = 13.97 Diameter of chase 4.5 = 1 1 .43 Diameter of hore 2. .5 = 6.35 Diameter of trunnions 2.0 = 5.08 Diameter of rimbases 2.8 = 7.112 Diameter of cascabel 1.5 = 3.81 Diameter of vent 2 = .508 Radius of breech 2.75 = 6.985 Radius of cliamber 1.25 = 3.175 Radius of chase 2.25 = 5.715 Length of first reinforce 8.50 = 21.59 Length of second reinforce 2.00 = 5.08 Length of chase 9.5 = 24.13 Length of bore, exclusive of cliamber 18.75 = 47.624 Total length of bore 20.00 = 50.799 Length of trunnions 2.0 ^= 5.08 Length of rimbases 1 ^ .254 Length of cascabel 1.5 = 3.81 Distance of vent from bottom of bore 1.25 = 3.175 Distance between the rimbases 5.7 = 14,478 Total length of piece 24.25 = 61.594 WEIGHTS. Lbs. Kilos. Weight of piece 108.25 = 49.096-)- Preponderance 1.5 = 0.680-1- PBOJECTILES. 2.5-Inch Projectile. Diameter, 2.5 inches = 6.35 centimetres. (Plate II.) This is a solid cast-iron shot. Tlie form is cylindro-ogival. A frus- tum of a cone forms the base. The radius of the ogival head is equal to one diameter of the shot. A wrought-iron shank is screwed into the base, having an eye at its posterior extremity for attaching the shot-line. dimensions. Inches. Centim'rs. Total length : 15,7 = 39.877 Length of ogival head 2.17 = 5.5118 Radius of head 2.5 = c 350 Length of cylindrical part , 12 43 = 31.5712 Diameter of cylindrical part 2.5 = 6.350 Length of frustum j 1 ^ 2.794 Diameter of smaller base of frustum 1.35 = 3.429 o ^ 5 f--,-T--' 7@^ •^n'lr /'^~ '\ — p Z5 -»1 <1 H O P ^ ft DIMENSIONS. f LcD-th ' Width . . ' Tliicl24 Length 22.6 = 57.403 Width 14.6 = 37.083 Tliickness 6= 1.524 I-RAMIi FOK FAKING-PINS. 2 side pieces, same size. 2 eud pieces, same size. / Length. . . . . ) Width.... ' Tliiciiness. , Length . . . ) Width.... ' Thickness . .26.0 = 66.039 . 3.7 = 9.398 . .9 = 2.286 .17.0 = 43.179 . 4.3 = 10.922 . .9 = 2.286 32 pins, same size. FAKING-PINS. ' Total length 12.4 ^ : 31.495 Body Screw ( Lengtli 11.5 = , Greate.'^t diameter 1.0 - Least diameter. .35 = ( Length 9 I Diameter 7 2 cleats for rope handles, same size 2 handles, hemp rope 2 hasps, metal, for fastening box to frame r Length 6,2 = -j Width 2.0 = ( Tliickness 1,4 = \ Length 18.0^ I Diameter 5 - 29.209 2,540 .889 2.286 1.778 15.748 5.080 3.556 45.719 1.270 I. IlSrSTEUCTIONS. Keep the bore of the gun clean at all times. There is often a de- posit left after firing, near the seat of the charge, which prevents the projectile from going entirely down to the cartridge. This deposit should always be removed.* The projectiles should be kept free from rust. The use of emery- cloth and the application of a little oil will protect the shot from rust. * Generally removed Ijy using wet sponge. In very cold weather, alcohol should instead of water, to prevent freezing. used < P < O I— I I ffl f H < 3 — 1 . s„ _ — — _-„ 1 1 / -; .?( "ui':j i'J i'^O : ^ ! IS. J.i_MZH:S O O Q O o ,N L J 1 U I O ' ■".-Pi i -,G') \ 0' i \g J O ^«- O "'. u 1 r.) — -f .- , © 1 O o i I J 1 O O C' o 1 i LIFE-SAVING ORDNANCE. 303 In loading, always measure tlic distance from llie charge to the muz- zle with the ramrod or wiper and apply it to the shot. In tliis manner the gunner can always tell whether the projectile is fully down or is obstructed by dirt or sand. If the piece be fired when the projectile is not " home," it strains the gun unnecessarily. II. DIRECTIONS FOB FIRING. Having the gun and apparatus on the ground, to prepare for firing : 1. Select a place where the gun and carriage may recoil without strik- ing rocks or other obstructions. 2. Note the position of the vessel to be relieved ; her distance from the shore, the direction and approximate force of the wind. 3. Place the gun in position, making allowance for the force of the wind and for the drift of the line. 3. Place the faking-box and line on the windward side of the gun, and two or three feet from it — not more. The box should be on a line with the muzzle of the gun. Loosen the hasps, invert the box, and in- cline it to the front at an angle of about forty-five degrees. 5. See that the vent is clear by inserting the priming-wire. 6. Wipe off the shot with care, freeing it from dirt and sand. 7. Remove the frame and faking-pins, j)i-essing at the same time gently upon the " false " bottom to keep the fakes in place. Then re- move the " false " bottom by lifting it slowly until clear of the box. 8. Seize the end of the line, drawing out just enough to reach to the gun without disturbing the fakes in the box, pass the end through the eye-hole in the shank and tie two or three half-hitches in it, drawing the knot down close to the eye ; then wet about three or four feet of the line. [The wetting is a precaution that was not taken in the experimental firing, it not being found necessary. It is better, however, to err on the safe side.] 9. Remove the tompion or muzzle cover from the piece. 10. Insert the cartridge. 11. Insert the projectile slowly until it rests upon the cartridge. 12. Prick the cartridge with the priming-wire to avoid disturbing the elevation after being given. 50 394 LIFE-SA\'ING ORDNANCE. 13. Set the "combination level" to the desired angle. 14:. Place the lower arm of the level lengthwise upon the chase. 15. Elevate the muzzle until the bubble of the level stands at the middle of the tube. 16. Adjust the quoin. 17. Unroll the lanyard and insert the hook in the wire loop of the friction primer. 18. Insert the primer gently in the vent. 19. Stand clear of the line. In the use of this, as of all other apparatus, a certain degree of care and common sense must be constantly exercised by those who have it in charge. The best and most perfect apparatus in the world will prove a miserable failure in the hands of ignorance and carelessness. The necessity for thorough instruction and frequent practice is nowhere so urgently called for as in the fitting of men to handle efficiently the ap- pliances for saving human life. lO ;dix. 407 main body to which lie belonged, ut King's Mountain. As an "inven- tor of arras," Ferguson must have possessed extraordinary mechanical insight and foresight. He appears to have foreseen every difficulty which could attend the use of his invention, and likewise to have pro- vided against them. The peculiar spiing which secures the extremity of the guard plate that serves as a lever to the breech-screw, whose de- scent admits the charge, is one which is generally considered a recent discovery, and has been applied in the most diverse manners. To pre- vent the fouling of the screw-j)lug there is a pei'pendicular slot by which anything that could clog it is expelled upwards ; ai.d behind it there is a cavity to receive any superfluous powder which would also be carried out by the reverse action downwards. Finally the rifle is a muzzle- loader as well as a breech-loader It is very likely that the specimen in existence was finished with more than usual care, for it is truly an elegant piece of work, and the Imtt is turned or modeled witli a grace and lightness which would scarcely have admitted of very severe u-age. It seems to have been intended for an officer rather than for a private sol- dier ; but of this nothing is known except that these lifles were used in battle and service for a little over three years ; that they were intro- duced suddenly and only in America ; and that fhey disappeared from history simultaneously with the death of their inventor. It is still more curious that his other inventions, in artilleiy, etc., ecpially remarkable, were likewise allowed to fall into disuse after his decease. And yet, after all, it is not so strange. There are hundreds of inventions con- ceived centuries ago which have shared a like fate, and have been re- discovered and patented as novelties within the present centuiy. J. Watts de Peystee, Brig.-Gen., Brev.-Major General (by special action), S. N. Y, HARTLEY & GRAHAM, 19 Maiden Lane, . . ISTe^v York, Importers and MANriFACTiiEEES of Military and Band Equipments, Swords, Sword CO o w Q O CO I — I o o en t— ' '-d CO Helmets, Hats and Caps, Saddles and Equipments. Full Dress Equipments, Fatigue Equipments, Worsted Epaulettes, Gilt Epaulettes, Music Pouches and Belts, Cartridge Boxes, Bayonet Scabbards, and Waist Belts. J^= Estimates given on all kinds of Equipments. HARTLEY & GRAHAM, 17 & 19 MAIDEN LANE, Ordnance ^ Ordnance Stores Far J-rmt} antl Batry Mse. GATLING- AND OTHER MACHINE GUNS. BREECH AND MUZZLE LOADING RIFLES, of all makes and calibres. METALLIC AMMUNITION of every description. THE CELEBRATED PEABODY-MARTINI, REM- INGTON, SHARPS, BORCHARDT, and other BREECH-LOADING RIFLES. WINCHESTER, BURGESS, and THE LEE MAGA- ZINE REPEATING ARMS. SPRINGFIELD, ENFIELD, and all other MUZZLE- LOADING MUSKETS, in stock for immediate delivery. SMITH & WESSON'S, COLT'S, HOOD'S, and other celebrated REVOLVERS, in every variety. SABRES, BELTS and EQUIPMENTS. Compcintcs and jE]:s:p editions Fitted out at short notice. HARTLEY & GRAHAM, 17 & 19 MAIDEN LANE, NEW YORK, Importers and Dealers in Fine Breecbi Muzzle LoadiQg Mnns ^ Bis TROM ALL THE CELEBRATED MAKERS, SCOTT, _E3.CjIjIjiI.S stia.ci BOnSTEHinLI., ALSO FKOM C O I-i T, AND OTHER AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS. SPORTING GOODS IN EVERY VARIETY. Brass and Paper Shot Shells, Blaek and Pinh Edge Gun Wads, Percussion Caps, Primers, etc., etc. A complete: line: of "the: Bridgeport Gun-Implement Company's Goods. — - — - — ♦♦♦ PLAIN AND FANCY MOUNTINGS. E BRIDGEPORT, CONN., U. S., MANUf ACTUKEKS OF EVERT DESCRIPTION OF MILITARY AND SPORTING USES. FEFiCUSSIO^ CAPS, PBIMEBS, BLACK A.N'D PIjYK EDGE WADS, BBASS AJ^D PAPEB SHOT SHELLS OF SUPERIOR QUALITY, For sale by all respectable dealers throughout the world. CONTRACTORS FOR Military Ammunition, Cartridge Machinery and Supplies. EIXXRACXS FROM REIPORTS. Gen. Teviek. giR : I have the lionor to re[iijrt tlint I have completed the experiment, according to your order, with the Bridgeport Cartriilge, liuown as the Keinfuiced Shell with the Berdau Primer, with tlie lullowiiig re,sidts; Numlier of cartridges fired new, 22,000, which were selected from 25 bo.xes containing 1,000 cartridges each. Of the G.'),000 rounds (ired only two cartridges liave failed, and tliere has been no escape of gas from cartridges burst or cracked tliat would injure any one in firing from tlie shoulder. Through this experiment tlie cartridges have been used in about 12,000 different guns, have extracted freely ;iiid worked well in every respect. I have tlie honor to lie, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, {Signed) BENJAMIN LYON, U. S. Sub. Jnsppclor. The al)Ove cartridges were fired in the Peabody-Martini rifle, in testing rifles now making for the Turkish government. Extract from report of Ordnance Bureau, in the inspection of .500,000 Berdan Centre Primed Metallic Cartridges, ."iO Cab, for tlie Army: "2,000 rounds, taken indiscriminately from 100 boxes, taking care that they should represent each day's w^