This gun is introduced into naval services with the especial objects of, first, repelling torpedo and boarding attacks; second, for use against light merchant vessels where a light, long-range artillery fire is most effective. The gun has five barrels, and can be fired at a rate of from 60 to 80 shots per minute without forcing. Its ammunition is shell and case-shot, the weight of projectile ranging from one and a half pounds in the light calibre to four pounds in the heavy one. The extreme range is about 4500 yards. The barrels are assembled about and revolve around a central axis, the cartridges being fed through a chamber in the left upper side of the breech-casing. There is but one lock, and each barrel fires once during a revolution. The cartridge on falling into the chamber is carried forward by a cam into its barrel, being pushed close home and receiving good support when passing in front of the firing-pin. The latter is retracted by a cam, plunging forward as the centre of each cartridge comes in front of it. The rim of the cartridge-case is then seized by an independent extractor, withdrawn, and dropped to the ground. Although the crank is turned steadily, there is a certain amount of lost motion in the revolution of the barrels. This takes place as the cartridge reaches the firing-point, and during this short time of rest one cartridge is fired and another empty case is ejected. No elevating-screw is used with this gun. It is mounted on trunnions in a saddle, and projecting from the rear of the breech-case is a wooden shoulder-piece, while underneath is a handle to allow a support with the left hand. The cartridges are permanently attached to the rear of the projectiles. The shells are of steel with a percussion fuse. The barrels of the gun are made of Whitworth compressed steel of the finest quality. This gun has up to the present time proved the most effective torpedo-gun in existence. Its only rival at present is the Nordenfeldt gun, which is not yet thoroughly developed.
Chamber. (Longitudinal Section.)
Chamber. (Vertical Section.)
The Gatling Gun.
Long Pattern.
