The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-01-07
M4CHINE GUN F0R VAR SHIPS.
The Most Destructive Gun Yet Found.
Having Record of 40 shots Minute.


WASHINGTON Jan. A new machine
gun has been adopted for use on naval
ships which he Small Arms Board re-
ports 10 be the most destructive weapon.
firing a bulelt Of its calibre, vet found.
The gun has a record OF 40 shots a min
ute and requires 10 work except the pres
sure OF an electric button 10 maintain the
terrific fire. The gun Is self-feeding and
grlads out shots with a 'apidity that
would make IL a most dangerous piece for
landing parties. AS compared with the
Calling, which has been the naval ma
chine for years. ir is just about as SUI
perior as the modern rined gun is the old
smooth bore. The Calling has a weight
Of $50 pounds, while the new gun weighs
only thirty-five and can be taken by a
man on his shoulder and easily carried
from point TO point.
For years the ordnance Department
has been experimenting with various types
OF machine guns, with a view 10 perfect
ing an automatic system whereby the
guns could be worked by an cleo
trio button. rather than by the
old trigger style now I'm use. and
of the several guns submitted in
the competition al have been so near
one another in excellence that the Board
choice. Last winter the number from
which a selection was 10 be made was
reduced 10 three-and after numerous
trials and changes the Ordnance Bureau
has reported in favor OF the Colt gun. and
has gwen an order for the immediate pur-
chase Of fifty which will be placed on
shipboard as soon as they are delivered.
The report OF the Board says that the au-
tomato system having been perfected TO
a point where there seems to be no longer
room for further innurOvement. il has be-
re necessary 10 adopt this type or gun
and to discard all hand-worked pieces.
The only question that arose in determin-
ing the particular gun TO be accepted by
the department was whether tho auto
matte system had been developed to a
point where IL could no longer be I'm
proved.
The new Colt gun is the lightest wea-
pOn of its power and efficiency known 10
ordnance officers. and is especially adopt
ed for use in tops Of war ships and by
landing parties OF blue-jackets. The guns
calibre is the same as that Of the new
small arm, about which the army thinks
a mistake has been made dn reducing the
size Of the bullet. \ continuous belt feeds
the gun. and one man with his finger
pressed on a button fires H. With his
other hand he trains II from side 10 side
as though the muzzle were hose. and
as fast as one band OF cartridges runs out
another Is attached.
The department believing that the two
rejected guns are almost the equal Of that
adopted. has given their manufacturers
two months n which TO remedy some
NOR defects, and then another trial Will
be given. and II on this they prove TO be
equal 10 the Colt. the navy will also adopt
one Of the two guns All are Of the same
calbre and general design, so that al
three could be adopted and installed on
the new ships without there being any
necessity Of changing ammunition. The
department is anxious 10 adopt all three
types. 50 that there can be no delay IN
furnishing machine guns 10 the navy.
About rs guns are required for service
N ships in service. and Il IS expected that
these will be delivered early this spring.
New York Sun