Chapter XIII: Part II: Naval Ordnance (5)

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This system is a Russian invention, and is exceedingly simple and compact. The breech-block revolves transversely, and the movement of opening causes the extractor, which is a simple lever, to throw the cartridge-case out of the chamber. Two lugs rise in rear of the breech-block, leaving a cavity between them for the insertion and ejection of cartridges. The breech-block when closed is held down by the hammer on the firing-pin.

_Springfield._

In the Springfield system the breech-block hinges at the upper forward end and is turned up. The extractor is operated by a small spring which ejects the cartridge-case forcibly on throwing open the breech-block. The firing-pin passes diagonally through the breech-block to the axis of the bore. A catch holds the rear of the block down when closed, and the bottom of the block is hollowed out to lighten it.

NEW SYSTEMS.

_Peabody-Martini._

In this system the breech-block is hinged at its upper rear end and drops down in opening. It is opened and closed by a bent lever in rear of the trigger-guard. The extractor is a bent lever, the lower front of the breech-block striking it in opening and causing it to violently eject the cartridge-case. The firing-pin is in the axis of the breech-block, and is retracted and cocked by the motion of opening the breech. By means of a small slide just in front of the trigger the firing-pin can be secured at full cock. A small pointer on the left outer face of the receiver serves as a tell-tale to show when the piece is at full cock.

_Werndl._

The breech-block of this piece revolves about an axis just below the barrel, and by its revolution works the extractor and throws the empty cartridge-case out. The firing-pin is of the ordinary type, held back by a spring and operated by the blow of a hammer. The head of the bolt in which the breech-block revolves has for its section a segmental shape, and a flat spring presses upwards against it. One of its flat sides presses on the spring at each extreme position of the breech-block, and by this means the block is held secure when open or shut, whilst the movement of opening is made with a snap, assisting in the ejection of the empty case.

_Mauser._

The breech-block of this piece is a cylindrical block travelling lengthwise, and turned and moved by a projecting thumb-piece. A part of the right side of the slot-way in which it travels is cut away, so that in pushing forward the block to close the breech it may be turned also; projections on the thumb-piece cut with a slant, taking against the sides of the cut so as to force the block, close up wedge-fashion and hold it secure. The extractor is secured to the nose-piece of the block. The firing-pin travels in the axis of the block and is retracted, or rather the spring is pressed forward, as the block is drawn back, being held cocked by the sear when the block is pushed forward again. This gun is a modification of the old Chassepot.

_Le Gras (modified Chassepot)._

This gun is the same in principle as the one just described, it being in reality a system of conversion from the old needle-gun used in connection with a paper cartridge, to the new one using brass cartridge-cases. The principal differences between the Mauser and the Le Gras are in the details of the trigger and in the use of a rubber gas-check.

_Berdan._

The breech-block of this system is pivoted at the upper forward end, and is opened by drawing back the locking-bolt to its full extent and then throwing the breech-block up. In drawing the bolt back the firing-pin is cocked, as in the Mauser pattern, and throwing the breech-block up operates the extractor.

_Remington._

The breech-block of this system is pivoted at its lower extremity, and is held fast by a hammer-block. Cocking the latter, the breech-block may be thrown back, working the extractor.

_Hotchkiss Magazine._

The breech-block of this system is on the principle of the Chassepot, being turned by a thumb-piece to unlock it and then retracted, the operation of retracting, cocking the firing-pin, withdrawing and ejecting the old cartridge-case, and opening the magazine, from whence a fresh cartridge is pushed in front of the block by a spiral spring. The magazine runs along the axis of the butt-stock, and is provided with a feed-stop by which the supply may at any time be shut off.

RECAPITULATION OF NAVAL ORDNANCE.

Showing the Penetrating power of Projectiles fired from English Guns against Iron-clad Ships of war.

Each target represents a certain class of vessel at a distance of 70 yards except where the range at which projectiles would penetrate is stated.

NOTE.—Where the target is shown pentrates but no range given it includes all distances up to 2000 yards.]

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Navies of the worldChapter XIII: Part II: Naval Ordnance (5)

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