To War?
What if the Russians Came?

Part 2: Arms and Equipment: Guns

by Greg Horne


80 Pounder Rifled Muzzle Loader of 4.35 tons on Wood, Central Pivot Mount
Range: 2000 metres
Crew: 9
Calibre: 10”
Projectile Weight: 88.3 lb
These guns were among those purchased by Sir George Vernon in 1866.
Recoil was controlled by letting the gun run up a wooden slide.
The gun fired either solid or exploding shells cast in water-cooled moulds to harden their tips for the purpose of armour penetration.

9” Armstrong Rifled Muzzle Loader of 12 tons on Iron, Central Pivot Mount
Range: 5029 metres
Crew: 9
Calibre: 9”
Projectile Weight: 256 lb
These guns were purchased by Sir George Vernon in 1866.
Rate of Fire was about one shot every three minutes.
Recoil was controlled by letting the gun slide up a pair of inclined metal rails. It was actually brought to rest by a system of friction plates that were set against each other by a hand-brake.
The gun fired either solid or exploding shells cast in water-cooled moulds to harden their tips for the purpose of armour penetration.

To War? What if the Russians Came? Defending Melbourne in 1885

Part 1: Defending Melbourne in 1885

Part 3: Defending Melbourne in 1885: Victorian Military Forces

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© Copyright 2004 by Richard Brooks.
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