The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1867-01-10
IYbe Neet{le Gun.

DfcccIl-lOaQef were detailed by 4Mf. ~ Or
man Wizard, before the Polytechnic AS
ISOLATION, recently, in an interesting
comparison between this weapon and
those OF this class more familiar to US.
The Prussian needle gun is not to be
commended as a finished piece of mech
anism, but, in the opinion Of the speak
er, it combined advantages that render
1t in many respects far superior to any
weapon OF like character heretofore con-
structed. The most noticeable peculiar
tiles CT this qua are its length and
weight towards the muzzle. According
to our received ideas, these features
should be looked upon as disadvantages
but III reality great accuracy and steadi-
ness of aim are thereby attained. and
when pointed, the weight and length
make it easier to hold, and the end of
the muzzle is not deviated by the recoil.
The peculiarly of placing the charge
nearer the muzzie of the gun than has
been customary, is an advantage which
the speaker believed might be still
improved, for the further forward the
powder is placed the less force is wasted
in overcoming the frictioa resulting
from contact of the ball with the bar
rel, and by igniting the cartridge at the
front end the whole powder is employed
simply in propelling the ball. In this
gun all the expansive force of the
powder, and also OF the Illuminating
gases, are utilized, but in Snarpe's rifle,
the propulsive power that might have
been obtained from this latter force is
lost, and portion of the other force es-
capes through the nipple orifice.
The breech Of the Prussian gun is
nearly on a line with the muzzle,
While Ia ordinary muskets considera-
Die angle Is formed, and, in consequence,
q muscular effect is required to bring
the gun into position for taking aim,
and the force Of the recoil is not so east
ly resisted. The certainty OF bect ming
foul, after charges have been fired,
limits the capacity Of the Springfield
rifle to twenty rounds, hence the superb
GRITTY of breech leaders in this respect,
for every ball acts as a swab in cleans
ing the barrel of the solid residue from
the powder.
In conclusion, Mr.. Wizard presented
some curious statements furnished in an
official report on the battle of Gettys-
burg, stating that u ,57i guns were pick
ed up on the field after the engagement,
$4,000 of which were loaded. OF this
manning unfired, one quarter had three
contained over ten loads apiece. Many
were found having from two to six bull
lets over one charge, in others the pow
der was placed above the ball, one gun
had six cartridges with the paper uniform,
in one Springfield rifle twenty-three sep
crate charges were found, while one
smooth musket contained twenty
two bullets and sixty buckshot rammed
promiscuously.-Scie american.
Maine papers are Dragging over big
hogs.
Buffalo claims to be the leading city
for fast horses.
An insane lady in Nebraska strangled
herself with her garter.
Frauds and swindles are taking place
in all parts Of the country.
The Naples Rothschild has retired from
business with d fortune of SAC, 600, 600.
A $4,000 Masonic Temple is to be
built in Philadelphia.
Greedy is striving to moderate the
whirlWind he has been SO instrumental
in raising.