, 1860-03-30
New European Weapon Of War-Ths PruS-
Man Needle Gun.


:, A considerable degree of interest is be-
ing excited at this time in French military
, circles by the exclusive adoption quite re-
Gently of the celebrated breech-loading
weapon called Zundnadul Gewehr, or nee
die gun, throughout the whole infantry Of
Prussia. To certain extent, that weapon
} had been employed in the Prussian army
for the hst ten years, but in common with
all breech-loading small arms, the dificul-
ties in arriving at practical efficiency in all
respects were so considerable that doubts
were at one time entertained by military
authorities, even Prussian whether the
needle gun, on which so much money has
been lavished, and which had heeu regard
ed with so much pride, would not have to
be abandoned.
Nevertheless, simultaneously with the
completion of Sir WIN. Armstrong; expe-
riments, which resulted in solving, up TO n
certain point, the problem Of manufacturing
an efficient breech-loading cannon, vague
report circulated to the effect that all the
shortcomings Of the needle gun had been
done away with, and that the arm, far from
becoming abandoned, would be given to ell
the Prussian infantry. The next rumor
relative to the needle gun was to the effect,
that the escape of powder blast from the
breeching joint had been obviated 10y adop-
ting Sir WIS main expedient-namcly, an
expanding copper ring; then followed the
statement that tue PrnSsiauS had improved
on their carriage, rendering it more safe
than originally. The precise amount of
credihility to be attached to these rumorS
we do not know This much is certain
bowever-the needle gun is now definitely
adopted in the PrusSnu service after ten
years trial The 6ual adoption took place
during the Italian campaign--a period, il
will be remembered, when there seemed
some probability that Prussia would, at no
distant day, be involved in the European
strife.
Varieties Of the needle gun are now
common enough in this country, being
chiefly used for rook and rabbit shooting.
These arms are, however, mere toys; they
have little affinity with the PrusSian weap-
on, aud, indeed, they could not be used in
connections with full charge Of POWDER
The Prussians make a great mystery Of
their cartridge, but the following descrip-
lion will be found correct in all essential
particulars: Firstly, the bullet is some
thing Ike our own Eu6eld bullet-mOre
pointed, however, and in manner solid,
the base being only slightly excavated,
leaving space for a little deLOnating COM
position. Behind the bullet thus primed,
so to speak, comes the powder charge,
packed in linen cartridge. Without me-
ehauical drawings, it would be exceedingly
difficult to explain the mechanical arrange
meut by which the breeching is thrown
open, the cartridge inserted aud firmly lock-
cd in its place. This being done, however,
and the gun cooked, or what is equivalent
10 cooking, it is ready for firing. This is
accomplished by very ingenious mechuuism.
On pulling the trigger, needle-Shaped
piece Of iron is darted forward through n
corresponding hole in the poSteriOr end Of
the cartridge, through the powder aud up
against the cap Of which we have spoken,
inbedded iu the substance Of the bullet
Detonaton ensues, the powder charge ighi-
ting in front, which is considered to he an
advantage. The gun rarely misses FIRE, a
needle prick, or rather scratch, being a
surer way even Of igniting detouating pow
der than friction or percussion. A refrae-
lOry luelfer or congreve match, which has
resisted all attempts to ignite it by friction,
can generally be flashed of by prickng or
scratching II with a pin or a needle As
sumiUg the difficulties which formerly at
taehed to the use of the needle gun to have
been surmOuuted, the llOHlieEr de PArmse
discusses, the points for aud against the
weapon by comparison with the muzzle-
loading sulall arms employed in the French
service. Taking philosophical view of the
subject the MOnasWr de PArmes disabuses
its readers Of vague bot common notion
that any increase Of range is to be accom-
plshed by adoption Of a breech-loading
weapon. The chief advantage Of thor 4
Ougily efficient breech-loadiug small arm
consists in the rapidly with which it can
be loaded and discharged, though the ia
clllty OF loading 10 any position, lying down
on the back, ON the face, sideways or kneel-
ing, ought not TO be forgotten. The great
question TO be solved is whether skirmishing
Or close VOley firing is to be considered The
more eficaciOus, looking at the present con-
dtlou Of warfare. If the former, mere
rapldity Of firing is not essential, and ths
power Of accomplishing il may, in the case
Of an impetuuus or u nervous man, be dis
adVantageOus-merely holding out pre-
mum to the useless expenditure Of amlnu-
milton. II the latter, then the Aonileur de
PArmee seems to he OF the opinion that
thoroughly efficient breech-loadiug arm
would present decided advantages.
The Prussiuns have ever attached high
degree of Importance to the capab ity OF
qulck Voey firing. Frederick the Great
Ideyotpd iunrh nlL.ntinu Ia this mint At