Handbook for Light Artillery

by A. B. Dyer

Fig. 100.

The Recoiling Part is the barrel and its extension. The barrel is an ordinary rifle barrel with a breech-sleeve to which is secured the extension. The extension of the barrel consists of two vertical steel plates, between which the lock and the gear connected therewith operate on guides and bearings.

Fig. 101.

The Lock bears a vertically sliding piece, D (called the carrier), on its fore end, and does not differ materially from that of an ordinary pistol. It is secured by a divided screw to the connecting-rod, B, of a crank, E, the shaft of which passes through the plates. There is also a handle to the shaft on the right side of the gun outside, and a curved arm to the crank.

The Trigger, F, immediately in rear of the mainspring, M, is actuated by the rod, S, which is operated by the lever, L, having at its upper end a double button. Pressing this button draws back the rod and releases the hammer, G, and firing-pin, H. In rear of the gun is a catch, which when down prevents the lever being pressed forward.

The Non-recoiling Portion consists of the gun-case and the water-jacket. This portion is mounted on trunnions, and has attached traversing, elevating, and depressing gear, and is provided with handles and sights for aiming and the double button for firing.

On the right side of the gun-case is a solidly attached resistance-piece, C. The curved crank-arm, A, is at a small distance from it when the gun is in a firing position, to avoid escape of gas to the rear and fouling of the chamber.

On the left side of the gun-case is a strong spiral spring the rear end of which is connected, by a chain and fusee, with the crank shaft, and the fore end is connected to the gun-case by means of the spring-case; this spiral spring is to bring back the barrel after the recoil and to work the crank; the working strength of the spring can be adjusted by means of the screw at the fore end. The water-jacket surrounds the barrel and is fitted with three openings, one for receiving the water, one for drawing it off, and the third for letting off the steam; the first two are closed by screw-plugs, the third is always open. Both ends of the water-jacket are fitted with stuffing-boxes and glands; these guide the barrel and prevent the escape of water.

In the feed-box, on top of the gun, are two movable pawls and two stationary ones. The movable pawls are connected by a lever to the barrel and are so adjusted that the barrel on recoiling moves them from left to right; by means of a spring they engage behind the next cartridge in the belt, and thus the cartridges move on automatically towards the chamber; when the barrel returns after the recoil, the pawls place the cartridge, still in the belt, immediately above the chamber.