RIFLED BREECH-LOADERS.
It is worthy of notice that, while numerous attempts are now making to perfect the breech-loader for sporting as well as military purposes, Early guns loaded at the breech.our early cannon and first hand guns were loaded at the breech, and if all mechanical difficulties could be overcome, the breech-loading principle for portable fire-arms would deserve the preference. We can easily understand why it did not continue in favour in early days, as this mode includes a great deal of perfection in mechanical workmanship, and to which the ancient gun maker was a stranger.
Disadvantages of breech-loaders.
The great argument against breech-loaders as military weapons is the expense, their intricate construction, the escape of gas, and the probable waste of ammunition, in the hands of an uneducated soldier. It may be briefly answered.
1st. As to expense.
1st.—As to expense, the most destructive weapon, by preventing and curtailing war, must in the long run be the cheapest.
2nd. As to intricacy.
2nd.—As to intricacy of construction, the soldier is the user, not the maker of his gun; it matters not how delicate the mechanism of a watch may be, the only question is, does it continue to go well!! And who dare say that the brains of man shall never suggest a simple mode of construction. Of course anything fragile would be totally unfit for military purposes. The escape of gas has been entirely overcome.
3rd. As to waste of ammunition.