A very strange British gun

[CutlassCollector]

Originally Posted by corrado26

Many thanks for this help. It is interesting to learn that such type of guns have been obviuosly and actually in use during the 18. century. But the ammunition or the grenade used is still a mystery for me
corrado26

Yes, I wondered about that as well.
Hand thrown grenades just had a fuse to light. But I did find this in Gilkerson - the missile extends beyond barrel to be ignited or have a fuse lit. I guess there were many variations - some also have chains and hooks to catch in the sails and set them alight.

CC

[fernando]

Originally Posted by CutlassCollector

Yes, I wondered about that as well.
Hand thrown grenades just had a fuse to light. But I did find this in Gilkerson - the missile extends beyond barrel to be ignited or have a fuse lit. I guess there were many variations - some also have chains and hooks to catch in the sails and set them alight.

CC

But this doesn't tell us how the grenade was thrown away from the barrel ... or does it ?
Certainly not like nowadays, in that they use a bulletless cartridge containing propellant gas !

[CutlassCollector]

Originally Posted by fernando

But this doesn't tell us how the grenade was thrown away from the barrel ... or does it ?
Certainly not like nowadays, in that they use a bulletless cartridge containing propellant gas !

I guess the gun was charged with powder into the first section smaller diameter of the barrel and then the stem of the grenade/missile is designed to match the larger diameter of the barrel and is pushed right down on top of the charge.
Marcus's post 3 gives a good impression.

CC

[fernando]

Originally Posted by CutlassCollector

I guess the gun was charged with powder into the first section smaller diameter of the barrel and then the stem of the grenade/missile is designed to match the larger diameter of the barrel and is pushed right down on top of the charge.
Marcus's post 3 gives a good impression.

CC

Marcus example ... yes. I was thinking of other systems, like in the other examples posted; barrels of regular section, no sticks attached to the grenade.
My imagination ? .

[corrado26]

I think that they used an appropriate charge of powder that was big enough to expel the stick with the grenade. But honestly said I would'nt hold that gun in my hands and press it against my shoulder firing it.

[CutlassCollector]

Originally Posted by corrado26

I think that they used an appropriate charge of powder that was big enough to expel the stick with the grenade. But honestly said I would'nt hold that gun in my hands and press it against my shoulder firing it.

Agreed!!
But not as bad as the Nock Volley gun that fired all seven barrels at the same time.

[corrado26]