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The Gun |
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In 1778 Sir Chas Douglas urged the adoption of flintlocks for naval ordnance but the RN would not listen. He therefore bought musket locks for the guns on his own ship where he proved their superiority to other forms of ignition. Twelve years later the Admiralty were convinced and adopted them in 1790. However, the Army did not adopt them until 1820 - and even then retained their portefires 'just in case'.
Often called 'T' friction tubes from their shape, friction tubes were introduced in 1853. Filling was similar to that of common tubes. Ignition was by flash produced by a roughened bar at the top reacting with a sensitive igniter in the neck when pulled by a lanyard attached to the ring.
Friction tubes were still in use in BL field guns until they were superseded by QF types during the South African War (1899-1902). NZAOC still had them in store in 1938 when they produced some for the makers of the film Rewi's Last Stand!
WL Ruffell |
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Page last updated: December 7, 1998