THE NEW GATLING GUN.

Kumara Times, Issue 1148, 3 June 1880, Page 3

THE NEW GATLING GUN.

The latesb improved Gatling gun was exhibited by Dr. R. J. Gatling to a number of experts on Saturday last, March 27, at the offices of Sir William Armstrong and Co., Great Georgestreet, Westminister. This formidable implement, which has a compact and even elegant appearance, is capable of firing 1000 shots per minute, and of inflating death at the distance of a mile. It has ten revolving barrels, each of which has its corresponding lock. In addition to the revolving motion, the locks have a backward and forward action of their own. The forward motion places the cartridge in the chambers of the barrels and closes the breech at the time of each discharge, while the backward actiou flings out the empty cartridge cases after the bullet has sped from thorn. The barrels are turned, with any velocity required, by a, crank, which, formerly at the side, is now placed at the rear of the instrument, a more convenient position. A tall slim case, containing forty metal cartridges, one above the other, is fixed in a vertical -position over the barrels, in which as they revolve 4 , the cartridges fall with precision and rapidity. At each turn the crank, ten bullets are shot otit, and the crank can be turned in little more than half-a-sncond. The ford-case, when exhausted, atn h« replaced oy another while the barrels are revolving with the rapidity of the wheels cf an express train. A slidiug arrangement at the back of this deadly mitrailleuse effects the dispersion of the shot, which is not simultaneous but continuous, ball following ball in rapid and unbroken Thus two men wielding this firearm can do the work of two or three hundred riuVmoii, especially on a compact mass of the enemy. An injury to one of the locks does not dis■.hie the gunj the lock can be easily removed ; and the only difference is that there will be nine barrels instead of ten—that there will be 900 instead

of 1000 shot "per minute. The gun can be mounted in almost any manner; on wheels, on a naval carriage, 61* fastened on the gunwale of a ship. It is portable, can be taken to pieces and carried about. It can be made in vaiions sizes, from a weight of 971 b. to 6001 b., and the shot ranges from a musket ball to a half-pounder. The weapon is better adapted for defensive purposes than for offensive. Lovers of peatie may view the implement without unmixed dissatisfaction, seeing that military machinery, is designed to economise human labour ; and in war labour means life.—Home News.