The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-03-04
No|sELEss FIREARM n Vented.
DEVICE OF MAXIM'S SON TO PRE-.
VENT THE NOISE OF THE
EXPLOSION.

AS Soon as Bullet Escapes This Shuts
Down and All Noise is Prevented
Device Works on Cannon as Well,
as Pistol, and is Very simple-Ex.
perts Say Invention Has Great Val.
ue.
New York, Feb. 26.-Hiram Percv
Maxim, son Of Sir Hiram Maxim. in
Ventor of the gun which bears his
hame' has secured patents for a silent
nrearm. 1t Is announced that by the
use OF the device patented, the dis
chargc OF any fircarm from the pistol
10 the largest gun is rendered pract,.
cally noisclcss. The invention con.
sists or the use Of q device similar to
the "muf1er" used on automobiles to
deaden the noise Of the constant ex-
plosions by which the gasoline engine
Is operated. 1t is in the shape of a
munier attached to the muzz,e OF the
hrearm through (which the gases
which drive out the bullet or the shell
are allowed to escape gradually with
out the effect Of an explosion.
BY this device. which does not al
ter the appearance jof any weapon cx-
cept tor small cross-piece in the
oarrel short distance from the muz
zle. the escape OF the gases followine
the discharge Of tho explosive Is shut
on just as the bullet emerges from the
muzzle. This result is obtained bv
means OF piston valve sliding across
the bore of the barrel immediately
after the bullet passes, This valve is
actuated entirely by the pressure Of
the gases themselves and is not ope-
rated by any intricate mechanical de-
vice.
Preventing the gases from escaping
suddenly and provoking a consequent
loud report, this valve allows them to
issue gradually through a. series OF
small holes, thus obviating all noise
except a slight kissing sound. The
valve then resumes an open position
and safety device prevents the firing
OF another cartridge unless the valve
is IN its proper place. Further an
munition Of various kinds may be
used ranging from leaden bullets and
ordinary gunpowder to forced steel
projectiles impeIled by smok.less
powder.
|. Military experts aporised of the new
invention assert that It holds the
power to force a revolution Of modern
methods OF warfare. BY use oi this
noiseless weapon skirmishers could
work along an enemy's fr,.nt and
shoot down pickets without the pres
encc, being noted except upon the
discovery Of the slain, sharp-shoot.
ers would be enabled to pick Off their
victims without reports OF weapons
bctraying the positions
-" S"S "oAAu u sport IL Is nt!Q Dy
the inventor this new weapon would
render 1t possible for a nlan properly
concealed to kill at his leisure prob
ably every deer in surprised hc&d as
no alarm Vpuld be sounded. From
cover on shore man armed with
this noiselcss gun might pick off every
bird in a flock without alarming the
lesscning number to fight.
Because of its dreaful possibilities
In the, world Of crime, many police
officials have already insisted that tho
manufacture and disposal Of the new
device must be safeguarded by law
Armed with such weapon a police
man might be enabled to disable ev-
cry member Of band Of law-break-
ers should he surprise them at their
work.
i On the other hand it would he
equally dangerous in the possession of
"a desperate criminal. The assassin, by
its use, would be enabled to pick oft
his victim and find opportunity CT es-
Gaping.