The Needle Gun.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 1, Issue 51, 2 November 1870, Page 7

The Needle Gun.

The following description of this wonderful weapon is from the Dunedin Uveuiaj >Aar: —■ Tuc asiomsiung success of tnc Frussiaii army achieved by means of the needle-gun, lias no doubt excised curiosity concerning to is effect.ve weapon. We have had the privilege of inspecting one now in the possession of Ivir liymau, at tne Tier liocel. It is beautifully made, r.itaer short in the barrel, and highly polls.mi. Tne gun only weighs and as tne barrel is very strong, of necessity the bore is small—calculated only to discharge a very am id bid. J’nero are several spiral grooves in die barrel, so that the gyratory motion accessary to carry the bail true to its marie is ensured, lint dio chief advantage is in the breech-loading apparatus, which is simple, ami not liab.e to get out of order. The opening for the insertion of the cartridge is made by turning a portion <>/ ilib barrel half round and sliding it back. Tide is dune by means of a strong short lever, which is returned to its place after the insertion of cartridge and cap, and the lever then rests against a strong shoulder on the right-hau 1 side of the breech, which effectually prevents us roc hi during the discharge of the piece. Tiie cap is of the same diameter as the bore, (o ensure being pierced by the needle, w hieii is in leality a piston forced forward by a spring liberated by the trigger. The cap is filled nidi r-ruinary detonating powder, and as the iue lie is impelled with great force, ignition is certain. Tha sighting of the piece for different ran c. > is adj rmrable, and can be regulated by s;v,; t.utr. We understand that in practised hand.; f.ri ;.i can he loaded aud tired thirty time.- iti a a- da From the ease with which it win 1 '• cl-: .owi, « are not surprised at the favour >vit'» v.bi'-k Miu ! aim is regarded by the ITa-si.nls