Discoveries and Inventions of the Nineteenth CenturyRoutledge, Robert
History
Discoveries and Inventions of the Nineteenth Century
Routledge, Robert
Inventions -- History -- 19th century
The reader should now easily understand that the projectile from a rifle
or gun discharged horizontally through airless space at the height of
16·1 ft. above a level plain would strike the ground in one second at a
range or distance from the gun exactly equal to the initial velocity, or
if the gun were on a tower and its axis 64·4 ft. above the plain, the
range would then be 2V. It will be seen therefore that, corresponding to
the range intended, there must be in general a certain inclination given
to the axis of the piece in aiming, and this is done by means of the
_sights_, one of which near the muzzle is usually fixed, while that next
the breech is adjustable by sliding along an upright bar, which is
graduated so that the proper elevation may be given for any required
range. These graduations are made from experiments, and of course have
reference only to some standard quantity and quality of ammunition and a
standard of weight, shape, and material in the projectile. Sometimes
large pieces of ordnance are laid by elevation in degrees, etc., marked
on their mounting, the angles being taken from a table prepared for that
particular gun and ammunition, from experiments at different ranges.
After these generalities about fire-arms we may enter upon certain
particulars about the construction of some varieties, beginning with
_THE MILITARY RIFLE._
[Illustration:
FIG. 82.—_Muzzle-loading Musket and Rifles_ (_obsolete patterns_).
A. Brown Bess and Bayonet; B. Brunswick Rifle; C. Enfield Rifle and
Bayonet.
]
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