Converted Guns.
Converted guns are the original ·45-in. guns made to take the ·303-in. cartridge.
The conversion consists in the substitution of ·303-in. barrels for the ·45-in. barrels and the adaption of the mechanism to the smaller calibre by the introduction of new parts or the alteration of existing parts.
The Mark II differs from the Mark I in being fitted with the service ·303-in. barrel and muzzle attachment for ball firing, whereas the Mark I has a special muzzle attachment and a heavy barrel. The difference in the barrels affects also certain other parts. In both Marks I and II converted guns the attachment for ball firing must always be on the guns, as, owing to the greater weight of the component parts, these guns will not work without it.
The tangent sight is graduated to 2,500 yards.
The weight is 64 lbs.
In other respects they resemble the ·303-in. gun except that the connecting rod is not above the horizontal and that there is a space of about ⅒ of an inch between the projecting arm of the crank handle and the resistance piece.
Ammunition.
All marks of ·303-in. ball ammunition may be used, but care should be taken to select ammunition of the most recent manufacture. Mark VII can, however, be used only in guns specially modified to take it.
Explanation of Plates I and II.