Professional Documents
Culture Documents
3 1 THE WEAPONEER
The Baltimore
Steam Battery The Art of
Scientific American-May
See PMJB Vol. 1,
25, 1861
page 64
The annexed engraving represents a perspective
Weaponry
view, taken from a photograph, of the famous By Kurt Saxon
steam battery, about which so much has been
said within a few weeks, as being in process of MEN have been fascinated by weapons since the first true men selected
construction by the Messrs. Winans of
weapons worth keeping. Sub-men obviously hurled rocks and sticks at game,
Baltimore. From a letter by Mr. Thos
predators and other sub-men. But objects picked up and used once and then
published in the Baltimore papers, it
iron cone, and mounted on a four-wheeled car- of hand work described. (Now in BLACK POWDER GUNSMITH)
riage, it can be readily moved from place to
The other 19th Century reprints of weapons developed before and during the
place, or kept on march with an army. It can be
American Civil War illustrates the intellectual interest in weaponry by our most
constructed to discharge missiles of any capaci-
respected ancestors.
ty from an ounce ball to a 25 pound shot, with
a force and range equal to the most approved For those who medieval weaponry, to reproduce as working models, or as
like
gunpowder projectiles, and can dishcarge from attractive wall hangings to sell, the Popular Mechanics series will be appreciated.
one hundred to five hundred balls per minute.
For city or harbor defense it would prove
THE WEAPONEEER also details improvised weaponry in the finest tradition
of THE POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND. Regardless of the availability of conventional
more efficient than the largest battery; for use
on the battlefield, the musket caliber engine weaponry you can feel secure.
would mow down opposing troops as the You will be abledefend your home and loved ones with the most outrageous
to
scythe mowsstanding grain; and in sea fights, infernal gagetry imaginable. Your territory will be a nightmare of boobytraps, mines
mounted on low-decked steamers, it would be
and alarm devices.
capable of sinking any ordinary vessels.
In addition to the advantages of power,
Suffice It to say that, although the knowledge in THE WEAPONEER
linuous action and velocity of discharge, is legal, its application may be a felony, but that's your lookout.
demonstrated, and the day is not far distant cancer from our societies, rather than enslaving us on their behalf. If their rights
when, through its instrumentality, the new era are to be considered above ours, we have no recourse
but to go for overkill.
in the science of war being inaugurated, it will
If dangerous parasites are to be favored over good
be generally adopted by the Powers of the Old citizens, then good citizens
and New Worlds, and, from its very destruc- must become even more dangerous. This won't save our system. It's too late. But
tiveness, will prove the means and medium of we will thereby defeat them and thus survive.
peace.'* ATLAN will proceed to publish material which will enable anyone, regardless
The construction of the gun is represented in of his situation, to defeat any antagonist. I provide knowledge of the weapons
Fig. 2. A steel gun ban dl. bent at an elbow as
needed for any contingency.
shown, is caused to revolve by steam power
with great velocity; when the balls, being fed My definition of a weapon
any method of overcoming an enemy. It may in-
is
into the perpendicular portion, which is at the volve simply outthinking him with a good mind, harrassing him with dirty tricks,
center of revolution, are thrown out of the thwarting him with legal machinations or eliminating him with deadly force.
horizontal arm by centrifugal force. A gate, J,
keeps the balls from flying out until the barrel
Even so, this knowledge is not simply being thrown to the winds. There has
in the desired position, when this gate at least been an attempt at selection. ATLAN'S goal in THE WEAPONEER is
is is to
opened by the action of the lever, C, and the arm the best in our society against the worst. We will advertise only in adult
balls permitted to escape. magazines geared to the thinking of our kind of people
To make sure against accident from the
If you were sent a copy of THE WEAPONEER,
because you are probably
it is
chance issuing of balls when the borrtl is not in the
alert to the decline of our system. This alone makes you one of the elite,
proper position, a strong wrought iron casing sur- worthy
of being so armed. You either have something of value to offer the next genera-
rounds the gun, with a slit in one side through which
me balls may pass, as shown in Fig. 1. Our cut tion or can help destroy those who would be a threat to the next generation.
represents the balls as being fed in singly by hand, You may neither have the moxie nor the background to master all the skills
but in action it is proposed to feed them in with a
inthe first twelve issues. But as the course unfolds, you'll so far outstrip
shovel. Mr. Winans says that the shot from this gun your
foes that they'll be putty in your hands, if you let them live at all.
will cut off a nine inch scantling at the distance of half
a mile. the subject matter seems harsh, you must realize you're living in a harsh world.
If
Moreover, things will get worse before we can make them better. If you are
what
you hope you are; if you can be what you may have to be to continue, you'll drop
your illusions fast. Only realists will be a functional part of the future.
with Formaldehyde will allow you to tand. Otherwise, the guy wanta to make a
Weapo danger
I
to yourself.
recently ordered a gallon of For-
ind unless you look wierd, he doesn't
maldehyde from my drag store and got ry stocked on the druggist's shelves
it, no questions asked, for
By Kurt Saxon $7.50. Most make up a simple cover stoi
pharmacists will order various chemical up in a chemistry
For a concealable weapon, as deadly chemicals for you if they know you and cyclopedia and find it's uses. Choose
as you want to make it, you can't beat the a
know you will be around to collect it common use and teU your druggist that is
nasal spray (not mist). Sprays holding If they ask what you want a chemical what you want it for. For
instance, you
m
antihista i nes can be found in any for, itUususJlyJiistoutolidkoiriosity. might
grocery or drug store for about $1.39 or Or possibly it is to establish the fact that
leas. Vicks, Dristan and several other
brands will give you all you need to fight
off or kill any attacker.
They are easily emptied of their
legitimate contents and refilled with
Imitation Arms and Armor
whatever liquid substance you
Simply tilt the spray toward the
squeeze repeatedly until empty.
PART X
Since the contents are non-toxic you Genuine antique swords and armor, in the center through which to pass the
might use the original medicine to prac- as used by the knights and soldiers in handle end of the blade. The handle
tice on a target across the room. the days of old, are very expensive and is next made, and if the amateur does
To refill, hist put the poison you like at the present time practically impos- not possess a lathe on which to turn the
best in a bowl, squeeze the emptied sible to obtain. The accompanying shape of the handle, the ridges around
sprayer and stick it's nozzle under the li- illustration shows four designs of the wood may be imitated by gluing
quid. Release the pressure and a lot of li- swords that anyone can make, and if and tacking on pieces of small rope.
quid will be sucked up. carefully made, they will look very The handle is then mortised to receive
If it doesn't seem to want to suck in,
much like the genuine article. the 1 by 2-in. end of the blade. The
just hold it by it's sides and squeeze and The drawings are so plain that the cross guard is now glued and placed
that will force the flat front and bade to
amateur armorer should
have very little difficul-
draw up the liquid. It might take a few
ty, if any, in building up
squeezing to get it completely filled.
his work from the illus-
When nearly full, hold it up to a light and
trations, whether he re-
squeeze until a drop appears to be com-
quires a single sword
ing out of it's nozzle, then poke it down
only, or a complete suit
into the liquid and release the p
of armor, full size.
and it will be completely full.
The pieces or designs
Most nasal sprays have screw in this article are from
which take about two full turns to authentic sources, says
remove. If you have time, this is fine. But the English Mechanic,
if you are stopped by a mugger he might so that where names are
not give you time to unscrew the thing. given the amateur can
So if you are in a really unsafe area, so label them, and will
it uncapped in your hand. You thereby greatly add to
their interest and value.
An executioner s'
j else in your pocket to prevent sword of the fifteenth
tipping over. century is shown in Fig.
Hie beauty of such a weapon is that it 1. The blade should be
wiD pass a search unless the searcher about 27 in. long with a
s it, but only
the searcher
if
are, which is unlikely. No one is going to both hands. The width of the blade on the blade, then the hole in the
suspect a common nasal inhaler in your near the handle is about 2% in., taper- handle is well glued with glue that is
ing down to iy2 in. near the point end. not too thick and quite hot. The blade
You can even take the deadliest load on Several ridges are cut around the with the cross guard is inserted in the
handle to permit a firm grip. The handle and allowed to set. When the
a commercial airlfher without being
cross guard is flat and about 1 in. in glue is thoroughly dry, remove the sur-
detected. However, when going up in a
width. plus with a sharp knife and paint the
small plane, make sure the inhaler is
completely full. If it is only partly full,
Mark out the shape and size of the handle with brown, dark red, or green
the air inside will expand and cause it to
blade on a piece of wood %
in. thick,
using a straightedge and a pencil, and
oil paint. The blade is covered with
tinfoil to give it the appearance of
leak.So watch that! allowing a few inches more in length
The best all purpose load steel. Secure some pieces of tinfoil
is For- on which to fasten the handle. Cut out
maldehyde. and cut one s:rip y2 in. wider than the
It is volatile and
highly
penetrating. When sprayed into an at-
the wood with a scroll saw or a key-
hole saw, trirn the edges down thin
blade and the other % in. narrower.
Quickly paint the blade well with thin
tacker's face it causes terrible pain in the
and smooth both surfaces with fine glue on one side, then lay evenly ami
eyes, nose and mouth. The victim is total-
sandpaper. The end for the handle is press on the narrow strip of tinfoil.
ly out of action for about thirty HIIIII
cut about 1 in. wide and 2 in. long. The Glue the other side of the blade, out on
It will stop the strongest man. I cross guard is cut out and a hole made the wider strip of tinfoil and glue the
POOR MAN S JAMES BOND Vol. 3
1 THE WEAPONEER
mon and so should arouse no suspicion. page *f tM7$ v.j. 1.
8Z pommel 1% and 3 in. in the widest
in.
Ifyour druggist does not care to put in Mix the Cyanide solution with an equal part at the lower end. The sharp or
special orders and you have no other volume of DMSO. A
hefty sauirt of this Is cutting edge is only on the short side,
the other or half-round.
is flat
source for Formaldehyde, you can make guaranteed to kill in two minutes.
up some acrolein or capsicum from easi- Okay, so you squirt an opponent with A Turkish sabre of ancient manufac-
ture from Constantinople is shown in
ly gotten materials. f/**e 1 i*€ if* one of the above and he ticks you to
Fig. 3. The handle is painted a dull
It may be that you admired Charles
death before he dies. Don't worry; I'm
creamy white in imitation of ivory.
Bronson in "Death Wish", wherein our ahead of you.
mix The enamel paint sold in small tins will
hero actually killed all the muggers he What you do is one-third porion,
answer well for this purpose. The
le-third DMSO, and one-third For-
could. After all, why simply incapacitate cross guard and blade are covered as
a brute only to have fc i lay for you at a maldehyde. The one-third Formaldehyde described in Fig. 1. The sharp edge is
will put an attacker oat of action as sure-
later time? on the longer curved side, the other is
ly as if you had dunked his head in a or half-round.
flat
The best instant killer is Prusaic Add. bucket of it His pain will soon be over. A two-handed sword used in the 14th
You can make it easily by following the H you think the one-third poteen isn't and 15th centuries is shown in Fig. 4.
directions on page it) of Hie Peer Man's enough, you now have time to empty the This sword is about 68 in. long, has a
inhaler on him. But all kidding aside, one cross guard and blade of steel with a
James WmLtmUk or two good squirts in the face will do the
Although any one with easily obtained round wood handle painted black. The
lab gear can make Prussic Acid, you Job. ball or pommel on top of the handle is
may want a simpler poison. One such as So now you have the ultimate weapon steel. Both edges of the blade arc
for defense against an attacker. But sharp. This sword is made in wood the
Black Leaf 40 which is Nicotine Sulphate,
bought at your local garden store. To use
may be you want to put someone away same as described for Fig. 1.
this property, you need DMSO (Dimethyl
without your victim or anyone else know- MET II
tinfoil. Stick the wider strip on the that is properly shaped with tinfoil. round with a four-sided sharp spike ex-
other side in the same way, allowing The whole handle can be made of wood tending out from the points of six tri-
equal margin of tinfoil to overlap the in one piece, the lower part painted angular shaped wings. Cut the handle
edges of the blade. Glue the overlap- black and the upper part covered with and spike from one piece of wood and
ping edges and press them around on tinfoil. A screweye is screwed into the glue the wings on at equal distances
the surface of the narrow strip. The upper end. A length of real iron or apart around the base of the spike.
crossguard must be covered the same in steel chain is used to connect the handle The two bands or wings can be made
manner as the blade. When the whole with the ball. The ball is made as de- by gluing two pieces of rope around
is quite dry. wipe the blade up and scribed in Fig. 8. The spikes in the the handle and fastening it with tacks.
down several times with light strokes ball are about 1 in. in length. These These rings can be carved out, but they
using a soft rag. must be cut from pieces of wood, leav- are somewhat difficult to make. After
The sword shown in Fig. 2 is a ing a small peg at the end and in the the glue is dry, remove all the surplus
two-handed Swiss sword about 4 ft. in center about the size of a No. 20 spike. thathasbeen pressed out from the joints
length, sharp on both edges with a The pegs are glued and inserted into with the point of a sharp knife blade
handle of dark wood around which is holes drilled into the ball. and then sandpaper the surface of the
wound spirally a heavy piece of brass In Fig. 10 is shown a Sclavonic wood to make it smooth. Secure some
or copper wire and held in place with horseman's battle-axe which has a tinfoil to cover the parts in imitation of
round-headed brass nails. The blade handle of wood painted dark gray or steel. A thin coat of glue is quickly
and crossbar are in imitation steel. The light brown; the axe is of steel. The applied to the surface of the wood and
projecting ornament in the center of blade is cut from a piece of %-in. wood the tinfoil laid on evenly so there will
the crossguard may be cut from heavy with a keyhole saw. The round part is be no wrinkles and without making
pasteboard and bent into shape, then made thin and sharp on the edge. The any more seams than is necessary.
glued on the blade as shown. thick hammer side of the axe is built The entire weapon, handle and all, is
In Fig. 3 is shown a claymore, or to appear as steel.
up to the necessary thickness to cover
Scottish sword of the fifteenth century. An engraved iron mace of the fif-
This sword is about 4 ft. long and has teenth century is shown in Fig. 2. This
a wood handle bound closely around weapon is about 22 in. long, mounted
with heavy cord. The crossbar and with an eight-sided or octagonal head.
blade are steel, with both edges sharp. It will be easier to make this mace in
A German poniard is shown in Fig. 4. three pieces, the octagonal head in one
This weapon is about 1 ft. long, very piece and the handle in two parts, so
broad, with wire or string bound that the circular shield shown at the
handle, sharp edees on both sides. An- lower end of the handle can be easily
other poniard of the fourteenth century placed between the parts. The circu-
is shown in Fig. 5. This weapon is also lar piece or shield can be cut from a
about 1 ft. long with wood handle and piece of wood about %
in. thick. The
steel embossed blade. A sixteenth circle is marked out with a compass.
century German poniard is shown in A hole is made through the center for
Fig. 6. The blade and ornamental the dowel of the two handle parts when
crossbar is of steel, with both edges of they are put together. wood peg A
the blade sharp. The handle is of wood. about 2 in. long serves as the dowel.
the handle by gluing on pieces of wood
A German stiletto, sometimes called A hole is bored in the end of both
the same thickness as used for the handle pieces and these holes well
cuirass breakers, shown in Fig. 7.
is blade, and gradually shaping off to the
This stiletto has a wood handle, steel coated with glue, the wood peg in-
middle of the axe by the use of a chisel, serted in one of them, the shield put
crossbar and blade of steel with both finishing with sandpaper and covering
edges sharp. on in place and handle parts put to-
with tinfoil. Three
large, round-headed gether and left for the glue to set. The
In Fig. 8 is shown a short-handled brass or iron nails fixed into the front head is fastened on the end of the
flail, which about 2% ft. long with
is side of the handle will complete the axe.
a dark handle of wood, studded with handle with a dowel in the same man-
At the beginning of the sixteenth ner as putting the handle parts to-
brass or steel nails. A steel band is century horseman's battle-axes shaped
placed around the handle near the top. gether.
as shown in Fig. 11 were used. Both The head must have a pattern
The imitation of the steel band is made
handle and axe are of steel. This axe sketched upon each side in pencil
by gluing a piece of tinfoil on a strip is made similar to the one described
of cardboard and tacking it to the marks, such as ornamental scrolls,
handle. A large screweye is screwed
in Fig. 10. When the woodwork is Jeaves, flowers, etc. These ornaments
finished the handle and axe are covered must be carved out to a depth of about
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 THE WEAPONEER
F*1
Battle As** of the Fourteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries
offwith small brass-headed nails. The studded with large brass or steel nails.
top has six ornamental carved wings The axe is shown in steel. All of
which are cut out, fastened on the these axes are about the same length.
handle and covered with tinfoil, as de- The ancient arms of defense as shown
scribed in Fig. 2. in the accompanying illustrations make
Figure 4 shows a Morning Star good ornaments for the den if they are
which is about 2G in. long. The spiked cut from wood and finished in imitation
ball and the four-sided and sharp- of the real weapon. The designs shown
pointed spike are of steel. The ball represent original arms of the sixteenth
may be made of clay or wood and cov- and seventeenth centuries. As they are
ered with tinfoil. The spikes are cut the genuine reproductions, each article
out of wood, sharp-pointed and cone- can be labelled with the name, adding
shaped, the base having a brad to stick to each piece interest and value, says
The wood spikes are also
into the ball. the English Mechanic, London.
covered with tinfoil. The handle is of Each weapon is cut from wood. The
steel imitation,covered in the middle blades of the axes and the cutting edges
with red cloth or velvet and studded of the swords are dressed down and
with large-headed steel nails. finished with sandpaper and the steel
parts represented by covering the wood
A
war hammer of the fifteenth cen-
with tinfoil. When putting on the tin-
tury is shown in Fig. 5. Its length is
foil, brush a thin coat of glue on the
about 3 ft. The lower half of the
part to be covered and quickly lay on
handle is wood, covered with red vel-
the foil. If a cutting edge is to be
vet, withgolden or yellow cord
a
covered the tinfoil on one side of the
wound spirally over the cloth. The blade must overlap the edge which is
upper half of the handle is steel, also, pasted on the opposite side. The other
the hammer and entire
spike. The side is then covered with the tinfoil of a
handle should dc made of one piece, size that will not quite cover to the cut-
then the hammer put on the base of ting edge. After laying the foil and
the spike*. spike made with a peg
The allowing time for the glue to dry, wipe
in its lower end and well glued, can be the surface with light strokes up and
firmly placed in position by the peg fit- down several times using a soft piece of
ting in a hole made for its reception in cloth.
y4 in. with a sharp carving tool. If
the top of the handle. Finish up the
such a tool is not at hand, or the
steel parts with tinfoil.
amateur cannot use it well, an excellent The following described weapons
substitute will be found in using a
can be constructed of the same mate-
sharp-pointed and red-hot poker, or
rials and built up in the same way as
pieces of heavy wire heated to burn out A
described in the foregoing articles :
wood handle covered with dark red of dark wood and the axe covered with Partisan, Fork and Halberd
cloth or velvet, the lower part to have tinfoil. Figure 9 shows an English
a gold or red silk cord wound around foot soldier's jedburgh axe of the six- A French partisan of the sixteenth
it, as shown, the whole handle finished teenth century. The handle is of wood, century is shown in Fig. 1. The
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 8 THE WEAPONEER
weapon is 6% long with a round
ft. century. It is about 6
long with aft. small curved spear point is carved from
handle having the same circumference round wooden handle. The spear head a piece of wood, covered with tinfoil
for the entire length which is covered from to where fixed on the
its point and fastened on the end of the handle
with crimson cloth or velvet and handle is about 9 in. long. The edges as shown. The band of metal on the
studded all over with round-headed are sharp. The cross bar which runs
side is cut from cardboard, covered
through the lower end of the spear can with
tinfoil and fastened on with
round-
headed brass or steel nails.
A
very handsome weapon is the Ger-
man halberd of the sixteenth century
which is shown in Fig. 7. The entire
length about 6^ ft., with a round
is
wooden handle fitted at the lower end
with a steel ornament. The length of
the spear point to the lower end where
it joins on to the handle
is 14 in. The
extreme width of the axe is 16 or 17 in.
The outer and inner edges of the
crescent-shaped part of the axe are
sharp. This axe is cut out with
a scroll
or keyhole saw and covered with tinfoil.
An Italian ranseur of the sixteenth
century is shown in Fig. 8. This
weapon is about G ft. long with a round
e
W— 7
staff or handle. The entire length of
CUiv. .nd Voulge the metal part from the point of the
be made in two pieces and glued into a spear to where it joins the staff is 15
brass nails. The spear head is of steel The spear
about 15 in. long from the point where
hole on each side. The length of this in. is steel, sharp on the
bar about 5 in.
is The small circular outer edges.
it is attached to the handle. The widest plate through which the bar is fixed can
part of the blade from spear to spear is Figure 9 shows a tilting lance with
be cut from a piece of cardboard and vamplate used in tournaments in the
about 8 in. The length of the tassel
glued on the wooden spear.
or fringe is about \ in. sixteenth century. The wood pole is
Figure 2 shows a German military
A gisarm or glaive, used by Italians covered with cloth or painted a dark
in the sixteenth century, is shown in
fork of the sixteenth century, the length color. At the end is a four-pronged
Fig. 5. The entire length is about 6%
of which is about 5 ft. with a handle piece of steel. The vamplate can be
ft The blade is engraved steel with a
of wood bound with heavy cord in a length of metal work from the point of made of cardboard covered with tinfoil
spiral form and the whole painted a the spear to where it joins the handle or to represent steel and studded with
dark color. The entire length of the staff of about 18 in. It has a round
brass nails. The extreme length is
fork from the handle to the points is 9
wooden handle painted black or dark ft.
about 10 in., and is covered w ith tinfoil brown. The engraved work must be The tassels or fringe used in decorat-
in imitation of steel. ing the handles can be made from a few
carved in the wood and when putting
ASwiss halberd of the sixteenth the tinfoil on, press it well into the inches of worsted fringe, about 4 in.
century is shown in Fig. 3. This com- carved depressions. long and wound around the handle or
bination of an axe and spear is about staff twice and fastened with brass-
Figure C shows a Saxon voulge of the
7 ft. long from the point of the spear sixteenth century, 6 ft. long, with a headed nails.
to the end of the handle, which is round wood handle and a steel axe or
square. The spear and axe is of steel
blade, sharp on the outer edge and held
with a handle of plain dark wood. The
to the handle by two steel bands, which
holes in the axe can be bored or burned
are a part of the axe. The bands can
PART V
out with red-hot iron rods, the holes be made of cardboard and glued on to The preceeding chapters gave de-
being about Y± in. in diameter. the wood axe. These bands can be scriptions of making arms in imitation
Figure 4 shows an Austrian officers' made very strong by reinforcing the of ancient weapons, and now the am-
spontoon, used about the seventeenth cardboard with a piece of canvas. A ateur armorer must have some helmets
to add to his collection. There is no
limit to the size of the helmet, and it
may be made as a model or full sized.
In constructing helmets, a mass of clay
of any kind that is easily workable and
fairly stiff, is necessary, says the Eng-
lish Mechanic, London. It must be
kept moist and well kneaded. A large
board or several planks, joined closely
i a together, on which to place the clay,
will be necessary. The size of this
board will depend on the size of the
work that is intended to be modeled
upon it.
The way to make a helmet is de-
scribed in the following method of pro-
ducing a German morion, shown in
Fig. 1. This helmet has fleur-de-lis in
embossed work, and on each side is a
badge of the civic regiment of the
Making the Clay Model city of Munich. The side view of the
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 9 THE WEAPONEER
helmet is shown in Fig. 1. The oblong slits in front of the vizor manner as described for Fig. 1. They
The
clay is put on the board and must be carefully marked out with a are all covered with tinfoil.
modeled into the shape shown in Fie. pencil and cut through with a knife or
2. This is done with the aid of a pair chisel.
of compasses, a few clay-modeling In Fig. 6 is shown an
Italian casque
tools, and the deft use of the fingers.
of a foot soldier of the sixteenth cen-
The fleur-de-lis are slightly raised, as tury. This helmet may have the ap-
in bas-relief. Toaid in getting the pearance of being richly engraved as
helmet correct proportion on both
in shown in one-half of the drawing, or,
sides, and over the crest on top, cut a few lines running down, as seen in
out the shape from a piece of wood, the other part of the sketch, will make
as shown in Fig. 3, with a keyhole saw. it look neat. The band is decorated
This wood being passed carefully and with brass studs.
firmly over the clay will bring it into
An Italian cabasset of the sixteenth r— 9
shape, and will also show where there century is shown in Fig. 7. This hel-
may be any deficiencies in the model- met is elaborately decorated with fancy
ing, which can then be easily remedied
and round-headed nails, as shown in
by adding more clay. The cut-out the design.
pattern shown in Fig. 4 is the side out-
line of thehelmet.
Scraps of thin, brown, wrapping
paper are put to soak in a basin of
water to which has been added about
a tablespoonful of size melted and
well stirred, or some thin glue, and
left over night to soak. The paper
should be torn in irregular shapes
about as large as the palm of the hand. PART VI
After the clay model is finished, give it
—
a thin coat of oil sweet or olive oil
In Fig. 8 is shown a large bassinet A
mass of any kind of clay that is
will answer the purpose very well. All
with a hinged vizor which easily modeled and fairly stiff must
being ready, the clay model oiled, and
the basin of soaked paper near to hand, much forward, so as to allow the be prepared and kept moist and well
take up one piece of paper at a time wearer to breathe freely. This helmet kneaded for making the models over
and very carefully place it upon the was worn about the sixteenth century, which paper is formed to make the
model, pressing it well on the clay and and was probably used for tilting and shape of the articles illustrated in
into and around any crevices and pat- tournaments. these sketches. A
modeling board
A burgonet skull-cap of the seven- must be made of one large board or
terns, and continue until the clay is
teenth century is shown in Fig. 9. The several pieces joined closely together
completely covered.
vizor is composed of a single bar of upon which to work the clay, says the
This being done, give the paper a
metal, square in shape, which slides up English Mechanic, London. The size
thin and even coating of glue, which
and down in an iron socket attached of the board depends upon the size of
must be quite hot and put on as quickly
to the front of the helmet, and is held the work to be made.
as possible. Put on a second layer of
paper as carefully as before, then an- in any position by a thumbscrew as An open chamfron of the fifteenth
shown in the illustration. century is shown in Fig. 1. This
other coating of glue, and so on, until
A hole in the peak of the helmet piece of horse armor, which was used
there are from four to six coats of
allows it to hang in front of the in front of a horse's head, makes a
glue and paper. When dry, the paper
coating should be quite stout and This contrivance should
wearer's face. splendid center for a shield on which
be made of wood, the helmet to be are fixed the swords, etc., and is a
strong enough for the helmet to be
used for ornamental purposes. Before modeled in three pieces, the skullcap, good piece for the amateur armorer to
taking it off the model, which should peak and lobster shell neck guard in try his hand on in the way of modeling
be no difficult matter, owing to the one piece, and the ear guards in two in clay or papier mache work. The
clay being oiled, trim off any ragged pieces, one for each side. The center opening for the animal to put his head
edges of paper with a sharp knife, and of the ear guards arc perforated. All into is semicircular, and the sides do
smooth and finish all over with some of the helmets are made in the not cover the jaws. As the main part
fine sandpaper. The paper is then
given a thin coat of glue and sections
of tinfoil stuck on to give it a finished
appearance. When the helmet is off
the model, make holes with a small
awl at equal distances, through which
to insert some fancy brass nails, bend-
ing the points over and flat against the
inside of the helmet.
A vizor helmet is shown in Fig. 5.
This helmet has a movable vizor in the
front that can be lifted up, a crest on
top, and around the neck a narrow
gorget which rests upon the wearer's
shoulders. The whole helmet, with the
exception of the vizor, should be
modeled and made in one piece. The
vizor can then be made and put in place
with a brass-headed nail on each side.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 10 THE WEAPONEER
of this armor is worn in front of the scribed. The method making armor
of at a hardware store or harness shop.
head the extreme depth is about 4 in. the same as of making helmets, but
is The whole figure when completed
The entire head piece must be modeled as larger pieces are formed it is well is placed on a square box covered with
in clay with the hands, after which it to use less clay owing to the bulk and red or green baize. The armor should
iscovered with a thin and even coating weight. be supported by a light frame of wood
of sweet or pure olive oil. A day be- An arrangement shown in Fig. 5
is built up on the inside, says the Eng-
fore making the clay model some pieces to reduce the amount of clay used.
of thin, brown wrapping paper are This triangular-shaped support, which
lish Mechanic, London. Two vertical
pieces are firmly attached to the box
torn in irregular shapes to the size of so they will extend up inside the legs,
the palm of the hand and put to soak and at the top of them is attached a
in a basin of water in which a table-
crosspiece on which is placed ,a verti-
spoonful of size has been dissolved. If cal stick high enough to carry the hel-
size cannot be obtained from your lo- met. The two lower pieces must be
cal painter, a weak solution of glue built up and padded out with straw,
will do equally well. All being ready, then covered with red cloth or baize
and the clay model oiled, take up one to represent the legs.
piece of paper at a time and very care-
fully place it on the surface of the
model, pressing it on well and into and
around any crevices and patterns. Con-
tinue this operation until the clay
model completely covered on every
is
part. This being done, give the paper
a thin and even coating of glue, which
must be quite hot and laid on as
quickly as possible. Lay on a second
layer of paper as carefully as before, can be made in any placed on
size, is
then another coat of glue', and so on the modeling board or bench and cov-
until there are five or six coats of glue ered with clay. This will make the
and paper. When this is dry it will model light and easy to move around,
be strong enough for all ornamental and will require less clay. It is not
purposes. The ragged edges of the necessary to have smooth boards; the
paper are trimmed off with a sharp rougher the better, as the surface will
knife and the whole surface smoothed hold the clay. The clay forms modeled
with fine sandpaper. Then carefully up ready to receive the patches
glue on sections of tinfoil to give the of brown paper on the surface are
armor the appearance of steel. shown in Figs. 6 and 7.
The
armor is now removed from the model. A German fluted armor used at the
A mitten gauntlet of the fifteenth beginning of the sixteenth century is
century is shown in Fig. 2. This can shown in F15. 8. The
breastplate and
be made in one piece, with the ex- tassets of this armor are supposed to
be in one piece, but for convenience in
ception of the thumb shield, which is
making it will be found best to make
separate. The thumb shield is at- them separately and then glue them
tached to the thumb of an old glove
together after they are taken from the
which isfastened with round headed
nails on the inside of the gauntlet
model. A
narrow leather belt placed
around the armor will cover the joint
The part covering the wrist is a cir- Fluted armor takes its name from a
cular piece, but the back is not neces-
sary as it would not be seen when the
series of corrugated grooves,
depth, running down the plate.
in. in %
gauntlet is hanging in its place. A
piece of board, cut into the shape
In Fig. 3 is shown a gauntlet of the shown in Fig. 9, will be very useful Pali Suit of Armor
seventeenth century with separately for marking out the fluted lines.
articulated fingers. This gauntlet may
be molded in one piece, except the In making up the various pieces for
thumb and fingers, which must be made a full model it will be found very con-
separately and fastened with the thumb PART vn venient to use rope, a stout cord or
shield to the leather glove that is at- strings in making up the patterns on
tached to the inside of the gauntlet, The helmets, breastplates and gaunt- the parts. Instead of using brass-
the same as in Fig. 2. lets described in parts V
and VI can be headed nails, brass paper fasteners will
A breastplate and tassets of the used in making up a complete model
be found useful. These can be pur-
sixteenth century are shown in Fig. for a full suit of armor of any size, as chased at a stationery store. Secure
4. The tassets are separate and at- shown in Fig. 1. All of the parts for the kind having a round brass head
tached to the front plate with straps the armor have been described, except from which hang two brass tongues.
and buckles, as shown in the sketch. that for the legs. Figure 2 shows how These are pushed through a hole and
There is a belt around the waist which the armor is modeled on the side of spread out flat on the opposite side.
helps to hold the back plate on. At- the left leg. The clay is modeled as Other materials can be used in the
tached to the back of the plate would described in previous chapters, the place of tinfoil to represent steel. Sil-
be two short straps at the shoulder. paper covering put on, and the tinfoil ver paper will do very well, but if
These are passed through the buckles applied in imitation of steel. The chain either the tinfoil or silver paper are
shown at the top right and left-hand mail seen between and behind the tas- found difficult to manipulate, go over
corners of the front plate. For decor- sets is made by sewing small steel
the armor with a coat of silver paint
ative purposes the back plate need not rings on a piece of cloth as shown in
put on with a brush. When dry give
be made, and therefore it is not de- Fig. 3. These rings may be purchased
the surface a coat of varnish.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 11 THE WEAPONEER
removing mines are prime targets.
Mines and In contested areas where friendly offen-
sive operations or patrol activities are
Booby Traps conducted, the enemy employs mines and
boobytraps to inflict casualties, delay
and channelize movement, and damage or
•fNovy- 196* destroy equipment.
• itin
ENEMY MINE WARFARE
ENEMY SOUR CES O F SUPPLY
INTRODUCTION
The enemy uses a very limited number of
The history of mine and boobytrap war- modern machine-produced mines. The major-
fare is almost as long as the history of ity of enemy mines are handmade by the VC
war itself. Although these devices were using U.S. duds, discarded ammunition and
once considered an unfair and cowardly equipment, and materials thrown away by
manner of fighting an enemy, nations con- U.S. forces as trash. Ninety percent of
tinued to develop and employ mines and ail the material in enemy mines and booby-
boobytraps because they provided an effec- traps is of U.S. origin (see fig.l). Of
tive and simple means of inflicting all the explosive devices produced locally
casualties upon an enemy force. in VC mine factories, 95 percent are anti-
personnel toobytraps.
During the war with Prance, 1916-195^, All dud ammunition is a source of enemy
the Viet Minh used improvised explosive supply. After airstrikes and artillery
mines and boobytraps effectively against and mortar missions, enemy salvage teams
the French forces. The VC/NVA have con- make sweeps to collect duds. Lighter
tinued to Improve upon these techniques ordnance is carried away to preparation
and are employing mines and boobytraps as areas; large bombs and projectiles are
an effective weapons system against free broken down and stripped on the spot. In
world military forces in SVN today. The some cases the larger duds are rigged as
number of Marine casualties, perhaps boobytraps where they have fallen. This
better than any other example, illustrates is especially true when the enemy feels
how effective the enemy is with these the strike or fire mission was a prepara-
devices. Marines landed In force In SVN tion for an infantry attack.
during March 1965 and during the first
months of fighting approximately 65-75
percent of all Marine casualties were V"1
caused by mines and boobytraps. Much has
been learned about the enemy's methods of
employing mines and boobytraps since March
1965, but despite this knowledge, Marines,
at an alarming rate, continue to become
casualties as a direct result of enemy
mines and boobytraps. During 1968, 37.7
percent of all Marine casualties were
caused by the accldentlal detonation of a
mine or boobytrap. In other words, more 4*V '
return to previous positions even after walks, takes cover, rests, or draws water
that position has been discovered and
is a likely location for enemy antiperson-
destroyed by Marine forces.
nel mines and boobytraps.
NVA-trained engineers provide the ^ Physical Protective Countermeasures
skilled nucleus for the enemy mine fac-
tories, but supervision and labor are The individual Marine can take these
primarily VC. The typical output of a steps to reduce the effectiveness of enemy
local VC mine factory is about 135 mines mines
and explosive devices per month.
•Wear body armor and helmet.
•Sandbag vehicle flooring. When possi-
ble, place a heavy rubber mat over sandbags
ENEMY TACTICS to reduce secondsry fragments such as
shrapnel, sand, stones and pieces of sand-
ANTITANK AND ANTIVEHICULAR MINING bag.
•Keep arms and legs inside vehicles to
As we Improve in our ability to detect achieve maximum protection from sandbags.
mines, the enemy counters with new twists •Maintain proper distance from other
such as Increased use of boobytraps personnel.
attached to a basic mine to create casu- •Don't travel alone.
alties among mine-clearing personnel ; •Don't plcK up or touch what appear to
larger mines buried deeper with reduced be attractive "souvenirs". The VC/NVA prey
activation pressure; and pressure electric upon the natural curiosity of Marines and
detonators with offset devices to explode their desire to take home a souvenir.
mines under vehicles. Command-detonating EBeware That "souvenir" is most likely
:
BAl
Figure 7. — Note
the row of rocks on
top of bridge beam at the foot of the
bridge. This is typical of the warning A piece of bamboo 6 to 8 Inches long is
signs used by the VC/NVA to warn of stuck in the ground at an angle of ^5
their mining activities. degrees. Generally, boobytraps can be
expected along the axis of the bamboo in
mines and boobytraps. The illustrations either direction.
which follow are examples of marking pat- BAMBOO TRIPOD MARKER
terns indicating the presence of mines
and boobytraps which have been encountered
thus far in SVN
ARROW MARKERS
A. Three sticks are placed on the trail in The bamboo tripod consists of bamboo,
the form of an arrowhead. The important usually about 18 Inches long, tied to-
thing to remember is that the point of the gether to form a tripod. Wire, vines,
arrow does not always point in the direction cord or string is wrapped around the legs
of the boobytrap. The symbol can only be near the bottom to hold the tripod in
considered as a means to identify an area place. This device has been found directly
as being booby trapped over punji pits, boobytraps, and mines.
B. A variation of the three-stick
arrowhead
shows a fourth stick. Again, no definite
pattern has been established as to direction
or the reason for the fourth stick (usually
.
62
SPACED-STICK MAI
TRACK MARKER
M26 HANDGRENADE
of the grenade in the safe position. The
mudball is placed on trails or anywhere
troops may walk. Stepping on the ball
breaks the dried mud apart and releases
zroXnn:
The enemy has capitalised on our habit
of following old vehicle tracks by placing
the lever detonating the grenade/ The
U.S. M26 and M33 handgrenades nave been
the most commonly used grenades for this
purpose although other lever-type frrenadet
may be used.
mines in these tracks. Nines are some- TIN CAN ANTI PERSONNEL MINE
tinea marked with crossed stlcka or an
arrangement of stones. The location of
the mine in relation to these markers is
unknown. The mine may be under the
up to 400 meters farther on.
Silver-""*"
ana coated with creosote
for waterproofing
wooden base and a nail is driven up
the wood to penetrate the bottom
bamboo.
through
of the
The cartridge is then wedged into
BOUNDING FRAGMENTATION MINE the bamboo so that the primer is
touching
the point of the nail. Partially buried
along a trail or path, the pressure of
man s foot stepping on the nose of the a
leads TO forces the primer onto the nail,
ELECTAIC ri^ni ft
firing the cartridge.
DETONATOR
DIRECTIONAL FRAGMENTATION
MINE IDH-IOT
The barbed-spike plate is the basic often prepared as a defensive obstacle and
element of all enemy nonexploaive booby- then made safe by locking it In place with
traps. The plate, a flat piece of wood a crossbeam (so it can be crossed safely
or metal, la used aa a base to fasten by the enemy) until the desired time of
any number of barbed spikes. The spikes, use.
ranging in length from several inches to TRAP BRIDGE
several feet, are fastened securely to
the base. When a man steps or falls on
the spiked plate, or is struck by one, the
spikes will penetrate, producing a
serious wound.
SPIKE TRAP BOX
THE ROAD
to iron beds is that they generally wear hollow In the Scott said that the too free use of
Military Ricin:
Pyrotechnics fa Manufacture
of and Use By Kurt Saxon
Former Days The beauty poison is that it doesn't act until three or four days
of ricin as a
after ingestion. In this way, the victim doesn't know he's doomed until days later.
Harper's Magazine — June 1869 In most cases he'd be hard put to remember anything that might have caused
SEVERAL French works* have been publish- his illness. dies of what seems to be pneumonia
He
ed in late years under the authority of the The dosage can be as little as one 2000th of a grain. A grain is about the size
French Government on the origin and history of
the employment of explosive and deflagrating
and weight of a grain of rice or wheat. That's how the grain measurement got
missiles in war, which throw a great deal of light its name. If you could split a grain into 2000 parts, one of those parts of pure
on the subject, and tend to correct many errone- ricin would be fatal to the average man.
ous ideas which have long been prevalent in rela-
It is best administrated under the skin or in the lungs, by breathing in.
Even
tion to
so, taken by mouth it is still highly effective, even in very tiny amounts.
it.
teenth century, and had never been recovered. an ounce of the albuminous toxin. Even so, used sparingly, that is a lot of ricin.
The fact that the art was lost was inferred from The books say that ricin is an albumin. Egg white is also an albumin. reason- I
day.
at the present isn't in the oil. After the oil is removed the albumin containing pulp remains. The
can be produced
It is somewhat difficult at the present day to next step was to extract the albumin from the pulp and the whole process is
obtain exact information in respect either to the childishly simple.
composition of this substance, the construction
of the engines or other apparatus employed in
Castor beans are grown as decorative outside plants. They also yield up to 55%
projecting it, or to the effects which it really oil so can be gotten bulk from some seed companies. If you live in southern
in
produced. In respect to the machinery, and California or other mild climate you can often find them growing wild. The seeds
the form of the missiles, we must remember that
are prominent and can be easily collected in the fall. But unless you are around
there were no pictorial papers in those days,
and no photography to preserve for future gen- at the right time it's best just to buy them.
erations the exact realities of form and struc- So far, the process But for handling the powdered, oil-freed
is relatively safe.
ture connected with the pursuits and usages of
pulp, buy adust mask and pair of rubber gloves from your hardware store or phar-
men. And in regard to the other points, relat-
ing to the properties of the substance, and the macy. Surgical gloves and mask cost less than $1.00 at the pharmacy.
actual effects produced, far less reliance can be
placed on the statements of even intelligent, CASTOR BEAN, JEQUIRITY BEAN
cultivated, and careful men than might be sup-
For the line of de-
Handbook of Poisons
posed at the present day.
marcation between the natural and the super- R.H. Dreisbach — 1955
natural—between what is and what is not scien-
—was then very vague and ob-
The castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) is grown for commercial and
tifically possible
scure, even in the highest minds. Ideas of the ornamental purposes. The residue or pomace after castor oil extraction of
natural and supernatural were mingled and con- castor beans gives rise to dust which may cause sensitivity reactions or
fused, or rather the supernatural was regarded
as a legitimate realm of the natural, so that no poisoning.
tale could be so marvelous as to seem incredi- Jequirity (rosary bean, Abrus precatorius) is grown as an ornamental vine
ble, even to a grave and cautious historian. At
the present day the recitals of excited or ter-
in tropical The beans are 6 mm. (1/4 inch) long, bright orange
climates.
rified witnesses, whose imaginations or whose with one black end. They are used as rosary beads and as decorations for
fears lead them entirely to misconceive what costumes.
they see, are at once corrected by that general
\
knowledge of the relations of cause and effect Ingestion of only one castor or jequirity bean has caused fatal poisoning
which now prevails so extensively among all when the beans were thoroughly chewed. If the beans are swallowed
well-informed men that the bounds of the pos-
whole, poisoning is unlikely because the hard seed coat prevents rapid ab-
sible can not be very easily transgressed in nar-
rations generally received. But it waa not so sorption.
:
It was, in other words, the ideal and not the cubation period of at least twelve to eighteen hours before symptoms ap-
pear. These correspond to those described for man. They are partly local —
actual presentation which the artist had in
mind.
All that can be certninly inferred, then, from gastroenteritis; and partly central — paralysis of the respiratory and
inch an illustration is, that a species of vessel vasomotor centers. The local inflammation also occurs on other mucous
was made use of in those times covered with a
roof sufficient to protect the navigators from
membranes to which the poison may be applied, especially the conjunctiva.
spears and arrows, and provided with a pointed
prow to act as a rnm, and projecting beams
The autopsy findings are very characteristic. They consist in swelling and
bearing barrels charged with materials for pro- reddening of Peyer's Patches and mesenteric lymph glands, internal hemor-
ducing the Greek fire. rhages and diffuse nephritis. Cruz, Flexner, Mueller and others have shown
Another form of vessel is given in nn ancient
manuscript, differing materially from the last. that these lesions are not due to thrombosis, but to direct action on the
In this the barrel containing the fire Is sus- tissues. The site of the injection is boggy.
pended from a species of crane, by means of
which it could be swung over the decks of an Frogs have a much higher resistance than mammals. The phytotoxins
enemy's ship when in close quarters.In this, have no direct effect on muscle or nerve.
as well as in the other caso, all that we can in-
fer from the drawing is the general nature and Action on Blood — in vitro, ricin hemolyzes and agglutinates the cor-
design of the contrivance, and of the principle
puscles of nearly all warm-blooded animals (Stillmark, 1886). The ag-
on which it operated. The true proportions
of the parts and ihe details of the construction glutination does not seem to occur in the body, but is of great importance
were purposely disregarded in illustrations of as an immunity phenomenon. Leucocytes, epithelial and other cells (except
this kind.
Observe in the engraving the extra barrel
those with thick membranes, as yeast) are also agglutinated; as likewise
of combustibles ready upon the deck, and the the stroma of laked corpuscles (Elf strand). The presence of serum hinders
circular watch-box on the top of the mast,
the effect.
where a look-out-man could be stationed, un-
der protection from the spears and arrows of The agglutination has been referred to precipitation of the
the enemy, and yet at the same time in • posi-
tion to observe every thing through the slits in
nucleoalbumins (Stassano) or other proteins, such as those of serum
the box, and so to direct the helmsman in guid- (Kraus, 1902). All kinds of colloid precipitates carry down ricin, and it is
ing the Teasel. Weapons of the character of
absorbed by solid proteins and lipoids.
boarding-pikes are placed, ready for use, at
the warn. Nature of Ricin — This appears to be a true protein; for a preparation of
The damaging and destructive effects of the ricin has been obtained, which is a typical albumin, and which is so active
Greek fire were not confined to its power of
setting the enemy's works on fire. It con- that 0.0005 mg. is fatal to a kilogram of rabbit; i.e., 1 part of the ricin is
tained substances which emitted fumes of a fatal to 2,000,000 parts of rabbit; the fatal dose for man would therefore
horribly offensive, poisonous, and destructive
character. It Waa necessary on this account be about 0.035 mg., or 1/2,000 grain (Osborne, Mendel and Harris, 1905;
that the wind should be in the right quarter, Osborne, 1909). The agglutinating action is also very powerful.
that is, blowing from the assailants toward the
enemy, whenerer it was employed. Some-
The attempt has been made to separate the agglutinin (which is adsorbed
times the receptacle containing the composi- by blood corpuscles) from the cytotoxin, which is destroyed by peptic
tion waa placed upon the end of a long spar
digestion. Jacoby, 1902, believes that they have certain groups in com-
attached to a car, which waa to be propelled
by hand. The soldiers would pile up a great
quantity of wood before the gate of the castle Antiricin - Injections of the phytotoxinsproduce typical antitoxins, so
or strong-hold attacked. This car would then
be driven by soldiers stationed behind it, where that an immunized animal can survive 5,000 ordinary fatal doses of ficin.
they were protected by an inclined shield from Some of the basic work of Ehrlich was done with ricin and abrin. He show-
the assaults of the enemy. The shield is per- ed 1 89 1 that the immunity starts in five to six days, and lasts six or seven
( )
forated with openings, to enable those within
and behind it to see where to apply the fire months. The resistance of the corpuscles is unchanged, the antiricin being
nnd it contains a place of shelter within, form- contained in the pseudoglobulin fraction of the serum (Jacoby, 1902). It
ing a receptacle which would be useful in vari-
ous ways— among others, for 1he protection nnd
contains antitoxin, antiagglutinin (probably identical) and precipitin. Mad-
succor of wounded men, and for taking them sac and Walbum found that this combination obeys the same laws as
back to a place of safety.
diphtheria antitoxin. The toxicity of ricin is modified rather complexly by
By thisarrangement the wood heaped up
before the door of the fortress might easily be lecithin (Lawrow, 1913).
set on fire, and if the wind was in the right
quarter, and if the wood had been previously
prepared by being covered with pitch, naphtha, Here the new process for highly potent castor bean
is
and resins, the consequence would be an imme- powder. Since one well-chewed castor bean can be fatal,
the same bean with the oil removed would take up only
diate bursting forth of volumes of fierce flame
and suffocating smoke, which would drive over
half the volume.
the wall, penetrate the works, and make it im- powder can be
]X)esible for the men to draw near Since it's relatively tasteless, the
for the pur-
pose of doing any thing to arrest the mischief. sprinkled in a sandwich, on a salad, in a bowl of soup, or
The ancient manuscripts referred to above
whatever. For lower varmints, use the powder liberally
contain illustrations of the use of the Greek on baits. In a few days you'll be shed of whatever vermin
troubles you.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 26 THE WEAPONEER
This doesn't mean ricin bullets or darts should be dis-
counted. Under the skin, the stuff is much more potent.
A hollow-point .22 bullet, spread out slightly and packed
with finely powdered castor bean would surely be fatal.
But use a drop of mucilage instead of water in the
powder and let dry a few days and seal with Elmer's
Glue.
With the darts, just mix half a bean's volume of
powder with enough mucilage to make a moldable mass
and mold it on the dart Just below the sharp point and let
it dry. If you've already made the original ricin darts,
N go with them.
Back to the new process for making castor bean
powder. Really fine and fluffy powder can also be used
in even a diabetic hypodermic needle. Mix the powder
from one bean in one cc of water, suck it up and it's
ready to go. That doesn't mean you process the beans in-
dividually. Just measure
the equivalent. This is
especially good for euthanasia, like in a IV tube or
anywhere on a comatose body.
To get the best powder you'll want to remove the hulls.
Put two ounces of water in a glass and pour in a teas-
poonful of lye (sodium hydroxide) from any grocery
store. Wait until it cools and put in one or two ounces of
beans. They float so put a weight on them to hold them
under. Soak one hour.
Then wash them thoroughly and dry them in a towel.
The hulls expand and can easily be cracked along the
sides with a fingernail. A few minutes practice will have
you shucking right along and it will give you something
to do while watching TV and meditating on your sins.
Put the hulled beans in a glass or metal blender with
four ounces of acetone to each ounce of beans. Blend
them until they are the consistency of milk and put them
in a glass jar with a lid for three days.
Then swirl well and pour the brew into a coffee filter in
Pressing oil simple. First you dissolve one teaspoon-
is
a glass, opaque plastic or metal funnel. When the dripp-
ful of lye in a cup of water and put the seeds in.
ing stops, take out the Alter and gently squeeze out the Put a
weight on them to keep them submerged. Soak for one
remainder of the acetone. Spread the filter on a
hour. Dry them and remove the hulls with your finger-
newspaper and let it dry.
nails. You might use a pliars to squeeze the
Although most of the oil is out of the pulverized beans, seeds from
opposite ends until they crack open. This makes it easier
some of it may be picked up again as the acetone-oil mix-
to pick off the hulls.
ture goes through the pulp while it's in the filter. If, after
When hulled, spread the seeds between sheets of paper
the acetone has evaporated from the powder, it still
and mash them all with a hammer. When they are
holds together after being compressed, it still has too
thoroughly mashed, scrape them off the paper and
much oil in it. Put it back in the jar and pour in four more
spread them thinly in an inch wide strip down one side of
ounces of acetone. Swirl well and let it set another day.
a sheet of Bounty paper towel.
Repeat the process and you should have pure, oilless
The pulp spread section is then folded over three times
powder. Don't let this get up your nose or the noses of
sothere is two thicknesses of towel on each side of the
anyone you don't want out of the way.
A paper towel is put in the bottom of the can. The four-
Castor Bean Oil folded towel is put on the toweling at the bottom. Then
another section of towel is wadded or folded to fit the can
over the pulp enclosed towel. Next, six or more lids are
Press and Final forced in over the toweling and the bed leg is put in. The
number of lids keeps them rigid so the pressure is
uniform.
Ricin Progress This method doesn't really take any time. Just go
about your business while the pressing is going on.
By KURT SAXON When you feel most of the oil has been removed,
pulverize the pulp and put it in a jar. Next, mix 3/4 of an
If you really like to improvise, just use a No. 15 can ounce of table salt with seven ounces of water. Pour it in
from your kitchen and maybe a half dozen lids from with the pulp, put on the lid and shake the jar vigorously.
other No. 15 cans. The material to be pressed is put in the Shake it as often as you like but leave it in the saline solu-
bottom of the can, the extra lids are put in on top and a tion for about 48 hours to let the albumin dissolve. Then
bed leg is lifted and then lowered into the can, exerting strain it through a coffee filter.
60 or more pounds of pressure and more while the bed is When strained, you might squeeze the filter full of pulp
being slept in. to remove some more of the liquid. Then dispose of the
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 27 THE WEAPONEER
My main objection to reliance on such a bullet is that
ran though win penetrate Kevlar and a
it
Bullets
while back, NBC Magazine showed the 357 Magnum
A
even for the untrained) or the hip or upper leg will let
him know he's hurt and will usually down him. If he's
just a mugger or rapist he'll know his cause is lost and
he'll just want to get away. In the meantime, you Just
Teflon coated bullets which would go through three folds
of Kevlar body armor. Such bullets cost about $35.00 per walk away and never even consider reporting your ac-
tion.
box of 50.
Much was made of the idea that their only practical Regardless of what you do to him, he still doesn't want
application would be for assassination. I agree. Few to be jailed for what he tried to do to you. If wounded, he
criminals wear Kevlar vests. Some police and most doesn't want to go to a hospital where he would be ques-
politicians wear them. tioned. Even so, he'd probably say another punk shot
him, rather than any victim of his.
Since most cop killings are close up and spur-of-the-
moment, such bullets would seldom be used. But they Such persons often know a back-alley, unlicensed doc-
tor to crawl to when hurt while in the commission of a
activities would raise their risks of confrontation. No felony. So when he dies a few days later of ricin poison-
professional assassin would use a pistol anyway against ing, he'll just be another derelict found dead in a dirty
a target surrounded by bodyguards. He'd use a rifle and
go for a head shot. And a deranged person wouldn 't be so Even he did die in a hospital days later of
if
selective in weapons, buying the cheapest gun or using "pneumonia", it wouldn't be likely that they'd suspect
whatever he already had, usually. ricin. His illness would probably be listed as a complica-
Nor would such be useful against foreign in-
bullets tion caused by his lowered resistance to disease. If he
ocal marauders. Kevlar body armor is too ex- died in the hospital, even after identifying you, you'd
pensive to be supplied to have a much better chance of the thing blowing over
and marauders had the foresight to buy
if than if he lived to sue you for defending yourself.
why wouldn't they stock up on food so they wouldn't have basic consideration in carrying a concealed
Your
to maraud in the first place? weapon, ricin bullets or no, is that there is virtually no
,
Update
is filtered using
either a conventional recessed plale filter or a continuous
strirp discharge Alter. vvuum
Wiilt the latter about 1%
of filter aid ba*ed on meal weight, was found necessary
for sat Mac tot y filiation.
The tin rait f'om the water extraction step, which con-
tains tie ricin, with a 16 7% solution of
was treated
Na a SO. to precipitate the protein This solution is com-
By KURT SAXON
My original ricin was quite effective, posed of 20 pounds of salt in 100 pounds nf water and the
amount used was such that the salt content equalled 20
being extremely potent even in the form
.
It calls for castor beans to be ground, rentra.ions in the solution. V/c solution of NaOH A »M
used, whereas with NajCO, a \2'.<- solution was preferred.
heated and pressed. In genera th'S higher pH dtmrg precipitaiton gave a
1
,
United States Patent Office time maintained the toxin loss a! less than 1'c.
After precipitation, t.ie slurry was filtered using frjm
rc hher aid. based on slurry weight, for satisfactory
I to 4
3,050,165 25 on the type of press used. Washing the filter ccke with
Ka-SO« solution lemoved additional non-toxic nitrogen
Patented Oct. 23, 19S2 Much Is desirable. In this washing step a 16.7% su.-i-
t on of NajSO, was .-gain used. This washing step r:-
PREPARATION OF TOXIC RICIN moved an additional 15% of non-toxic nitrogen from tt.e
Ham L. Crai*. Cincinnati, and Otto II- AlderU. Wyo-
30 cake.
ming. Ohio, and A No |* II. Or » m .nU Silly H. D.ckf
Baltimore, and Charlotte L. Karel, Silver Spring. Md„ After filtration the filter cake, which contains ihe rtrfrt
assignors to the United Strifes »f America as repmeoted in combination with the Na,S0 4 may be dried and slurried .
by the Sc.-rclary of the Anns with CCI, to separate ihe ricin fcy flotation. Scparauoa
I .kd July 3, 1952. fer. No. 197.142 of the ricin after a "-ingle pre<.;,-i>iion and washing step
—
2 Claims. (CI. 260 1*3.5) 34 is possible, but it is preferred to carry the process thronga
an additional extraction and precipitation step. This is
This invention relates to the method of preparing :onc accomplished by slurrying the filter cake in three times its
ricin.
weight of water and ihe pH of the slurry is again brought
eoared jrr-m castor to JJa-.i by means of 5% H : SO, The slurry is fihereJ
ttam. after the extraction of castot oil J herefrom It :l
. 40 and a second precipitation is brought about by adding
most effective as a poison when injected intravenously or Na,SO, solution.. Although pH control here is no wholly
i ^a W^ . the latter requiring exircme comrniautToi and
fi essential it is advantageous to bring the pH to appr»imate
imall panicle size to be effective. It it believed that the neutrality by adding 12% Na,CO,. precipitation time A
toxic action is catalytic rather man stoichiometric which cf 45 minutes was necessary to obtain complete removal
probably accounts for the hich toxicity ol the agent. In filtering out the precipitate, no filter iii
of the toxin
Because of its relative instability; ricin mustTleTanaled -as used and the fitter cake was washed with Nn,SO, solu-
with extreme care. In oeutial aqueous solution it it stable tion on the filler whereby an additional amount of non-
only up to 60--75" C. and in solid form up to 10CT-1 10' icvc nitrogen wis removed from the cake. This washing
C. although for short exposures, temperatures up to 130* was effective only the first time and repeated washings *ad
may be tolerated. It is sensitive to acids alkalis and 60
little effert .--moving
further non-toxic nitrogen.
in
halogen and may also be inactivated by mcctur cal work- Tht rici:i-Na- !
;
O
was dried at about 50* t*
precipitate
ing such as grinding or pulverizing. These factors are of
great importance in developing ^satisfactory method for
W i I
5
Bgjj
FiHroul
1
|
Sluriy~wi'»r> GCI« |
Horry L
Craig
O.H. Aloorks
4/sopfl H. Corwin
56V// H Oioko
a Chart HO L. Xortf
s S
V
/
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 30 THE WEAPONEER
down the fire until there is no turbulence on the sur-
I've gotten several letters telling me the potassium As it cools, four and six-sided, pearly scales will
form. After several hours, when all crystallization
chlorate process doesn't work for some. I don't
know if it's because they can't follow my instruc- has stopped, collect the crystals and dissolve them
in their own volume of cold water. Put the solution
tions or if wrote
I it wrong.
I updated 4184 —
GRANDDAD'S of
ina smaller pan and repeat the crystalizing process.
This time you will have purepotassium chlorate and
WONDERFUL BOOK OF CHEMISTRY and put
what I thought was an easily understandable any impurities will remain in solution.
diagram on page 6 of THE POOR MAN'S JAMES
Granddad's Wonderful
BOND. It's one of the few I didn't actually test.
Rather than do it myself I'll let you figure it out.
Book of Chemistry
If you can't tell me how to do it right, I'll get
1872 Process
around to the foolproof process before THE Chlorate of Potassa. Transmit chlorine gas
WEAPONEER completed.
is through a moderately strong and warm solution of
In the meantime, here is the 1872 version and pure caustic potassa, or its carbonate, until the
mine. See if you can find any error in my process. alkali be completely neutralized, then boil for a few
minutes, gently evaporate until a pellicle forms on
POTASSIUM CHLORATE MAKER (MINE) the surface, and set it aside, where it will cool very
When the pan of lye up, put two inches of
is set slowly. Crystals of the chlorate will form as the li-
bleach in the bottle and a teaspoon of Sani-Flush quor cools, and must be collected, carefully washed
and put in the stopper quickly. You won't be harm- with a little and purified by re-
ice-cold water,
ed by the little gas that will escape during the pro- solution and crystallization; the product is pure
cess but it is unpleasant to smell. chlorate of potassa. The mother liquor, which con-
Whenthe bottle stops generating gas, test the lye tains much chloride potassium, by evaporation will
solution with a piece of red litmus paper. If the yield more pure than the former, or it
crystals, less
paper turns blue it means the stuff is not done yet. may be saved for a future operation. This salt
Pour the bleach out and give the crystallizes in four and six-sided pearly scales;
bottle another
dose. When the red litmus paper stays red, that dissolves in 16 parts of water at 60°, and in 214
means the lye has been neutralized and the process parts at 212°. At about 450° it undergoes the ig-
is finished. neous fusion, and on increasing the heat almost to
Red and bluelitmus paper, for testing acids and redness, effervescence ensues, and fully 39 percent
alkalies, can be bought at the drug store. If you of pure oxygen gas is given off and the residue
want the best you should ask for pHydrion paper. becomes changed into chloride of potassium. When
This is superior to litmus paper. mixed with inflammable substances, and triturated,
heated, or subjected to a smart blow, it explodes
Whenthe lye has been neutralized the pan is put
with great violence. It also fulminates when thrown
on the stove and brought to a slow boil. Then turn
into strong acids.
To outside
Killer Darts
The simplest, cheapest, quietest and most plastic beads in the same way you put them on the wire
missile is a poisoned dart propelled from a blowgun It is .
No. 2/0
Bent & Silvery Flattened Scotch Tape
Sharpened Fish Hook Then Ground Ready To Roll
The quick-killing dart is made from coathanger never dry by itself. It must be baked in an oven at bet-
which heavier and provides
is th< 200 and 250 degrees F. for about 15 minutes.
to hold the cyanide.
However, baking it creates a gas, so unless confined, it
To make darts from coathange will bubble and spread into a shapeless, hard, mess. To
inch lengths from the straight ar properly confine it during baking, cut strips of
darts from each hanger. Heat th aluminum foil one inch by three. Spray one side with
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 33 THE WEAPONEER
Cook Ease or any other non-stick spray and let it dry. To test how long it would take to dissolve the cyanide, I
Roll thealuminum foil around a pencil with the Cook held it under blood warm water from the faucet. In 15
Ease inside. Then stick the dart tip in and carefully seconds it was gone. When a missile penetrates the flesh
the flesh tightens on it as Nature's way of decreasing
press the aluminum tube around the shape of the dart tip
loss of blood. Also, great amounts of blood flows to the
and the cyanide. As it bakes, the gas will escape through
the ends and the cyanide will stay confined and form into
wound area carry away any foreign matter. So the
to
dart head in the flesh should be free of cyanide in 15
a rock-hard mass. A little practice will give you uniform-
seconds and in 30 to 60 seconds the enemy should be as
ly coated dart heads. Be sure to file any cyanide off the
dead as a door nail.
nt of the dart.
If the urban guerillas in Afganistan should use cyanide
Since the cyanide attracts moisture, the finished dart
darts from Wowguns, no Russian would be safe. The
heads, Scotch taped to the shafts, should be stored in
quickness of reloading could get any two or three dead
plastic baggies with all the air pressed out before seal-
before they could locate the source. This silent weapon
ing. This will keep them dry.
of the night could rid Kabul of Russian vermin.
When ready should be carried in the shirt
to use, they
pocket with their tips resting in a plastic bottle with the After somepractice, you should be able to load, aim
top cut off and used as a quiver. This way, the tips won't and hit your target with up to 20 darts per minute. This
nib against one another, breaking the cyanide or loosen- perfect night weapon is an excellent defense against
ing the Scotch tape connections. Out of their plastic ild make foreign occupation of your
coverings, they will last several hours before attracting
enough moisture to soften them.
Potassium Chlorate
Grenades and
Bombs To set
flare igniter.
off the bullet you'll need some highway
(See IGNITERS, page 7 and 8 for
fuses and the flare igniter). Since carbon
There'snothing like a case of reliable,
devastating grenades to throw at marauders. I favor tetrachloride is now almost universally banned,
you'll probably have to break up the flare igniter
the potato masher type over the pineapple model.
and soak it in its own volume of water overnight.
They throw farther, at least for me.
Black powder as a filler is pretty good and pistol All you do is put a dollop of flare igniter mush on
powder is great but expensive. Potassium chlorate is the end of a 22 LR Stinger cartridge, stick a fuse to
fantastic and has great shattering power. It really itand let it dry. (I suppose a regular 22 LR would
sends the shrapnel out at an awful speed. It is also do but why not go all the way? I'd use a 44 Magnum
relatively easy to get. round because I believe in overkill).
Potassium chlorate unpredictable with fuses. It
is To keep from breaking loose from the
the bullet
will go off spontaneously when mixed dry with cer- fuse, roll the assembly in a couple of inches of duck
tain chemicals such as red phosphorous, sulphur, tape. Then put the bullet and fuse in the pipe nearly
black antimony sulphide, etc. But for controlled filled with potassium chlorate and complete the fill-
situations, most prefer to set it off with blasting ing. Then put the cap over the fuse, or put auto
caps, since it also detonates by concussion. body filler in around it. Then put another dollop of
you have access to blasting caps, you can also
It
flare igniter on the end of the fuse so it can be lit by
c A/ Ail*
FILLS*
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 34 THE WEAPONEER
rocket on the order of the incendiary on page 3 1 of plumbing pipe rather than aluminum. Instead of
the PMJBja couple of hundred feet with deadly ac- lighting the fuse, you'd want it to go off on impact.
curacy. For this, turn to page 15 of the PMJB. Use a bullet,
(Although the Pocket Rocket is far more power- but one with a primer instead of a rimfire 22. When
ful than a regular slingshot, it has one drawback. you have all the potassium chlorate in, put in the
The nibs which connect the leather strap which bullet and surround it with auto body filler
holds the PR to the wrist are not fixed. In use, the HAND LAUNCHED ROCKET
nibs tend to work off and the PR can fly back and you'd like to jazz up your rockets with fins,
If
clobber you in the mouth. Work the nibs off, fill you can shoot them up and rain rockets amidst
them with epoxy and put them back. That way the groups of marauders. With a few of these, after
PR will never come apart). some practice with dummy rockets of the same
weight, you can eliminate any number of marauders
The pipe of the explosive rocket would be iron
too far away to throw at.
of the assailed. In this case the advancing such knowledge toward youngsters but they are attracted to the macho publications
line would be preceded by a cloud of smoke,
my ads are in. Luckily, most of those youngsters have the intelligence to realize that
consisting of the most poisonous and suftoca
deadly force, except in actual self-defense, must be backed up with the wisdom of
ting vapors, before which no human being could
stand.
maturity.
The lances used in these cases were formed After selling over 50,000 copies of THE POOR
MAN'S JAMES BOND, there has not
with an iron receptacle for the fire at the end. been one report of any youngster hurting himself or anyone else. You can be sure
This receptacle terminated in points at the ex- the media would love to smear me with a story of one of my young readers destroying
tremity, which formed a very efficient weapon
all life forms in his neighborhood. (See Tylenol Interview", page 65). Even so, it wouldn't
after the fire was exhausted, or even perhaps
while continued to burn.
it In the case of the
bother me unless I lived in that unfortunate community.
horseman the shank of the lance was supported Actually, THE POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND a real deterrent to crime. It forces
is
by a ring open at the top, fixed upon the horse's the reader to accept responsibility for his actions toward others.lf he uses it
head, and the horse as well as the man was unwisely and is so stupid as to be caught, he can't plead crime of passion, insanity,
covered with an iron armor, in order to protect
or any other cop-out. The judge would say, "You ordered it, you used it, therefore it
them from any sparks or ficcks of flame which
might be driven against them by the rapiditv
was premeditated, so I'm going to have them lead you off".
of the onward motion, notwithstanding the pre-
me
letter I've reproduced below is from one who fears responsibility.
His fear of
cauiions taken in respect to the direction of the
freedom is obvious. He is a tribalist, as described in my editorial, The Citizen Menace".
wind.* And rather than turn him loose on society, I've made him tractable and docile, as all
Of course combustibles earned in this wa* tribalists should be.
could not be sufficient in quantity to burn for ft As in George Orwell's "1984", which I think he's read, I'm his O'Brien, giving him
tong time. It was necessary to calculate the The Book" which will stimulate his latent urges for freedom. In his mind, the purpose
possible duration of the fire very accurately, and
is to seduce him into thoughtcrime. Big Brother is now aware of his unorthodoxy.
ro act, after the fires were once lighted, with The
great promptness nnd decision.
Thought Police will eventually pick him up, and in Room 101 of the Ministry of Love,
The object of
(he enemy, it is plain, in ease of such an attack, all unorthodoxy will be tortured out of him and he will finally know that, for
inferiors,
would be to gain time by fulling back, or by Freedom is truly Slavery and Ignorance is truly Strength.
deceiving the assailants as to the distance, sons An obvious teenager, reflecting the lack of intellectual discipline it takes to com-
to allow the fires time to burn out. One con- municate, he can neither spell nor arrange his ideas in any logical pattern. Read his
spicuous example is given in a combat between
letter out loud to yourself and see if it doesn't sound like the gibbering
the forces of the Sultan of Kgypt and those of of a terrified
a Mongolian Khan, which took place in Syria,
monkey.
when a body of Egyptians, armed with lances "Dear Mr. Saxon:
carrying Greek fire, suddenly appeared issuing think your poor man's James bond sucks! And all the rest of the books that
I
you
from the ranks, and advanced across the inter- publish. know that you are a agency of the United States. Its totally ridiculous the
I
vening plain toward the enemy. But they had methods that you employ here. Were taught from very young about history, the govern-
in some way or other so miscalculated the dis- ment, constitution rights this and that. We learned it all through reading! You read
tance—or the duration of their fires— that the the papers everyday about crime, war, polatics, right! So here you go around wonder-
combustion exhausted itself before they reached
ing about how bad things really are right. So now you get the blues and
the Fersian lines. The Persian commander your wonder-
ing what to do. You pick up a magazine and read your advertlzement,
then ordered a counterrharge upon there. send for and
They were thrown into confusion, and in fall- receive it. Here you read all this nasty stuff, that was of course your Ideal and Ideals!
ing back to their own lines carried confusion I would have never guessed how to make this stuff if you havent furnished the infor-
with them, and their whole army w;is put to mation. It seems totally cartrated what this country stands fori It seems you should
ilight.
practice what you preach! feel lost my right to privacy. Oh well, stick it
The marvelous
I I
in your com-
tales which have been told in
puter. Your false and misleading advertizment seems to break the law. When
you read
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 35 THE WEAPONEER
respect to the power of the Greek fire to hum magazines like yours, you wonder what the hell is really going on. You make matters
under water have a certain foundation in the thatmuch worst. Even bring out the worst in somebody. Why add fuel to the flame.
fact that, in the times when this agency was You make matters much worst. Your real cure starts at the community not the media.
employed in war, the method of using it was by
Now dont know who to believe or what to believe anymore. wonder sometimes who's
I I
packing the materials in a spherical receptacle,
in such a manner that when thrown into the
really running this country. Believe half of what you see and nothing that you hear.
water the missile could go down to a certain Or read for that matter. was caught in one of your sting operations, through a magazne
I
distance without heing entirely extinguished, ad. It stinks. I've had no criminal record and don't say to your self well he just didn't
so that on rising again to the surface the tiames get caught. Bullshit! You all planted the Ideal! Go find the real criminals and get out
would break out anew, ready to set fire to any
from that desk and computer. As for me I'm going back to my normal lifestyle citizen.
combustible object that they might encounter.
Ihope one day when get older, Our generation will think more about the bible and
I
The engraving on page 40, copied from one of
follow its rules, More so then what our governments based on. "Remember', In God
the ancient illustrations, gives a general idea of
this operation. The
thrown from a height
balls
we Trust. Ha, Hal, hope one day you all will realize what's going on. Orwellian here
I
interval.
rest of the books you publish. (Either we lost his order or he ordered from someone else,
Moreover, a small quantity of water were
if
so don't know if he ever saw any of my other works). know that you are an agent of the
I I
ty and intensity of the heat, and the steam sud- very young about history, the government, constitution rights this and that. (We're
denly created would act with explosive force in taught, while young, history, civics, our Constitutional rights, etc.). We learned
scattering the burning materials all around.
we see on a small scale in a candle,
it through reading! (By emphasizing reading, he reflects the tribalist's attitude that
all
Just this
when minute quantities of water in the wick, anything that can get into print is gospel and must be obeyed).
instead of putting out the flame, only produce You read the papers everyday about crime, war, polatics, right! (He reads the news
a scries of sputtering explosions. The expla- daily and is influenced by the negative aspects of life). So here you go around wondering
nation of the extinguishment of fire by water is about how bad things really are right. So now you got the blues (the news depresses
the cooling effect of the water in reducing the
him) and your wondering what to do. You pick up a magazine and read your adver-
temperature of the materials below the burning-
tizement, send for it and recieve it. (He read an advertisement for the PMJB, ordered
point. This crVcct is due, it is true, not to the
simplo cooling power of the wnter ns water, but and recieved it). Here you read all this nasty stuff, that was of course your Ideal and
to the cnorinou* amount of heat absorbed by it Ideals! would have never guessed how to make this stuff if you havent furnish the
I
in being converted into stenm. information. (He orders a book on deadly force and blames me for putting ideas and
Of course, if the quantity of water thrown ideals of violent behavior in his mind). It seems totally contrated what this country stands
upon a Arc not sufficient to abstract from the
is for. (Your ideas seem totally contrary to our national ideals). It seems you should practice
fire, by its conversion into steam, heat enough what you preach! (I do, but don't know if he means me or if the statement is rhetorical).
I
ly, in ordinary cases, in the combination of the advertizement- (The PMJB is exactly as advertised. But to Lawrence, a practitioner
combustible with oxygen by a chemical action of doublethink, the ad was indeed false and misleading. To the tribalist, all unorthodoxy
intense enough to develop light and heat. Of -seems to break the law. The ad made him believe was encouraging the implemen- I
not, therefore, continue to burn when the air was to hadn't led him under the scrutiny of the authorities). Even bring out the worst in
excluded. Nor could it possibly withstand the somebody. (He believes the magazine aroused his primitive instincts). Why add fuel
cooling effect of any large quantity of water ap- to the flame. You make matters much worst. (Individual preparedness offends the
plied directly to the burning maw.
authorities and makes the system more oppressive).
The from the manufacture of
transition Your real cure starts at the community, not the media. (Any remedial action should
Greek fire to that of gunpowder in war, it is
be at the community level, by committee. Publishing unorthodox ideas encourages
now found, was not the result of any sudden
individual action, which is a threat to the collective). Now don't know who to believe I
discovery, but grew gradually out of the inci-
dental introduction of saltpetre among the^om- or what to believe any more. (To think for himself is unthinkable. The tribalist must
bustible substances, which was found in some have an authority figure to believe in or he feels abandoned). wonder sometimes who's
I
mysterious way greatly to increase the violence really running this country. (Who is my master?). Believe half of what you see and
of the combustion. Saltpetre is a substance nothing that you hear. Or read for that matter. (Wear blinders and shut out all com-
which is found abundantly in a natural state in
munications, lest an unorthodox idea creep in).
the countries where Greek fire was most used.
I was caught in one of your sting operations, through a magazine ad.
It stinks. (A
The mode of its operation in changing combus-
tion into explosion was not probably at first sting operation requires a willing dupe set up by one who helps him carry out an il-
comprehended, as the science of chemistry was legal act observed by the authorities, or a crook who means to run off with the loot,
then practically unknown. It is now, however, leaving him holding an empty bag. Since have no connection with my readers there
I
understood that the result is due to the salt- can be no sting involved). I've had no criminal record and dont say to your self well
petre's furnish|ng a supply of oxygen to the
he just didn't get caught. (He's really a good boy). Bullshit! (Well, maybe not that good).
combustibles, and thus making them independ-
ent of the air in respect to their burning. It
You all planted the ideal! (But what ground was it planted in?). Go find the real criminals
furnishes the supply, too, in such a way, to ev- and get out from behind that desk and computer. (He really believes I'm THE MAN).
ery particle of the combustible, by means of the As for me I'm going back to my normal lifestyle citizen. hope one day when get I I
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 36 THE WEAPONEER
tine comminution And intimate commixture of aJHai
oWer. Our generation will think more about the bible and follow its rules. (He's
the materials, as to present to every portion of going
to conform and get right with his mother's god). More
the combustible a portion of oxygen close at so than what our governments
hand, and thus increases enormously the rapid- based on. Remember," In God we Trust. Ha, Hal, (He doesn't believe
our govern-
ity and violence of the action. ment trusts in his mother's god any more than he did when he ordered
the PMJB).
There is another important thing to be borne hope one day you all will realize what's going on. Orwellian, here we go! (He believes
I
in mind, which is, that a mixture of Orwells 1984 is near. If you've read "1984- you'll realize that the timid, wishy-washy
combustibles with saltpetre, by con-
tnbalist Lawrence typifies was the mainstay of Big Brother's
taining within itself the supply of INGSOC).
oxygen necessary for the combus- Respectfully, Lawrence
tion, and thus making the process (He
,
Lawrence s traumatic reaction
THE MAN
really thinks I'm
independent of the external air, al- to thePMJB reminds me of an incident of my boyhood
lows of the inclosing of the materials iwas walking along the dirt road near my home outside Elmhurst. Illinois With me
strong and tight receptacles, so was my dog, Dumbo. As we passed Clyde Webster's
in
that the gases produced by the com- home, dog. Rag* his little iS
bustion may be confined, and so
made to exert their vast expansive
H^T!%t rr ^
C nC ba rkin9 furi0US,y at Dumb0 DumboXok no
I Rags was a chained dog and. therefore,
as K
beneath contempt.
noxZ -
—enormously
si^sa
force hind leQ8, Strainlr>9 at ,he chain Ra° 8 9 rew
increased by the
great heat developed —
upon the
n,S Zn!L str ig ht ahead
-
walls of the receptacle which con- oanie nags siraineo narder andH the
K chain broke.
Freedom! Now he would thrash his
fines them. naughty foe.
The mode in which saltpetre thut But freedom was a heavier chain for Rags. Freedom
operated in promoting rapidity of brings responsibilities known
even to dogs. Freedom meant he would have to back
combustion was not probably at all up his c onvictions with teeth
understood in those days. So. almost as if he were playing a role, Rags
It WU actually put his little tail between his
observed, however, by many per-
sons and in many different countries,
legs and slunk into his house, hoping against
hope that Dumbo wouldnTSe 5
as n matter of fact, that the admix- Lawrence is free. He still has the book. But lest anyone take
ture of saltpetre with their other notice of his freedom
he s going to get rjgM wHi God and try to hide the fact that he ever
pyrotechnic materials greatly in- strained at his chain'
15 WatCh n9 Wm and he Wi
creased the effect, until fi unify an '
0Ve B 9 Brother '
*
'
"
explosive power was developed eiifti- reSrt'hlSmT
cient for the projection of missies
from the months of open tubes, nnd
then artillery began to appear on the
of battle.
field
Thu« the art of producing gun-
powder for the purposes of war seems
HnikThrowiag -&t
uted to
nations.
to have been a
an invention
surprising that the origin of
many
;
growth rather than
nnd so it is
fm & SelfWense
If s merely advanced mumblety-peg, but there's
ed the boat.
a practical side to this fascinating pastime
F. C. NESS
OUTDOOR LIFE - DEC. 43
PIPE SHOOTS
THROUGH ITS
STEM
Popular Science
Though innocent enough in outward appearance, a novel type of firearm disguised as
Third, the palm grasp for distances of obout a smoking pipe serves as a formidable weapon when it is needed. The gun fires a .25
10 ft. Hero, knife slides out handle first caliber cartridge. Its stem unscrews for loading, while the bowl of the pipe serves as a
magazine for five extra rounds of ammunition. A knurled screw near the center serves
knives can be thrown exactly like my as a trigger, and fires the pipe pistol when it is pulled back as illustrated in the
throwing models.
photograph above, the user sighting meanwhile along the length of the stem. A German
For self-defense, such a knife is held inventor is responsible for the unusual weapon.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 39 THE WEAPONEER
the top corner of the wallet shut to further hold the bar-
rel.
Remove the grips from the pistol. Punch holes in the
wallet over the holes where the grips are screwed on.
Then just put the pistol in and screw the wallet tightly to
the handle. The holder for extra bullets is optional.
With a razor knife, cut finger holes on both sides to
reach through to the trigger.
To reload the pistol, just unsnap the waUet and swing
the gun down.
If you are profit minded, you can buy wallet kits, tailor
them to fit the pistols your friends bring you and sell
them for $50.00 each.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol 40 THE WEAPONEER
The Versatile
Hypodermic Needle
I
By Kurt Saxon
suppose you've seen films of dopers
Tylenol Interview
shooting up with a hypodermic needle fit-
ted to a medicine dropper. The impres-
sion wasthat the needle was precious By KURT SAXON
and hard to come by. Forget the hypoder- The Tyteaoi murders gave rise to a classic
example of mass hysteria. It should have been
mic. All dope paraphernalia was strictly
obvious from the beginning that the poisoning was restricted
underground and illegal. to a small area in Chicago and
Since I have several pets and have to done by one sub-human. But it led to all the Tylenol in the country being
yanked off the
go to the vet frequently, I took to asking shelves.
for the used hypodermics and needles us- Consider the average sub-human living in the ononymity of a city. He'll never be known
ed on my animals. The vet handed them
for anything positive. But such o wimp wants to feel important, even
over and I thought I was really getting in a negative way. He
away with something. I had told him I wants to be an effect, even if he's the only one who knows
about it.
wanted to use them for injecting 8« he putt powdered castor beans in a hotel's oir conditioning unit, causing Legionnaire's
chemicals in plants. Disease, or puts razor blades in Halloweeners' apples or cyanide in Tylenol or acid in Vlsene
I would take them home and store the
needles in a test tube full of rubbing or some other poison in Lovoris mouth wash.
alcohol to keep them from clogging up. The ovemuction of the FDA, the news media and the manufacturers
of the polluted pro-
A while back I heard of a self-injecting ducts give the inferior a feeling of power and importance he could
never otherwise achieve.
device for diabetics who were too
Instead ef suppressing such stories until the skko has been nobbed
squeemish to jab themselves. I bougl or the incident can be
one from my pharmacist. It was no good put in its proper perspective, the authorities and media run off
in all directions, causing
since it only pushed in the needle but panic and loss with no more sense of social responsibility than
the sub-human who started it
didn't work the plunger. all.
I had no intention of sticking myself
In the general grasping at straws, Chicago's own Roger Arnold wos a
and, without the double action I'd suspect only
counted on, it was useless to me. But in because a fink said he had some potassium cyanide, (which he didn't) and some
the meantime, the pharmacist took it for unregistered guns. A search turned up a copy of THE POOR MAN'S JAAAES BOND, which has
granted that I was a diabetic and sold me instructions for making potassium cyanide.
some needles. They weren't the right size
The mote naturally publisized the PMJB, which was great for me. In their witch hunting
for the device but I had a lot of fun play-
ing with them. spree, they also tried to shift society's responsibility for its degenerates
to one who merely
When the pharmacist asked me what published a book telling how to defend oneself ogainst those
degenerates. Hence, the
kind of needles I normally used I told him Democrat interview.
I wasn't a diabetic; I just wanted them.
The Arkansas Democrat the Notional Inquirer of the Ozarks. Incompetently staffed
is
He didn't blink an eye and sold me 100 3 and
cc diabetic hypodermic needles in poorly written, it caters to simpletons too dull of intellect and debased of
ego to demand
separate packages at 17 cents each, or accuracy in newsgathering.
$17.00.
In 1980, Dan Wiseman, an effminate nebbish, libelled me and killed the Democrat's
Like I've said before, when a person
makes chances of ever getting a straight story concerning my aims or views.
his living by selling something, he When Margie Law
wants to make a sale, especially in these phoned for an interview, realized whatever I said would be distorted, exaggerated
I
and/or
hard times. So if you don't have every ap- token out of context. So gave her the most outrageous line of
I
bull could come up with. I
pearance of being some kind of freak, all
Many a truth is spoke in jest so leave it to the reader to separate farce from seriousness.
I
you've got to do is hand over the money
and you've got the product. The taped interview:
Eventually, I intend to get several (Arkansas Democrat) "Hello, Margie low of the Democrat. Is this Kurt Saxon?"
this is
cases of various sized needles for barter (Kurt Saxon) "Yes." (Dem.) "Have you heard of Roger Arnold,
later on. They will bring high prices from
who works for the Jewel
grocery store chain?" (KS) "Yes." (Dem.) 'They found some books in
doctors who didn't stock up. his apartment that
Of course, they are meant to be dispos- were written by you." (KS) "Oh yes, THE POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND."
(Dem.) "Right
"
ed of after one use. Many disposable (KS) "Yes, that's a primer for killers. Anyone con murder anyone with that book. And I en-
hypodermics have the needles built in as dorse ond promote
it I it. I think if you have THE POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND you can kill
opposed to those whose needles can be
taken off. Either way, they can all be anyone you wont. That's a great thing."
stored in alcohol after each use and so (Democrat) "Okay, you endorse it. You think heused that?" (KS) "I don't know but I
can be used hundreds of times. think he could have. know the man. I
I don't don't even know if he bought the book from me
Fine emory paper can be used to or one of my dealers." (Dem.) "Where ore they distributed,
sharpen them occasionally. The dosage Kurt?" (KS) "Well, people
write for my free catalogue ond send the money and I send the books.
markings are usually on the inside and And I have dealers
rub off with use. But the markings can be around the country." (Dem.) "In the Chicogo area?" (KS) "No
dealers in the Chicago
put on by hand on the outside with a
small file by the doctor when the inside
(Democrat) "So you don't know this guy personally." (KS) "Oh, no. don't know my
markings begin to dim. I
A few cartons of hypodermics could set customers. don't wont onything to do with my customers. Especially those from
I
Chicogo
POOR MAN* S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 41 THE WEAPONEER
you up in the medical supply bus: since it's o documented foct that came over the TV last night that there are seven million
and make you a hero, too. people in the Chicago area and six hundred thousand of them are disturbed. So that's nearly
Aside from eventual barter, the
hypodermic needle can come in handy in one out of ten dingbats in that city and I don't wont to live there. And wouldn't pot
I it past
many ways. You say your squirt gun any of them to do anything to any of the rest of them. So I'm not at all surprised.
leaks? Well arise and get yourself some "And, of course, THE POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND is primarily to wipe out the sub-human
hypodermic needles. Ttiey don't leak and
populations of the cities. So the more books I con sell to people in the cities, the happier I
term." (Dem.) "What does that mean?" (KS) "Well, a Survivalist is a person who realises
civilization is about to collapse and wants to get out from under it."
(Democrat) "Are you working on any other books?" (KS) "I'm working on THE
WEAPONEER right now, which picks up where THE POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND leaves off. It
If your only purpose is to use the hypo tells how to make rid* potassium cyanide grenades. The last issue told how to make
as a squirter, it would be best to take a my readers will
cyanide smudge pots but there was a typographical error so I don't think
pilars and bend the needle back and forth
to break it off. It isn't needed and you understand it until I correct it next time."
it want to accidentally stick (Democrat) "What did you think of the Tylenol murders?" (KS) "Well, that isn't really
my way of doing things. I would hove asked for money before I did anything like that. He
If it is to inject an unsuspecting enemy didn't get any money out of it and people think he's a bod person now. So why be hated any
you'llwant the diabetic needle as it is the
more than you ore otherwise if you're not being poid for it?"
thinnest and shortest. In the excitement
of an altercation, your opponent would (Democrat) "Kurt, he's just a suspect. They don't really know rf he did it or not." (KS)
not notice he had been injected. One "They'll never catch the one who aid it." (Dem.) "Don't think so?" (KS) "Of course not.
quick lab, a little scuffling, and he would How could they? All you have to do, sweetheart, is to go into a store, buy some product,
drop dead.
take it home, doctor it, take it back, put it back on the sherf, and how is anybody going to
The diabetic needle also best for in-
is
trace it to you?
jecting an enemy's rump while he's sit-
ting on a bar stool. If you should give him What yen ought to do is send the doctored product to the manufacturer and say, 'Listen,
a hearty slap on the back he'd probably I'm going to put a dozen of these on the shelf rf you don't send me some money, or put it in
be distracted into not feeling it at all. If my bank account,' like that one extortioner did. But he didn't even do that. He just said,
mi 8 h t
I
'Put the money in my bank account or I'll start poisoning your product.' He ought to have
not suspect he'd been attacked.
A quick thrust and plunge into the sent a sample of the doctored product.
rump of a walking or standing opponent "For Instance, say that you should buy o bottle of Head and Shoulders and empty it half
would hardly be noticed, especially by out and fill it full of Nair and shake it up and send that to the manufacturer and soy, 'You
passersby. Keep moving, anyway. You on a dog and after you see your bald dog, imagine what's going to happen
try it if I put a
must be aware, however, that no more
dozen of these in The Elite Shop and get all these rich broads and they come out of the
than 1 cc should be used for a lethal injec-
tion. The reason for this is that the victim shower, just bald as an egg, and they're going to sue you out of existence, see?' So that
will probably withdraw reflexively. Even way you could get money. But just to poison people or mess up their lives, willy-nilly,
so, the injection of only one half a cc is
there's no profit to that."
almost guaranti
done your I.* *t (Democrat) "Do you know if he hod any of your other books?" (KS) "I don't know. I hope
pillow. he has because I like to sell as many as possible." (Dem.) "Do you keep records of people
requesting your books?" (KS) "Wed, there are records but wouldn't bother to look it up I
a n wea ry for charging and receiving charge j bat an alert their personnel with gunfire? Tb use, pour one part by volume of
improvement nay be effected without reducing the sulphuric acid into two parts of cyanide
total length of rifle and bayonet combined. Take The cyanide smudge pot is the poor Then get away fast. The gas will im-
three lnobee from the length of barrel, and add the man's neutron bomb. It's very simple mediately billow up and flow downward.
weight of metal that would thus be removed to the and you have the sense or the oppor-
if
diameter of the barrel thie will increaee iWeUength,
Only a whiff or two is sufficient to kill
;
tunity to use wind direction, you can not any humans or animals in its path. After
insure more accuracy of aim, and enable the eoldier to
handle it more easily. The bayonet may be incmaead
only protect yourself from any land at- a few minutes to an hour, depending on
in length three Indies without adding a aingl* ounce tauc, but can take your opponent's equip- windspeed, it will be safe to walk about
to iti weight ; and by naing the rery best of metal iU ment with impunity. the area, enter any structure or vehicle
strength will not bo dlminlehod.
Potassium or sodium cyanide can be in the path of the gas.
purchased from many chemical com- Nest issue will feature cyanide hand
panies rather cheaply and in bulk. If you
—
white etmowDXR. lieve, as to become a substitute for it, for most pur-
poses.
There is on article upon the above subject by M.
Pohl, a German chemist, in the London, Edinburgh
and Dublin Philosophical Magazine for July last, and The Scientific American - July 2, 1861
another on the same subject in the Chemical Newt,
Aug. 24th, by F. Hudson, Esq. Considerable atten- BLASTING BY ELECTRICITY,
tion has lately been given by some chemists to this The following Illustrated description for conducting
peculiar substance. The former states that prussiate blasting operations by electricity is, in substance,
of potash 20 parts, sugar 23 and chlorate of potash 49 taken from the Calcutta Engineer'* Journal, and will
parts, make good white gunpowder. In exploding this be found very useful and interesting to many of our
powder, 100 parts of it yielded 47-44 of gaseous pro- readers. It is best adapted for large blasts, as it
ducts and 62-66 solid residue. Ordinarily black gun- would be rather expensive in comparison with the
powder furnishes only 3138 of gaseous products and fuse, for common operations, such as blasting small
68 06 of solid residue. The efficiency of gunpowder rocks :—
is measured by the gases which are produced from it PREPARATION OF CARTRIDGES.
by explosion. An equal weight of white gunpowder Take two copper wires covered with gutta-percha of
will produce 1-67 times the explosive effect of the the ordinary size employed to make the connections
black. In order to obtain the same effect on projec- of telegraph instruments commonly called No. 0
tiles and in mines, only 60 parts of white power will gutta-percha wire. They may be of any length most
be required for 100 parts of the common kind. The convenient from 6 inches upwards. In the annexed
residue of the white being as 31 -63 to 68 of the black, drawing, Fig. 1, they are shown for convenience sake
more cleanly, while the heat generated to be only about 6 inches in length, but it would be
it is when it
is ignited is much lower ; and a greater number of
preferable to have them long to project
sufficiently
in being more easily prepared, keeping for a longer ment would injure the insulation and nullify the
period of time without change, and is cheaper. Thie action of the battery. It should be observed here,
powder is not only easier of preparation than the old, that in cases where the shorter wires are used, it will
but it may be made in a few houra in great quantities be necessary, after making the connections with the
with very simple machinery. M. Pohl states that it is battery wires, to cover the connections over with thin
Mr. F. Hudson, in his communication to the Chemical perfectly dry) so as to insulate them perfectly from
New*, states that he made several samples according each other and from the earth. B B, Fig. 4, will
to M. Pohl's receipts and found that when he mixed illustrate the manner in which {his Li done.
the materials moist, then dried them at 150° Fan., Let the two wires first mentioned be twisted toge-
the powder was very liable to explode with friction ther for a length of about 8 inches, as shown in Fig.
it was indeed percussion powder. This was not the 1 , care being taken to leave their lower extremities,
case when they were mixed dry. He says " A can- :
— C about an inch, separating them about
C, free for
non loaded with white gunpowder goes off on the half an inch from each other. Remove the gutta-
application of % few drops of sulphuric acid applied percha covering for a length of about a quarter of an
at the touch-hole. The property of this gunpowder inch, as shown at, C C, Fig. 1, and brighten up the
may possibly be applied to some advantage in the ends with sand paper, and then stretch across them a
preparation of bomb shells for long ranges. These very fine iron, or better, platinum wire (also pre-
shells would not explode until they strike the object, viously brightened up with sand paper), twisting it
if filled with white powder, and contain a small round the copper wires, and fixing it in the manner
glass vessel with sulphuric acid- No explosion of the shown in the 6gure. The upper extremities of tho
shell would take place in the air, as is too often the two wires, A A, are also separated, and the gutta-
case with the ordinary fuse shell." percha stripped off for about an inch, for the purpose
As this white powder contains a very large amount of connecting them to the two wires which are to pro-
of the chlorate of potash, it will corrode the locks ceed to the poles of the battery. If these connections,
and barrels of rifles more rapidly than common gun- owing to the shortness of the wires, are to come with-
powder. It, however, may be used as a good substi- in the hole, great care must be taken to insulate them
tute, if saltpeter becomes scarce and high in price. from each other and from the earth in the manner
It will also require to be handled with more care, as already explained and shown at B B, Fig. 4. Fig. 2
it is liable to explode with severe pressure. We have shows the body of the cartridge, which consists of a
exploded it easily on an anvil by a blow with a ham- tin tube 8 inches in length and three quarters of an
mer. As it is very cleanly we would prefer it to black inch in diameter, the joint being well soldered in
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 44 THE WEAPONEER
order that it may be impermeable to water. On in- Battery." This is the simplest and cheapest form of
troducing the wires into the tube they should be battery, and can be most readily made up in India.
placed in the center, as shown in Fig. 2, and great It is very powerful, fifteen cells being sufficient for
care should be taken to prevent the two wires from all purposes of ignition, or for conducting electrical
touching the outside of the tube anywhere. To guard experiments in general. Two forms of this battery
against this most effectually, the two ends should be are shown in Figs. 6 and 6, the one being circular and
opened put and then turned inward again, as at D D, the other square. Three cells of each kind are only
Fig. 1, so that the gutta-percha shall press well shown, as they are quite sufficient for illustration.
against the sides of the tube ; thus removing all pos- The number of cells required to make up a battery
sibility .of the exposed ends of the wire coming into
sufficiently powerful for firing a shot will be from
contact with it. The two wires are passed through a fifteen to fifty, according to circumstances.
cork, and fitted firmly to the upper end of the tin CIRCULAR CELL BATTERY.
tube, as shown at E £, Figs. 2 and 3, and made per-
The battery consists of, first, a circular earthen-
fectly water tight by being covered over with a cem-
ware cell secondly, a circular iron plate thirdly, a
; ;
ent composed of two parts beeswax and one part resin. porous cell and, fourthly, an amalgamated sine
;
The tube is then filled with powder at it* other ex- ingot. These three last named are placed within the
tremity F, which is likewise stopped with a cork and earthenware cell in the order above enumerated, and
cemented in the same manner. Fig. 2 shows the which will be seen more clearly by referring to cell
manner in which the cartridge is placed in the hole, M, Eig. 6. them together, the space
After placing
after having carefully expelled all dust and moisture, between the porous cell and the earthenware cell is
great care being taken that the cartridge is situated filled up to within half an inch of the top with pure
in about the center of the charge of powder intro- nitric acid, while the porous cell is filled up to with-
duced into tho hole, as shown at G Fig. 4. Above
,
in halfan inch of the top with sulphuric acid diluted
the powder Is placed a plug of straw, dry grass, or with water in the proportion of 1 of acid to 10 of
tow, shown at H, to allow, between the powder and water. The cells arc connected together with a piece
the filling in, a small space filled with air, and above
the plug dry sand is poured in until the hole is filled
up to the surface, as shown at K. The two ends of
the wire then, z I, which projects above the surface
of the ground, are connected with the two poles of
the battery by means of insulated conductors of suf-
ficient length to allow of perfect protection from any
dangers arising from the explosion. Hie greatest
caution should be observed in not connecting the two
wires with the battery until the moment the explo-
sion is required to be made, as the effects are instant-
aneous. If necessary,a number of shota can be fired
together, either simultaneously or in such rapid suc-
cession as to be all but simultaneous.
BATTERIES.
The battery best adpted for igniting the cartridges
is Callan's battery, commonly called the " Maycooth
for a cannon ball had cut the electric cord, and the Diameter Velocity of Pressure of Gas, in Pounds.
mine was thus rendered harmless. Part of the Redan of Grain. Shot. At bottom of bore At U
in. At 28 in.
was blown up, but no person was injured, as the .6 933 21,370 10,350 8,030
English soldiers had been withdrawn almost as soon .5 1
932 21.210 11,170 7,300
.4 881 25,590 10,750 7,300
as they entered, as it was rightly suspected the fort .3 ! 890 3:1,330 10,710 fi.GSO
had been mined.
The smallest-grained powder, three-tenths of nn
Scientific American—July 27, 1861
inch in size, produced a pressure at the bottom of the
BODXAJT B IXPCTi myTS WITH GUNPOWDER. bore of 35,000 lbs. to the square inch, which was re-
duced to 6,700 at 28 inches from the bottom ol
lbs.
When ordinary small-grained powder burned in
is
the bore, giving a velocity to the shot of only BOO feet
a cannon, the combustion is so rapid, and the gases
per second. While the powder of largest grain, six-
are consequently so quickly developed and so highly
tenths of an inch in though producing a pressure
size,
heated, that an enormous pressure is produced at the
ot only 21,000 lbs, at the bottom of bore, followed it
breech of the gun before the ball starts from its seat;
up with 8,000 lbs. nt 28 inches, and cave a velocity
then, as the gases expand, the pressure is rapidly re-
to the shot of 933 feet per second.
duced, so that the velocity of the ball is small in
'Ihe granular form, however, is not the l>est for
proportion to the maximum pressure exerted upon
^annon powder, whatever the size of the grains. In
the gun. It occurred to Capt. T. J. Rodman, of the
vrder to give the greatest possible velocity to the shot,
Ordnance Department, U. S. A., that if the powder
were made to burn a little more slowly, the pressure with such degree of pressure as may be safely em-
would be less at the breech, and would follow up the ployed, the pressure against the shot should continue
grains, which were compiesscd with great force, so should diminish as the shot recedes from the breech,
that they could not be permeated by the gas, and, but not nearly as rapidly, as the experiments show
consequently, could burn only by a gradual combus- that it does diminish even with the largest-grrtiued
tion commencing on the outside and extending in- powder.
ward. Powder of the same quality in every respect, As the shot starts very slowly at the breech, and
except the size of the grains, was prepared by the moves with constantly accelerated velocity in its
Messrs. Dupont, the grains in one sample being all course through the bore, in order to make the pres-
three-tenths of an inch in Bize, those of another four- sure uniform throughout, the gases should be evolved
tenths, of another five-tenths, and of the last six- from the burning powder with a corresponding accel-
tenths. Capt. Rodman made a series of fires with eration. But, if the powder is granular, the combus-
this powder in a 11-inch gun, using the same weight tion commences on the surface of the grains and
of charge, 12 67-100 lbs., and the same cylindrical proceeds inward, constantly reducing the size of the
shot, weighing 183 3-10 fee., at every fire. Five fires grains, and, consequently, the extent of the burning
were made with powder of each size of grain, and the surface. Thus the rapidity with which the gases are
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 46 THE WEAPONEER
evolved is retarded instead of being accelerated. with a knife, two knives are always bet-
Capt. Rodman conceived that if the powdtr was ter than one. The Ozark Bear Claws are
formed into hollow cylinders to be tired wholly from two knife handles with slits beside the
the inside, the burning surface would be enlarged as blades to accommodate the blade of each
the combustion progressed, and, consequently, the into the handle of the other.
If we make equi-distant concentric lines on the end have so much of the material comparatively idle.
of a hollow cylinder of soft brass, Fig. 1, and impart How then are we to equalize this immense circum-
an equal circumferential strain by means of a circular ferential strainwhich possesses the same ratio of in-
wedge driven into the bore, Fig. 2, we can at once ob- equality in all solid masses of metal ?
how much more the inside is stretched than the
serve A scientific arrangement of the material should be
outside, or even the intermediate spaces. The spaces made whereby the several parts would take a moder-
between the lines will be seen to vary in width in ate share of the strain, instead of the interior parts
direct proportion to the amount of strain on each, having too much and the exterior too little.
showing that while the inside space is strained almost Numerous plans have been tried to accomplish the
to breaking, the intermediate spaces are much less
object, yet none have succeeded better than Arm-
strained, and the outer scarcely any at all.
strong or Whitworth. The wonderful accuracy and
Fig.l Tig. a range of their guns is owing to the great velocity
given to the shot which thei method of construction
alone renders possible. Their respective plans, al-
though alike in principle, differ somewhat in execu-
tion. Their guns are built with concentric tubes or
rings shrunk successively cn each other with a grad-
ual tension. The tension s increased from the inter-
ior to the exterior of the gun by a greater expansion
in the heating of the different parts.
Another plan has been attempted to accomplish
Now if wc increase the strain sufficiently to pro- the same object by winding wire around a cylinder,
deeper. Fig. increasing the tension each layer. Were there no
t\\\rv fracture, by driving the wedgo still
longitudinal strain to contend against this plan
:i. it be observed that, the inner spaces will In*
will
completely severed, while the outer remains compar- would approach perfection ; but it being necessary to
atively sound. braise the wire together in order to give the gun suf-
Fvg. 3 ficient longitudinal strength, the heat required in the
operation destroys the tension, rendering the gun at
once inferior to one wrought in a solid mass.
ZA
As has Won said befwo, the longitudinal strain
weakens the circumferential strength; this is a fact
The law has been found that in cylinders of metal, pertaining to all cannon that have yet been construct-
the circumferential strain on the different parts varies ed. idea has occurred to me, that in such a pre
The
inversely as the squares of the distances of the parts dominance of the longitudinal strength compared
from the axis.. According to this ratio a two-inch with the strain, that such an arrangement of material
gun with two inches of metal, will be internally might be made whereby the longitudinal strain would
assist, instead of weakening the circumferential
fractured before the exterior receives one-twelfth part
ol the strain causing the fracture. Of course increas- strength. My
plan for accomplishing so seeming an
ing the thickness still more would add very little to impossibility is as follows
its strength. On a cylinder of cast iron (the best material for the
longitudinal strength has a direct bearing on
The inside of a cannon) shrink a layer of wrought iron
the circumferential. The metal undergoing the op- rings with moderate tension these, with the cylin-
;
posite strains of compression and extension at the der should form about one-half of the thickness ol
same time, is weakened in the former capacity in pro- the gun, Kig. 4. Bands of steel should now be wound
portion to the strain in the latter, therefore increas- spirally in alternate layers to the required thickness,
ing the longitudinal strength by adding tbicknesa to reversing the winding each layer, Fig. 5. These
the gun, increases ite circumferential strength, but it bands should be wound while heated directly from a
is only to a certain degree. furnace prepared for the purpose, and the tension in-
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 48 THE WEAPONEER
creaaedon enrh layer in proportion to it« cltotanee work to the exterior of the gun, for cast iron is doubly
from the bo™, l>v regnlatinjr the hent.
more expansive than wrought iron, and wrought iron
even doubly more expansive than steel.
The proper proportionment of the different mate-
rials in such a construction can only be obtained by
By KURT SAXON
The cyanide grenade is a wonderful grenade.
A modification of an excellent protector for the
it is
It is
home when you are away. For cleaning out fag bars or
enemy emplacements you can find no better weapon. It
is easily made and coats next to nothing.
The materials are a 15 ounce tin can, with lid, one
DUCT TAPE square foot of cotton cloth, duct tape, a four ounce glass
bottle with a sturdy plastic top, sulphuric add and
cyanide. TUe igniter is a palmsked, one inch thick block
O of wood with a sturdy nail through it.
0 SULPHURIC ACID
0
0
0
BLOCK AND NAIL
0
n
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 49 THE WEAPONEER
of the can with edges protruding.
its Scientific American— Sept. 1861
Put about an inch of cyanide Into the can and put the
bottle of sulphuric add in the exact middle. FIB the can
around and above the bottle with more cyanide.
What Guns Are Best.
Gather the cloth and tie it tightly with string or wire. no doubt the desire of every army and nation
It Is
Put on the can's lid and seal the grenade on top and
to possess the best implements of war, but great un-
around the top side with duct tape.
certainty prevails as to which are the most efficient.
Cyanide attracts moisture so the grenade should be
stored and carried in a sturdy plastic zip lock storage
The principles of operation and the principles of me-
bag. chanical construction embraced in the variety of
To remove from the bag and insert the nail into
use, weapons now brought before the public, are so differ-
one of the holes near the middle of the bottle. Give the ent, and the opinions are so numerous respecting
block a sharp smack with your palm to break the bottle their merits, that it is very difficult to arrive at
and then toss it into the tomb of your choice. proper conclusions respecting them. A few words on
To booby trap your home is easy. All you need is some this subject, to bring the matter intelligently before
wood, sulphuric acid, cyanide, dowel, inner tube rubber those In authority and the public, may be of some
band and a plastic butter dish. service.
For the base, use a one foot long by one inch thick by Rifled cannon are now held to be the most efficient
three inches wide piece of wood. At one end, nail on two
for artillery purposes. Their aim is more accurate
pieces of wood which have been drilled to hold a thin
dowel. Drill a similar sized hole through the side of one
and their range much greater than the old smooth-
end of another one foot strip of wood. Saw a piece out of bored cannon, hence they are most destructive. It
the other end to form a notch. now seems to be the object of military authorities
Cut a large nail in half sharpen it and bang it into the
,
everywhere to bring them into general use, and If
middle of the board about one-third of the way from the one army is provided with rifled cannon, its adversary
notched end. must obtain similar guns or fight at a great disadvan-
Cut up a tin can and bend it so there is about an inch on tage. For close engagements smooth-bored cannon
one side of the bend and three inches on the other. Cut must always be employed for firing grapo and canis-
two three inch strips of this and cut a deep saw edge on therefore, although rifled cannon are the most
ter ;
each. Glue or tape the Jagged strips about three inches
effective at long ranges, smooth-bored guns must form
apart on opposite sides of the nail.
Put a strong rubber band cut from an inner tube a large portion of the effective artillery belonging to
around the ends of both boards. Stretch it tightly and an army for action at close quarters.
prop it up with a dowel pointed at the top end. Tie a str- There are two special classes of rifled cannon, respect-
ing to the dowel and stretch it to a door knob or across a ing which there are divided opinions among military
corridor or hall where an intruder would be bound to men and others. The one has a movable breech and is
walk into it. loaded at the rear the other has a close cylinder
;
Before leaving your home or office, put a plastic but- behind, and is loaded at the muzzle. It is claimed
ter dish or like container under the nail. Put a plastic ior the breech-loaders that they
can be loaded with less
bag with several ounces of cyanide in the dish. Next, put labor, are more convenient for receiving shot and
a four ounce bottle of sulphuric acid on the cyanide
shells, and that expanding shot are not required for
under the nail.
intruder comes in contact with the string, the them. The objections to them are, that they are more
will be pulled out and the board wil complicated and expensive in construction than muz-
The nail will break the bottle and the Jagged zle-loaders, and they are more liable to get injured
shred the plastic bag. The acid will flood the cyai and become inoperative in action.
in seconds the area will be filled with deadly go. The greater simplicity of muzzle-loading cannon is
The gas dissipates in a couple of hours. Ideally, you admitted, but either winged shot or expanding shot
should place the trap so you can at least see the taut str- is required for Ihem. If muzzle-loading rifled cannon
ing when you open the door. If it isn't taut you should are equally as good as breech-loaders, all the sound
hold your breath and go in and open some windows and
old smooth-bored guns in our arsenals, forts and navy
get out before breathing . At the same time, turn on a fan
yards can be converted into serviceable and efficient
or air conditioner if you have one.
Shut the door and return in a couple of hours. By then, guns by simply grooving their insides, and this
rifled
it should be safe, even if it happened only shortly before can be effected at a very small expense. This is,
you returned. therefore, the important subject for consideration, as
Go back in and examine the body. Take any money or it now divides the opinions of very able military au-
valuables for your trouble. Dismantle and hide the trap. thorities.
Open and rummage through some drawers to make the like English and the Prussian government! have
place look like a burglary was in progress.
given their countenance to the adoption of breech-
Call the police and tell them a burglar got in and died
loading rifled cannon, and the Belgian government
Of a heart attack or something. There is little chance a
thorough autopsy would be conducted and even so, you has recently proposed to expend about $8,000,000 for
were out and he had no business there and what could the re-construction of its artillery, adopting the Prus-
they prove? If it is night and there are no witnesses out- sian crew-breech guns, which are said to be leas dan-
side you can dump the vermin in the nearest alley and gerous in loading, more accurate in aim, and easier
forget it. loaded than those which are charged at the muzzle.
On the other hand, the French, Russian, Dutch and
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 50 THE WEAPONEER
Swedish government* have adopted muzzle-loading
rifled cannon, the Hollanders having converted a
number of their old worn-ont pieces into good rifled
THE GAROTTE
guns by a process which exhibits genuine economy By GENTLE BEN
and considerable ingenuity. In the arsenals of Ho
The garotte ha* been made obsolete by weapons such aa
land there were a number of six-pounder bronze gur
which had become so defective by use that they wei«
condemned to be rc-melted and re cast. A happy defecate. However, sometimes you have to make do with
thought struck one of the engineers. He proposed what you have. And it is the macho assassination method.
Mafia types are still terrified by that sort of hit. Practice
to clean out the bores and partially fill them in with
H with a friend, in slow motion, a few times. You'll get
a re-casting of bronze metal and then rifle them.
very good at it if you have the mentality.
This suggestion was carried out, and the old six- One of the best garottes you can have is a leather
pounder defective smooth-bored canuon have been bootlace. Wrap the ends around your hands, holding the
converted into guns. By this simple process
rifled ends in your palms. Always approach your opponent from
the Dutch have obtained from their old condemned behind, preferably unaware. Try to always pick on
bronze guns as efficient light field pieces as those oi someone weaker than yourself.
France and Russia, at the expense of only seven dol- Either loop the lace over his head, or loop it before you
place it over his head, whichever is quickest and easiest.
lars for each.
That will depend on you and the type of garotte you use.
Those who have advocated the muzzle-loaders and
Pull down and slightly to the side to tighten the garotte.
condemned those which are charged at the rear, say Yank as hard as you can. Try to break his neck. Although
that the latter have been tried and condemned long you probably won t kill him by breaking his neck, even a
ago -that they were the earliest class of guns^nade, minor dislocation will weaken him so he can't fight back
therefore they should not receive that attention which effectively.
is now bestowed upon them. Such a charge as this Of course, if the idea
capture the victim alive, be a
is to
should receive but little consideration, for revolving little gentler. As you pull the garotte, bend down
on your
firearms were really among the most early that were knees, dragging him down on his rear. Be sure your knees
tried, and in the Tower of London there is a firearm
are completely bent, to protect yourself from back elbow
strikes. Your balance is better if you sit on the heel of one
nearly two hundred years old, which has a revolving
foot and keep the other foot flat.
charge chamber opeiated on the same principle as the
You are now in a tight, guarded position and he is in an
most approved modern revolvers and yet such ; awkward one. Keep the pressure on and hang on like a
weapons became lost to the public lintil revived by bulldog. There are many things he can do to you at this
the improved Colt pistol. point. But if you are tough enough, they shouldn't be
too
Every firearm should be judged upon a considera- effective.
tion of its own
merits, after repeated trials, and not The garotte doesn't kill by strangulation. It cuts off the
by the prejudices and interests of any man or party. flow of blood to his brain. In about five seconds he should
be noUcably weaker. In about ten seconds he should be
This is the only way to arrive at right conclusions
unconscious or in a helpless, semi-conscious state. As
respecting the merits of any piece of mechanism.
anyone who has been the victim of a sleeper hold can tell
Having paid considerable attention to various
painless death.
i
kinds of guns, we believe that every sound gun in style is the tall man method. This should be
our country may be converted, at a trifling expense, only on people your height or taller. It gives you a
into a good and cannon by the simple
efficient rifled much better chance of breaking his neck. Its
operation of rifling. We consider it folly to expend disadvantages are: you leave yourself vulnerable to back
large sums in obtaining new rifled cannon while old elbow strikes; you turn your back on your opponent, and
ones can be rendered nearly as good as the best that there is an effective counter, which I'll explain further
along.
are made from new materials.
You hold the garotte in the same manner as before.
The public has read accounts of the Sawyer, and
However, you don't loop the garotte over your opponent's
James and the Hotchkiss cannon, but the guns which head. Once you place it over his head, you turn around.
have received such names are common rifled cannpn. This automatically twists the garotte. You then bend over
The names of the inventors of the peculiar shot which and Jerk the garotte as hard as you can.
were fired with cannon, have been transferred
rifled If you are attacked in the tall man manner, try a
back
to the guns by correspondents of papers elbow strike, before he tries to jerk your head off. Get a
unacquainted
with the inventions. hand between your throat and the lace. If you fail in that,
In the construction of new rifled cannon for load- or fail to react in time, roll with his force and do a
ing at the muzzle, we believe it will be found advan-
backward somersault over him (not as hard as you might
think, considering you have his back to do it on) With any
tageous to employ a screw-breech piece, to remain .
KILL-A-WATT
By "THE MAD DUTCHMAN * DOC ROSCOE"
you've ever been shocked, you know how dangerous
If
electricity can be. Most of us assume, when considering
the lethality of electricity, that higher voltages are Fig. 2 Typical 220 outlet
deadlier. Taint necessarily so! What kills is ci
voltage. As you can see from figure
Once you have procured your voltage source, you
ust implement it in such a way that the victim is in ex-
and intimate contact with it, while at the same
/
Fig. 1 Effects of electric current be a ladder with metal rails (wired to the power source)
and wooden rungs. Even a car can be wired up similarly.
lethal range is between 0.1 and 0.2 amps. To deliver this Almost any metal fitting can become a deathtrap. Good
dose, a voltage from 50 to 10,000 volts is necessary. Fac-
luck!
tors that influence the voltage required are the
resistance of the victim's skin, which can range from
1000 to 50,000 ohms; the weight of the victim; where the
current is applied; and the person's biological
resistance to shock (weak heart, etc.)
The current delivered is derived from the formula:
amps = volts / resistance
To be most effective, the voltage should be applied so
it be across the heart; for example, from one arm to
will
the other. Remember, it doesn't help if the victim
touches a high voltage source while insulated from the
ground by rubber sole shoes or similar protective gear.
Take these considerations into account when planning Fig. 3 Doormat Surprise
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 52 THE WEAPONEER
Catch
t.Q.Tuto Outside c
Dear atght^
Outside cover
Pattern
Scale in inches
Built of tubing and odds and onds of strap moral, this air pistol will bo found to bo quit*
poworful. On* was
actually built at th* Packmag Exp*rim*nt Station as picturod and
gov* good rosults. Cun is muxzlo loading.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 53 THE WEAPONEER
THE MECHANICAL PACKAGE MAGAZINE 1932
A MODEL
Brass
CANNON
Shoots .22 Caliber
Cartridges
The barrel is milled out, as shown in the draw- for rivets and the axle.
ing below, for the side clamps on the bottom. The fiber washers
are to separate the
The wheels are of wood, turned on the frame and the fiber spacers on the axle. The
lathe. If close-drained hardwood cannot be trifctf* r an d the hammer can easily be work-
had. use red liber, altho hardwood is preferable. ed out with a hack-saw, a drill press and a file.
'Hole for
P/6*r Pin,
Washers
Front View
of Carriage
as a Weapon Being upset during a confrontation will give your opponent the edge every time.
Worse, in times of personal crisis or social upheaval your judgement may
be so distorted
THE WEAPONEER is crammed with that you may suspect friends of being foes. So you
should have a good supply of the wonder
all sorts of goodies that will exterminate compound I formulated to keep your mind alert and your ideas in perspective.
your enemies, but sometimes you don't You can get the herbs described further oo at any health food store and make up the com-
want to kill or injure someone. You may pound yourself. You can also buy it in bulk quite cheaply.
want revenge for problems that don't Tm not a snake-oil salesman and since I won't be selling you this compound, you can be
justify violence, for being cheated, or for sure acts exactly as
it I say it does. It has been well tested on many people, especially roughnecks
being harrassed yourself. This is the
time for harrassment. There is also vir-
and
at.
it doesn't turn a lion into a pussy cat.
and when.
It just makes him a lion who knows who to sprin*
^
tually no chance of being caught, Its main effect is to relieve stress. When you are angry, frightened, up against a situation
because the overloaded police will not you feel threatened by, your body releases adrenalin. This is Nature's preparation for fight or
give serious attention to anyone com- flight. Ifyou can do either; if the situation plainly calls for one or the other, little stress is
plaining of unwanted pizzas being involved. But if you are frustrated; if either fighting or running away would be irrational, you
delivered. On the other hand, an explo- freeze in confusion and helplessness. You spin your wheels and the adrenalin flows into your
sion or corpse Just might cause them to system, wasting itself in stress. You do nothing, as distorted impressions of reality flood in,
take notice. The following are a few sim- making you feel only more helpless and insecure or angry.
ple ideas that have worked. They will Coincidental^, as 1 was taking a break from writing this passage, I was rereading George
really drive your victim nuts. U M
Orwell's I984 The part I happened to be reading was from page 101. "It was at night they
.
8) Watch your timing. Send in change For days he was really sharp and But he stopped taking it and returned to his old
efficient.
of address cards so his mail won't be security blanket of paranoia. He explained that he had stopped taking it because it kept hii
diverted just when all the unwanted stuff from being alert to the plots being hatched against him.
will arrive. Don't disconnect his phone Neither Russ nor George stayed on it. Being artificially high was Russ's natural stale. His
just when all the folks are calling about only close friends were dopers and his only income was from pushing. He had a psychological,
his ads. Do send deliveries and salesmen social and financial interest in being abnormal and so Hell was his chosen condition.
at odd hours, and send them in one day, Paranoid George, ex-Stormtrooper, ex-biker, was in a constant state of Red Alert. He had
but not all at once. Let the pressure build. no goals to be motivated toward. Normal pursuits held no interest or excitement for him.
Make him remember "The Night of the In a way, both Russ and George were clinically insane. But the compound worked! And
Pizzas" and "The Day the Gravel if itworked when taken by two with no purpose, how much more effective would it be with
Came". someone with a destiny?
I'm sure this has got you thinking of But say you've not had enough shocks to your system to need the compound on a steady
other devilish ways to get someone. basis. Say, also, that your working and personal life is blissfully tranquil so you never need
These are just the basic pointers and the compound Think how things will be when the pharmaceutical companies go out of business
.
easy techniques. When it is not justified and the millions of tranquilizer-dependent wretches are cut off and going crazy? You could
to physically destroy a person, you can trade or sell the compound for all the traffic would bear. You wouldn't need to worry about
easily psycologically destroy them in a the health food stores running out. You can grow it yourself.
blizzard of red tape, bills, magazines, This compound is simple, legal, easily available and much cheaper than tranquilizers. It is
and pizzas. a compound of equal parts, by weight, of hops, chamomile, valerian (the basis for Valium)
and scullcap. It can be gotten from any health food store. To get it cheaper and in bulk, you
ought to order five pounds of each from The San Francisco Herb Co. Twenty pounds of it,
a couple of year's supply, will cost only $78.00. Their toll-free number is 1-800-622-O768 in
Scientific American-July 27, 1861 California and 1-800-227^530 out-of-state. They send U.P.S. collect.
ELXCTBICITT FOE EXPIODIBO GUNPOWDER When you get the herbs, powder them in a blender.
In a recent lecture in Looduu by Professor Mitel.
There are three ways of taking this combination of herbs. One way is by making a tea. An
O «., and Director of the chemical
eaUWishuieut of
the War Department, ho bUtcd that an externa v©
ounce of each herb is stirred into two quarts of boiling water. As the water resumes boiling
Berks of experiment* W
been msule for ascertaining after the herbs are stirred in, the pot is taken off the heat, covered and allowed to set for an
hour to allow the herbs to steep.
the djtfurent forma of electricity which WCW the mott
advantageous for exploding gunpowder. Iho Ihlbw- Have another pot ready with a sieve or collander. Put a cloth in the sieve or collander and
kotll coil, by which electricity of high tcuuiuii In ob- pour the tea in. After the straining has stopped, twist the cloth so the herbs are in a ball and
tained, he eoiwiilered w:ia the bent. What is called
" luw been HtCrfl very suecewfnlly
most of the liquid is out. The spent herb can be combined with the next spent batch and resteeped.
the '-magnet frnte
It cormintH of
This makes the herb go 50% farther.
in filing gunpowder with electricity.
two fine copper wires, each coveied separately with The first dose should be eight ounces. After that, four ounces every few hours will keep
gutta-percha, then both placed RlougftUlu, and bound you tranquil, with no side effects.
together with an outer coating. It is then cut iuto
In the daytime the nerves are soothed so you are very alert. At night, the nerves are soothed
ehort lengths, exposing the copper wires at the cuds.
so youll sleep soundly. If you take sleeping pills, substitute the herbs.
Moistened gunpowder U placed Upon the terminal*
If you are really down, the herb will give yu an actual high,
as with Russ. After that youll
uruuiUof these (iim-s wJiuii pluml In tUr mine that
is chargt'd with p'wdev to lie exploded.
A spatk of level off and from then on, if you take it regularly, youll just be normal.
On the other hand,
inductive ehcti icily sent fruDia KhuuikollI c-til lire* four ounces given to a person who doesn't need it will have no effect at all.
the moist guupuwdcr at the end ,-1 the fuse, anil «x- some people cant stand. Others learn to
The hops gives the tea a rather bitter taste, which
pl.nles the charge with rerUduty. This moistened
guupowder is j>rv[.aml by mixing the liur-grained Like it.
,|u.ility with u dilute alcoholic solution of chloride of Ifyou cant stand the taste of the tea, you can take it in its powder form. Actually, in its
calcium. A large nupply of aw-li rtiwsd with |>rr|*red powder form, the herb goes much further. The only difference is that the tea takes effect in
gunpowder and a large, magnetic apparatus for jrvDor.
about three rrtinutes, whereas the powder takes ten. The tea is better for getting back to sleep
ating electricity, furnished -l portion of the equipment
if you awaken in the middle of the night.
Of the Klitlbh army during theChina war late
Omaha Bow-making
The best bow-makers on the plains were the Sioux with a piece of sandstone. The work might take a
and the Crows. Like nearly all of the other Indians in week, or on a fine horn bow the warrior might spend a
the West, they used a bow about four feet long. In the month or more.
East a longer bow was used by some tribes, but the Ordinarily, the bows were perfectly flat when un-
short bow is the common Indian type. This short strung, but they were sometimes gracefully curved.
length is one of the chief ways in which Indian bows The curves were put in the wood by greasing the part
and holding it over the fire until it was quite hot, and
then bending it with the foot. It was held in place
until cool, when the curve would be permanent. Sinew
backing was applied with hot glue to the flat back of
the bow, which had been roughened with a stone.
The
sinew was lapped at the middle and ends and on the
middle of the bow. Horn bows were made of chin
slices of horn that had been rubbed down until they
Sinew Backed and Decorated Plain Wood (SI)
fitted nicely together. Four pieces were glued to-
differfrom the English. The proper length of an In- gether, and a fifth piece fitted and glued over the
dian bow was sometimes determined by holding the center. All were then rubbed down until they
were
bow-stave diagonally across the body, with one end of of correct proportions, after which they were tightly
it held in the right hand at the hip and the other just bound with strips of the small intestines of deer or
touching the finger tips of the left hand when held strips of sinew which were applied when wet As it
straight out to the side, shoulder high. dried, the sinew shrunk, so uniting all of the parts and
Bows were made of wood, wood backed with sinew, making a bow that was said to be tougher, stronger,
and of mountain-sheep, buffalo, or elk horn. Almost and more elastic than a bow of other materials. The
every wood found on and around the almost treeless chief disadvantage of horn and sinew-backed bows was
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 57 THE WEAPONEER
that they were likely to become useless in wet or damp linen thread together, or it may be purchased ready
weather. made from a sporting-goods store.
For bow-strings twisted sinew or vegetable fibers Don't complete the work, especially the plan-
try to
were used. The string was tied to notches in one end ing, too quickly. Many a good bow has been spoiled
because the maker was too anxious to try it out Set
of the bow, while its noosed end could be slipped over a
notch in the other.
your plane fine and go slowly when using it. Test the
For our bow we will take as a pattern a common type
used by the Sioux or Dakota. When finished, it will
be forty-four inches long, an inch and a quarter wide
at the center, and five-eights of an inch at the ends
with a spoke-shave and plane carefully round the belly because each man could recognize his own handiwork,
so that it conforms to the sectional diagrams. Here the arrows in a carcass served as a means of settling
again the Indian bow differs radically from the Eng- disputes of ownership, which often arose after a great
lish. In the latter the belly is rounded to a perfect tribal buffalo hunt. Ash, birch, cane, dogwood, wil-
arch, while the Indian bow has almost flat sides. Only low, and wild cherry-tree saplings were used for ar-
the edges of the back are rounded. Notches in the rows. Like the bow-staves, the arrow wood was cut
ends of the bow, for the bow-strings, are made as indi- in winter. Sticks were selected that were free of
cated in Fig. 87. They are best made with saw and branches, straight, smooth, and about the thickness of
small round file. The bow-string itself can be made by one's little finger. They were cut to proper length, put
twisting three triple and well-waxed strands of heavy up in bundles of twenty or twenty-five, wrapped tightly
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 58 THE WEAPONEER
with raw-hide or elk-skin, and hung in the smoke of animal to bleed more freely, while the Omaha state
the tips fire for several weeks. When seasoned, the that they help to keep the straightened shaft from
bundles were taken down and the bark was removed warping.
from the sticks. They were then scraped, smoothed, Finally, the arrow was feathered with two or three
and straightened. This was a difficult and tedious trimmed feathers of the eagle, owl, hawk, or other bird.
process. Wherever a crooked place was found, it was These were glued and bound in place with sinew. The
greased and heated until the wood could be easily bent, glue used was made from shell of a soft-shell turtle,
after which was held securely until it cooled. Some-
it
deer hoofs, or chippings from a rawhide. Between
times the sticks were drawn through a stone or deer's the points where the feathers were fastened were
horn, in which holes had been drilled, as a part of the painted bands of color, generally black and red. These
straightening process. Grooved sandstone polishers, colors represented night and day and were a. symbol
between which the sticks were twirled, were used in of precision.
Making good arrow has always been considered
a
a harder task than making a bow, but this need not dis-
courage you. With the materials and tools of civiliza-
tion you will have a much easier job than did the
Indian boy who attempted his first arrow. Cut and
season your own wood and follow the Indian method
of making arrow shafts or, if you want to make the task
as easy as possible, purchase ordinary commercial
dowels from a lumber-yard or sash-and-door mill.
These are generally made of birch, which is an excel-
lent arrow wood. The size you will want is five-six-
teenths of an inch in diameter.
Pick out the straightest and clearest shafts, and with
sandpaper remove any slight inequalities they may
have. Pick the best end for that in which the head is
to be fitted, ahd in the opposite one saw the nock, which
should be one-quarter of an inch deep. Finish it with
a small file and carefully round its edges with sand-
paper so that it snugly fits the bow-string.
Feathering comes next. Turkey-wing feathers, se-
Bird Bolt* and War Arrow* Irom Varioui Tribe* (St) cured from the butcher at Thanksgiving and Christ-
the final shaping process. A U- or V-shaped notch, or mas, or purchased from a millinery supply house, are
nock, as it is called, for the bow-string was made in the best. Use those from the same side of the wing
one end of the shaft for the same arrow. With a sharp knife split the
The arrowhead was now fastened in a notch in the feather. Then clean out the pith and with scissors trim
shaft with glue and a binding of sinew. In the old off the excess quill. With the scissors cut feathers to
days it was made of flint, obsidian, and other varieties shape as indicated in Fig. 88. The full length of the
of stone, as well as of sinew, horn, bone, shell, wood, finished quill should be six and a quarter inches; that
and copper. Later traders introduced the sheet-iron of the vane, five and a half inches. The latter is one-
arrow-point, which soon displaced the native materials. quarter of an inch wide at the front, and three-quarters
Arrowheads made of turtle, bear and panther claws of an inch at the rear. Finish them in sets of three and
were supposed to strike the enemy with magic power put them aside until you are ready to feather the
as well as with the force of the bow. Sinew arrow- arrows.
points were made from the hard sinew that lies along With a pencil, now mark off on the shaft the places
the top of the buffalo's neck and holds his head up. where the feathers are to go. One inch and a quarter
They were considered to be of special value in hunting from the end of the arrow draw a circular line. This
buffalo because the sinew point striking a rib would go is for the rear binding. Four and three quarters inches
round it, whereas a flint point hitting the bone would from this draw a similar line which marks the begin-
often break off. The heads of war arrows were loosely ning of the front binding. At right angles to the nock
fastened, and so shaped that they would split the shaft draw a perpendicular line which indicates the position
and remain in the wound when the shaft was with- of the cock feather. Two similar lines are drawn equi-
drawn. distant from this, for the other feathers. When all act
After the point was in place, the shaft was grooved set they will appear as in Fig 89.
with three zigzag lines. Just why this was done is not We are now ready to glue and bind the feathers. Put
exactly known. Some claim :hat the grooves repre- a thin coating of glue on the feather and on the pencil
sented lightning, others that they caused the wounded line indicating its position, and allow it to partially
POOR MAN S JAMES BOND Vol.
1
3 59 THE WEAPONEER
Now for arrowheads. The easiest to make are those
of iron, like the ones the Indians first got from white
traders and which they later made from scraps of iron
that happened to fall into their hands. These varied in
Chipping an Arrowpoint
Some day you may wish to try your hand at chipping
out flint arrowheads. The drawings in Fig. 91 show
how to do it. Flint, quartz, or obsidian, suitable for
this purpose, can be found in almost every part of our
country, and you have trouble in finding suitable
if
until all three are glued to the shaft. When they are in
place baste them down by a spiral binding of cotton
thread wrapped between the bristles of the feather. If Straightening an arrow shaft
necessary, adjust the position of the feathers as this
basting is put in place. When the glue dries, remove
this basting and wrap and glue the permanent bindings
of colored silk, thread to each end of the feather. The Iroquois bow and arrow. The hole for the bowstring it
hardest part of the work is now over. unusual.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 60 THE WEAPONEER
mt gtittsMt fymtnem
1861 The Fantasy of Survival
uxxt modi
The tamous ooDgreye
of umxxora «K0T
which waa W vented in
rocket,
AJTO
Through Deadly Force
1804, tu odfademned by the Duke of Wellington as
being more dangerous to the army that need it than to By KURT SAXON
the enemy,- from the uncertainty in the direction of
it* flight. It has often occurred to us that the prin-
The first network TV show I was on (Speak Up America) featured a segment with Mitch
ciple of propelling: rockets might be applied to cannon
shot, in connection with a tube of sufficient length to Werbel, of Cobray International. He runs an all-inclusive combat school to help mostly white-
Insure the flight in the desired direction, and we here collar types act out their macho fantasies.
a plan invented by Mr, William Hale, of
illustrate
England, for accomplishing this. Ho said, and I must paraphrase since I didn't record it, "I don't go with storing food and
The rocket-sbcll is represented in Figs. 1 and 2.
such. The only way you're going to survive is to learn how to kill".
The shell, a, has a long iron cylinder, attached ft, to
its rear end ;
with meal
this cylinder being Ailed
The TV people may have edited out any qualifying statements. I hope so, because, as it
powder, *, compressed, so that It will burn slowly. stands, that attitude is stupid and actually destructive of long-term survival goals.
The burning of this powdei generates hot gsses which
Two popular scenarios give a lot of people the idea that killing one's fellows will be all the
exert a powerful pressure against the whole interior
of the cylinder, end by making holes in the rear end rage. The first is that eminent socio-economic collapse will turn every neighborhood into a
of the cylinder, a portion of the pressure is removed battleground between the haves and the have-nots; the stocked-up versus the improvident,
from this part, leaving the pressure against the for-
the ant? versus the doomed grasshoppers, etc. After a few weeks of chaos the government
will reorganize and reinforce law and order.
The second, and silliest, is the scenario which tells of the Survivalist seemingly dying of
old age after interminable battles with a never-ending list of enemies. The world has sunk in-
The first scenario appeals to urban types who can't conceive of a world they don't fit' into.
Their city is eternal. It needs them. When the chaos comes they will defend it from foreign
Fiif. J
enemies and, at the same time, liquidate the internal vermin dragging it down.
I compart the modem city to the lower bowel, a collection place for the dregs and waste
of the body. The majority of urbanites are the used up and/or the useless. By the time the
surplus population of your city is wiped out, it will no longer, and probably never again, be a
functional metropolis. Your livelihood will be gone and you will be just another refugee with
little chance for safe passage to a rural haven. Your only contribution to the future will be a
negative one on your part. we are lucky, you will simply have
If killed some sub-humans
who might otherwise have become a threat to valuable rurals.
Disabuse yourself of the idea of government help in reconstruction. The Feds are so
obsessed with catering to the helpless and hopeless that you are already enslaved on their
behalf. "From each according to his ability ", Acts 1 1 :29, "To each according to his need ",
Acts 2:45, is the bottom line of the Bible, Karl Marx and our Federal Government. Hope
against hope that the government is destroyed before it gets around to "helping" you.
The Gurq-Ho Survhraist who fancies himself an eternal warrior or warlord, keeping
ward end not fully counterbalance!, which nccordin™ himself alive by looting urbanites and then rurals is plainly and simply doomed. His mastery
ly drives the missile forward in that direction. A of martial skills will leave him about as useful as a muscle-bound sports "hero" in a
central rod, d, holds the plate, /, securely against
the rear end of the cylinder, and serves to distribute
machine shop.
the propelling powder in the annular chamber around After the cetapse, only the versatile will be useful. The narrow specialist, whether he is in
thin rod. A within the cylinder around
8 pace is left
high technology, or a Brinks guard will serve no more purpose than teats on a buN.
the ontaide of the powder, no that the powder may
burn from Us external aurfocc Inward, and when the The danger to the weapons freak is a false sense of security. He believes he can defend
fire reaches the central rod, it lights a fuse which ex-
his holdings from all comers, or, if he has none, he can take what he needs from others not
plodes the powder in the shell.
Fig. 8 represents the apparatus for starting the so well armed, or he can hire out
shell in tin' desired direction of Its flight when utcd Defending an untenable position is stupid. Surviving urbanites may only be refugees, leav-
on board ship. A slit is made through the deck, k,
ing most of their holdings behind and finally being killed off by hostile rurals.
of the vessel for the Klidin™ back and forth horizon-
tally of the frame, h h, and pendulum rod, e ; the gun, Hiring out will only be temporary. The Great Culling will exterminate those with the need
6, being supported on the rollers, i i, which run upon
to take what they haven't earned.
the deck by the sides of the slit. A curved railway
y, is fitted to support the rolling pendulum, d, no that
Another thing to consider is that if your only skill, your obsession, is killing, you won't be
is the vessel rolls, this heavy pendulum will preserve
Mankind were never more earnestly engaged in im- light. The Ranger spun around and commenced to injure him seriously. That set the other
pruving instruments for destroying each other than
Ranger off and the two destroyed the bar, killing a couple of the merrymakers and injuring
llwy are at the present time,
several more.
3 00R MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 61 THE WEAPONEER
Sdeatifk American— Aug. 17, 1861 They were so keyed-up and over-trained they were psychotic. That incident and others
sawyh's FBOJBcmx caused the order to go out to put them in the forefront of every battle from then on. Few
We have published two descriptions or this famous came back from the war.
by two of the Inventor's rivals, and now we
I often see TV clips of Soldier
shall,
of Fortune get-togethers. There they all are, banging away
publish hit own with a full illustration. It will be
with whatever degrees of automatic weapons the local laws allow. Then they show off their
hand-to-hand prowess and throw each other all over the tot. Then the knife fighting, Kung
Fu, etc.
Mast ef them are decent men with regular jobs, just hobbying. They're all right, but there
aresome among them who live for the day when they can be free to kill anything that
moves. hope they all do yeoman service in the coming urban hellishness. But they will not
I
Needy every aHa bodied civilian is a veteran with good military training. Also, nearly every
able-bodied male was raised as a part-time hunter. I've never met a man here who didn't
have several guns. Boone County is a garrison state without meaning to be.
There are seventy miles of armed hillbillies between me and the nearest city. Aside from
TMi theU was
patented in 1866, by Sylvan™ Saw- having it out with wandering infiltrators, I'll probably see no action at all, if I'm lucky.
t«t who Baa since convoyed one undivided half to
(
In my downplaying of the importance of weaponry I don't mean to belittle readers of THE
Addison M Sawyer. The Messrs. Sawyer are now the
aoM owners oT the patent. POOR MAN'S JAMES BONO or THE WEAPONEER or any other such works. Learning to make
things for yourself, even weapons, is a step forward for one otherwise totally dependent on
others for one's manufactured wants and needs and especially one's safety,
I tMnk the average Karate buff takes it up on the chance that he'H eventually confront a
couple of punks who might otherwise hurt him. So if you buy books on weaponry against
just such an emergency, that's fine. At least you don't use up aH the time and money it
F
1
have a
available,
full set of THE SURVIVOR. When
a set would get you a place in
the mail stops and
any survival group or community.
THE SURVIVOR is no longer
In the meantime you can use your weapons-making skills to turn out more domestic pro-
ducts for sale. You'd also be surprised at the money you can save by making things you
need now, all the gifts you're committed to giving and even all the weaponry in THE SUR-
VIVOR.
The patent was taken out Wore the Armstrong
K«n or the French rifled cannon wrrc known. So dent Ml your imagination to weaponry. Don't limit your intellect to serving some
The following a brief synopsis of the 8awyer
is
small segment of our doomed Establishment. A set of THE SURVIVOR would take all the
shell :~H Is flred from a rifled, mnsste or breech-
loading cannon The shell Is of iron, coated with a limits from your mind. You can not only get your thinking better organized to deal with the
peculiar alloy, D D, soft enough to prevent any abra- coming upheavals but you could plan on being on the ground floor of the next Industrial
sion of the metal of the gun ; and at the tame time is
compounded any Uadmg of the gun. Revolution.
so as to prevent
In sin, so constructed as to slide readily Into Its
it li communicating the Are to the powder within, thus other, with a force of 2,827 men, had left to Itonly
place In the gun while the base of the shell, 0. being form* the quickest and most certain mode of explod- 1,280. This account Includes those who died from
a plana with a beveled edge, ft, when acted upon by ing a shell that ha* ever been devised. disease, and not from wounds received in battle. In
the powder, has so mnoh of the composition upon the This shell nn he used with the ordinary time futie :
the navy the commander of a vessel watches over the
bevel upset as necessary to prevent windage. Thui
Is and ns a cnae nhot, from Its greater capacity, is fur composition of the food of the crew, and moreover,
the whole force of the powder Is applied to the pro- superior to any other shell. respects scrupulously the hour for breakfast and that
pubrkm of the shell and all abrasion of the gun, for dinner never Is it delayed, anticipated or Inter-
which itobserved In the discharge of ordinary projec-
Sde-tifk Ameri^-Juw 29, 1861 rupted.
;
tiles, is avoided, and the use of a patch is entirely dis- Oars far Settlers. It Is desirable that the same scruples should per-
pensed with. In the Crimea, the troops which resisted privations vsde the army, and that these wise measures for the
The shell, elongated and conical at the
which Is and fatigue most successfully, were those commanded preservation of health should never be infringed
head, Invariably moves point foremoat. This result by colonels who were careful of their soldiers. For without a clear and absolute necessity. Rewards are
was considered impossible to be attained, until do example: of two regiments which left the camp of St. given to colonels of cavalry in whose squadrons Is
monstrated by experimental practice with this shell Omer at the same time, arrived together la tho preserved the greatest number of horses, which results
Upon the point or head, F, li a cap or screw-top, A A, Crimen (In the month of October, 1856), encamped In an excellent and profitable emulation. Similar re-
filled with fulminate or perenssion powder, e e, which side by having submitted to the same srmo
side, sults, more important and happy, would bo
but still
explodes on concussion— hy Impact with any resisting spheric vicissitudes and performed like service. un#of experienced, If like rewards were bestowed upon the
substance— the alloy, dd, forming the point of the them had preserved, on the 1st of April, 1866, 2,1U colonels whose battalions were distinguished for the
shell yields by the blow upon nny hArd substance, and soldiers, out of a force of 2,676 men ; whilst tho healthy condition of the men.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol 3 62
Scientific American— June 22, 1861
HOW PERCUSSION CAPS ARE MADE.
The invention of percussion locks for firearms was
as great nn improvement upon the flint lock as the
latter was upon the old match lock. Its inventor was
a pious man devoted to the arts of peace— a Presby-
terian minister— whose nnmo anrl the date of whose
patent arc recorded on page 340, current volume of the
Scientific Ameiucan. The percussion powder was
regular arch-
for percussion caps. An account of the manufacture
of percussion caps will be interesting and instructive,
lodern cross-
especially a* no clear description of the operations has
'gold" almost
hitherto been published, as far as we know.
"hey are good
Percussion caps are formed of a soft copper alloy,
;top anything
which is principally obtained from Kronce in the form
described in
iction except
of thin sheets. The first operation is cutting the*
a steel bow.
sheets into nam-w with roller shears. The
stri|«
next is punching out the blank caps, and striking
j. 5.
ie wood bow them up in dies in a machine. The strips of copper
.ire fed in between small rollers over a small table
is very much
. Start the
8. which has tour dies in it. A pundi comes down, and
stock includ- at e«« h stroke cuts out four blank* in a row from the
wn in Fig. 9.
strip. Kach blank is formed like a Maltese »ross, and
lite pine and ju>t a* if i* cut out, a "mall round plunger pin strikes
"cloase, using ii in the middle, ftwvn it into a small conical die in
in either side the table below, and tfaus forms it into a cap. At the
haper cutter, very instant the small die plungers are raised, a puff
:>le. Lacking of wind from a blower throws the four cape out of the
with a router dies Into a receiving bos, and tho dies are ready for
>rtise for the upsetting another set of blacks. Sufficient copper 'Is
left in the strips after punching to enable them to bo
23 "
n
tho entire plate, and each
!
6'X
*-f
13%" cap is filled to the mouth.
The surplus is then swept off
with a brush from the sur-
face of the plate. Tin foil is
now laid upon the top of the
plate covering the powder
In the cape. of A series
small plungers, each of such
ft tin as to fit into a cap, arc now forced down
upon the charged plate, cutting through
tho tin
foil, and carrying a
piece into each cap. The pow-
der is pressed down by these
plungers into a very
small space at the bottom of each cap,
and the
pressure is sufficient to stamp the name
or num-
ber on the top of each, by forcing the
metal into
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 63 THE WEAPONEER
the proper figure cut the Iwtioni of each hole. The
in EDGES ROUNDED Vi"
pressure to which the percussion powiler i« subjected
by this operation \t> so Rrcat, that strangers are
always sorprixutl on witnessing it. Sometimes cups
explode by the pressure, but as the plates are strong,
no ifamiigc of any consequence result*.
The next operation that of coating the inside of
is
Stenches
For
All
by Kurt Saxon
ed to be all over the house. finally I all the edges% in. round, stopping
traced it to her car parked outside in about 1 in. from the release hole
as indicated in Figs. 6 and 8. 3" STOVE BOLT
the open air. He'd opened the car All working parts of the action
ARROW GROOVE v,
door, poured about an ounce in the are made from plastic. Dimen-
back and closed the door.
Since it was that strong in the
house and outside, from a closed car,
wondered if the nieghbors would
I
sions given will provide sufficient
strength for bows up to 60 lbs.
drawing weight Over this weight,
the release plates should be Mo-in.
plastic and the trigger should be
.ANGLE TO TOP
Of RELEASE
ur MORT15E /
MQBT|SE
% x
->
W
NUT
-
for
7W\ O.
TUBE
^\
D. \ D. MOLE
STEEL TUBING
and don't know of a present source
it LEMON WOOO SOW-
I
"I. 0.1*- O. STAVE ST LONG \
but maybe Aardvark has access to it.
W T W T W T
me ifs
there.
still in
i lu 1 «Y*
meant to foul a printing corpora-
I
a wax-dipped hypo. The stench came edges are then faired into
164nch 1% ^6
the shaper cuts. Be care-
through the plastic and wax
ful in fitting the release
something fierce so couldn't carry it I
plates so that screws will not interfere with this sanding
that way. Then I put it in a 4 cc vac- and rounding operation, in other words, k >ep the two top
cine bottle with a rubber cap, the kind screws low. The plastic trigger has a st.»all lug on the
Underside near the upper end to fit inside the trigger
hypos are filled from. Not good spring, as can be seen in Fig. 9.
enough. I finally put the bottle in a 4 The wood bow: The bow is made of lemonwood to the
oz. glass vitamin bottle filled with rub-
approximate sections given in the table. The 60-lb. pull-
ing weight is recommended. The 80-lb. bow is very close
bing alcohol with a tightly screwed- to the maximum stress which can be imposed on lemon-
on plastic cap. Thafs what it took to wood in this length of bow. Shaping of the bow follows
block the smell. standard practice, flat on the front, round on the belly.
A section 2 in. long at the center is made full round by
adding a filler block, as shown in Fig. 14, this section being
enclosed in a steel tube. The completed bow is fitted
through the hole at the front of the stock and is fastened
with a n;- in. bolt as shown in Figs, 11. 12, 13 and 15. Note
The stench is the smell of rot-
first in Fig. 13, that the bow is tilted slightly so that the string
ten eggs. The best way to get the when pulled back comes to about the top of the string
release. If desired, the bow can be made by trimming
smell of rotten eggs rs to rot eggs.
down a regular 6-ft. bow of about 30 lbs. drawing weight.
Break two eggs in a jar and add an When this is shortened and the ends trimmed down a
equal volume of urine. The uric acid little, it will pull about 60 lbs. at 21-in. draw. Equally
practical, a fiat bow can be used instead of the stacked
gives it that special something.
type shown, mounting the bow in a notch cut at the end
Stir well and leave the jar uncap- of the stock. In any case, the bow must be worked care-
ped for about 24 hours. Then cap and fully and broken in gradually, tugging a little on the string
75 lb*./f 6 90 fct. A%
The fact that these stenches can About 2%" 3H" im" B3lbt./^A 104 •».,*) 1261b.. 4 A
take several weeks to generate things considered, makes V.*" About 2 %" 3W WW |
U2 lbi./2B 1 79 l©«./36 216 to./*?
V32" About 7" 3" 10VT 1 88 /$|| 236 lb*. At 2S5 Mm. /fc*
Ibt.
time is only a few minutes and, con- can be obtained from a Fig 20, shows approximately what leaf-
sidering the small cost and the effect light automobile leaf spring. It will cost
spring steel will pull in pounds at 11%-in.
it has, makes it the cheapest wat to
you two high-speed steel hacksaw blades draw. A 100 to 160-lb. bow is recommend-
to saw it to shape, Fig. 19. If the spring is
emotionally devastate an opponent. ed. Extremely heavy bows over 300 lbs.
a wider than needed, it is a good idea
little
drawing weight make nice exhibition
If you mean to dispense the stench to leave the extra metal intact at the cen-
pieces for flight or penetration shooting,
with a hypodermic you'll want it to be ter, as shown in Fig. 16. The bow tips are
but are no fun to shoot as you seldom re-
cut from sheet plastic, riveted in place and
clear of foreign matter so it doesn't trieve the arrow intact if at alL It is prac-
filed to take the string. The steel bow will
clog the needle. For this you'll need have an initial fixed set of about 2-in. de- tical, however, to make two
or three bows
flection, and should be braced at 3^-in. of different weights, all interchangeable
a coffee filter and holder, both of deflection as shown in Fig. 16. The table, on the same stock.
which can be bought from any super-
market for a couple of dollars. Put the strings; Bow strings for wood bows wooden form, as shown in Figs. 17 and 18.
can be purchased or made from 6- cord flax In this case, the string is divided into equal
filter in the holder over a small jar
thread This kind of thread is used in parts to make the loops. Both loops and a
which will accommodate its opening. stitching machines by shoemakers. Twelve distance of 4 in. at center are wrapped, and
Help the filter along by giving its sur- threads will hold wood bows to 80 lbs., the the completed string is waxed with bees-
wax. The string can be shortened by giv-
face as much room as possible bet- loop at the end being made by turning the
whole string back on itself. The string for ing it several twists before fitting to the
ween it and the holder. To do this, put a 23-ln. steel bow is made on a simple bow. The triangular-boxed figures in table
toothpicks or straws around the in-
side of the holder. ON SMHNO UStD*:
single kiri-lcaf. The daimio, though king of imperial gold and silver chrysanthemums.
his own domain, must never dare to assume There was a special decree as to the manner
the triple kiri-lcaf, a symbol forbidden to all in which the warrior of these middle centu-
but the Mikado himself. ries should put on his elaborate armor: a se-
In the iron face- guard, nose, chin, and ears quence modeled after the fashion or fancy of no
all come in for the kindly consideration of the less a personage than Yosi-iye,
modeler. The mouth andnustrils have shapely head of the Minamoto family
breathing-holes, while underneath the chin is in 1057.
a row of little -'ventilators." Such charming Firsthe must swathe himself
devices for comfort were unconsidered and in a long and voluminous gar-
unknown among the European armorers of ment of yellow cotton, an< a pairI
that early time. To make all secure, ihruat of equally voluminous white
and neck were covered with a sort of beard cotton trousers. His long hair,
of plates hanging down from the face-guard. to keep out of his eyes, should
it
Even the vet)' oldest helmets have an air-hole then be tucked up under a peak-
atthe top, usually forming the center of a silver ed cap of leather, which saved
chrysanthemum. The ancient lapanese metal- the head from the helmet's
workers, w ith their race passion lor decoration, pressure. Next he must strap
turned even a ventilator into a thing of beauty. on his bow-gloves. After that
The daimios of those old times had three came a second coat and trou-
favorite ornaments and
for their helmet-fronts, sers, a sort of undress uniform,
seldom cared to vary them. The one most preparatory to thearmor proper;
familiar to us in art was two huge leaves of then the leg-guards, the bear-
a very decorative Japanese water-plant, the skin shoes, and the sleeves of
kuwai. These, made of chased brass, and often mail. Lastly, the suit of armor,
covered with silver and gold, stood up in front with its helmet, was tightened
on with the long silken rolls or
of the helmet, one turning to the right, the
tubes that answer to our leather
other to the left. Next in favor came the "sky-
straps; the final touches, in the
piercer," much like the first except that the
shape of sword and dagger,
two kuwai-leaves scraped the sky even more
"arrow-cage" and arrows, bow
defiantly. The third was the crescent. The
horns (representing courage) in the early armor
and banner, w ere added —
with
groans, one would fancy and ;
we have just described were also in high re-
this strange warrior was ready
pute among the chiefs.
to strike terror into the souls of
In later days the smiths used their ingenuity
the enemy.
in inventing every kind of curious ami gro-
tesque helmet shape and adornment, bringing
A set of colored prints from
•
'Japan shows the daimio in pro-
into service all manner of queer shells and
i'. - - - i»iciniN i*cess of putting on these articles,
fishes, birds and beasts, monsters and devils. MlHORML MAt»., PHILADCLPMI*.
each in its proper order. The
Waving tongues of flame, skilfully reproduced KOUKTEF.NTH-lEMl'RV AKUOR.
attitudes are striking, one in par-
in metal, often glistened over the heads of the Kiirltt It* left without ihc .irnior-L*uard tu . - , _ 1
shSw piece
r.»i lower Ira.
great commanders.
The twelfth-centurv armor of Yositsune. la- clumsy bow-gloves, and is struggling to tie
pan's most famous hero, is carefully guarded in his bearskin shoes. Of these shoes there is a
the Temple of Rising Happiness (Kofuku-ji) pair in the collection, with black leather soles
in the ancient town of Nara. His helmet stamped with chrysanthemums, and black bear-
is there, with chasings of silver and gold, with skin uppers with the shaggy hair outside, a
flaring kuwai-leaf plume and so-called " lion" shapeless but comfortable foot-gear. The an-
crest. The Japanese had probably never seen cient buckskin bow-gloves, too, are here, con-
a lion with their own eyes; they used the eyes sisting chiefly of a very fat wadded thumb and
of the Chinese, and between the two pairs of two fingers for the right hand and a solitary
oblique orbs the king of beasts became a piti- thumb for the left.
The Japanese name for this The obvious awkwardness of the order in
able distortion.
conglomerate " foreign lion." On the breast-
is which these warriors of the middle ages were
plate three of the same extraordinary beasts, forced to arrav themselves was probably due
;
armor more protective. Out of the " three ar- metal plates beneath it;no burnishing was
ticles"— helmet, breastplate, and sleeves — needed upon its glossy surface, the rounded
which we read of in the ancient Japanese records form of which often served to turn the enemy's
had been gradually evolved the " six articles " : sharpest arrow or keenest sword-blade. Above
a metal covering for face, legs, and thighs gave the destroying devil of rust was annihilated.
all,
a man a better chance for his life against the According to the old chronicles of the knights
rapid cuts of those wonderful blades, or the of Europe, as much muscular force was wasted
quick spear-thrusts delivered by the short but infurbishinguptheirarmoraswouldhavebeaten
sturdy knights and their retainers. The more the enemy twiceover.
we study this armor the more admirably does To illustrate the conservatism of the Japa-
it seem adapted for a defense against the spe- nese in their armor, we quote a native account
cial weapons opposed to it. These were seldom of a fight which occurred in the streets of the
the heavy hammers and great crushing battle- capital Kioto as late as 1864, between the
axes of the Europeans, or, later, their bolts and troops of the shogun, who had possession of
bullets. They were chiefly arrows, spears, and the person of the emperor, and the forces of
halberds, swords and daggers but these were ; the " irregulars," who were clamoring for the
unrivaled in metal and make, and were wielded expulsion of all foreigners.
with extraordinary skill. The Choshiu
troops [irregulars] were defended
The Japanese armorers, from the earliest cen- by armor, their leader clad in a suit of armor tied
turies, united in their war-harness such flexibility with grass-green silken strings, and covered with a
and lightness, efficiency and comfort, together garment of Yamato brocade. Over this he wore
with beauty of workmanship and decoration, a surcoat of white gauze, with figures drawn on it
in black. He bestrode a charger, a baton of gold
as were rare among their craft in Europe. Us-
paper in his hand. Before him went flags and
ing the invaluable and universal leather as a
banners and two field-pieces, with a company of
foundation, they covered it, as did the Euro- thirty spearmen. The spears, crossing each other,
peans, with plates of iron or steel. looked like a hedge of bamboo-grass; bullets flew
But instead of compelling their lord and his overhead like axletrces. Helmets and
cuirasses
retainers to waste time and strength in keep- that had been cast away by their owners, spears,
ing their war-gear rust-free and glistening, they pikes, bows, and muskets, were lying about in
simply covered these plates with their wonder- quantities.
ful lacquer. Lacquer added little weight to the Another leader was
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 72 THE WEAPONEER
rouctecnth Century.
WITH BEARSKIN SHOE.
Af. S. Hunter*
Mode of Spiking:
[
IIIM III MHMm »«>«»«»«««»»«« »«««»«»»»«»««»»»»»«»»»»+«, "KICKLESS" MYSTERY GUN
These three weapons must have been IS TESTED BY ARMY
A new "luckless" mystery gun under-
proved out by prototype as well as theory. going Army and Navy tests is reported to
hurl one-pound, high-explosive shells at the
What became of them? Does anybody rate of 150 a minute. Recoil is so slight, it
is said, that water will not spill from a glass
know for sure? on the barrel during fire. Each
a charge powerful enough
to shatter an ar-
mored tank or to
ELECTRIC MACHINE demolish the wing
of a heavy bomb-
GUN IS SILENT Electricity
places gunpowder in
re- ing airplane.
m a silent, smokeless,
machine (run recently
perfected for defense
against hostile air-
craft. Without betray-
ing its location, this
weapon declared
is
capable of firing 150
bullets or high-explo-
sive shells a minute.
Projectiles arc hurled
from itsmuzzle by a
scries of electromag-
nets spaced along the
barrel, which start the
missile moving and
successively raise its
velocity as they be-
come energized.
EUetrlc .ntl.ircr.ft m.chint gun.
Eltctromagntli hurl bulUts
shells.
Cannon and projectile together
constitute a veritable electric mo-
tor. When current is applied to
the barrel, field coils become en-
ergized and the projectile, with a
built-in armature, begins to rotate.
By shifting the magnetic field
lengthwise along the gun, the pio-
jrctile simultaneously is given an
accelerating forward motion. Thus
it obtains both the muzzle velocity
Mayan
Lengths may vary from 201 third are almost as sim-
to 27 in., and the pegs! P ,c : but the remaining
can be set at any angle three are carefully made >
Th rowing
How to make
Sticks
equipment for a novel outdoor
sport • . . Arrows are hurled with the aid of
a curious ancient weapon instead of being shot
HERE a fascinating
is
sport that requires lit-
weapons
Mayas in
used by the ancient
Yucatan and other
tleequipment and is parts of Mexico and Central
quickly mastered America. It is merely a stick
hurling arrows at a target with a with a protruding head or peg,
homemade hul-che, or Indian which engages the end of an
throwing stick. arrow. By means of the stick,
The hul-che was one of the
30'
X- WASTE WOOD
An economical way from
to cut three sticks
one small piece of maple or other hardwood
foot back and at right angles to the left, un-
less, of course, you are a left-handed thrower,
in which case the position is reversed.
Draw the stick with the arrow in place
straight back over the shoulder and execute a
straightforward overhand swing. At the finish
of the stroke, rock up on the right toes. Do
not try to release the arrow with the thumb,
as it is not necessary. If the thumb is pressed
lightly against the arrow, but not lapped en-
tirely over the top, the release will take place
without conscious effort and at exactly the
right time.
The throwing stick is by no means a toy.
It has a range up to 500 ft., and the power is glass tube filled with percussion powder. When the
sufficient to inflict serious injuries. Use the point of the bullet strikes an object, the plug ignites
same precautions as with archery. Be espe- the percussion powder in the interior, B, and the
cially sure to have plenty of room when you shell explodes.
first try out the sport. An archery target is We would suggest an important improvement of
the most convenient to use, but any type of General Jacobs on this explosive bullet, so as to ren-
target in which the arrows will stick may be der it as safe for carriage by a soldier as a common
used. cartridge. It is this : — Instead of casting the bullet
Do not allow children to use the throwing for a moveable plug, let it be cast for the insertion of
sticks unless under adult supervision. If you a small conical fixed nipple, to bo inserted after the
regard it as a weapon and use reasonable care, shell is charged with the common powder, or gun
you will find it quite safe and will soon de- cotton. When about to load the rifle with one of
velop considerable accuracy. Continued prac- these shells, place a percussion on its point, and this,
tice will bring greater skill and increasing en-
when it strikes, will ignite the charge inside.
joyment in this unique and healthful sport.
The late General Jacobs, of the East Indian army,
Scientific American— May 11, 1S61 was a most consummate tactician for mounted rifle-
men. His troops were armed with double barrelled
1ZPL0UVI 1XTU BVLLR1.
rifles, and were the terror of the natives during
The only superiority which breech-loading cannon the great Indian rebellion. He made a host of
has over those which are loaded at the musxle, is that experiments with explosive rifle balls and he has ;
they are adapted for the use of explosive shells. We frequently sot ammunition wagons on fire at a
do not mean bomb shells, but those which are charged distance of 1,200 yards with them. With the com-
with powder and explode when they strike. Breech- mon rifle, by careful loading at the muzzle, General
loading rifles may be used for the same purpose in a Jacobs also blew up caissons at 2,400 yards distance,
naost effective manner, and we revive our percussion at Enfield, England, in 1867, just with such shells.
explosive bullet, in order to draw attention to its de- In the Baden and WUrtemberg German armies,
structive qualities. Fig. 1 is a section of It, and Fig. rockets are used for small arms. These rockets are
2 represents it and exploding. A is the
after striking inclosed in copper tubes. Capt. Delvigne has also in-
hollow conical bullet, cast with a stem of lead, D or
; troduced these explosive bullets into the French army
this stem may be a common screw nail placed in the
mold to form a pin for the sabot. B is a hollow Scientific American—Oct. 12, 1861
chamber filled with percussion powder, and C is a plug
fitted in the opening. £ is a sabot made of cork fitted How a Man feels Under Fire.
in the stem, D, and two pieces of leather, F, are glued The Philadelphia North American says :—
to the sabot, which would be a little wider than the How a roan feels when in battle is a question that
bullet. Such an explosive may
be used
missile as this our volunteers have doubtless frequently asked them-
for breech-loading rifled cannon, and by having the selves. We yesterday stumbled upon a volunteer on
sabot of greater diameter than the shell, the latter furlough, who first smelt powder at Bull Run. Dur-
need not be made with lead bands around it. ing an hour's chat with him he gave us a very good
When used for cannon, the plug, C, should be mode general idea of the way in which a man feels when
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 77 THE WEAPONEER
under an enemy's gun. Our friend didn't claim to be weapon from The Ironmonger
especially courageous. He placed due value upon the At the close of last year we heard that some extra-
integrity of the American eagle, but enlisted mainly ordinary practice had been made with
new rifle, pa-
a
because he had no other employment at the time. Ue tented by Mr. Alexander Henry, the well known gun-
did camp duty faithfully, aud endured the hardships maker of Edinburgh, but as we could not obtain any
of long marches without any special grumbling. That
information respecting the peculiar construction of the
he dreaded to confront the enemy he freely admits. weapon, we concluded that its wonderful accuracy at
While willing at any time to kick a bigger man than long ranges was mainly owing to good workmanship.
himself under justifiable provocation, he disliked the We imagined that tho skillful gunsmith had turned
idea of the sudden sensation imparted by a bayonet out a very tine poly-grooved rifle, the novelty of
thrust in the abdomen, while only second to this was which merely consisted in the number and form of the
his horror of being cut down with a rifle ball like an
grooves. We never suspected that he had hit upon
would have been abundantly victorious. In the roar obtained thirty-one points, the highest score ever made
ofmusketry and the thundering discharge of artillery on Wimbledon Common at these great distances. Some
there is a music that banishes even innate cowardice. wonderful shooting was made at the pool targets with
The sight of men struggling together, the clash of the new weapon. Serjeant Dillon got eleven consecu-
tive two-inch bull's eyes at 100 yard*. Lord Elcho
sabers, the tramp of cavalry, the gore-stained grass
of' the battle-field, and the coming charge of the
with seven shots at 200 yards, made six consecutive
enemy dimly visible through the battle smoke— all four and a half-inch bull's eyes and one center.
these, says our intelligent informant, dispel every At the recent meeting of Scottish marksmen at Mon-
trose, the Henry has again made itself heard. With
particle of fear, and the veriest coward in the ranks
It Mr. Edward Ross won Scotland's Cup, and tho first
perhapp becomes the most tiger-like. At the battle
long-range prise or Stranger's Cup. Major Moir suc-
of Bull Run the chaplain of one of the regiments, a
ceeded in carrying off the third prize with the very
man of small stature and delicate frame, personally
weapon which had proved such a trusty friend at Wim-
cut down two six feet grenadiers in single combat. If
bledon.
these things are so— and we incline to think they are
In one of the early trials of the rifle Mr. Henry him-
—the best cure for cowardice is to crowd a man into
self fired six shots with it at the extraordinary range
a fight and there keep him. The fugitives from Boll
of 1,100 yards, and hit the target with every ball,
Bun were men who imbibed panic before it could have
reached them. exoept the first, making three centers and two outers.
At the mile range he afterward hit the target, which
waa six feet high by ten wide, three times out of seven
Scientific American—Oct. 19, 1S61
shots. Several military men witnessed this wonderful
THE HENRY RIFLE. shooting. In a quiet trial of skill between the famous
marksman, Mr. Edward Ross, and his father, " the old
We take the following account of this famous deer- stalker," near Aberdeen, the precision of the new
POOR MAN S JAMES BOND Vol.
1
3 78 THE WEAPONEER
weapon at long distances was strikingly shown. The
ranges were 800, 900, and 1,000 yards, and each com-
petitor fired ten shots from a Henry at each range. The
father made with his thirty shot*, thirty-four points ;
finally drawn, and the mixture of cast iron, with its Scientific American—July 6, 1861
number of meltings, the form of furnace, &c., is pre-
OLD CHINESE WBOTJGHT-rRON BREECH-LOADING
scribed, and the gun is cast.
CANNON.
Evtn these facts give but a faint idea of the amount
of knowledge and study that is embraced in the pro- At the establishment of Messrs. McKee & Judson,
duction of one of our large pieces of ordnance The !
iron dealers, 457 and 469 Water street, in this city,
books, which it would be the grossest folly not to there is a large quantity of old iron which cameirom
read before the experiments are commenced, would China as ballast in the clipper ship Flying Scud, and
form no inconsiderable library. among it are a large number of old Chinese wrought-
And all has reference to only one species of
this iron cannon, several of which are breech-loading.
cannon, that which is adapted to sea-coast defense. The flying Scud was employed by the British govern-
The ordnance department embraces the various vari- ment as a transport during the Chinese war, and was
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 80 THE WEAPONEER
It is said to be a universal rule, that in tho infancy You certainly wouldn't see the stain in another pocket,
of the arts great skill is displayed in the use of poor by the time you noticed any stain you'd still be
i,
Letter about. I've never had any trouble with them. If you are
worried, wrap yours in a couple of paper towels and
carry it around for a day. If the paper is still dry after a
Dear Kurt: day, I think it's safe for you to carry.
Concerning the nasal spray article in issue 1; meet Ed.
chemical supply houses carry plastic squirt bottles
(your local pharmacist either has them in stock or win
order some for you. Ed.) They come in all
The cape have directional, leakproof
:
anything for sure. It's an education in itself to see how fly away with it. In order, therefore, to have it suitable
various processes evolved from the putterings in private to the occasion, it not being always to be had in every
laboratories and workshops of the 19th century Intellec- place fit for the purpose, we shall setdown the true method
tuals and small manufactories to the impersonal mass and under the name of mould-
of making all sorts sizes
production of our times.
shot, formerly made after the following process
The confusion concerning arsenic and its various
names, such as orpiment and auropigmentum arose
Take any quantity of lead you think fit, and melt it down
from the degrees of purity and also from regional dif-
in an iron vessel and as it melts keep it stirring with an
ferences in naming compounds.
:
The old ways may not be the best, after all. But if you iron ladle, skimming off all impurities whatsoever that
are not equipped to implement the best, often the old may arise at top ; when it begins to look of a greenish
ways are the only ways. At least, they are a place for you colour, strew on it as much auripigmentum or yellow or-
to start with the best facilities you have on hand. piment, finely powdered, as will lie on a shilling, to every
twelve or fourteen pounds of lead ; dien stirring them t*
Shot. Is made by melting lead with arsenic, and get her, the orpiment will flame. The ladle should have
pouring it out of Troughs from a great height into a large a notch on one side of the brim, for more easily pouring
out the lead the ladle must remain in the melted lead,
vessel of water. The height is intended to give rotundity ;
to the shot : the arsenic to make it more fusible, so that that its heat may be the same with that of the lead, to pre.
it shall preserve its rotundity arising from its liquid state vent inconvenience* which otherwise might happen by its
until the moment when it is required to be condensed. being either too hot or too cold ; then, to try your lead,
drop a little of it into water, and if the drops prove round,
Mr. Paul Beck's shot manufactory at Philadelphia, is,
then the lead is of a proper heat; i£ otherwise, and the
I believe, 175 or 180 iett high. The first fall.for small
shot is about 130 feet, die second fall or melting place, is shot have tails, then add more orpiment to increase the
the thicker the brim, the better it will retain the heat.
orpiment. It should be white arsenic. It should be mix-
ed with three or four times its bulk of charcoal, lamp- Place this plate on a frame of iron, over a tube or vessel
black, rosin, or some carbonaceous or inflammable sub- of water, about four inches from the water, and spread
stance, and being tightly inclosed in several folds of paper, burning coals on the keep the lead melted upon
plate, to
down with a stick to the bottom of the it ; then take some lead and pour it gently on the coals on
should be thrust
The pan of melted lead, should be then covered, the plate, and it will make its way through the holes into
lead.
impregnation of the lead with the arse- the water, and form itself into shot ; do thus till all your
in order to aid the
lead is run through the holes of the plate, taking care, by
nic. The pan should be of thin cast or thick sheet iron ;
It is right, when the keeping your coals alive, that the lead does not cool, and
for the heat must not be too great.
surface of the lead is irridescent. so stop up the holes.
As the general method of makiug shot is kept a secret, While you are casting in this manner, another person
I give all the processes I have. with another ladle may catch some of the shot, placing
Patent Milled Sltot, is thus made ; sheets of lead, the ladle four or five inches underneath the plate in the
whose thickness corresponds with the size of the shot re- water, by which means you will see if they are defective,
quired, are cut into small pieces, or cubes, of die form of and rectify them. Your chief care is to keep the lead in
a die. A great quantity of these little cubes are put into a just degree of heat, that it shall be not so cold as to stop
a large hollow iron cylinder, which is mounted horizon* up the holes in your plate, nor so hot as to cause the shot
tally and turned by a winch; when by their friction to crack ; to remedy the heat, you must refrain working
against one another, and against the sides of the cylinder, till it is of a proper coolness; and to remedy the coolness
— .
them continually tliat they do not melt ; when dry, you of English shot. They are manufactured principally
arc to separate the great shot from tlie small, by the help from Lead found in Louisiana, and shipped from New-
of a sieve made for that purpose, according to their seve- Orleans.
ral sizes. But those who would liavc very large shot, Patent shot, as Dr. Black lias informed us, are manu-
make the lead trickle with a stick out of the ladle into the factured in England as follows :
water, without the pine. If it stops on the plate, and yet A little orpiment or arsenic is added to the lead, which
lire plate is not too cool, give but the plate a little knock, disposes it to run into spherical drops much more rapid-
and it will run again ; care must be had that none of your ly than itwould do when pure. The melted lead is pour,
implements are greasy, oily, or tlie like ; and when tlie
ed into a cylinder, whose circumference is pierced with
shot, being separated, are found too large or too small for lioles. The lead streaming through the holes soon divides
}
our purpose, or otherwise imperfect, they will serve again into drops, which fall into water, where tlxy congeal.
at the ne;:t operation. They are far from being all spherical, many being shaped
S/iot, tin-case t in artillery, is formed by putting a great like pears, and must be picked. This is done by a very
quantity of small iron shot into a tin cylindrical box call- ingenious contrivance. The whole is sifted on the upper
ed a cannister, that just fits the bore of the gun. Leaden end of a long, smooth, inclined plane, and the grains roll
20 cwt. of soft pig- lead, (according to the quantity ofshot In the Louisiana country, shot manufactories are estab-
intended to be manufactured) are next to be melted in lished, where the shot is made by letting the lead fall from
llu
manner above directed the top to the bottom of the bank of the Mississippi, at
; and, when it is completely liqu<-
low water: so that the enormous expence of such a build-
fied,one of the ingots or bars of slag must be added as :
Be sure you're in a cleared space with a tree or post as pack the weights so the knot projects to where a weight
a target. Hay bales or a blanket or something else soft would normally be. A quick and effortless tug on the knot
wrapped around your target will keep the lead weights will have the clonkers ready to swing in a second.
from losing their shape on impact, for the impact is in- With the tube in the pocket, just so, there is no
deed great. noticeable weight nor any pressure on the abdomen;
Start a gentle swing, extending your arm above your unless you wear your pants very tight in the waist.
head. If you aren't well enough coordinated to keep the Don't let the simplicity of this weapon or its origins
whirling weights above your head, you'd better stick to make you despise it. It is lethal, concealable and instant-
name-calling. Extreme carelessness or using while in- ly accessable. With it, you need fear no one lesser arm-
toxicated could mean the end of you. ed.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 84 THE WEAPONEER
poured in and only the Great Pum- dime stores. and put the needle to its rim edge to
pkin couldn't keep him alive for more The hypos are B-D (Beck- cut, then angle it on the flat part of
than a few seconds. Dickenson) 3 cc 21 G 1 syringes, the rim so the reground tip is the
Ifyou anticipate a mugging or other bought at about $25.00 per 100 from same shape as the original. The
attack, have the cover off and the any pharmacy. Here in the Free wheel tends to burn it so any ash
Fang upright. Best to jab it into a South, anyone can buy them in- must be scraped from the tip.
fleshy part of his arm, upper thigh, dividually or by the box on request. However you do it, use a darning
throat, cheek or belly. The suprise of needle to scrape out any ash, burrs
your attack, the penetration and his
or filings that might clog the tip.
own reaction time will doom him If you have no grinder, just cut the
before he can stop its lethal flow.
needle with a scissors and regrind
If you prefer to hit him from a
the tip with an emery cloth or stone.
distance, you'll want a blowgun. The
Just make sure the tip is dear and
Fang will go with great force and ac-
test it by filling. If the liquid doesnt
curacy for a distance of from 20 to squirt out straight, ifs clogged.
thirty feet, depending on your lung
So
Figure 1 shows the hypo as it keep scraping and reaming until you
power. This is plenty if you are lurk- comes from the manufacturer. Pull get it right. It just takes a minute.
ing around a corner or sitting in a car out the plunger and clip off two edges As shown at the right of Figure 3,
at the curb. Anyone walking by or with scissors as shown in Figure 2. shove the hypo needle through the
entering or leaving a building is within This allows the rubber band to rest middle of the end of a No. 62 to 63
easy range. firmly. rubber band you can buy from any of-
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 85 THE WEAPONEER
PARTS FOR SAXON'S FANG
FIG.1
FIG. 4
NT CUTTER SECTION PLASTIC STRAW
W APERCLIP
FIG. 5 \
TAPE
FIG. 6
HAND FANG
WASHER PL1
FIG. I
PLUG
vr /
CARRYING TUBE
ALUMINUM TUBING
FIG. 11
RUBBER TAPE
SECTION HOLDER
MOUTH PI
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol- 3 86 THE WEAPONEER
fice supply store,you don't have
if yellow and green strip. Cut off about you'll want a large eye darning nee-
some around. Flattened, they 1/8 inch and knead it between your dle and about a foot of 12 pound
measure 2 3/4 inches long by 3/1 6th thumb and forefinger until it is plastic fishing line. Put about an inch
inch wide. Use a brand new one for thoroughly mixed. Wrap it around the of line through the eye and stick the
fastest flow. barb and needle, as in Figure 4, and needle through the cutter head, hypo
For the barb, you'll need a fish dispose of the excess. (DURO tube, plunger, and out the other side
hook. Bronze colored hooks are E'POX'E RIBBON sold in most
is as shown in Figure 6.
tempered too hard and so are almost hardware stores for about $3.00. It Tie tightly, hold it down at the join
impossible to bend without breaking. sets in 2 hours and completely cures and tie a knot. Now all you have to
Thus, the shaft behind the barb will in 12). do is carefully hold the hypo at the
be too long and also curved, or it will For the mechanism (Fig. 5) which tube's end just beyond the cutter and
be too short to handle. The silvery releases the rubber band, use a pull the rubber band over the plunger
ones can be straightened and so can regular sized paper clip. Leave the so it rests across the clipped edges.
be cut so the shaft rests on the hypo's larger bend alone and straighten the You can keep it so loaded for days
needle end and the barb projects rest with the needle nosed pliers. before use but the longer you wait,
slightly beyond its tip as shown at the To hold the paper dip to the tube, the less tensile strength the rubber
right of Figure 3. allowing it to move freely, use a one band will have. After two or three
From my Wal-Mart store got a I inch length of plastic tubing which is days, this would only mean that the
package of 50 FAST GRIP thin enough to keep the paper clip plunger would take maybe half a se-
LIMERICK HOOKS, No. 2/0s. If you from slanting. use the plastic tubing
I
cond longer to empty the hypo. Even
have no vise, hold the tying eye in a cut from Q-Tips. these have cotton so, there's little reason to place the
and do the bending with
regular pliers swabs at each end and are gotten at rubber band more than a couple of
needle nosed pliers. any supermarket in the beauty aids hours before use.
To attach the barb to the needle, or baby section. If a delay of several hours or days
use ribbon epoxy. Liguid epoxy or After putting the straight end of the is necessary, dab a little vaseline on
messy and unreliable.
plastic glue is paper clip through the tubing, use the the needle tip to keep the poison from
Ribbon epoxy comes in a 14 inch, needle nose pliers to bend the paper drying and clogging it.
clip's end as in Figure 5. Now for the carrier. (Fig. 8) It con-
Scientific Ameriow-J^y 25, 1861
For the cutter, a shred broken from sists first of a 4 3/4 inch long tube to
a razor blade will do. But for unifor- hold the Fang and another 3 1/8 in-
Vent Stopper mity and convenience I use the snap- ches long for the cover. However you
For Cannon off cutter blades which oome with the want to measure the carrier tube,
razor knife (NT CUTTER A300), car- make sure the barb projects a bit over
The moat common cause of accidents with
a cannon the imperfect closing of the vent
is
ried by, or ordered through most of- a half inch. If delivered by hand you'll
in loading. When a cannon is fired, pieces of fice supply stores. Another brand with feel a sense of assurance to know
the cartridge bag are frequently left in it on
snap-off blades is sold in most super- that the fish line will be cut and the
fire, but the smoke soon extinguishes them; if
any atmospheric air, however, gets access to markets. (These razor knifes are back of the tube will start the plunger
them they continue to burn, and when the much better than X-acto Knives. As on its way just in case you neglected
cartridge is run down it is kindled, causing a
premature discharge, which generally blows
the tip dulls, another is there to take to cut off the last ring on the plunger's
off the gunner's arm, and is very apt to kill its place and since is retractable by
it
tip.
him. To prevent this, a man is stationed at the the thumb, it also mades a dandy
vent to keep it tightly closed during the pro-
My holder is of CPVC plastic tub-
cess of loading, but it seems to be almost anti-mugger weapon and it's legal to ing, 7/8 OD (outside diameter). This
impossible to teach men to perform this ser- carry). can be bought from most hardware
vice thoroughly; hence the great number of
To attach the cutter (Fig. 5) prepare or plumbing supply stores for about
accidents.
To secure a perfect closing of the vent in all the same amount of ribbon epoxy as $4.00 for ten feet. CPVC comes only
cases is the object of the invention here illu- used to attach the barb to the needle. in 5/8 and 7/8 OD and the 5/8 is too
strated. An elastic leather pad, A, is secured
to the lower side of the lever, B, which is
But instead of wrapping it around, small. The aluminim tubing for the
hinged to the breech of the gun in such posi- simply lay the snap-off blade section Wowgun is 6/8 OD and therefore
tion that, when it is turned down, the pad is down and put the large bend of the
brought directly over the vent. A hook or
more compact. But the slight dif-
catch, C, is fixed to the gun on the side op-
paper clip over it. Then press the ference isn't important and you cant
posite the hinge, in a way to catch by a spring epoxy on the blade and mold it so it get the aluminum holder past a metal
over the lever as the Utter is turned down,
connects with the paper clip as detector.
and hold it securely in place with the pad
pressed down upon the vent. shown. Whichever you use, make a cir-
It would seem to be impossible for the most Next, position the cutter and tube cular cardboard plug to fit inside the
unskilled soldier to avoid closing the vent
perfectly with this simple arrangement.
on the hypo as shown in Figure 5. tube, press a short length of the
The patent for this invention was procured, Then, put a strip of 3/4 inch wide plastic tape on inside the tube,
it, fit it
through the Scientific American Patent plastic electrician's tape on the cut- as shown, and lap both ends of the
Agency, May 28, 1861, and further informa-
tion in relation to it may be had by addressing ter tube and press firmly so the tape tape over the outside. Then wrap one
the inventor, J.J. Hirschbuhl, at Louisville, covers as much of the cutter tube as thickness of tape around the plug
Ky. possible, then smooth it around the tape.
hypo tube. Next, wind more tape, starting 2
After loading the hypo with poison, 5/16ths inches from the bottom and
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 87 THE WEAPONEER
to a thickness of about 1 /1 6 inch. This
is to keep the cover from touching the
barb.
SHOOT A BOW
For the cover, use two strips of
regular typing paper 2-1/8 inches
wide. Wrap one strip snugly around
FOR FUN
AVER** DIMENSIONS OF FIBER SACK CENTER
TftuE saw
a piece of the holder tubing and LEMQNWOOO IQNQ BOWS OPTIONAL , HANDLE
BELLY,
spread glue along its width. Then T i
\\ FLAT
^ hm
TAKE D-MENSiONS FROM
SECTIONS AT LEFT
BOW
6EUY (OOOMC
\r ago
With your darning needle and
thread, sew the cardboard or button 1 {Sow t \ / *
don't know how common that size is pends entirely on your physique, and particularly
your reach. If your reach is 64 in., you can use an
in other areas. By calling around, arrow 25 to 26 in. long, with a bow not less than
however, you should find a source. 5 ft 3 In. from tip to tip, Fig. 5. The weight of the
Commercial blowguns have bow, that is, the number of pounds pull required
mouthpieces but can't tell the dif-
I
to draw it, depends on your muscular develop-
sack. Lay a section of tubing on a equal to the width of the hand and thumb with the latter stuck
out as in Fig. 28. You can now "tiller" it to check the bend of
and roll the tubing and paper
strip
both limbs, at the same time measuring the weight with a spring
away from you. Put a line of scale, as shown in Fig. 10. Bend the bow gradually. Take off a
ELMER'S GLUE-ALL, Or similar shaving here and there to equalize the bend. Take your time.
brand of fast drying white glue across You can always take off more wood, but you can't put it back
on again. The bow should be quite stiff for a distance of about iter ton
the edge of the paper facing you. ATWIDBT
6 in. at the center, and should then curve evenly to the tips. The
Make as snug and as straight as
it
beginner's most common fault is to make the bow "whip ended," LIMB
you can. When the glued edge con- Fig. 9. Besides checking the curvature, sight down the bow as
tacts the paper further on, begin cor- you work and note if the string cuts the center of the belly, as IS
In Fig. 7. If it throws off to the side, your bow has a turn in it TYPICAL
recting for straightness and SECTIONS
snugness. As the roll nears the end This can be corrected by taking off wood opposite the turn. S'8" FLAT
If desired, you can back your bow with red or black fiber eow-*o its.
of the strip, put on some more glue watoftAwi
attached with waterproof glue before the shaping is started. In-
and proceed until you have it about stead of cutting plain nocks, you may decide to purchase and fit
1/8 inch thick, or more. The proper a set of cow-horn tips, or, you may want to turn them from col- SACK
thickness will insure the blowgun's orful plastic. It will be noted,
Fig. 3, that plain nocks are not
straightness and hense, its accuracy. cut across the back of the bow as this
would weaken the wood.
When two such rolls are made, The groove in horn or plastic tips, however, is let into the back. 34" FPOM
Tbe flat bow: The flat bow is easier to make than the long one
CENTER
ease the rings in and push them fur-
ther with the lengths of tubing. You
might mark the tubing 1 15/16 inch
'///,-. ://,/';<„
from the end so you'll know that when and can be 3 or 4 shorter for the same
in. Fig. 12. First put on the head. numberA
length arrow. The same general method of of different ones can be purchased, but for
both tubes are in place, the ring is ex-
bandsawing is used, Fig. 8, but the belly average target work the brass parallel pile
actly in the middle. Then remove the side is only lightly rounded off. Typical head is most satisfactory. Cut the tenon on
tubing, turn the paper roll up and sections of a 40-Ib. flat bow are given in the end of the shaft by turning on a lathe,
toward you and glue the ring using Fig. 11. The handle riser can be the same Fig. 14. If you are careful, the head will be
or of a contrasting wood to the bow itself. a drive fit and will hold securely. If the
one of the Q-Tips swabs. With the
The narrow plate, which prevents wear, is head is a bit loose, anchor it with a few
outer edges of the tubes ground inlaid, using a "'ui-ln. disk of '.s-in. plastic. punch taps as shown in Fig. 16. Cut the
down, it is easy to fit them into the Self arrows: A "self" arrow is one made arrows to the required length and then cut
rolls in good light. from a wood. The simplest
single piece of the nocks. Plain nocks can be cut easily
If you expect to be working in very way to make self arrows is to buy a con- by running the shafts over a circular saw,
struction kit, which includes the >'n;-in. as in Fig. 13. The nock should be across
dim light, you'll need flared ends for dowel sticks, feathers and heads. Birch is the grain. If you want more strength at the
the section holders
so you can the best wood to use. The various parts nock, insert a thin slip of fiber or plastic.
assemble the blowgun by feel. Since and dimensions of the arrow are shown in Aluminum or molded-plastic nocks are
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 89 THE WEAPONEER
youVe already got the ribbon epoxy
you might as well use it for the sec-
tion holders too.
First, using an electric grinder or
sandpaper, grind the edges of the
section holders back in a slope 1/4
inch from the ends. Knead 5 inches
of the ribbon epoxy and roll it into a
cylinder. Cut it into four equal pieces.
Roll each part to 2 3/8 inches long
and press to about 1/2 inch wide and
1/4 Inch from the ends. With the first,
or index finger inside the holder, use
the thumb to press and flare the rib-
bon epoxy as shown in Figure 11.
After the sections have set 12
hours they are ready to use. The
flared ends will enable you to put
them together by feel.
ROAD BLOCK
By KURT SAXON
I'm sure you've seen movies and TV shows where These shredders are suggested for protecting your
road blocks are put up and the villain or hero crashes property from people who trespass just for the hell of
right through and gets away. This is for effect, as it, to steal or to attack you. Unlike nails, which may
decently equipped police departments have portable not take effect for several yards, or even a mile or so
road blocks studded with over sized spikes. For P.D.s as the air leaks out, the shredders cut through tires as
who can't affort these or need to stop traffic if they were butter. The result is immediate and the
immediately without calling in, you can't beat my tire quarry is demoralized and at your mercy.
shredding road blocks. They can also be used by Of course, for a civilian to put such devices on a
civilians to teach trespassers the error of their ways. public highway for just anybody to run over would be a
All you need for 10 tire shredders is two boxes of criminal act and totally without class. Try not to be
mower blades used for hay, wheat, oats, etc., bought any more of a slob that you are. Cops must realize that
at any farm supply store. They come in boxes of 10 for since the effect is immediate and more dramatic than
under $5.00. Two boxes will give you 10 shredders a nail or a simple blowout, control is gone, especially
which, after brazing, shouldn't cost more than about at speed.
moo. As far as legality goes, on your own property, you
They are extremely portable as all 10 will fit into a must have a prominent "NO TRESPASSING" sign
space smaller than shoe box. near a sign with your name on it. For instance. I have
If you don't have welding gear, take them to your a big sign at the bottom of my property saying,
nearest welding shop. The blades should be placed flat "SAXON'S LAIR" under which is "DEAD (skull and
side down and those used as shredders held straight crossbones) END."
up in the middle. They must be brazed as they are This way, anyone who can read knows I don't want
made of tempered steel and if simply welded, will anyone around who has no business here. Even so,
snap under pressure. Braze all along both sides and people will still come up looking for "Charlie",
paint whatever color you want. Before painting, grind "Burt", "Clem" or whatever or they are lost tourists
the ridge off the top side so you'll have a razor sharp or delivery persons. So I only put out the shredders
edge. after dark, when the day s work is over and people
Ifyou are a cop you might paint them fire engine aren't wandering around sightseeing.
yellow so maybe your quarry will see them and stop. If You see, I don't want to destroy anyone's tires
you are a civilian you'll want them to blend in with the unless he's really asking for trouble. But after dark,
road you are using to trap someone. anyone coming on my property unannounced is
asking for it. I can legally put anything on my off-the-
To use, place them a line across the expected
in
route of the quarry with the pointed ends on the bottom
highway driveway I want, so long as it doesn't
threaten life.
facing traffic. This will shred any tire under three
inches thick, which would stop just about any vehicle
on the highway, including Army trucks.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 93 THE WEAPONEER
TMs editorial by the late John Campbell may be the most important one in all my works. It
addresses itself to most of you and should help you to sort out a lot of the conflicts we bar
science fiction. This editorial was taken from the August, 1 964 edition of Analog.
As a dttZM type, although John had barbarians sized up more accurately than any writer
I've read, he was biased. He lumped para, average and sub-barbarians all in the same
category. Nor did he see the necessity for the Para-barbarian in the transition from our
foundering civilization of today to the culled and strong civHizatton of tomorrow.
My next editor* will put you in the picture. In the meantime, read John's editorial over
several times.
A few rnonths back I discussed here wants in his past— and is resisted from you've learned one- for the Old Dog
effect that marching, counter- "stubbornly" to "violently" in the to learn new tricks. For the individual
the
marching, round-and-round
and present. "I haven't the time, now . .
."
brought up as a Christian to be able
marching barbarian armies had had is the standard excuse. Neither does to learn the new set of values the
on human history. They provided a ten-year-old; just ask him. He has Moslem army insists on— or for the
Mankind with one of those great "edu- all those ball games to take care of, brought-up-Moslem individual to learn
cational opportunities'*— education on and the fishing to attend to, and a the values system of the Crusaders-
the "Learn— or drop dead!" basis. great many other important things that with-swords.
This educational technique does not, he needs to do. It's only that he's This is, of course, a highly effective
of course, help the individual greatly, enslaved* by adult task-masters that system-whether the
selective breeding
nor is it ever popular with the educa- forces him to acquire what he doesn't barbarian armies so intended it makes
tce, his group, or his descendants. want. no difference whatever, it selectively
but the resistance to getting one, or bein« amble to aecapa. If lb* elave cacapee, be will scendants of the conquered peoples.
bo arroeted and forcibly
having one forced upon you, is re- child la OMlaaadl And inasmuch as no people ever
markable, considering how highly the remained permanently unconquered,
While people look back on those
thing is regarded. Practically everyone every group in the marching-bar-
horrid, awful, wicked times with loath-
is certain that more education is just barian-armies system was, repeatedly,
ing . . . they are enjoying the benefits
what the other guy needs to be given— in the class "conquered" often and
conferred on us by those barbarian
but the wish for personal education is long enough to be repeatedly and
tactics.The barbarian armies culled
almost invariably of the form "I wish -
pattern of the paper-making traits by killing or driving them away. Except in the best of times, even those
wasp.
Each displays very specifically inher- who were physically strong and mentally healthy had a difficult time staying
ited behavior alive. A weakling or dimwit could neither gather enough food nor defend the
patterns— not merely
physiological patterns. group. Any weakness of the individual was a threat to the group s sur-
vival.
In bees, there is an additional in-
In time, some animals and plants were domesticated. The resulting surpluses
herited-pattern system demonstrated;
permitted the keeping alive of some who were less than adequate to the rigors
a given fertile egg can be developed of savagery. This marked the birth of tribalism.
into a sexless worker if fed in one
Under the hardships of savagery, the only positive traits a man could develop
way, or into a queen, if fed a different were those which simply made him a better hunting animal. Tribalism, with
diet. Here, both physiological and be- its basic organization and cooperation, could have brought about the develop-
havioral patterns are seemingly de- ment of the higher traits we value in individuals of accomplishment.
termined by the diet. But under tribalism, the development of superior traits among individuals
Obviously, they're not; the diet was discouraged in favor of conformity to group dictates. Such dictates were
doesn't carry that much information! usually for the benefit of the chiefs and the priesthood.
It's a lot closer to having a record If a superior tribesman could carry out his duties better than his peers, he
that, played one side up produces the was honored. If, however, he sought to introduce progress beyond the
pattern "The Pines of Rome," while, capacities of the group, he was considered a threat. Ideas demanding higher
played the other side up, displays the intelligence to implement threatened the value of the less intelligent. Also, those
sound-pattern of "Hungarian Rhap- in authority wanted a system only they could manipulate and control. If the
sody." There is, in the bee egg, a dual ideas of the superior individual demanded the selection of more intelligent
potential; which potential is developed people, the leaders were threatened. So under tribalistic dictatorship, higher
into activity can be influenced— but individual traits went undeveloped, lest the people become independent of
the potential itself is genetically deter- their mediocre rulers.
mined. An important sidelight to the development of social structure and the repres-
What we need
sion of individual development, was organized religion. The savages' angry
at this point is a
storm gods and gods of the hunt were largely replaced by tribalists* fertility
somewhat more precise meaning of the
gods. Rituals placating and serving these gods marked time between plan-
term "barbarian." The origin of the
ting and harvesting. As the approaching seasons came to be marked by stars,
term stems from the old Greek con-
the Earth gods were kicked upstairs where they watched over everything from
viction that anyone who didn't speak
"Heaven."
Hellenistic Greek was less-than-human
As tribalism and religion developed, traditions and taboos largely replaced
-that the aliens didn't really speak,
nature as the culling agent. The traditions and taboos were mainly to insure
any more than dogs or chickens did.
that the work got done. Those who did not follow tradition and broke taboos
They just made mouth noises like ban were gotten rid of. It would be a long time before written records and intelligent
bar-bar, and were called barbarians.
observation did away with the need for tradition, and all the gods ever dream-
So the original meaning of the term ed up could be replaced by an almanac.
was simply "Somebody who doesn't Under tribalism, individual responsibility was neither encouraged nor wanted.
speak Hellenistic Greek." This means Harmony and a continuation of a system that worked for the group was depen-
the world today is populated entirely
dent on obedience. Tradition and religion governed every action. Under such
by barbarians. a system, there could be no individuality, thus no innovation, hence, no
Later, meant "Any people whose
it progress.
culture and ways of life I disapprove Enter the barbarian. I like to think that in most cases he was one with a
of— that is, anyone who doesn't live mind of his own who refused to take orders from superstitious, tradition-bound
The Only Right Way-my way!" fools. He would not drudge from sunup until sundown with no expectation of
That's a very minor modification of personal reward or advancement. If he lacked creativity it was probably
the Greek meaning. It did, however, because the system stifled it.
allow that someone who spoke perfect Having been driven from the tribe because of nonconformity, he probably
;
we have "barbarian" as a vague, vari- Dictatorship. The general might then have attacked surrounding tribes for more
able-referent term meaning "someone loot.
whose manners, customs, appearance, But this isn't barbarism, as such. It's just opportunism by the strong over
language, or values I dislike because
the weak. The general is still bound by the old superstitions and taboos. Some
they are unlike mine," then if I say, overall change might come as a result of social intercourse with the conquered
"I don't like that man," and you ask tribes. Such basic cultural evolution is not a product of barbarism.
me why, I can, with satisfying sense Our barbarian king wasn't interested in cultural evolution. Nor did he want
of conviction and completion, say "Be- 'evolution. He wanted to take over the system and make it
just work to his
cause he's a barbarian!" advantage. In doing so, he created our modern Frankenstein, the citizen.
This is very satisfying; it gives one The citizen was but one step above the tnbalist. He could go along with
the impression he has said something the traditions, rituals and taboos and sublimate his own will to that of the group.
meaningful in explanation of his dis- But he was superior in that he was adaptable. He could accept new ways,
like. That he has made a profound, new ideas, and build on them.
and definitive statement. It's satis- The tribalist was not adaptable. What he had been taught at his mother's
fying. Knee, by his priests and chiefs, was written in the stone of his calcified brain.
It's also perfectly circular. "I don't Hecould not change.
like him because he acts in a way 1 The barbarian abolished those aspects of the system which had restricted
dislike." mm and kept him from fitting in. This also freed the citizen to develop and
Let's try something more definitive, express his own and civilization was born.
positive traits
and acultural— use actual, observable So the barbarians, world-wide and throughout history, broke the restraints
behavior characteristics, as describing m posed by the weaker and closea-mmded tribalists. The citizen types, freed
the barbarian. Animal species can be to create and build, mainly for the benefit of their barbarian conquerers. spell-
defined in terms of behavior charac- ed progress for all who could handle it. This also made room for many of those
teristics, as well as in terms of physi- v no could not handle progress. But more about this later.
ology; so can human types. Some ani- The above is, of necessity, a broad generalization. Culture, environment,
climate and various other factors also determine radical change. Basically,
mals are carnivorous; some, although
nowever, the dramatic interaction of tribalist, citizen and barbarian depends
perfectly capable of digesting meat,
on a environment. Without the in-
relatively stable, but stagnating social
never eat it. These behavioral charac-
rerference of barbarians, stagnation leads to decline and fall, as exemplified
teristics are perfectly definable and
by the Egyptian and Chinese dynasties and the Roman Empire.
observable.
Before going on I'll give my definitions of the four types and how they in-
First, there is the Tribal type— the
teract with modern society.
earliest human-cultural evolution. The
First is the savage. Originally, he was the and food gatherer.
pre-tribal forager
term "savage" can be reserved for the
As he evolved and gained skills, he developed crude weapons and became
pre-cultural level, the level when hu-
primarily a hunter of game. Life was hard for the savage and compassion as
manoids wandered about in family
a concept was unknown to him, since its implementation requires a surplus
groupings, as do chimpanzees and
of food and/or effort the savage lacked as a matter of circumstance.
gorillas today. Until cooperation in cornering game evolved, his fellows were only of value
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 96 THE WEAPONEER
The Tribal type evolved through helping to find food and mutual defense against other savage groups. His
in
the evolution of Tribal cultures; the mate was only of value in helping with the drudgery and rearing his young.
human type and the cultural structure Only when primitive forms of agriculture and the domestication of animals
were, of course, co-evolving as a feed- evolved could the intelligent savage graduate to tribalism.
back-interacting system. The resultant John Campbell was wrong in labelling the North
In the last editorial,
human type is characterized by rejec- American Indian as barbarian. First, there were dozens of groupings and sub-
tion of creativity, and by complete groupings. Many of them had agriculture and domesticated animals and had
rejection of personal responsibility. therefore advanced to tribalism. Many others, however, were only hunters and
The Tribal rituals determine all Right food gatherers and so were savages.
Living Ways; he is not responsible for Species evolution also plays a large part in the differences between the In-
anything, so long as he follows the dians and their European invaders. During the last Ice Age, about 15,000 years
commands ago, water levels were lower, due to the accumulation of ice covering the
of the Tribal rituals. He ac-
planet's land surface. Primitive Asiatics crossed the then dry Bering Strait and
cepts external command— and is re-
warded with security. If he obeys the
moved into the American continent.
Tribal rituals, Thus cut off from the interaction between diverse cultures in Asia and
the tribe will defend
Europe, they remained at a Stone Age level of development. They knew
and protect him.
nothing of metal working and so worked with stone, saplings, skins, bone, etc.
The Tribal type readily accepts
They never used the wheel and their only pack animals were dogs and squaws.
slavery; the Master simply replaces
At the coming of the White man their intelligence was lower than his. Their
the Tribal rituals. The Master now
primitive social systems required only strength and agility on a day-to-day
gives the commands, which the slave-
basis. Abstract intelligence serves little purpose for survival on such a level.
better, actually, is the term "serf-
Thus, natural selection chose the physically strong and the agile to
obeys faithfully, and the Master re-
survive. Intelligence beyond that needed to outthink a bison was no more
wards the Tribal individual with
necessary the matter of selection than was artistic ability. In all life forms,
in
security, freedom from responsibility,
intelligence is only a tool. It simply doesn't enter into the process of natural
and the benefits accruing from shar- selection unless it is critical to survival.
ing the higher standard of living the
Many Indian groups were quite civilized, such as my anoestors, the
wiser Master can produce.
Cherokee. Even before the coming of the Whites, they were farmers
In Tribal culture, the cultural sys- and liv-
ed in log homes. They were intelligent and most had evolved to the level
tem is wiser than the individuals, and of
citizen. Individualists with a healthy streak of barbarism,
precisely
they sided with the
that situation above de- British during the Rebellion and fought on both
sides during the Civil War
scribed results. The tribesmen don't the southern faction including many slave owners.
know why the rituals are what they
But for John to label savage Indians "barbarians," contradicts his
pre-trlbal
are, nor do they feel they need to un-
own definition. Indians at the tribalist level were enslaved, not by Whites, but
derstand; they need only carry out the
by other Indians. Savages such as the Sioux, Comanches, Cheyenne and
orders of traditions, and they will ben-
Apaches could no more be enslaved than could wolves or coyotes be broken
efit from the greater wisdom of the
to herd sheep. They had neither the intelligence nor the social maturity to be
ages.
pressed into any useful occupation, even to their own advantage.
The second major stage of cultural
Incidentally, over the generations since the Whites came here, most of the
evolution came with the rise of the
savage Indians were wiped out. Their descendants have, through natural selec-
barbarian.
tion, evolved to tribalism.
The primary change came in the The modern savage is as primitive and useless as the original Apache. He
fact that the barbarian accepted per- is, invariably, a predatory criminal. Muggers, armed robbers, theives and
sonal responsibility. The consequences suchlike are savages.
of that are very complex, very inter-
esting, and pure dynamite
Like the primitive savage, he gathers and hunts, but among the populace.
culturally.
Like a small child, he takes what he wants, giving nothing in return. Thus,
Since he takes personal responsibility
he is a total predator, a criminal with no value to society. Once his actions
—he won't take orders. He won't obey have become recognized as a habit pattern, he should be sterilized and isolated
the rituals; if he does something some- or destroyed.
body else tells him to, he does it not The savage personalitya genetic throwback to the Stone Age. He is like
is
because he's ordered to, but because a child who has not grown mentally above the age of four. Whether his
he believes, himself, that doing it is savagery is an actual genetic defect or a result of Minimal Brain Damage, he
a good idea. is seldom worth any efforts toward rehabilitation, (read "Minimal Brain
With the rise of personal reponsibil- Damage," Vol. 1, page 57 of THE SURVIVOR).
itycame, as an obvious consequence, John Campbell's definition of the tribalist is as accurate as any could give.
I
what we know as Honor, personal But with his definition, one can hardly escape the image of a skin-clad primitive
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 97 THE WEAPONEER
honor. A
tribesman doesn't have per- trapped in a particularly rigid caste system.
sonal honor, because he doesn't have Instead, imagine our tribalist in modsern dress, driving a Chevrolet to his
personal responsibility ; breaking job on an assembly line. Although some tribalists may be intelligent, the
sinful-not average is dull normal.
tribal taboos is evil, dis-
honorable.
Tribalists are owned by their respective societies. They maintain the system
in the push, pull, lift categories of labor. They have as many children as biology
Every organism must seek survival
allows and eventually swamp any system with their incompetent strain of homo
of its type; if it doesn't, it is of no im-
sapien.
portance whatever in the scheme of
A system which has matured to where automation and computerization of
things. For it's not long for this world, should
its maintenance does away with the need for these dimwitted brutes
if it doesn't seek survival! "Security"
sterilize them out of the species. But just the opposite happens. They are
is a generalized term, essentially
honored as humans. They are nurtured and cared for at staggering public ex-
meaning simply a sense that survival
pense, along with their blighted young.
is assured. Where the Tribal type
Without the increasingly dependent tribalist, the citizen and the barbarian
found security in the ancient, stable,
could use our surpl usses to create a progressively refined Utopia. But not on-
wisdom of the rituals—or finds in a
ly the surplus, but the system's working capital is squandered for their upkeep.
it
Master who orders him, and takes re- This beggars systems and keeps them on a constant war footing as each
sponsibility for him— the barbarian is system competes for resources to maintain their increasing burden of In-
his own source of security. creasingly parasitic tribalists.
Actually, of course, a sense of secu- The a state of arrested adolescence. He does not have
tribalist is fixed in
rity has nothing whatever to do with the mental equipment to work without supervision or to accept responsibility,
actual safety. For example, there's since he is but a cog in any work situation.
nothing like a good, solid lethal dose Now we come to the citizen, supposedly the pride of the system, but in ac-
of morphine to make a man's worries tuality, its most serious menace.
and fears ease away. A cat might well The citizen is generally supportive, adaptable, creative and the real mainstay
curl up comfortably on a nice, warm of any system above the agrarian. The citizen's flaw lies in his identification
mass of radioactive matter, thermally with the tribalists. He is reared with the attitude that he must protect and sus-
content while the gamma radiation tain his less fortunate brothers. Their religions and traditions are part of his
spears, or machine guns, or with argu- Something has to give, and as with every past overburdened and unbalanced
ments, or schemes and plots. system; the bell is tolling.
He can
what he wants by Today, over 40 wars further ravage the Third World. Destitute refugees from
get threats, black-
war and economic prostration are beginning to swamp the economies of every
mail, extortion, or gift. (Which he
industrial nation.
considers a form of extortion; obvi-
Whole towns are evacuated because of chemical pollution. Acid rain, a result
ously the giver feared him and his
of manufacturing for so many people here and for export, costs over two billion
power.) He can plot, scheme, and
dollars a year in the U.S. alone in erosion of our buildings and monuments.
labor at a plan to gain his ends— but
It also destroys all life in many of our lakes and streams and even denudes
he cannot work for it.
our forests and threatens our croplands. Added to all this, the weather is in-
He can risk life, health, or crippling, creasingly turning on us, destroying homes and businesses as well as
labor twenty hours a day for weeks croplands.
digging a tunnel to penetrate to some- No one who can read has failed to see the degenerative processes
this
one else's treasurehouse; that is hon- shown in living color on every news program.
orable, manly, tolerable because it's Most positons of authority on this planet are held by citizen types. Seeking
a form of fighting. But he can't work only stopgap solutions and then only for their own dependents, world citizenry
in a mine to dig out gold from Na- has become an actual threat to the species. Politicians, doctors, lawyers,
ture's treasurehouse; that's unmanly, bureaucrats, society's fair haired boys, are actually the most dangerous
demeaning work. Work is what slaves enemies of the species today.
and women do. An honorable man can Take for example, the most respected citizens of our society, the doctor
hunt, fight, and plot— but not work for and the lawyer. Medicine and law require the highest intelligence, on the
economic productive ends. Only slaves average.
were murdered for their pains. In the wellbeing of everyone. But the price for the care of the underachievers and
United States central and eastern genetically blighted should be sterilization, for their benefit and that of the
areas that is; in the Mexican-to-Chil- species.
ean areas, the Indians had advanced The citizen lawyer must guarantee a hearing and justice for everyone ac-
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol 3 99 THE WEAPONEER
to the third stage of cultural evolution cused of a crime. But all too many lawyers are merely apologists for criminali-
—the stage— and could be en-
citizen ty. The the hero, noble but underprivileged, his every rotten act
criminal is
slaved. Because a citizen can work for a protest against a system which took away his birthright. So conscious of
a living, and be creative, and be re- his rights are lawyers that lest any injustice touch him, the suffering and/or
sponsible for himself. death of his victims must be ignored because of meaningless technicalities.
So the primary characteristics of As often as possible, he is released to repeat his crimes and worse, to
the barbarian are that he intran-
reproduce his criminal kind. The lawyer not only protects many savages from
is
justice, but further pollutes the species with an atavistic breed an outraged
sigently sure of his unarguable Tight-
work society would do better to exterminate.
ness, and that he cannot for a
So the doctor and the lawyer, the most admired of our professional class,
but can only fight— in one vari-
living,
are actually trained to save the worst at the expense of the best. As a group,
ant form or another— for what he
they are a tangible threat to the species itself.
wants.
Of all the citizens who are well-meaning but destructive to the species, politi-
The third level of cultural evolu-
cians are the worst. These vermin are usually well educated, however stupid,
tion so far is the citizen; he differs
and fanatically dedicated to getting re-elected.
from the barbarian thanks, largely, to
Since their terms are from two to four years, they don't need to plan far
the barbarian's millennia of tutelage in
ahead. No matter what waste and misery their re-election boondoggles cause,
"How To Learn a New Way Of Life
they seem to honestly believe they can iron out any difficulties after their re-
... or Die !" The Citizen is marked by election. If they fail, they simply say the measures were necessary because
a flexibility of thought, of value sys- opponents.
of the mess created by their political
tems, and of learning-processes that As an example, note the massive shoring up of our fractured economy by
the barbarian doesn't have. The citi- our super citizen President Reagan. The 1983 bill for Social Security, medicare
zen can work for a living— he can be and various other useless domestic programs cost the taxpayer $479.8 billions.
economically productive. (The bar- Estimated costs for insuring the loser vote in 1984 is $493.9 billions. What
barian can be an artist or an armorer, with the mounting deficit and the ridiculously expensive social programs, if
incidentally, but not, for example, a the economy makes through the next election, inflation will wipe us out.
it
farmer, a machinist, or a chemist. The The reasons for these costs are the citizen's identification with those he
artist is expressing his own opinion; feels obligated to preserve; the unfit and the unnecessary. The political
the armorer is making the sword he citizens' present pet project, The right to life," shows how even compassion
plans to use.) can be perverted.
The citizen is able to consider and Only Nature determines the the citizens' efforts to prolong
right to life. All
evaluate someone else's ideas, as well useless life or to bring more of it into the world simply leads to perpetual suf-
as his own. He not only has a sense of fering and waste. But prolong it they will, and usually in the name of Christianity.
responsibility for himself, but feels Td havenocomplaint against Christianity if its adherants stuck to its original
responsible also for others. And the format. It prepartion for an afterlife with rules of conduct concer-
was simply a
citizen is the first level of humanoid ning people already here. But when any religion is used to add genetic and
social defectives to our culture and species, it bears re-examination.
that has been able to live with a sense
He can think, and not be There are literally millions of unwanted children in the U.S. who are physically
of insecurity.
sure his thinking is necessarily right. and sexually abused, poorly clothed and inadequatedly fed. If the Christian
political citizen were truly compassionate, he would address his humanitarian
This is what makes it possible for
efforts to this sector.
even an adult citizen to learn an en-
The pious shows no compassion for live
hypocrite, Senator Jesse Helmes,
tirely new way of life, even one he
children. His efforts go toward adding more hungry mouths and abused bodies
does not want.
to our welfare roles. He believes that the abortion of unwanted and therfore
automatically rejected children born to usually defective parents, is murder.
Now comes the truly important
Although Helmes' Bible doesn't mention the willful termination of pregnan-
problem— the true Menace of the Bar-
cy, this redneck Jesus presumes to speak for his god. He does so out of ig-
barian today.
norance of the subject.
The Barbarian is not adaptable, has
Exodus 21:22-23 says:
no sense of responsibility for anyone 22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from
else, and wants to fight, not work, for
her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the
a living. woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
A barbarian is not necessarily a 23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
stupid lout by any means. That be- In short, ifa man causes a woman to miscarry and lose her child, he is simply
havior pattern can apply to any indi- fined. If -mischief follows, which could only mean the death of the woman,
vidual, without distinction as to race, he dies.
creed, color, or I.Q. The barbarian So the writer of Exodus obviously didn't consider the unborn fetus to be a
.
stillbe a barbarian as specifically ing the miscarriage would have forfeited his life. If the Bible was inspired by
defined by the behavior pattern given the Creator, then the Creator doesn't consider the unborn an entity but only
above. a potential shell or vehicle for an entity.
Perhaps the all-time high example My editorial on page 57, Vo. 1 of THE SURVIVOR showing diagrams from
,
of a true, high-intelligence barbarian Psychology Today proves a child is not human before its brain cells are pro-
was Socrates. That may sound out- perly linked up. Before then, humanity, the level of consciousness and
rageous—but run it over for data! awareness which differentiates us from the lower animals is impossible.
Socrates would not work for a living; So neither the Bible nor science supports the idea that the unborn are
his wife and children got along as best "human," despite their potential. So to force an Ignorant, impoverished and
they could, for he had very small sense usually defective woman to complete an unwanted pregancy is not only cruel
of responsibility toward others. (A and inhumane, but an injury to the species. (See ANTI ABORTIONISTS,
man can talk a fine game, and not be RIGHT TO LIFERS OR GUARANTORS OF DEATH, page 455, Vol 3 of THE
able to play it at all. I learned a lot SURVIVOR).
about the fundamental nature of eth- Jesse Helmes is too ignorant of the Bible to be a spokesman of its tenets.
ics, morality, and honesty from a man His only real link to Christianity is in the Bible belt where he solicits the votes
who's an amoral psychopath; he of the uneducated. But like most citizen politicians, this short-sighted monster
could consider these matters with a considers himself a true humanitarian while causing untold harm both to
degree of objective detachment children who ought not to be born, and to the species itself.
I hope
never to achieve.) Socrates could fight Another citizen actively threatening the species is the real Adolph Eichman
endlessly— argumentatively, or as a among American polfticans, President Ronald Reagan. (In case you are un-
warrior against Sparta. But he did not familiar with Eichman, he was a German concentration camp commandant
engage any economically produc-
in accused of imprisoning many innocent people under particularly brutal
tive activity, except bumming from conditions).
his friends. He was intransigent^ and During the '60s had occasion to talk several times with George Lincoln
I
unshakably certain he was right; he Rockwell, leader of the American Nazi Party. He was quite intelligent and a
"had a demon who told him" when he true barbarian, albeit of a negative strain. However, he was no more a Na-
was right. tional Socialist than my dachshunds and was so vulgar he could never
have
Socrates showed every characteris- attracted decent barbarians who would actually implement whatever system
tic of the true barbarian personality he might have settled on had he not gotten shot.
pattern-and the fact that he was enor- Anyway, once we were talking about the treatment of felons preying on socie-
mously intelligent has nothing to do ty. We agreed they should be destroyed. Then he cited special
cases such
with that fact. as those convicted of crimes against children. was almost shocked by his
I
On the other hand, Aesop, who was plans for them. He would have had their arms, legs, eyes, eardrums, tongues
a slave, showed the pattern of the true and sex organs surgically removed. Then, fed intravenously, with waste tubes
citizen. He was highly intelligent also attached, he would have simply put them on shelves and let them meditate
—but that is a completely independent on their sins for however many years they had left.
variable; citizens can be low-grade Ronald Reagan is worse in actuality than Rockwell was in his fantasies.
morons, or ultra-high geniuses. Aesop, Rockwell's victims would have been deserving of extreme punishment, but
however, could adopt many view- Reagan's are totally innocent children.
points, many value-systems, as he did
About a year ago a child was born with part of its internal organs outside
its body. It was hopelessly retarded and had no
in his fables. And he could accept slav- potential for growth and
development. For the duration of its futile existence it would have been a
ery, and remain mentally sound
still
vegetable with no brain in which to store knowledge or with which to
and accomplish things.
communicate.
The barbarian ismen-the greatest
Imagine you are totally wiped out with alcohol or drugs. You're still in there
ace to civilization today because he is
but the impressions you get through your brain are totally distorted and any
inside, not outside, the culture. The
communication you might want to make is unintelligible. Youll be all right
barbarian can be intelligent, can plot
tomorrow, but what if that was to be your permanent condition? Who would
and manipulate with immense skill . . have the right to condemn you to such imprisonment for the rest of your life?
and utter self-centered trickiness. He Or say everyone was allowed only one automobile for life? What if you get
has a strong sense of personal honor— a lemon? There you are, barely able to chug out of your driveway, a constant
which includes the honorableness of traffic hazard with no brakes, horn, barely functioning
engine. You couldnt
being too tricky for your opponents to go on the freeway and, while everyone else was out there tearing around, you
trap. The barbarian's sense of honor would spend the rest of your days in some garage or body shop. Wouldn't
is powerfully dominant over his ac- you rather junk the car and take any other alternative?
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 101 THE WEAPONEER
tions— he will kill himself for honor. Back to the blighted baby; had been the practice that such babies were
it
But it doesn't happen to include hon- denied nourishment so that they would die. Humanity dictates that such babies
esty as part of honor. should be given a shot of something rather than add to their misery through
Honor, to him, is achieving a high starvation and neglect.
standard of living by fighting for it; But that's not the real point. The real point is that some Goody-Two-Shoes
dishonor is working for a living. (This degenerate in the hospital was able to attract Reagan's attention to the fact
may be a very subtle point to an out- that the baby was being written off. So our monster on the white horse decreed
would have been able that all such babies should be kept alive no matter what it took, even if such
sider; Socrates
prolongation of useless misery beggared the parents or cost the taxpayers
to teach at a university without con-
was demeaning him- literally millions of dollars.
sidering that he
self by working— but wouldn't have
You must have seen films of the Baby Jane Doe a while back. Her non-
functioning brain was three times normal size, she had no eyes and her little
been able to accept a job with a cor-
limbs would never let her move about or grasp toys she couWnl have seen
poration as a mathematician.) A
anyway.
shyster lawyer can be a barbarian;
Surgery might have kept her breathing for years and her parents were
typically, to him, the law is a system
against it. But they had no say In the matter. Reagan and his ilk would not
of strings with which to weave traps
only put the burden of permanent misery on the baby, but force the parents
for others.
to care for to the exclusion of healthy children. Luckily, it died.
it
The menace arises from this factor;
Regardless of what you might think of Rockwell, his victims would have been
he has a sense of honor, but no sense
criminals. Reagan's victims are innocent of any wrongdoing. So who is the
of ethics, and no adaptability. The
more callous, Rockwell or Reagan?
citizen is the type that builds civiliza-
Nature, or God, H you will, has set laws by which physical organisms func-
tion; the type that can work produc-
tion tor the benefit of the individual and the species. If the organism is non-
tively, can adapt his views so that he
functional, natural law decrees it must be eliminated. But Reagan has outlaw-
can integrate and work with others
ed Nature, orGod.
who have different viewpoints, differ-
It is necessary and normal to show
and compassion for the helpless.
love
ent ways of life, different value sys-
But the policy of saving genetic dregs imposes an unfair burden on the families
tems.
and the taxpayers. Worse, it often preserves genetic defectives long enough
The citizen can adapt. for them to further pollute the gene pool, the most valuable asset of the
The barbarian can't adapt. species.
When citizen and barbarian come problems threatening today's systems, you'll find
If you examine most of the
into conflict within a culture— it is in-
Goody-Two-Shoes citizens behind them. The citizen is invariably trapped in-
evitable that the citizen will tend to
to a belief system which gives him a god-complex concerning his lesser en-
adapt to the barbarian because he,
dowed fellows, the tribalists.
alone of the two, can adapt. Of course, the citizen is also the greatest exploiter of the tribalists. Through
The citizen will learn barbarian economic systems he has enslaved nations while
his religions, politics and
manners from the barbarian; the bar- enforcing the tribalisfs concept of the greatest good for the greatest number.
barian will learn nothing from the That concept works only through the individual's freedom to develop and ex-
citizen. press all his positive traits. But when it enslaves the individual of quality to
But the barbarian will learn how to the physical needs of those born to no purpose, it becomes a tyrannical waste
defeat his enemies— the citizens. He'll of both valuable people and unrenewable resources.
learn how they can be tricked, coz- Enter the barbarian:
ened, argued into corners, and conned John Campbell gave a very good description of barbarians, but he tended
into nonsense. He, who doesn't have to lump the superior barbarian in with the inferior savage.
Thus, although he
honor,
any sense of responsibility for others, credited the barbarian with the qualities of personal responsibility and
will keep assuring the citizen that he he still labelled those of savage behavior and characteristics as barbarians.
must feel responsible for others. You can't have it both ways. The savage is the most primitive member of
The barbarian won't work-and will any society. His brain is either unformed or warped so he is unfit for sustain-
insist to the citizen that citizens should ed effort on his own behalf. Therefore, he has no choice but to reach out and
feel responsible for the unemployed take.
barbarian, and should support him in The savage to the task of contributing to the needs of the tribe
is inferior
the style he'd like to become accus- so he is worthless to them. Of course he has no sense of personal respon-
tomed to. sibility since he is still a child in a state of arrested development.
French leaders were citizens, and no limits, he is appointed to jobs only a brute will perform. So John labelled
were conned into giving up Czecho- such savages as Hitler, a barbarian, along with any other iosers who make
)
The Tribal type, a civilization can vote for him. Or maybe he has stock in a diaper factory. The barbarian doesnt
use; the tribal pattern individual will need to exploit suffering inferiors to make his living.
work, and work honestly and faith-
At the central authority is still intact, the barbarian can only
this time, while
fully. He is not creative; he seeks the selfishly stock up for himself and his loved ones. But in the event of a nuclear
vidual characteristics. ( Race does Whereas our barbaric founding fathers actively fought to overthrow the
enter-but solely on a statistical basis.
British exploiters of themselves and their fellow colonists, Ayn Rand's
Cultural evolution, remember, acts as characters simply withdrew. Withdrawal is our only option at this point.
Withdrawal is simply a strategic retreat in the face of the citizens' overwhelm-
a selective breeding mechanism, and
produces a strong selection of statis-
ing strength, backed up by their masses of tribalistic marching morons. We
need neither the citizens locked into their monstrous establishment nor their
tics in the resultant group. Such a
tribalistic goons made worthless by a system needing fewer hands and dull
selected group will not show a Gaus-
brains.
sian distribution, naturally !
order to inaugurate the next step in the evolution of human civilization,
In
One can find a pure tribal-pattern
which would be the systematic culling of social dependents and predators,
individual with an I.Q. of 175, a pro-
barbarians must withdraw and consolidate their strengths. This will require
fessor at a University, where he is pa-
relocating to rural areas and becoming increasingly independent of our doomed
tiently, faithfully, and competently
system.
carrying on the highly intellectual tra-
As a barbarian, you might have some idea of taking over your territory after
ditions of his scholarly field. He's
the central authority has collapsed. This is fine if you have a broad frame of
still a tribal type, however intellec-
reference and can supply your followers with the technology they'll need to
tual a tribesman he may be! He will
rebuild.
have the virtues of loyalty, honesty, armed
Just being to the teeth will only make you a target. After weapons
all,
and patience— but will be entirely non- are so common thafs all you have, you will just
that if be another armed
creative, and will oppose all sugges- hooligan. You will have to be purposeful and useful to those you need in order
tions of change in the traditions and to implement your own ideas.
rituals of the University or the field he The best system you can implement directly following the collapse is one
is engaged in. which tests the ability of the competent to survive without interference. Thus,
Or the highly intelligent tribesman you would have to give those around you the choice of occupations which
type may be a chemist, doing quality- would make them independent of everyone, including you.
control analyses, checking to see that No better foundation for a system for developing the talents of barbarians,
!
herent lack of creativity is one of the Although producing plenty for the actual producers who can trade with other
highly desirable features of his na- enterprising individualists, little would be generated.
real surplus
ture; when a man is supposed to check (The overall layout for such a system is found in the five volumes of THE
something against an established SURVIVOR. There are hundreds of trades and light industries easily im-
standard test, originality, creativity, plemented by the intelligent layman. You can use these ideas, mostly by bar-
are things barians of a few generations ago, to start your own dynasty. You can also
and ingenuity the last
wanted! The new, shorter, and easier put others to work duplicating the old processes).
ian has an intense sense of honor— the characteristic that they will de-
and neither honesty nor truthfulness, mand, on moral-ethical grounds, that
morality nor ethics. But he will call they be given something they claim
upon the citizen to be moral, ethical, as rights, but will not accept that it
but also an ethical duly, he will yield Guns are to fight with; butter is fuel
to the barbarian simply because he for hard work.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 104 THE WEAPONEER
American
Shells for Guns
The Independent
Scientific American—June 15, 1861 Citizens Army
We havereceived a pamphlet written by W. W. By Kurt Saxon
Hubbell, Esq., nf riiiladelphin, in which he claim*
to be the inventor of the destructive explosive skull (This editorial is one I wrote for the front of a catalogue of my books
used in the American navy, lie asserts that In 1810, years ago. it is just as true today as then and my attitudes concerning political
he made a verbal agreement with CuLUoraford, chief
charlatans and paranoids have not changed. I stated then as now that joining
ordnance officer of the 1'nltcd State*,, to Introduce m m
and manufacture hu shell for the service, and that
Patrk>tic groups and showing hatred for our government is counterproduc-
100,000 have since been made. The agreement wait tive. Our politicians and Dept of Justice are all too often incompetent
but I
to the effect that he should rm-ive one dollar com- have never known them to interfere in the legal activities of any individual or
pensation for every sin.!! made, hut as yet he has
group).
never obtained any remuneration, l'nixhan, the
French arlillery genius, who first introduced shell Dear Friend:
Into naval warfare, preferred those of concentric
form, and
You've probably been asked to join this group or that movement lest our
then are the kind no* employed in all
navies but our own. Hnbbcll's is un eccentric shell,
country fall to the enemy. As times get worse you might be tempted. was I
clniracd to be superior to those used in other navies, and joined everything could. In time, nearly everyone was named as the
I I
der in a back chamber of the morUr. ralxhan prat and cut loose from any similar groups taking away his time and efforts from
tically introduced the system of discharging shells preparing for his own survival and that of his family.
horizontally from cannon, similar to solid shot.
The political parasites would leave you ruined when the time of chaos comes.
In that time, the enemies they name now will be in just as bad shape as
If the enemy was any identifiable group it would be against the law to at-
New York, Saturday, January 26, 1S60
tack them. Threats or attempts in that direction bring in police, and on occa-
The aul>je<:t of flroarma haa engaged much public dis-
mealon during the pant few year*, and it is now sion, the FBI and ATF. Anyone who is really serious cant get far enough In
attracting more attention than ever. Nearly all his activities to do any damage to "the enemy" as a group. He wiN only be
Suroptt ftppenni to I* an armed mmp. England ha* jailed, or most likely, just be put under surveillance as a dangerous political
two hundred thounand volunteer rifl< men in constant
drill; and at home, the note* nf warlike preparation*
activist. At that point, he doesn't do anything because he doesn't dare.
n*ound throughout the land For two centum*, the After wasting years and money and effort against every group imagined
I
free yeomen of America and the *turdy Hwitaen of the was the enemy came to see them all as just mobs of people heading tor
I
\l|m were alone dist.iiKm<*h<»d for skill with thr deadly
but it ha*« nuw heroine tho weapon "t all armies,
the same chaos as the rest of us. Their activists who stood out were just loud-
rifle ;
i
rx therr is no nation wnirh can claim preeminence in
1
1
born, the more unrenewable resources are used up and the more our planet is
wonderful cdti ts wnild follow.
•
Thr theory of tin
Kmv t«ow i^vru rally fcnmvir an
i** n.e u tvml,it;c>* t { i oolluted so that fewer oeoole can live on it.
this weapon ^ro duly npprei iatcd. But there arc preat So where does all this leave you? As things get worse you wN be the target
and essential varieties nf rifles, and, of course, all of moronic criminals, starving mobs and maybe even foreign invaders. Your
can n it lie r»[iwil)jf Rood. Then* arc *rert'h- loading and
i I
other leul-irc* which are fax from Ndng unimportant. named enemy. Soon, though, the Law will be helpless. They
On these point* much haal>ecn writte n that U more tive even now against criminals and the jobless, rootless v
-lisrursivr than instructive J fhapuiitn. author of
the " Amcrkilll ISllr," and Colour! Jsu oh. of the East
you can neither fight not imitate at this stage of the game.
ftidia v iii \ :im 'i h-ip> among the hest writers on this
When these elements wear down the Law it wiN be /our turn to taut Than
ml oil y \ M rti*?« m(
| „ u tu 'i on Mit til ,iutiN has al^o
k
you can destroy those who threaten you. But not
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 105 THE WEAPONEER
hern lately piiMtefavl in the F<nn<l"r. Vtxhanie* \t-ya- So my advice is to gather a small group of lik»<ninded triende and prepare.
une, Uy W. 61 iil«o> AiUin* a pnwticil engineer and
Collect knowledge, guns, raw materials and food.
*rit*r on rr-thfmi: :il suhjovts. N.mc «.f hie vi«rw* an
full of good wnss, while others exhibit a want of
Train together in relatively safe and legal way* Join the National Rifle
thorough practical acquaintance with rifles. Association and local gun clubs. Attend gun ahowa and idle range*. Dont be
European writers on firearms seem to be unacquainted
too secretive about your group activities. Be open wfth the poHoe. They wont
with what has been done in America by our gunsmiths.
The conical or elongated Minie* projectile, which hns
approve, on principal, but so what? If s your country and einoe you dont in-
become the favorite in Europe, is the old picket tend to act until the police are heipleee, Ife no buaineaa of theirs.
bullet used by American riflemen, with the addition Recruit a cop for your group If you can. He may keep you from making
of achamberand plug in its stern. Adams' says: " All
forclhle expansion of leaden bullets within the barrel
mistakes through ignorance of the law. And when ha UnaHy throws away his
by the explosive action of the gas ia a mistake-it badge in disgust he will be one of your beet.
waste* powder and alters the form of the shot into Being fairly open in your aims will eliminate the paranoid fanatics, who are
Irregularities, tending to irregular flight." He thus
declares that the expanding bullet not reliable for is
good for nothing anyway. Openness also keeps you pretty free from inf ittraters.
accurate shooting. We have seen several experiment* And you will be surprised at the thinga you can get away with which you now
made with the expanding nnd the old solid picket bullet might think would land you in Jail.
loaded at the muscle, in which the latter always proved
the most reliable. Jt must be acknowledged, how-
A perfect example of the kind of outfits I have been suckered by is the Na-
ever, that the expanding ball has its advantages in tional Association to Keep and Bear Arms, (NAKBA). single them out not
I
many persons to be the most reliable; while others Xoura for Ood, family, and Country,
assert that a Bhort barrel, with a slow starting spiral
and an increasing twist towards the muxxlc, is as reli-
able, and is preferable to the long barrel. The number
of grooves in a rifle is not of much importance three — Charles L. Ad ana
are better than a doscn— provided the bullet bo made P.O. Box 99
to spin properly; they should be a* shallow possible, Redding, CA 960X51
however, to prevent windage. The Gevmon rifieshave
short barrels and a rapid twist. Culoncl Jucob states CLAIM
that he found, \»y many experiments, that a barrel two
feet long, with the grooves full and of a breadth equal
to the lands, and giving a revolution once in three feet,
was equal to barrels two and a half and three feet long.
-Affectionately dedicated to:
The muisle of a rifle should he perfectly true ; for if
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 106 THE WEAPONEER
there is the least defeat at the issue where the bullet
leaves the barrel, shooting becomes mere chance work. Lee Harvey Oswald
Clark's patent loading mujsalc—an American inven- James Ear) Ray
tion— has conferred a superiority for accuracy on all Sirhan Bishara Sirhan
rifles furnished with it.
officers. There can be no question as to the ease and for a minute that Adams saw anything wrong in my dedication. It is clear to
rapidity of loading breech -loading rifles, but they are
not considered so accurate in firing as a good intusle-
me that in my book, he saw a threat to his little organization of paper-patriots.
loader- We have seen several trials of skill with the I'llexplain this further along.
two kinds, In which the breech-loader usually failed; Adams and his sorry kind are all over the country. They prey on people who
snd yet we do not see why this should be considered a are worried about the excess of our creeping bureaucracy. They inspire fear
settled question.
There is nothing in theory, and
there should be no positive difficulty in practice, to
of an imminent takeover, confiscation of guns, etc. Then they get you to hate
prevent a breech -loading rifle from being made to carry your government and suspect its legally authorized law enforcement agents
as accurately as any other. We shall recur to this of being disloyal to the Constitution.
subject in a future article.
Always there is the idea that only they know the answers. If you support
them you will be informed and organized and, just in time, they will lead you
C.j_
f
mm
Smg I f f A/1
f V f 11 f f I W V#
m m that don x seem refl sonable to others around you. Finally you are cut off,
isolated from your fellow Americans. Then only Adams and his kind speak
y° ur lan 9uage. Only they are left to protect you from the red agents and "ATF
Gestapo".
cation of our proposed improvements. If we assume, of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D C. 20402. Ask
for instance, the velocity of th* projectile to be 1.500
per second, and the rifled twist of the bore of theguu
for "Firearms Identification" Publication 674.
from which it is projected, to make oue turn in ten This booklet will show you what the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents
feet, the said projectile would make about 150 revolu- are looking for when they quiz gun collectors. You can see that most of these
tions per second on lt& axis during its flight. This
rapid gyratory motion most evidently gives the mass
weapons are about as dangerous to the user as to the intended victim.
of the projectile a vts viva that would require a con- They are mainly sawed-off shotguns and zip-guns used by punks in holdups
siderable disturbing force to resist and overcome it. and for plain murder. Hardly weapons needed to resist tyranny.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 107 THE WEAPONEER
The range of the best constructed rifl-xi ordnance, Then there are the mortars, 75 Caliber machineguns, guns and
anti-tank
at the present time, I about five miles.
believe, is
other souvenirs, impossible to supply with ammunition for a battle nowadays.
Numerous devices are being made to improve the
rifling of the boro of the gun and also the expanding
Most important are the Tommy Guns and illegal automatic M-1 and M-2 car-
appliance* of the projectile adapted thereto, in order bines, silencers and tear gas.
to secure precision of flight and to oxtend its range. Fully automatic weapons are terribly wasteful of ammo and not nearly so
The great resistance which it is known the atmos-
effective as my legal, semi-automatic 11 shot shotgun, detailed in the Poor
phere presents to cases of very great projectile velo-
cities, will always tend, in case* where a single pro- Man's James Bond. And why keep a silencer around when my book shows
jectile force is applied (as in the ordinary mode of how to make one in a few minutes which you can use and throw away? As
projection), very considerably to limit the ultimate
for stocking illegal tear gas; my book tells you how to make it for pennies out
range, and also to reduce the force of percussion at
the intermediate points where the velocity Is the of glycerine and Sani-Flush. You can shoot it from a water pistol or nasal spray.
greatest. Tho effect of this resistance, according to It's just as good as Mace and although illegal, you can make it within an hour
Hutton, reduces the flight of tho projectile to about
of its use and just throw it away when your need for it has passed.
one-tenth of what it would be if the atmosphere did
not Interpoae. The following proposed improvements
As you will see from reading the booklet on firearms identification, gun lovers
aro therefore designed to be applied to projectiles so and those who keep guns for self-defense have no use for the kind of weapons
as to compensate for the resistance of the atmosphere the ATF agents are looking for.
during their'rligbt, and to preserve, as far as practi-
cable, the initial velocity, and If possible to increase
Anyone who gets rousted by them asks for Thanks to people like Adams,
it.
and accelerate the same. For this purpose two dis- the ATF victim appeared furtive, hostile, evasive, impolite and uncooperative.
tinct modes are suggested, which, itia believed, may gripe the hell out of any Law officer anywhere in the world. You show
This will
be used separately, or the two maybe combined to-
gether aa hereinafter described and illustrated. a watchdog and you'll get bit. Show
hostility to hostility to the ATF or FBI and
The oblong projectile, constructed with the usual you're going to get screwed over; don't care what their training manuals say
I
external appliances, to be fired from a rifled gun, must On the other hand, if you are friendly with them and show them what you've
In both the modes of improvement here referred to,
be formed or constructed with a suitable cell, cham-
got you will find they are really nice guys and you'll feel a lot more secure.
ber or barrel, in the tail or rear end of it, the same If you cooperate and should unknowingly have something illegal they will just
being made concentric with the axis thereof. In the confiscate it and that's all. They have neither the time nor the inclination to
firstmethod referred to, I propose to fill the said
chamber or barrel with rocket composition, so that
frame you.
after tho projectile, thus prepared, shall be discharged If you have something illegal which you really think is essential to your sur-
from the muzsleof the gun, a new and auxiliary pro- vival, bury it. The Poor Man's James Bond tells you how to beat metal detectors.
made
pelling force shall be
teract, in somo degree,
to act upon it,
necessarily be a full medium. In fact it will be seen the state of the world he was never the same.
that the point proposed for the action of the inflamed
must meet a volume of atmos-
Okay, so a visit by the ATF didn't bother me. But what about you? If you
gas is such, that it
pheric air pressing inward from the sides of said pro have your own business and are a lone wolf and don't care what people think,
.
proposed, that the result or effect thereof must be on their hate list, whether on the political Left or Right. If you are on their ac-
greatly increased, and per consequence, that the shot
tive list you'll wind up in a concentration camp just like the Japanese Americans
or shell must be sent forward with in Its flight
greater force and to a greater distance than could during the War. They'll treat you well but a concentration camp is still a con-
possibly be accomplished singly by either of the two centration camp and you'll be out of all the action, maybe for years.
modes of projection. The oblique action of the in- The best way for you to avoid this is to steer clear of all nut groups and
flamed gas, as here proposed, it is believed, would alto
be efficient, in some degree, as a propelling power
anti-government organizations. If you have been suckered into becoming a
whatever may be the relative velocities of the projec- member or taking a subscription you can cut loose easily.
tilo,and that wherewith the inflamed gas Issues from Just write the goonies a letter telling them to cancel you subscription and
the vents. The construction of the vents or chokes,
G take you off their mailing list. Xerox the letter and send the original by registered
0, in addition to their being arranged for propell-
ing the projectile forward in its course, as above sug- mail with a request for the return of the signature of the addressee. That way
gested, may also be mado to terminate at the exterior you can show you have dumped them and you'll be okay.
surface of the projectile, tangentially thereto, so as
to dlschargo the inflamed gas, in a direction contrary
You might think that cutting loose from them would also cut you off from
to the Intended rotation of the projectile, and thereby valuable information. But these paper patriots give out only propaganda; no
renew and keep up the gyratory motion of the pro- useful information. They're not worth getting yourself put under surveillance for.
jectile around suggosted th»t probably
its axis. It is
Take The National Association to Keep and Bear Arms (NAKBA) for exam-
this mode of action might bo used advantageously
with projectiles of an oblong form, fired from smooth-
ple. I'd never heard of them before a friend sent me four copies of their paper
bored guns, so as to give to them nearly the same ac- recently. It was pretty kinky and anti-everything but figured it would be a good
I
curacy and range with the rifled guns. advertiser for my Poor Man's James Bond, since they claimed such an interest
The above embraces the first method proposed for
in a well armed citizenry.
the improvement of projectiles. Experiments are
Httid to have been made to fire rockets from mortars,
After they rejected my ad judged
I their paper in a different light; biased,
howitzers, &c,, but with very partial success. The certainly, but still Then
accurate. it wasn't just an eight-page rag put out by
night of rocket*, even when thus projected, are very a bunch of paranoid fanatics. saw nowI it was a rip-off orgar ization promis-
uncertain and not to be relied upon. In the arrange,
ing action but delivering helplessness instead.
uient above proposed the rocket principle Is applied
a- aa auxiliary to the mosl spproved projectile of the What do you get for your $7.00 membership in NAKBA? A dozen foolishly
present day, vis those fired from rifled guns, and
, written eight-pagers telling you how vile and degenerate your government is.
when properly constructed and applied must certainly
You are also expected to believe that the government is going to come and
mprovn tho range or force of projection without In
i he least Interfering with the accuracy thereof
take away your guns any day unless NAKBA keeps up its patriotic fight in your
In tho second method proposed for the improve- behalf.
ment uf projectiles, in order to insure more effectually There is little variety in their paper; no relief from preaching and warning
action of the new auxiliary impulses to
i,n iotnreavti <>f
post! to use the explosive force uf eunpowder to drive show an old character riding a horse and giving speeches on the same drivel
it alon^m itfi course. For this purpose the cham- covered by their paper.
bers or barrel on the rear of the projectile may be
For three dollars more, $10, you can get a membership in the National Ri-
formed and loaded, as shown in Fig. 2, wherein L
in a charge of gunpowder, H a heavy cylindrical shot fle Association. You also get 12 $1.00 issues of the American Rifleman.
or plug, with touch-hole and priming therein, and F For years, the NRA, with about a million members, has effectively stopped
» common fuze, or the rocket composition as above every restrictive gun law dummies like Ted Kennedy and Birch Bayh have tried
suggested,
to put through Congress. And the NRA's mailings aren't monitored.
Mq.2 This is because the NRA is not a political organization. They know how to
be for guns without being against the government or its lawmen.
Their publication, the American Rifleman isn't the only such newsstand
publication. There is Gun Week and dozens of different magazines on guns
and your rights concerning them. Yes, friend, there are alternative sources
With reference to this proposed arrangement It will of information, and better, no further than your nearest newstand.
be understood that after the shot or shell, thus prepar-
I wrote futher back that Adams considered The Poor Man's James Bond
ed, has been discharged from the gun, the fuse or com-
position powder, F, will thereby be ignited, and dar- a threat to his organization. show you why this is so.
I'll
ing the flight burn down to the priming In the plug, Adams is working a deal whereby he has a lot of people terrified that without
H, and thus explode tho charge, D. The sise of the
his help their guns are going to be confiscated. No one wants to be defenseless
fuze, or quantity of composition, mast of coarse be
timed and regu Ik tod so as to cause said explosion to so he gets followers.
take place at the most advantageous point in the So along comes me with The Poor Man's James Bond. love guns but my I
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol, 3 109 THE WEAPONEER
range thereof. It may require probably, In the first book details alternatives, improvised weaponry anyone can put together no
Instance, tome little skill and practice in preparing
matter what kind of people are in power. After all, if you have a gun, you are
and loading this projectile, in order to avoid erery
possibility of danger of its exploding within the bore simply a man with a gun, no better than another man with a similar gun. But
of the gun. The cylindrical ping, therefore, should with The Poor Man's James Bond, you are an army.
rest and abut on the shoulder of the chamber, L, and
Keep your guns if you can, but be assured that if you should lose your guns,
At the barrel, F, as close as practicable and if neces-
sary, may be packed and luted so as to be perfectly The Poor Man's James Bond would make you even more dangerous to an
air-tight. The fuse, F, to the snmo end, may be enemy than if you only had guns.
rammed and packed directly into the barrel of the This is why The Poor Man's James Bond is a threat to Adams and all the
projectile and thus avoid the porosity of the fuse
cord
other paper patriots. If you have my book you don't give in to the paranoid
The action or reaction of the explosive force of the fears of confiscation. With the Poor Man's James Bond you don't need their
must evidently give a
charge, L, as here proposed, help. You can be independent of paper leaders. You can't be disarmed as
powerful impulse to the projectile, which U at the
time, moving with a very rapid velocity. To appre- long as you have my kind of knowledge.
ciate the amount of this reaction, it will be understood Even so, lef s examine this confiscation threat. Such nonsense has been
that at the time of said explosion the ping, H, is bandied about for years by people like Adams.
moving with the same velocity and direction as the
projectile itself, aud hence mast have a
But opposing this threat are the Winchesters, Remingtons, Smith & Wessons
equivalent t . its weight and velocity, on down to the manufacturers of the little Saturday Night Specials. Then there
force of the charge, L, therefore, to drive said pins; are the international dealers who supply us with our Mausers, Lugers, modern
out from the barrel of the projectile.
Carl Qustaf Sportsters and the companies who scrounge every battlefield on
In a measure overcome this said
example, If the force of the charge, L, was sufficient earth to bring us our love objects.
to give a velocity to the plug (when fired from a state Ill bet they enjoy scare propaganda, hoping it will panic us and make us
of rest) equal to the velocity of the projectile at the rush out to buy more guns. And we do. As far back as 1970 the National Rifle
time of the proposed action, it is evident the two
forces or velocities would counteract each other, and
Association estimated that there were 200 million guns in civilian hands in
the plug would out of the end of the barrel, as
Call the U.S. By now ifs probably 50 million more. Most Americans who will own
It were, perfectly dead or void of all motion, the gy- a gun want several.
of the projectile alone excepted.-
ad reaction are always equal, the Guns are a multi-billion dollar business each year and Americans love guns.
of the explosive force, in this case, to American civilians own more small arms than are possessed collectively by
velocity of the projectile and drive It
all the armies and other civilian populations on earth. That's the way it ought
would bs nearly equivalent to the effect of said
to be and thafs they way ifs going to stay.
body. This reaction on the projectile being la pro- They could no more confiscate our guns than they could confiscate our
portion to the momentum of the pins;, we may saake tobacco or our booze. There is just too much money involved. Too many gun
the ping ssi Urge as ptactioahle, to At the bore of the
lobbiests haunt the Senate.
barrel, so a* to obtain the greatest velocity possible
When the projectile U arranged to carry a shall, But just for the fun of it, let's say the government should start clamping down
carcass or the like for bombardment, the loss of on our gun freedoms. The first act would be registration of all firearms. Most
weight therefrom by the abstraction of the plug, Ac, gun owners would simply deny that they had any guns, or they would report
from the body of the projectile would not be objec-
tionable.
them stolen. Very few Americans would register their weapons on order. If
The above Illustrates the mode proposed whereby a man had 20 guns he might register two. He would bury the other 18.
one single explosive Impulse may be given to the pro- Americans simply will not be seriously hassled about their guns. This coun-
jectile during Its flight, to increase its velocity and
try doesn't have a big enough army to forcibly collect our guns. And as far
range. It is believed practicable, however, by in-
creasing probably the length of the projectile and as giving them up on orders from ATF agents, forget it.
making the size and power of the rifled guns suitable The Nazi would say, Those niggers armed to the teeth ain't giving up my
I
that when the same is regulated and directed by the For these reasons alone, book dealers' mailings would not be monitored.
rigid rules of topography and trigonometry, there Nut groups, however, with their regular mailings of hundreds or thousands
would be many coses where the same would be found
of easily recognized pieces, are easy to monitor. An agent has merely to go
highly useful and efficient. The Improvement, how-
ever, it willbe readily understood, which has the to the Post Office on the day the goonies unload their mailings. He just sits
power to project the shot or shell to the greatest pos- down and works away at the stack until he's copied down every name and
sible distance, must necessarily have power to strike address there.
nearer objects with the greatest possible force. The
rapid introduction of steel-clad armor to vessels of So repeat; just cut loose from any nut groups. Be your own man. Get a
I
war, and the impunity with whlcn they can face and few friends together and map out your own neighborhood defense program.
defy the most powerful ordnance of the present day Subscribe to publications like The American Rifleman and Gun Week. Buy
would seem to demand some improvement in the force
of projectiles in order to oppose and resist them. In all
books on military science, improvised weaponry and survival. Store food,
new inventions, should imperfections exist, practice weapons, ammo and chemicals.
will generally point out the defect and supply the Investing in such commodities is much better than keeping your money in
remedy.
a bank. They are certainly better than silver. When the chips are down you
The chambers In the projectiles above
barrels or
proposed, as we have already statu!, should be made
couldn't get a can of beans for a ton of silver. Also, hoarding silver just invites
concentric with the axis thereof. The recoil of a gun robbery. One the other hand, bullets of all kinds can and will be used for barter.
being known
to be always In the line of the axis of A man with a closet bullet factory can insure himself of everything he wants
the bore thereof, the proposed explosions in the pro-
jectile cannot therefore deflect the same from Its in-
when the crash comes. Buy reloading equipment and the overall components
tended course or aim. In addition thereto the rapid for various kinds of bullets. With a good stock of bullets you can always trade
gyratory motion of the projectile, or Its fir was, tends them for what you don't have and also use them to defend yourself and your
slso to counterpoise the inequalities In the density of
family.
the projectile and the component parts as herein sug-
gested, and also to resist the inequalities, should they your preparations for survival, always keep legality in mind. It would be
In
exist, in the explosive action of the charges therein. a pity if you planned so well and then get thrown into the pound for breaking
Chasui Potts, C. E, the law. That's why stress legality so much.
I
bury them, preferably in a place where, if they were found, you could deny
Trenton, N. J., Dec. 2, 1861. any connection with them. This also applies to legal weapons you might refust
[We publish the above communication as It is writ-
to register.
ten, but wo njost inform Mr. Potts that a vacuum la
the rear of his projectile would not prevent ths rocket It is legal to store chemicals,which when mixed, become explosives. It is
composition from propelling the missile forward. If very illegal, and very stupid, however, to make explosives now and keep them
the "composition were in a closed chamber, the gases
around.
resulting from tbo combustion would press against
the walls of the chamber equally In all directions; case you didn't realize it, all the books list are legal In fact, all books
In I
you. But while you are deploring it, just make sure you are better armed than
they are.
THE Electrocution
X.
HANDBOOK Section
GENERAL
I
3. Witnosac*. authority
The officer designated by the confirming
PROCEDURE FOR MILITARY EXECUTIONS
to execute the approved sentence will preecribe whether the execu-
*AR 633-15 tion will be public or private, rules of secrecy as to time, place, and
HEADQUARTERS, the presence of witnesses, military or civilian, including members
ASMY RTCULATIOMS
| DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY of the press if the presence of the latter Is deemed proper. In the
No. MS-M \
Washington 26, D. C, 7 April 1959 case of the execution of a foreign national the officer designatd to
execute the sentence will prescribe whether persons of the same
PROCEDURE FOR MILITARY EXECUTIONS nationality as the condemned may be present Neither photographs
Paragraph Has-
nor motion pictures of the actual execution will be permitted ex-
8SCT10N I. GENERAL purposes. The environs of the place of execution
Definition* 1 2 cept for official
Manner of execution - 2 2 willbe closely and securely guarded to prevent the intrusion of un-
Witnesses 3 2 authorized persons. All persons in attendance will be cautioned
Multiple executions 4 2
that no demonstrations or unseemly conduct will be tolerated.
Escort . ... 5 2
Chaplain . .
6 3 In multiple executions by eleetroci -••><
Medical officer 7 3
in the d States the prisoner! will be executed in
Interpreter 8 3
3
electric chair will be used for each execu-
Miscellnneou* 9
tion. In multiple executions by musketry or hanging, the prisoners
EXECUTION BY MUSKETRY
may be executed either simultaneously or in succession. Where two
II.
Officer charged with carrying out execution 10 4
Assembly of etcort - 11 5 or mors prisoners are to be executed In succession by musketry or
Execution 12 5 hanging, the same execution party or gallows may be used for each
in. EXECUTION BY HANGING execution. Where two or more prisoners are to be executed simul-
charged with carrying out execution
Officer 13 6 taneously by musketry, a separate execution party will be provided
Executioner . 14 7
for each of the prisoners. The latter will be placed in line at an
16 7
Assembly.... ..
interval of ten paces. -Where two or more prisoners are to he exe-
Execution , 16 8
cuted simultaneously by hanging, the officer designated to execute
- . . .
scribed by the officer charged with carrying out the execution, in execution. 15 paces to the right and 5 paces to the front of the exe-
cution party.
4
accordance with the technical instructions of the executioner. A ri.At the designated time, the prisoner, with his wrists bound
prisoner in the Armed Forces of the United States will be dressed securely behind his back or in front at the waist (fig. 1), accom-
in regulation uniform from which all decorations, insignia, or panied by the chaplain, will be received by the prisoner guard. The
other evidence of membership therein have been removed. Like- escort will then proceed to the scene of the execution.
wise, no such evidences will appear on any clothing used in burial
e. The prisoner guard, prisoner, and chaplain will proceed di-
Similar procedures may be dispensed with, at the discretion of the
rectly to the prisoner s post, halt, and face the execution party.
officer charged with carrying out the execution (or higher
au-
thority) in the case of a prisoner in the armed forces of another
#
12. Execution, n. The
charged with carrying out the
officer
nation. A prisoner not within the foregoing categories may execution will take position in front of the execution party and
be
dressed in any clothing available. face the prisoner. He and the chaplain that
will notify the prisoner
d. After the prisoner of the time of execution (a
is notified a brief time will be allowed the prisoner for any last statement.
above), the commanding officer of the place of confinement will, After a reasonable time, he will order the sergeant of the execu-
where practicable, approve any reasonable special request of the tion party and the sergeant of the prisoner guard to secure the
prisoner, including special request for food, and permission to prisoner to the post and to place the hood over his head. The med-
have in his possession a Bible, Rosary, or similar religious articles ical officer then will place the target over the prisoner's heart The
during the execution. Sufficient writing paper and envelopes should prisoner prepared, the officer charged with carrying out the exe-
be furnished and no limit placed on the number of letters which cution will order the prisoner guard to move to a position five
may be written. All letters are subject to censorship and may or paces behind the execution party. The chaplain and medical officer
may not be forwarded. will, take positions five paces to the left of and five paces to the
Section II front of the execution party. The officer charged with carrying out
the execution will take position five paces to the right of and five
EXECUTION BY MUSKETRY
paces to the front of the execution party.
10. Officer charged with carrying out execution. The officer
6
charged with carrying out the execution will command the escort
b. Commands for the execution will be given orally as pre-
and make the necessary arrangements for the conduct of the exe- scribed below
cution. He will—
(1) At the command READY, the execution party will take
o. Instruct and rehearse the escort and the execution party in
that position and unlock rifles.
their duties, insuring that all members of the execution party are
(2) At the command AIM, the execution party will take that
qualified in the weapon to be used.
position with rifles aimed at target on the prisoner's
b. Arrange for the receipt of the prisoner by the prisoner guard. twlv
c. Arrange for an execution party of eight men and one ser- (S) At the command FIRE, the execution party will fire si-
geant. multaneously.
d. Arrange for a chaplain to accompany the prisoner. (4) The charged with carrying out the execution will
officer
e. Arrange for the presence of a medical officer at the scene of then bring the execution party to "Order Arms."
the execution.
c. The officer charged with carrying out the execution will join
/. Cause a post with proper rings placed therein for securing the medical officer who will examine the prisoner and, if necessary,
—
POOR MAN* S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 113 EXECUTIONER'S HANDBOOK
direct that the "coup de grace" be administered. Should the med- the eorporaU and the sergeant of the priaoner guard will conduct
leal officer so decide, the sergeant of the execution party will ad- the prisoner to the platform of the gallows, the officer charged with
minister the "coup de grace," with a hand weapon, holding the carrying out the execution and the chaplain preceding the prie-
wsxle just above the ear and one foot from the head. oner.
g
d. Upon pronouncement of the death of the prisoner by the med-
ical officer, the execution party will proceed to the rack from which !*• Eaecwiloii. a. The officer charged with carrying outfte
execution will notify the chaplain and the priaoner that a brief
the rifles were originally obtained, and replace the rifle* in the rack
at random. The execution party will then be dismissed. time will be allowed the prisoner for sny Isst statement. After a
reasonabls time, he will have the executioner place the hood over
«. The prisoner guard will return to the area of their quarter,
and be dismissed. the prisoner's head, bind the prisoner's ankles, adjust the noose
Section III around the prisoner's neek, and then take position at the trigger.
EXECUTION BY HANGING Upon signal from the officer charged with carrying out the exe-
cutlon, the executioner will spring the trap. The medical officer
n/m
13. Officer charged with carrying out execution. The officer
then examine the body for time of death and report to the
charged with carrying out the execution will command the escort officer charged with carrying out the execution,
and make the necessary arrangements for the conduct of the exe-
cution. He will—
pronoanceme nt of the death of the prisoner, the
fe Upon ^
7 cort will return to the area of their quarters and be dismissed.
e. Arrange for a chaplain to accompany the priaoner. 18. Officer charged with carrying out execution. The officer
d. Arrange for the presence of s medical officer at the of charged with carrying out the execution will make the necessary
the execution. arrangements for the conduct of the execution. He will
s. Provide a proper gallows. a. Select and appoint such personnel, including guards, as may
Provide a black hood to cover the head of the prisoner. be required to carry out the execution.
/.
Provide a collapse board for u 6. Instruct all component^ of the execution party in their duties.
f.
ttO lb. or less JtV 170 Ibi _ ro" c. Arrange for a chaplain to accompany the prisoner.
It* lbs TW 171 lb* fir
rr d. Arrange for the presence of a medical officer at the scene of
iio it* _ rr 100 lb.
the execution.
1M lb. rr*
e.Provide the mechanical facilities and items of equipment and
rr clothing required to carry out the execution.
ho
ifts
1
ib.
iu
^0 Jfc© •»»**! s» a m east * - — _ _ *«
rr
re*
J' 4
200 lb.
too lb.
S10 lbs .
— rr
AT i-
19. Eaeratioaer.
execution will obtain and appoint a professional civilian execu-
The officer charged with carrying out the
EaecutioMr. An
experienced executioner will be ap- »• At the designated time, the prisoner, accompanied by the
14. official
will proceed under guard from the prisoner's cell into the
pointed by the officer charged with carrying out the execution. If chaplain,
chamber. The officer charged with carrying out the exe-
one is not available to the command, a professional civilian execu- execution
tloner may be obtained and appointed. In the event a professional
executioner is not available, a suitable emotionally stable member 9
of the command will be selected and appointed executioner.
1 _ . . , ,„ ^ ^4 1A mmmm cution will notify the chaplain and the prisoner that a brief time
t tSSTSL I^'^/L^E will be allowed the prisoner for any last statement. After a reason-
ZSLSti ?«a^ *blc "me, he will order the guard, to place the prisoner in the
? a vT^ v ^ 7!L IS! ^£JEf2 *°
***** """ding to the instructions of the executioner. Fol-
.T?^L'^
the door the pbee of J
of confinement to receive the prisoner.
lowing the placing of the prisoner in the electric chair, the officer
charf ^ the th€ chspW|||
Witnesses, if any, will assemble at the scene of the execution
b. and the medical officer will move to designated positions in the
in positions designated by the officer charged with carrying out execution chamber. The executioner will then perform final prcpa-
the execution. rations. Upon signal from the executioner that all final prepara-
Section VII
STRUCTURES
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To be distributed as needed to Headquarters of Department ox the
Staff Agencies, Headquarters Army Audit Agency and field
Headquarters of Major Commands.
NO; State AG <».
U&AB: Hasm»
THE EXECUTIONER'S HANDBOOK was donated by:
LOOMPANICS UNLIMITED
PO Box 1197
Port Townsend, WA 98368
in the contrary direction. tube or quill by a rammer from the larger to the
smaller end, where it sticks fast, and another pellet
is put in and pressed forward in the same manner,
condensing the air between them, when the pressure
on the first pellet overcomes its frictional adherence
to the sides of the tube, the pellet is released, and
is projected by the force of the expanding air. The
ancients were acquainted with some kind of an
apparatus by which air was made to act upon the
shorter arm of a lever, while the longer arm impelled
a projectile ; and it is said that Ctesinhus of Alex-
andria, a celebiuted mathematical philosopher, who
MovabU Abutment. lived B. C. 120, constructed an instrument in
which the air, by its elastic force, discharged an
{Fire-arms.) The block at the rear of the barrel
arrow from a tube. (Montucla, " Histoire des
of a fire-arm (especially a breech-loader), which re- Mathematiques," Vol. 1. p. 267.) The first ac-
ceives the rearward force of the charge in firing. count of an air-pun is found in David Kivault s
It has the function of the brecch-plug or brccch-pin
" Elernens d'Artillerie." He was preceptor to Louis
in the muzzle-loading fire-arm. XIII. of France, and ascribes the invention to a
certain Marin of Lisieux, who presented one to
Henry IV. of France, about A. I). 1600. An
instrument of this kind was invented by Guter
of Nuremberg about A. D. 1656. Various shapes
have been adopted, from that of the ordinary mus-
ket to a gun resembling a common, stout walking-
Stationary Abutment. stick. It consists of a lock, stock, barrel, and ram-
rod and is provided with proper cocks for filling
;
^
A
similar term is applied to the corresponding por-
it with compressed air by means of a force-pump.
tion in breech -loading cannon.
The lock is only a valve which lets into the barrel
In Fig. 6, the abutment D is movable upon an a portion of the air compressed in a chamber in the
axis so as to expose the rear of the bore for the in-
stock when the trigger is pulled. The gun is loaded
sertion of the cartridge.
with wadding analmll in the ordinary way, and
In Fig. 7, the abutment D
is stationary, relatively
when fired there is but little noise, and none of
to the stock, and the barrel slips away from the abut-
the other concomitants of gunpowder, smoke and
ment to allow the insertion of the cartridge. The odor. The usual range to which the air-gun propels
variations in the arrangement are very numerous, and
a bullet is from sixty to eighty yards. In those
the different devices form the subjects of numerous guns having a sliding trigger, two or three bullets
patents in the United States and foreign countries,
are successively and separately introduced, and may be
bee F irk- arm ; Breech-loaimng. expelled by one mass of condensed air. Air-guns have
Action. (Fire-arms.) Used generally, in ref- also been constructed upon the principle of revolv-
erence to the position or some characteristic of the ing pistols, admitting the expulsion of several bullets
firing mechanism ; as side action, snap action, etc after once charging with compressed air. Some
Specifically —
the iron body which lies between varieties have an air-pump attached by means of
the barrels and the stock. which a more powerful compression of air may be
Back action when he locks are bedded into the
i produced. One air-gun in the form of a cane has
stock alone. two barrels, —one small one for the reception of
Bar action when the locks are bedded partly into bullets, and one large bore for the reservoir of
the stock and partly into the action. Also called compressed air. Elastic springs have also been
fore a< M1 I ( used in connection with compressed air, but the
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 119 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
Fi K . 102
Air* Gun
Fig. 106.
Fig. 103
*********** **yM
means of retracting the piston. The piston, when a valved interior tube, and the valvular
longitudinally in
released by the trigger, driven forward by the
is arrangements is to give an instantaneous emission of air
elastic force of the condensed spring, projecting the and an immediate closure, so as not to waste the air by a
bullet from the barrel by further compression of the protracted opening of the valve-way.
air. The spring is a helical ribbon, and condenses
into a simple coil when the pressure of the lever is The South American Indians of the Amazon
applied. The barrel is breech-loading, tilting on a and Orinoco use a species of air-gun or blow- pipe
pivot so as to expose the rear for the reception of for propelling poisoned arrows. It consists of a
the ball, and being locked shut by a catch. A pro- long, straight tube in which an arrow is placed and
jecting india-rubber ring at the joint of the barrel expelled by the breath. Near Para, it is very in-
makes an air-tight joint when the barrel is closed. geniously made of two stems of a palm, of different
The projectiles have an expanding portion, which diameters, one fitted within the other to secure per-
enters the rifle-grooves of the barrel to increase the fect straightness a sight is fitted to it, near the
;
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 120 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
end. The arrows used are fifteen to eighteen inches Fig. 188.
long, having a little ball of down, from the silk
cotton* tree, twisted round the smaller end so as to
make it fit closely in the tube. In the hands of a
practised Indian this is a very deadly weapon, and
as it makes no noise he frequently empties his
quiver before he gathers up his game.
Warburton, the eminent naturalist who wandered
in these countries, gives a good account of their modes
of hunting. See also Humboldt, and the Researches
of Sir Robert H. Schomburgk in British Guiana.
A similar weapon is found among some of the
Malay and is called by them the sumpitan.
tribes,
Aristotle was acquainted with the feet that the
air has weight, stating that a bladder inflated with
air will weigh more tnan an empty one ; as he was
Dot acquainted with glass globes, which can be
exhausted of air without losing their shape, we may
infer that his statement with regard to tne bladder
was intended to apply to a hypothetical one which
possessed the stiffness of glass, or else that the air
was considerably compressed in the inflated bladder. Stevens's Altiscope.
Hero of Alexandria, in his "Spiritalia," shows his hollow cane with perforations near its respective
knowledge of the elasticity of air, and how it could ends, opposite two reflectors arranged at angles of
be used to produce many effects. He shows the air- 46° in the cane. The cane being held vertically, and
pump. the upper orifice presented towards the object to be
Ctesibus developed the pump into an air-gun. viewed, —a speaker, for instance, —
the image is re-
Air Pistol. Asmall weapon differing in no ceived upon one mirror and passes down the cane to
substantial respect but size and portability from the other, where it is observed by the pereon. Slides
the air gun. cover the openings when not used for observations,
and the cane has then an ordinary appearance.
Altl-Mope. Clark, March 13,1886. This
invention consists of an arrangement of lenses and Am'mu-ni'tion. In its most comprehensive
mirrors in a vertical telescopic tube, by means of signification, this includes artillery and small-arm
which a person is able to overlook objects inter- projectiles with their cartridges and the percussion-
veningbetween himself and the object he desires to caps, friction-primers, etc., by means of which they
see. When the sections of the tube are extended, are fired also war-rockets and hand-grenades.
; For
the view is received upon an upper mirror placed artillery, when the projectiles, their cartridges,
at an angle of 45° and reflected thence down the primers, etc., are packed in the same box, it is
tube to a lower mirror, where it is seen by the ob- designated in the United States service as fixed am-
server. The image ismagnified by lenses inter- munition; this is the description furnished for Add
vening between the mirrors. The telescopic tubes and rifled siege artillery. For larger calibers, the
are so connected that each in turn acts upon the projectiles and cartridges are put up in separate
next in series, as it comes to the end of its own oozes, round solid shot, however, being generally
range, and thus the desired elevation is arrived &t. transported loose.
The means of extension is a winch and cords. Up to 12-pounders for smooth-bore ordnance the
Stevens, January 6, 1863. This affords a means cartridge is attached to the projectile ; above that
for training guns to a given angle with' the axis of caliber the shell or case-shot are filled, the fuse in-
the vessel, or on an object, while the gunner re* serted, and the sabot attached in this case, the pro-
;
mains beneath the gun-deck. There is attached jectile is said to be strapped; shells of 8-inch caliber
beneath the deck to the pintle of the pivoted gun and upwards are seldom filled previous to issue, this
a graduated index-plate, by which its horizontal operation being performed as they are required at
bearing may be read. A telescopic tube, with two tne place where they are used. Projectiles for
rectangular bends and with reflecting mirrors at the rifled artillery are always separate from their car-
angles, is so placed as to be used from beneath the
deck ; two of these may be so situated as to form a ammunition for field artillery is put up
base of sufficient length to obtain, by simultaneous in boxes of uniform size for each caliber, each con-
observation, the distance by triangulation. Two
taining a given number of rounds, viz. : —
screw-propellers, working in contrary directions, Smooth-bore 6-pounder gun 14
rotate the vessel so as to wing the guns to bear on Smooth-bore 12-pounder gun , 8
the required point. Smooth-bore 12-pounder howitzer 12
The upper and lower limbs of the telescopic tube Smooth-bore 24- pounder howitzer , 6
are parallel ; the one above deck is presented towards Smooth-bore 32-pounder howitzer 4
the object, the other to the eye. The image of the Rifled-bore 3-inch or 10-pounder gun 10
object, after being twice reflected, reaches the eye Ammunition for small-arms is known in the United
of the observer, whose person is not exposed. States service as small-arm cartridges. In these the
A portable altiscope, adapted to enable a p< bullet and cartridge are invariably put up together
to look over the heads of a crowd, is formed in boxes of 1,000, except some descriptions of
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 121 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
patented cartridges, which are put up in boxes as a part of the armament of steam sloops and smaller
containing 600 or 1,200, and repeating-^artridges, as vessels.
Spencer's, in which the box is made to contain a Rifled or breech-loading ordnance was practically
multiple of the number which fills the breech- unknown. The commencement of our late civil
chamber. war brought with it the era of 15-inch smooth-bores
Rules have been laid down for determining th< weighing 60,000 pounds, and at or shortly after its
proper supply of ammunition of each description foi close 20-inch guns, weighing more than 100,000 lbs.
an army in the field. and carrying a ball of 1, 060 lbs. , had been cast. The
That assumed by the British authorities allows former of these classes now forms the usual armament
300 small-arm cartridges per man for six months' of our monitors. Rifled guns of calibers up to 10
operations of which an army of 60,000 men should
;
inches (as the Parrott SOO-pounder) were also intro-
have 2,680,000 with them, besides those in reserve. duced, and this size has been exceeded in Europe,
This amount is understood to be in addition to 30-ton Armstrong breech-loadew, carrying a projec-
that carried in the cartridge-boxes of the men, 60 tile Of 600 Ibe. weight, being now in use in the
rounds each in the case of an infantry soldier. English navy, while ftorth Germany and other con-
The wagons for this service are intended to cany tinental nations are little, if any, behind in this re-
20,000 rounds each, and are drawn by four horses. spect. In the United States service great reliance
Several wagons are organized into an equipment has been placed on the "smashing" qualities of
under the charge of a detachment of artillery r round projectiles of large caliber fired from smooth-
several such equipments would be attached to an bore guns when employed against iron-clad vessels,
army of 60,000 men, one for each division of infan- #hiie the impression of European artillerists is that
try and a proper proportion for the cavalry thi
; they are comparatively inefficient iu competition
remainder being in reserve. with elongated projectiles discharged from rifled
The proportion given in the United States Ord- guns these are, accordingly, the only kind, now em-
;
nance Manual is 100 rounds for each man, 40 rounds ployed abroad on first-class M ar vessels, and appear
iu the cartridge-box, and the remainder in reserve to have almost, if not entirely, superseded smooth-
for infantry. bores, with the exception of mortars in the armament
Ammunition cannon
for : 200 rounds for each of fortifications.
piece, both of the reserves and active batteries the
;
Ar / mo-reiJ B Gage. For verifying the dimen-
ammunition which cannot be carried in the chests sions of the various parts of small-arms are templets
of the caissons to be kept with the reserves. of various sizes and shapes, rings, and cylindrical
During our late civil war it is believed that, where or conical gages for interior dimensions. 200 are
at all practicable, the amount of readily accessible embraced in a complete set for the various arms
ammunition, both for artillery and small-arms, was made at the Government armoiy, of which about 78
kept largely in excess of the above standard. are used for the rifle-musket alone.
A supply-train, under the charge of an ordnance- Of these, the caliber gage measures the diameter of
officer, was attached to each division, from which the bore.
issues were made as required to the company or The dimension gages show the length of the barrel
regimental officers, upon properly approved requi- and its diameter at various distance^ the value in
sition. inches and parts being measured by the caliper gage.
The wagons of which these trains were com- Other gages measure the proper dimensions of the
posed were generally drawn by six horses or mules, breech-screw and its thread, and those of the counter-
and were capable of carrying from 40,000 to 60,000 bore of the barrel which receives it ; others, again,
rounds of small-arm cartridges, or an equal weight the form, dimensions, and position of the sights.
of artillery ammunition. A separate gage is required for the lock -plate, and
See Weapons Projectiles.
; for each separate part of which the lock is composed ;
Ar'ma-ment A term expressing collectively all as the matiiapring goge 9 sear gage, bridle gage, turn*
the cannon and small-firms, with their equipments, bUrgage, hammer gage, etc. ; also gages for the vari-
belonging to a ship or fortification ; frequently ap- ous dimensions of the stock, of the bayonet, and of
plied, in a more restricted sense, to the artillery alone. each of the appendages which accompany the gun.
The armament of ships and forts has undergone a The number of 200, above given, might be swelled
very great change within the past thirty years. to Beveral thousand, by including those required for
About 1840 the 32-pounder gun was most usually inspecting the various carbines and pistols made by
employed both on shore and shipboard, 24-pounders different parties for the United States government ;
forming no inconsiderable proportion of the armament all which weTe made so that the parts of the same
of our forts. 8 -inch and even 10-inch guns and how- kind might be interchanged.
itzers were, however, mounted to some extent in the Ar'mor, Pei/Bon-aL Defensive clothing or cov-
more important seaboard fortifications. ering for the body in battle.
The armament of a line-of-battle ship mounting Scale and chain armor were common among the
eighty-four guns consisted of twenty- two 32-pounders old Egyptians (time of Rameses 111.} and Assyrians,
of 57 cwt. and ten 8-inch shell-guns of 63 cwt. on each also among the Persians and Romans. Dr. Abbott's
of the two gun-decks, and twenty 32-poundcrs of collection m New York contains the iron helmet and
lighter weight on the spar-deck ; that of a 50-gun scale armor of Sheshonk, or Shishak, the king of
frigate was similar, omitting the battery of one gun- Egypt who overthrew Rehoboam, seven years after
deck. In 1857 a 40-gnn steam frigate was armed the death of Solomon. The scales are the shape of
with twenty -four 9-inch guns on the main-deck and the Egyptian shield round end downward, and some
fourteen 8-inch and two 10-inch pivot-guns on the of them are marked with the cartouche of the king.
spar-deck ; 11-inch pivot-guns were also introducetf The Sarmatians wore scale armor of pieces of horn
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 122 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
or horse-hoofs fastened to a linen doublet, the fragments of the woods then flame and fire
;
Goliath was armed with a coat of mail (1 Samuel were used, as soon as they were known ; and last-
xvii). It is frequently spoken of by Homer. De- ly was discovered the strength of iron and brass.
metrius, son of Antigonus, had a coat of mail made But the use of brass was known earlier than that of
of Cyprian adamant (perhaps steel). Cyprus was iron, inasmuch as its substance is mora easy to work,
famous for its armor. The ancient Scythians had and its abundance greater." —LUCBKTIUS d. 51b. c.
;
of the Middle Ages, disciplined armies became un- is replaced, and the breech-screw e is screwed up,
known, and the barbarous nations of the North who forcing a projection on the anterior face of the breech-
had overrun it, in the course of time becoming block into the conical seat at the rear of the bore,
converted into peaceful tillers of the soil, had lost and tightening the gas-check b in its seat, to pre-
their former military habits, and in times of war vent any escape of gas rearwardly.
degenerated into little betterthan camp followers. Ar que-buse. This piece, an early attempt at a
Cavalry, including the knights and men-at- portable fire-arm, had a massive stock laid to the
arms by whom they were attended, constituted
almost the entire strength of an army, and being
Fig. 366.
nearly invulnerable to the ordinary weapons
used by the footmen of that day, such as pikes
and bills, were capable of putting to flight or
slaughtering with impunity many times their
own number of the latter, who were in general
destitute of armor of any kind. The introduc-
tion of fire-arms has gradually effected an en-
tire change in the composition and discipline
Arqtubuu.
of modern armies, and though the lance and
sword or saber are still employed, they are used shoulder, and an near the muzzle by which it
offset
merely as auxiliaries. See Artillery, Fire- might be rested against an object, to break the
arms, Pkojkctiles, etc. For a list of arms recoil. It was fired by a match. It was used in the
of various kinds, cutting, missile, etc., see battle of Morat, where the Swiss defeated Charles
Weapons. the Bold, 1476.
44
Ships' arms are cannons, carronade, mortars, Ar'row. The missile which is projected by a
howitzers, muskets, pistols, tomahawks, cut- bow. bundles of arrows were called sheaves.
lasses, bayonets, and boarding-pikes." —
Admi- It is usually of reed or of wood, and tipped with
ral Smyth. the best accessible materials such as bone, flint,
;
ing up the gun, but illustrates the mode of breech - their arrows were from 22 to 34 inches in length,
loading. Tne inner portion of the barrel is made of and are yet extant.
coiled iron or steel, welded ; that mode of construct- The monuments show feathered shafts.
ing being adopted to avail the tensile strength of the In the time of Homer, arrows were sometimes poi-
metal in resisting the bursting force of the discharge. soned. The poisoned arrows of the Indians of Guiana
The mode of reinforcing differs somewhat in the dif- are blown through a tube. They are made of the
ferent calibers and styles of the arm, but consists, hard wood of the Cokartto tree, are about the size of a
generally speaking, of a number of reinforce bands knitting-needle nine inches long, and mounted on a
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 124 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
yellow reed four or five feet long. One end is sharp- the bite of the adder itself.
ened, and poisoned with woorai ; the rear end re- In Ceylon the cobra- tel poison is extracted from
ceives a pledget of cotton to act as a piston in the tube. certain venomous snakes, such as the Cobra de Ca-
The effective range is about forty yards. The hard- SUo (from which the poison takes its name>, the
wood spike can be removed at pleasure ; twelve or rawella, and the Tic polonga arsenic and other
;
fifteen such spikes .are carried by the hunter in a drugs are added, and the whole is " boiled in a hu-
little box, made of bamboo. The poisoned spike is man skull." Three Kabra-goyas (Hydrosaurus sal-
cut half through, at about a quarter of an inch voter) are tied near three sides of the fire, with
above the point where it fits into the socket of the their heads toward it ; they are tormented with
arrow and thus, *when it has entered the animal,
; whips to make them hiss, so that the fire may
the weight of the shaft causes it to break off, the blaze ! The froth from their lips is added to the
shaft falls to the ground uninjured, and is fitted boiling mixture, and as soon as an oily scum rises ta
with another poisoned spike and used again. the surface, the " cobra-tel " is complete. Probably
In like manner the arrows of the Bushmen, the Arsenic is the most active ingredient iu this
Africa, often have the shafts partly cut through, so poison.
that they may break and leave the point m the The Ceris are said to prepare poison for their ar-
wound. rows in the following manner: "They first kill a
The serrated weapon of the sting ray is used by cow, and take from it its liver they then collect
;
the Malays for heading some of the* blow-arrows, rattlesnakes, scorpions, centipedes, and tarantulas,
with the express intention that they might break off which they confine in a hole with the liver. The
in the wound. next process is, to beat them with sticks, in order
The arrow-heads of the Shoshones of North Amer- to enrage them and, being thus infuriated, they
;
ica, saidto be poisoned, are tied on purposely with fasten their fangs and exhaust their venom upon
gut in such a manner as to remain when the shaft each other and upon the liver. When the whole
is withdrawn. mass is in a state of corruption, the women take
A
similar idea is earned out in a Venetian dagger their arrows and pass their points through it these ;
of glass with a three-edged blade, having a tube in are then allowed to diy in the shade."
the center to receive poison. By a certain wrench The Indians of CllOCO and Barbacoas use the
the blade was broken off, and remained in the M Veneno-derana," or frog poison, which is obtained
wound. by placing a species of yellow frog, that frequents
44
In passing overland from the Essequibo to the the swamps, over hot ashes, and scraping off the
Demerara," says Waterton, 41 we fell in with a herd viscid humor that arises. After thus torturing the
of wild hogs. An Indian let fly a poisoned arrow frogs, they are allowed to escape, in order that they
at one of them it entered the cheek-bone and broke
;
may serve another time. " Veneno-de-culebra," or
off. The hog was found dead alwut 170 paces from make poison, is also said to be used in C'hoco.
the place where he had been shot. He afforded us
an excellent and wholesome supper." The wild Ar'se-nic. A soft, brittle, and poisonous metal
tribes of the Malayan peninsula, who use poisoned of a steel-gray color. Equivalent, 75 ; symbol, As. ;
arrows, eat the meat of animals killed by these deadly specific gravity, 5.7. It volatilizes, exhaling an odor
weapons, without even troubling themselves to cut of garlic ; fuses at 400° Fah M and is easily in-
out the wounded part. lUtmed. It combines with oxygen in two propor-
There is reason for supposing that the discovery tions, forming arsenious and arsenic acids. The
of the various poisons used for weapons, and the former suit is As. 75, 0. 24 ; the latter, As. 75,
practice of applying them to such a purpose, arose 0. 40. The foimer is the common white arsenic of
spontaneously and separately in the various quar- commerce, very poisonous, and a dull white powder,
ters of the globe. Poisoned weapons arc used by sp. gr. 3.07.
the Negroes, Bushmen, and Hottentots of Africa ;
used to alloy lead for shot-making, causing
It is
in the Indian Archipelago, New Hebrides, and Few the metal to pour more readily, and hardening the
Caledonia. They aw employed in Bootan, Assam, shot.
by the Stiens of Cambodia, and formerly by the
Moors of Mogadore. The Parthians and Scythians Ar-tiller-y. The word seems to have a very
used them in ancient times. extended signification, having been originally applied
The composition of the poison varies in different to military engines of every description capable of
races; the Bushmen, Hottentots, and others, using throwing heavy missiles, as the balliata, catapult,
the venomous secretions and caterpillars.
of serpents etc. Uzziah made use of them at Jerusalem 810
In the Bosjesman country, Southern Afiica, the na- n. c. They are described (2 Chronicles xxvi. 15) as
tives hunt the puff-adders, in order to extract the "invented by cunning men, to be on the towers
Coison. They creep upon the reptile unawares, and and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great
reak its back at a single blow. The poison-glands stones withal." The Chinese claim to have used
are then extracted ; the venom is very thick, like cannon 618 B. c, and engines for throwing heavy
glycerine, and has a faint acid taste, this is mixed, stones were used in Sicily 300 B. c. Each Roman
on a flat stone, with an acrid poisonous gum, called Legion under the early emperors was furnished with
" parki " ; nftcr taring worked until it becomes of the an artillery train, consisting of 10 larger and 55
consistency of thick glue, it is spread over the barbed smaller engines for throwing stones and darts, which
head of the arrow and for about two inches up its accompanied it on its marches. These engines ap-
point. The arrows are then dried in the sun. Each pear to have corresponded to the siege artillery of
warrior carries some half-dozen of these devilish modern times, and were merely employed in the at-
weapons, a wound from one of which is as deadly as tack and defence of fortified places. Their want
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
of portability probably prevented them from "being bears to the horizontal plane. By its means any
of much service in pitched battles on the open field. required angle of elevatiou is given to the piece.
The date of the introduction of fire-arms as artillery As'o-ttne. An explosive: Saltpeter, 69.05;
appeara involved in great obscurity- The artillery carbon, 15.23; sulphur, 11.43 petroleum, 4.29 per
;
gossa .......
The Moors use artillery in attacking Sara-
1118
man ; but with the introduction of the elongated
nllet, giving ranges of 1,000 yards and upward, it
attained.
This sliding sight has, in the United States ser-
1749 vice, been superseded by the leaf-sight (b, Fig, 516),
casting guna solid and boring them out
1779 which is more compact and less liable to derange-
CarronaUes invented by General Melville .
FS * ^ ly for throw-
ing darts or
stones
The name
is applied to
two different
machines.
One resem-
bles the cat-
apult in the
mode of ob- Ballistic Pendulum.
taining the cannon and small-arms. It was invented by Rob-
bins about 1760, and described by him ia his tract
the other on Gunnery. It has been improved by Hutton and
a cross-bow Gregory, in England Piobert and Morin, in France
;
origin, having been first recognized in the United of "blueing" and polishing, the bayonet is com-
plete.
rig. 60s.
Bay'o-net-claap. A movable
ring of metal sur-
rounding the socket of a bayonet, inorderto strengthen
the socket and render the bayonet less easily detach-
able.
Bay'o-net-joint A
peculiar form of coupling,
in which one circular piece, having a slot longitudi-
nal for part of its length and transverse the remain-
States army in 1856. Its utility as a weapon is very der, is sleeved over another. The interior piece is
questionable. It is believed that this form of bayo- provided with a stud which enters the slot, and, by
net was first introduced in the French service among turning, the two parts become locked so as to pre-
the Chasseurs de Vincennes, who used it in Algiers, vent withdrawal by a longitudinal movpment.
in the Crimean campaign of 1854-55, and the Ital-
ian war of 1859.
An open bead has a cir- rig. 249.
above with a jumper of 3 inches diameter, such as is were tamped with the same material, and the tamp-
used for boring holes from 9 to 1 5 feet deep, would not ing was extended into the driftway 10 feet on each
penetrate more than about i feet per day on an aver* side of each shaft. Three DanielVs batteries and
age or with a 2£-inch jumper, 5 feet per day, the
; three sets of wires were used for firing the mines,
last being employed for holes from 5 to 10 feet deep* which was done simultaneously. The mass of rock
Churn-jumpers are so called from the manner in removed averaged 380 feet in hight, 360 in length,
which they are worked, by a vertical churning or and 80 iu thickness. See Artesian-wku, ; Tun-
pounding movement, no hammer being employed : nel Well-boklvu ; and Specific Indexes under
;
they have a steel bit at each end, are usually worked Civil Engineering and Mixing.
by two men, and are generally of smaller diameter See Raymonds 44
Mines, Mills, and Furnaces":
than those which are worked by a hammer ; in drill- J. B. Ford & Co.,
27. Y., 1871. Blake's "Mining
img holes that are vertical or nearly so, and in mod- Machinery" New Haven, 1371. Also, "Blasting
:
erately hard rock, they are found more advantageous and Quarrying of Stonu ami Blowing up of Bridges,"
than the others, two men being able to bore about by Lieutenant- General Sir J. Burgoyne of the Eng-
16 feet per day with a churn-jumper .of 1 £ to 1± in lish Military Engineers. No. 35 of Weale's Rudi-
diameter. They are sometimes used with a spring mentary Series London. :
rod and line, much in the manner of the most prim- The following table from General Sir Charles Pas-
itive way of boring artesian wells.
ley's " Memoranda on Mining " will give the means
General Burgoyne mentions seeing the same device
of calculating the space occupied by any given quan-
in use in blasting the calcareous rocks of Marseilles,
tity of powder in round holes of different sizes, from
at the foot of the hill on which the fort of Notre
Dame de la Garde now stands. one to six inches :
—
The common way of charging the hole is, where
the moisture is not excessive, to pour looae powder Diameter Powder Depth of hole
contained Powder contained
of the to contain 1
into it to a certain depth, depending on the judgment in one inch of hole. in one foot of hole.
bole. lb. of powder.
of the miner (one third the depth of the hole is a
common allowance under ordinary circumstances) ;
Inches. lb. 01. lb. OS. Inches.
the needle, which is a wire sufficiently long to reach 1 0 0.419 0 6.028 88197
0 0.942 0 11804
well down into the charge of powder, and provided * 0 1676 3 4.112
16976
9.649
with a handle to enable its easy withdrawal, is then 0 '2.618 1 16416 6-112
inserted and the hole tamped, a wad of hay, straw, 8 0 8.770 2 18.240 4.244
84 0 6181 8 18.672 8.118
dry turf, or other suitable material, being first placed 0
4 6.702 6 0424 2.887
over the powder the tamping is performed by ram-
; 0 8.492 6 6.784 1.886
ming down small fragments of broken brick or of 0 10.472 7 13.664 1.628
stone which does not contain silex to endanger strik- 0 12.671 9 8062 1.268
tamping. The result is represented to have been en- insensible to mechanical impulse by an admixture
tirely successful.
of a small proportion (from 4 to 10 per cent.) of
Maillefert's process in removing Way's Reef in the camphor. Experiments have been carried out, the
Hurl-Gate (Hell Gate) obstruction, on the East Riv- result of which is to prove that the new ixplosive
or, N. Y., consisted in depositing a quantity of pow-
possesses, weight for weight, 25 per cent., and bulk
der on the surface of the rock to be removed, and for bulk, 40 per cent, more explosive power than
then exploding it. There is no cumbrous apparatus ordinary dynamite. With moist gun cotton, gel-
used. A sounding-pole to ascertain the depth, a atine compares nearly as favorably.
boat to contain the ojM'rators, and an electric battery,
arc the machinery employed. The explosion is ef- Blastlng-nee'dle. A
long taper piece of
copper, or iron with a copper point ; used when
fected by electricity, and it is the same thing wln ther
thr operators arc stationed near or far, they need tamping the hole for blasting, to make by its
insertion an aperture for a fuse or train.
never he in danger.
The force of the current is such as to render it Bias tin g-pow'der. it was formerly thought
difficult to fix drilling apparatus. The process was that a slow-burning powder, containing a com-
successful on prominences and to a certain rxftent ; paratively small proportion of niter, about 62 —
where a broad area was flat, the value of the process per cent, —was more effective for blasting pur*
rapidly diminished. poses, allowing more time to produce a rending
Shclburne's apparatus on the Frying-pan Jtnck, in effect upon rock before being consumed than the
the same estuary, was a heavy stamping-drill, oper- quicker and stronger powder used iu lire-arms ;
ated by a steam-engine, and acting in a tube which but the tendency now is toward the use of su1>-
directed its blows the hole obtained receiving a
;
stances of far greater rapidity of ignition, and
charge of nitro-glycerine. greater expansion in the act of assuming the
The work of removing the obstructions in the East gaseous state, than even the strongest gunpow-
River lias now devolved upon the United States En- der.
gineers, under General Newton. They are procci*d- Among more than ty patented compositions for
t hi
ing by building coffer-dam* and driving headings. 1 blasting powder are the following ingredients. The
is a regular tunneling business, and when the whole speciric combination in each case might be given
roof it blown off and the pillars broken off, the new would space permit.
1. Forms of carbon -
river-bottom will be the bottom of the drifts, plus :
what of the rock may fall back into the hole. Such Burnt cork. Gambier.
can be grappled and removed. Charcoal. Brown coal.
Nitro-glycerine, dualin, dynamite, and various oth- Lycopodium. Peat.
er compounds of terrific energy, are used in these great White sugar. Logwood.
engineering projects. It is understood that nitro-
Sawdust Bark.
glycerine has been the principal agent in the Mount Horse-dung. Carbolic acid.
Cenis cunnel, as it has oeen Tor some years past in Starch of riour. Aloes.
the Hoosac. Petroleum products. Paraffine.
The idea of blasting by a torpedo in the bottom of Cutch. Fatty matters.
an oil-well, to open crevices and increase the flow of Tannin. Resins.
oil, seems to have been entertained by a number of
persons, including Professor Hare, but was reduced 2. Metallic salts, etc.
to practice by Colonel Roberts. See Torpedo. Chi. potash. Carbonate of soda.
Blast'ing-fuse. The commou blasting-fuse is
Red sulph. arsenic. Nitrate of lead.
merely a tube filled with a composition which will Fcrro-cyan. potassium. Ammoriiacal salts.
burn a sufficient length of time to allow the person Nitrate of potassa. Nitrate of soda.
firing it to reach a place of safety before it is burnt Sulphur. Carbazotatc of potash.
out. Chloride of sodium. Azotate of potash.
Safety-fuse, by which the charge can be fired Cyanuret of zinc. Nitrate of iron.
by a man at a considerable distance, is also gen- Barilla. Nitric acid.
erally employed. Some of these consist of a tape
of soft material saturated with a highly inflam- Blasting-tools. Baron Liebhaber of Paris ob-
mable compouud (fulminates are, we believe, tained a patent in France, 1845, for a mode of en-
employed in some to increase the speed of the larging the lower part of a blast-hole by the appli-
flame), and covered with an envelope of water- cation of muriatic or other acid 1 part, diluted in
proof material. Firing by electro- battery is water 3 parts.
much safer. A tube (*, Fig. 708) is inserted in the hole and
Blast'ing Gel'a-tine. A new explosive a^ent, externally sealed around the lower end with a com-
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 132 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
which prevents the rising of the vapors of other material, the ends connected by a string. The
the acid in the space between the tube and the sides bow is bent by retraction of the string; and the re-
of the hole. The acid is poured into a funnel and coil imparted'to the latter projects tne arrow. In
down an inner tube, the annular space forming a duct its simple state, and when large enough to be used
for the escape of the gas, the spent liquid escaping for military purposes or for destroying large animals,
at a bent spout. The hole is then emptied by a it is known as tne long-bow ; when mounted trans-
siphon or pump, and dried to prepare it for the charge. versely in a >toek, it is a cross-bow. The former is
The principal blasting toolits are — exclusively adapted for shooting arrows while bolts,
;
A
plug screwed into superior.
Breech-pin. (Fire-arms.)
The greater accuracy of the rifle is due to the fact
the rear end of a barrel, forming the bottom of the
Otherwise called a breech-plug or that the rotary motion given the bullet by the
charge-chamber.
spiral grooves of the gun keeps it always point fore-
ureecn-screw.
most, and that the bullet is caused to completely
(Fire-arms.) The plug which fill the bore so that it leaves it in a line with the
cloffesthe rear end
axis of the piece, which rarely happens in a smooth-
Fig. 894. of the bore of a fire- bore gun, owing to the difference in diameter between
arm barrel. The parts the bullet and the bore.
are known as
The rifle was introduced by Roller, a gunsmith
at plug. Fig. 9«9.
e, face. b 6
tenon. b,
c, tang.
d, tang-screw hole.
Breeoh-ftight (Fire-arms.) The hinder sight
of a gun. In conjunction with the front sight it
serves to aim the at an object
gun It is graduated
scale be-
to degrees and fractions, their length on the
ing equal to the tangents of an arc having a radius
equal to the distance between the front and
rear
sights. The front sight is merely a short piece of
metal screwed into the gun, usually at the muzzle,
but sometimes between the trunnions, or on one of
bore
the rimbases, with its upper edge parallel to the
of the gun. The rear sight may be detached, having
a circular base fitting the base of the gun, or may
slide through a slotted lug, and be retained
at any
given hight by a set screw.
The breech-sight, the tangent scale, and the pendu- ft U
lum are merely different forms of this device, the
latter having a bulb at its bottom which keeps
it in
^ k
the American " picket," with a hemispherical
To increase the rapidity of fabrication, revolving by them it is pressed into round rods, —
or, more
bullet-molds were tried, consisting of a cylindrical correctly, long cylindrical pieces, —
one half of each
ring, to which revolution was imparted by a hand- of which is formed by the groove in the face of one
crank and gearing, the molten lead being fed to the roll, while the other half is formed by the cor-
mold during its revolution the gates were cut by a
; responding groove in the opposite roll, the two
knife attached to the mold at the same operation ;
working in apposition and moving at an equal rate.
when full, the mold was opened and the bullets dis- Each bar, as it falls from the upper rolls, alights upon
charged, after which the mold was clamped shut the lower roll B9 which is grooved circumferentially,
again and the operation recommenced. These con- and carries the round bar against the curved steel
trivances were ingenious, but were very liable to plate 6', whose face is grooved in correspondence to
get out of order. the grooves of the wheel B. The bar is nipped be-
In 1857, De Zeng invented a mold for elongated tween the surfaces, and is cut into sections by the
bullets, constructed very similarly to the ordinary adjacent edges of the roll and plate, and as the
bullet-mold on a large scale, but which was mounted pieces roll down in the grooves of the plate and are
on a stand and worked by means of a treadle, pressed on the opposite sides in the grooves of the
through which, aided by the hands of the operator roll, they gradually assume a perfectly spherical
oti the handles, the mold was opened and closed, form and are discharged.
and the gates cut off. This was an ingenious and The elongated shot or bullets now used for rifles
efficient apparatus, and, with the aid of a boy to are made at Woolwich in the following way : The
pour the lead, could be worked with great rapidity, machine purpose consists of four sets of
for this
seemingly limited only by the time required for the duplicate punches and dies, independently worked
cooling of the metal at each cast. in pairs by two eccentrics, driven by gearing from
Pressed leaden bullets are undoubtedly superior two separate driving-shafts. The lead, coiled
to cast ones, and those for the ordinary arms in the round four reels, is fed from them through a
military service are made in the former way. The shearing-lever into the grippers, where it is clutched ;
lead is generally procured in the form of "bullet a piece is cut to a suitable length by an upward
wire," coiled on reels. This is cut in lengths of 25 movement of the shearing-lever ; the grippers then
inches, and fed to the machine by a boy. Elongated oj>en, the piece cut off falls down, and is clutched
bullets are formed by a three- }>art die, which by another piece of apparatus. At this moment a
opens and closes with great rapidity, delivering the punch advances, and presses the lead into the die,
bullets at the rate of about 3,000 per hour; these thus forming a bullet. A small plate comes up
have a slight burr or feather at the points where immediately in front of the die, and the bullet is
the dies come together, which is afterwards trimmed pushed through it by a small pin, worked by a lever
off by hand. and cam by this operation tne ragged edge is re-
;
and uniform folding. the art advanced, the intermittent firework was in-
troduced, which discharged balls of fire at intervals.
Bul'let-ecrew. One at the end of a ramrod to
Jenetrate a bullet and enable the latter to be with-
This appears among us as the Roman candle, —a very
absurd name. By taking a tube of increased size,
rawn from the piece. See Ball-screw. putting in a larger charge, and a missile on ton of
Bui let -shell. An explosive bullet for small- the latter, we have a fire-arm and this may linve
;
arms. Jacobs's bullet-shells, used with the rifle of been the condition of the matter when the advanced
General Jacobs of the East India service, have an guard of Alexander was met in Northern ludia by
inclosed copper tube containing the bursting-charge, a people who fought them with "balls of fire," as
which may be fulminate or common powder, and is the ancient historian narrates. The word canne, a
exploded by a percussion -cap or globule on striking. reed, is well chosen ; for the original tube was a reed
In experiments made with them at Enfield in or bamboo in all probability, and was also called by
1857. caissons were blown up at distances of 2,000 that name. The thing aud its title have kept well
and 2,400 yards ; and brick-walls much damaged at together for two or three thousand years. This
those distances by their explosion. See Bullet. sometimes happens, as in the case of two kinds of
cloth well known in England, and to some extent
- c - here, barracan and camlet. —
Falstaff says : 11
Two
Cal'I-f or'ni-a Sight. A hind sight for a gun in barracan (corrupted into buckram) set at
not knowing that he was talking Arabic,
Fig. 602.
— barrakdn, barkdn, a garment of camel's hair,
from barik, a camel. Our gossiping friend Samuel
Pepya, and tho more stately Sir William Tem-
ple, prided themselves on their camlet clokts,
which, if genuine, were even then made of camel'*
California Sight. hair, as they were in the time of Esau and Jacob.
capable- by elevation of the rear portion on one or The word is about the same, strange to say, in the
other of 'the steps of the fin. of adjustment for Aramean and Aryan tongues (Heb. g&m&l ; Ar.
ranges of varying distance. Fig. 502. gamal; Greek, ra/tiJXot), which may be accounted
for by supposing that the Semitics received the
Cal'trop. {Fortification.) A
pointed instrument
animal ana name from its original proprietors,
its
....
. . . 1 to 3 pounds.
24 pounds.
10 to 12 ounces.
tenths of an inch. Rifled guns have a vent-piece
of wrought-eopper screwed into the piece.
Guns for use on ship-board have a slot in the
Rabinet 16 ounces. knob of the cascabel to receive the breechinq, a stout
Saker 5 to 8 pounds. rope secured to ring-bolts in the side of the vessel
Serpentine 4 pounds.
for the purpose of checking the recoil.
Siren 60 pounds. Rifled cannon were first employed in actual ser-
Cannon or ordnance as at present constructed, and vice in Louis Napoleon's Italian campaign of 1859.
used in Europe and America, may be divided into General James's, 1861, were the first introduced into
three classes guns, or cannon proper, howitzers,
:
the United States service. These were service-pat-
and mortars. Oarronades, which were a short, light tern smooth-bores, rifled and furnished with pro-
species of cannon, intended for tiring solid shot at jectiles also invented by General James. Captain
short ranges, with small charges of powder, are now Parrott's gun soon followed James's. This was con-
nearly obsolete. They were used on shipboard, and structed by shrinking a wrought-iron reinforce over
were principally distinguished by having no trun- the breech of a cast-iron core, and was noted for its
nions, being secured on their carriages or "slides" fewness of grooves and smallness of caliber in pro-
by a bolt passing through a lug or "navel " cast on portion to the weight of the projectile, which was
their under side, and by a peculiar internal and ex- very elongated. Wiard's gun was of steel, ham-
ternal chamfer at the muzzle the name is derived
;
mered and welded, and was accompanied by a pecu-
from that of the foundry on the river Carron, in liar and novel carriage. The 3-inch " Ordnance" or
Stirlingshire, Scotland, where they were originally Griffin gun was finally adopted for rifled field-
cast. artillery, and large numbers were in service at the
Guns, as distinguished from howitzers or mortars, close of the civil war in the United States. This is
are intended for tiring either solid shot, shells, or a wrought-iron gun weighing about 820 pounds,
case-shot, generally at moderate elevations, and, in rifled with 7 grooves, and carrying a projectile
the case ol smooth-bore guns, with comparatively weighing about 10 pounds. A cast-iron rifled siege-
high charges of powder, varying, according to the gun, 4A-inch caliber, and carrying a projectile weigh-
species of projectile, and the object desired, to from ing about 30 pounds, was introduced into the ser-
J to J the weight of the solid shot proper to the cal- vice at the same time.
iber. The bore at the muzzle has a slight chamfer. About 1812, Colonel Bomford, U. S, A., intro-
The perpendicular portion of the muzzle is the duced a chambered gun called by him the colum-
face. biad.* These were made thicker at the breech and
The different parts of a gun or howitzer are desig- thinner at the muzzle than was then customary.
nated as follows the breech, including the whole
:
This form was somewhat modified in the shell-gims
mass of metal in the rear of the bottom of the bore, of Colonel Paixhans, of the French army, about
.
special car weighing 24 tons was constructed for chamber in the bore of the gun immediately in
the transportation of this gun to Paris. front of the breech-block. When the charge is tired,
tli is ring is expanded by the gases and pressed
The gun is mounted on a steel carriage weighing
15 tons, supported on a center-pintle chassis weigh- tightly against the walls of its chamber and also
ing 25 tons. against a steel Waring plate, 1>, let into the face of
the breech-block, thus forming a perfectly tight gas-
The breech-loading is on Krupp's patent plan. check.
The shot or shell is raised by a block and fall, and The armaments of the British iron-clads are of
is rolledinto the side of the" breech through an aper- heavier and heavier guns as years go by. The an-
ture closed by a slide. nexed figure gives a comparison of the relative pro-
Though many breech-loading guns of this or portions and weights of the guns: A, "War-
;
charge, 43 pounds.
Various modes of mounting and operating guns
—;
have been devised for monitor and turret use, for
C " HerculesV armament,
t
4 00 -pounder ; 18-ton
gun ; charge, 60 pounds. D
"Monarch's" arma- which consult patents of Eads and Ericsson. Very
f
ment. — 600-pounder ; 25-ton gun ; charge, 70 ingenious indeed are many of these devices.
pounds. t E"Thunderer's" armament, 600- — 2. (Machinery.) A metallic hub or sleeve, fitted
to revolve on a shaft or with rt.
pounder 30-ton gun charge, 100 pounds.
; ;
These figures are exceeded by the latest English Can'non-out'ing. The molds for brass cannon
gun (the 35-ton), which is by no means, however, are formed by w rapping a long taper rod of wood
what it is paraded as being, —
the largest gun in the with a peculiar soft rope, over which is applied a
world. coating of loam, which, as the work proceeds, is dried
PoonOa. over a long fire, a templet being applied to form the
Woolwich, 35 tons 7 cwt. (English count) = 79,084
Armstrong (Big Will)
Krupp, 14-inch (1,080-pounder)
.... 50,400
100,000
. .
proper outline. This model is maae about one third
longer than the gun is to be. It is next, when dry,
blackwashed, and covered with a shell of loam not
Rodman, smooth-bore (20-inch) 116,497 . .
leas than three inches thick, secured by iron bands,
The "Thunderer," 4,400 tons, and the "Fury," which is also carefully dried. The model is next re-
5,000 tons burden, are designed each to carry four of moved by withdrawing the taper rod and the rope,
these 35-ton guns, in two turrets, two guns being and extracting the pieces of loam. The parts for
placed in a turret side by side. the cascabel and trunnions are formed upon wooden
Among the earliest cannon made in Europe were models, and then attached to the exterior ofthe shell
breech-loaders, specimens of which are preserved in handles, dolphins, or ornamental figures, are modeled
the Artillery Museum c r Woolwich, England. in wax, and placed on the clay model previous to
The charge was inserted in an iron cylinder, which molding the shell, from which they are melted out
was fixed by wedges in Its place in the breech of the gun. before casting.
Breech-loading cannon were introduced by Daniel When diy, the shells are placed muzzle upward in
Spekle, who died in 1589, and by Uffanus. a pit in front of the furnace or furnaces, and the
Cannon of ice were made at St; Petersburg in earth thrown in and well rammed around them. At
1740, and repeatedly fired, —
a whim. the same time, a vertical runner, which enters the
All the rifled cannon in the British service of mold near the bottom, or not higher than the trun-
less than 6. 3-inch caliber are breech-loaders. nions, is made for each mold, terminating in a trough
At the siege of Badajoz, the tiring was continued or gutter, at the far end of which is a square tyole to
for 104 hours, and the number of rounds fired from receive any excess of metal. The runners are stopped
each 24-poundcr iron gun averaged 1,249 at the ; by iron bars, which are successively withdrawn as
siege of St. Sebastian each piece was fired about 350 the preceding mold in order becomes filled, and the
times in 15 J hours. But few of these pieces were furnace or furnaces are tapped by an iron bar with a
J
has an impression made in the outvie of the he:id for the Center Are, Sagel . • "Scientific. American,' xliii. 36.
9
wafer of fulminate, and is next put in the priming machine* Cartridge shot, Schteber . • "Scientific American, 11 XL 212.
where it receives the fulminate. The practice with mitral TheTluMian small arm cartridge factory near St. Peters-
fire and rrni-fire cartridges diverges at this point in the lat-
burg is described in » Ordnance Report « 18 it, pp. 619 it seq.
.
ZundnaJtigevehr, German.
Meigt.
U. S. Cartridge Co.
See report on » Performance of Metallic Cartridge.,' at
Kraukfort Arsenal, Penn., by Major Treadwell, 0. S. Army,
1873. Notices and illustrations are given of the following
(•illustrated): —
Burnside . . • 1860.
Maynard . .
• 1860.
Spencer . . .
• 1864, rim primed.
Primitive . .
• 1864.
Lair/ley . . . • 1866.
Novelty . .
• 1866, center primed.
Bar-anvil . .
• 1866.
Gatlmg . . . • 1865.
#
Canister • • •
Benton !
Benet . . -
* l8bH, solid head.
;
shot 1412' per second. The charge fired at the base, the grtgfl
1. The conversion of a smooth-bore to a rifle. gave pressure* of 45.1 and 50.1 ton* respectively at the rear
2. A muzzle-loader to a hreech-londer. of the charge and base of the shot.
A report on the
fabrication nf tvrnught-iron tube* nt the Cup'ping Ma-chine'. (CartrUhj. )
West Point foundry for ren wrfiw of lto<lman 10" miHMirh-
borcguiiK into*" rifle*. U contained m
the •« R*m*tfift%Ufaf
The first machine in bullet-
OrrJtvinre, V. K
A.,- 1877, Hi., pp. 400-413, and Plate* L-Vlf. making. It has two stamps
accompanying. or one working inside
diet*,
^Small arms, French system, Tnbatitrr, lhhf. t
App. h. r'ig. the other: the outer one
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 147 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
cuts the blank out of a sheet of copper, Some ingenuity has been .expended on this weapon
and the next draws it into a cup-shape, in the mode of attaching it to the handle and pro-
making it ready for subsequent draw- viding the latter with a pistol.
(Onlmturv.) (Printing.)
2. A character (t) to call attention
Cutter. 1.All instru-
in the text to notes on the foot or margin of the
ment for dctcriiiiniii" the piv>sure per square huh comes next after the
]Kige. As a reference-mark it
exerted within tin* bmvs of cannon or small arms
start*).
l>v the ignition of powder. . P>| . .
the revers<" of which has a lightened amPthe metal transferred to the rear,
cutter which makes a mark giving the " l>ottlc-shapc," which caused some sur-
(cut) upon a copper block. prise on their appearance in Europe.
first
See, also, I'kusjikie Ga<;k ; Colonel Boniford, chief of ordnance of the United
PlLZOMLTKU States army, commenced making this experiment
previous to the war of 1812, and gave the name of
Plat*-*111., X.. aci-OUMKiiivini;
Appvtlilix I. 6, t" " H*p*»rt tiffin*! "Columbiad" to the piece.
1
ttfOnltt'iiir*, (J S. A.,' 1ST7. ura Dart. A
missilr spear or javelin much in u>e
illusir.ifioii* of Hlieh ruls, uml rhe
text iici'oiM]»an> intf |>p. !l73-SiSH| p «k*-
among tin* ancient*, and yet seen among many ot the
srrioo the instrument ami results, more UirUnons nations. The ( 'allies of South Africa
rcfi-rriiin In I'liitr* l.-X.
ami the aln-riginal inhabitants of Australia are very
Scveml forms of ruttt-i'a an- (here
desriiheil. expert in the use of *he ttxsetjtti. The darts in use
The rutter is ulxo hmmI
KiitUiiali among the ancients were of two kinds, namely, spear-
in Lieutenant Metcalfe's rveiril headed (that is, without barbs), or bearded. The
nuinoineter for Knmll arms
nt\nrt Ut»t>rt,
y
l?5ib, Appendix V, *l v former were often attached to a long cord, enabling
the thrower to recover bis weapon after having
, .
r#i#
p. HW. *
thrown it. Dart-heads arc usually audi of iron, 1
The tbttjtjcr was a jxirt of the equipment of the mer plan by which the charge of gun-cotton was
Frank warrior, who probably called it u coittr.f t or simply ignited.
.something like that It does not differ materially
Di-or-rex'ine. An explosive analyzed by M.
from the dirk (dark, duirc) of theOndhclie branches
Fels.
of the Celts, or the poninrd of those nations who ac-
knowledge Litin (ptotgrre, ImX., to prick) as tin* bus*' CoDJistt of Picric acid, 1.6
Wood charcoal . . 7
Nitrate potaasium
Nitrate *odiuni .
.
.
>
J
^
of their mother tongues. Birch aawduit . . 10 Sulphur 12
In the fourteenth century it was carried by citi- Water i»-6
zens, yeomen, sailors, and ladies, it survives in Made principally at Brunn and Trieste.
"Eng. If Mining Journal:- xxviil 263.
England in the midshipman's dirk, and in other Another published recipe gives :
—
plnees as a stiletto, a bnv-ie-lnifc etc. t Nitrate of potasjiuni - o°
Nitrate of sodium 25
The dfujijt/r seems to have been a favorite instru-
Sulphur
ment as aii accessory to the soldier's cf[uinmcnt for Hard wood sawdust
J2
13
close combat. The Highlander, Western desperado,
and Chilian, all seem to approve of the mode of car- 100
rel, and having nute. It in uned for elephant, lion, tiger, and alligator nhoot-
the forward end ing especially.
of charge-
its Bx-plo'aives. Gunpowder was in use as far
chamber closed back as the twelfth century, and its composition, as
by a flat plate shown by old manuscripts, did 'not diner greatly
connected with from the most approved modern manufacture. See
a spring. Ou GUNPOWDKIU
the explosion Berthollet proposed to substitute chlorate of pot-
of the powder
ash for saltpeter in the manufacture of gunpowder.
Kprouvetlf. against the The explosive force was in this way doubled, but it
plate, the latter
was found to explode too readily, and, at a trial iu
is driven forward to a distance proportioned to the
loading a mortar, at Essonnes, 1788, the powder ex-
strength of the powder, and is retained at ita ex- ploded when struck by the rammer, blowing mortar
treme range of propulsion by a ratchet-wheel and and gunnere to pieces.
spring-click.
Fulminates of gold, silver, and mercury were ex-
Pouillet s chronoscope and Navez's electro-ballis- perimented with in the early part of this century,
tic apparatus, by measuring the velocity attained by as substitutes for gunpowder. Fulminate of mer-
balls with charges of certain powders, form good
cury is obtained by dissolving mercury iu nitric acid
iprouvcttcs. Sec Chronoscope; Electuo-ballista. and adding a certain .proport ion of alcohol and salt-
2. (Metallurgy.) A flux spoon. A spoon for l>etcr to the mixture. It is used extensively in the
„
h A
weapon which projects a missile by
wie explosion of gunpowder. It succeeded the long
and cross tx>ws, but the periods of the two weapons
Cubic in Europe lapped upon each other. (See Aiikow ;
unite Bow.) The bow and arrow are yet used by millions
in Asia, Africa, and America, but the owners are
Hunting-powder 147,871 0 216 1 always glad to trade for muskets and rifles.
Cannon powder 140,215 0 225 0.988
Mining-powder 0.173
The first fire-arms were doubtless rockets, in
117,467 0.688
Mining-powder with exceu of niter 155,472 0.111 0.640 which the force of th explosion carried the tube.
!
Powder with nitrate of soda bane. 176,432 0.248 1-358 To these probably succeeded something of the nature
Powder with chlorate of potwh base 224,889 0.318 2 226
Chloride of nitrogen of the fire-works known as Roman candles, in which
72,784 0.870 0 842
Nltro-glycerlne 306,387 0.710 pellets are loaded into a tube and fired by a match
6.797
Gun-cotton 146,837 0 801 3.636 at the tube-mouth- The tubes were of bamboo,
Gun-cotton mixed with nitrate. ./ 228,371 0.484 3.456 paper, or cloth, probably each of these, according to
Gun-cotton mixed with chiorate.. 327,528 0.484 4.594
Picric acid 160,309 0.780 3.910
circumstances. (For early notices, sec Gunpow-
Picric acidmixed with nitrate. . . 223,515 0.408 <<
der.) The cracker was used as a grenade an-
Picric acid mixed with chlorate... 328,909 0408 4.198 ciently in China, andin the8thcenturybythe Greeks.
Picric acid mixed with oxide of lead 49,981 0120 0108
Picric acid mixed with oxide of cop;
The first fire-arms used in Europe were cannon.
94,204 0.270 (See Artillery Cannon.) Fire-arms to be carried
0.786 ;
Picric acid mixed with oxide of sil- by the soldier were a later invention. The arquebus
ver 60,676 0.116 0.208
Picric acid mixed with oxide of
was used in 1480. The musket by Charles V. in
mercury \ 43,762 0212 0588 1540. These used matches or match-locks. The
Picrate of potash 135,668 0686 2.476 wheel-lock was invented 1517 ; the flint-lock about
Picrate of potash mixed with ni- 1692. The percussion principle by the Rev. Mr.
trate 197,161 0 887 2069
Picrate of potash mixed with chlo- Forsythe, in 1807. See Gun-lock.
rate 828,449 0887 8.674 For varieties, see under the following heads : —
Accelerator. Gatling-gun.
Armstrong-gun. Gun.
Arquebus. Howitzer.
Rarbette-gun. Jingal.
Field-gun. A
light cannon designed to accom-
Battery-gun. l*an caster-gun.
troops in their maneuvers on the field of
Kny
ttle. At the commencement of the late civil war
Birding-piece. Magazine h re -arm.
Blunderbuss. Mitrailleur.
in this country, those thus denominated were the
Bombard. Mortar.
weighing 885 pounds ; the 12-pounder,
tS-pouiuler,
Breech-loader. Musket.
of 1,770 pounds a light 12-pounder of 1*220
;
Byssa. Musketoon.
pounds ; and the 12, 24, and 3 2- pounder howitzers, Calabass. Needle-gun.
weighing respectively 780, 1,320, and 1,820 pounds. Cannon. Ordnance.
These were all made of bronze. During the war Carbine. Parrot-gun.
several kinds of rifled field-guns were introduced, Carronade. Pistol.
but only two maintained their place in the military Casemate-gun. Pistol-carbine.
service ; the 3-inch wrought-iron rifle and the Chassepot-gun. Pivot-gun.
Parrott 10-pounder of 2.9-inch caliber, each nearly Coehorn. Repeating fire-arm.
the weight of the bronze 6-pouuder, and carrying an Columbia.!. Revolver.
elongated projectile of ten pounds weight. The Culverin. Rifle.
smooth-bores generally were withdrawn from the field Dahlgren-gun. Shot-gun.
during the war, with the exception of the light 12- Double-barreled gun. Shunt-gun.
pounder, or "Napoleon" gun. Enfield-rifle. 8i'ge-gun.
Four smooth-bore guns and two howitzers, or Eprouvette. Small-arm.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 151 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
Field-gun. Swivel-gun. 5. The crane to rise fall and turn the gun round.
Fowling-piect;. Tinker. 6. The curb to level and fix the guns.
Fusil. Whitworth-gun. 7. The screw to rise and fall it.
8. The screw to take out the crane when the gun
article treats of breech-loading small-arms
This with the trepeid is to be folded up.
generally ; magazine Jlte-mms, needle-guns, rewrf- 9. The trepeid whereon it plays.
10. The chain to prevent the trepeids extending too
rcrit, yintoiny cannon, and battery-guns are also con-
far out.
sidered under their respective heads. 11. The hooks to fix the trepeid, and unhook when
Abraham Hall's English patent, 16C4, had "a the same is folded up in order to be carried
hole at the \vpj>er end of the breeeh to receive the with the gun upon a man's shoulder-
charge, which hole is opened or stopped by a piece the pivot of the crane turns.
No. 12. The tube wherein
of iron or steel that lies along the side of the piece, 13. A charge of twenty square bullets.
and movable by a ready and easy motion." 14. Asingle bullet.
Henry VIII. took much interest in fire-arms, and 15. The front of the chambers of a gun for a boat.
two weapons, yet extant, manufactured during his 1C. The plate of the chambers for a gun for a ship,
reign, wert substantially the same as the modem shooting square ballets against Turks.
Snider rifle. 17. For round bullets against Christians.
1430," says Biblius,
18. A single square chamber.
"It was in "that small- 19. A single round chamber.
arms were contrived by 20. A single bullet for a boat.
the Luequese, when 21. The mold for casting single bidlets."
they were besieged by
tike Florentines." A "is?^ The parts of a gun are :
—
French translation of
Quintius Cm this, pre- Ante-chamber ; the cavity which connects the hol-
served the British
in low of the nipple with the chamber in the breech.
Museum, has the Barrel; the tube out of which the load is dis-
earliest illustration of hand charged.
fire-arms yet discovered. The Bead; the silver knob for sighting on the end of
cut is from the
11
Penny En- the barrel.
cyclopedia." Bolt ; the sliding piece which secures the barrel
In the Manic d ArtillcHc, to the stock.
Bridges, Breaches, Lines, and Passes, Ships, Boats, sion on the breech, a bead or knob on the muzzle,
Houses, and other Places. by bringing which into line with the object the
The barrel of the gun. line of lire is directed.
No. 1.
2. The sett of chambers charg'd put on ready for Trigger-plate ; the iron plate in which the triggers
fireing. work.
3. The screw upon which every sett of chambers Worm ; the screw at the end of th" ramrod.
play and on.
off Of the gun -lock the parts are the
4. A sett of chambers ready chare'd to l>e slip\l
Cock, or hammer.
on when the first sett are pullM off to be re- Bridle.
Chain, or swivel. Lock-plate.
charg'd.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol* 3 152 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
Main-spring, sr.
In Maynard's rifle (D) the barrel is pivoted to
Sear. Tumbler. the front end of the stock, and its rear end tips
Sear-spring. Tumbler-screw. upwardly, exposing the chamber for the cartridge,
Spring-cramp. See Gun-lock. when the barrel is tipped down against a solid
breech-piece and locked. The Maynard primer con-
The firstpatent in the United States for a breech- sists of pellets of fulminate placed at regular inter-
loading Are-arm was to Thornton and Hall of North vals between narrow strips of paper. This is coiled
Yarmouth, Mass., May 21, 1811. Between that time in a chamber in the lock -plate, and is fed forward by
and 1839 more than 10,000 of these arms were made a wheel operated by a hammer, so as to bring a pel*
and were issued to the troops in garrison and on the let on top of the nipple at each discharge.
frontier. This gun is represented at N f Plate 1C, The Merrill gun {!$) was constructed for a paper
and had a breech-block, which was hinged on un axial cartridge. The breech was closed by a sliding plug
pin at the rear, and tipped upwardly at front to expose locked in place by a combination of levers. The
the front end of the charge-chamber. The flint-lock charge was exploded by a copper cap, placed upon
and powder-pan were attached to the vibrating the nipple in the ordinary manner.
breech-block. The arm is shown and described in The Spencer ride (F) is both a magazine and a
detail in General Norton's "American Breech-Load- single breech-loader, seven cartridges being placed in
ing Small- Arms," New York, 1872. a magazine in the but, and being thrown forward to
Before the war of 1861 -65, the principal breech- the chamber as required. The breech-block is a
loading small-arms were Sharps s, Huniside's, May- sector pivoted beneath the level of the barrel, and
Haul's Merrill's, and Spencer's. retreating backward and downward to expose the
Sharps'* rifle (0, Plate 16) has the barrel rieidly rear of the bore for the insertion of the cartridge.
attached to the stock, the rear being ojwned or closed The tri^per-guanl forms the lever for moving the
by a vertically sliding breech-block, which slides up
and down in a mortise operated by the trigger-guard, The Roberts gun (L) has a breech-block pivoted
which is pivoted at the front end, or by a lever. at the rear, operated by a lever which extends back-
wardly over the small of the stock ; the forward end
The primer consists of small pellets of fulminate in- of the breech-block being depressed, the center of
closed in a copper casing so as to be water-proof. its motion and its abutment in tiring being a con-
These are placed in a pile in a hole in the lock-plate, cave solid base centering on the exact prolongation
forced upward by a spiral spring, the upper oue fed of the axis of the barrel. The breech parts are
forward by a plunger, caught by the cup of the ham- four in number, articulated without pins or screws.
mer, and earned down upon the nipple. The car- The firing-pin passes centrally through the breech-
tridge is in cloth, the end covered with tisane-paper block, and is driven forward on the center of the
saturated with saltpeter, through which the fulmi- cartridge by a blow of the hammer.
nate will ignite the powder. The Martini gun (A) is the invention of a Swiss.
Burnside's rifle (P) has the barrel attached to The breech-block is pivoted at it* upper rear portion,
the stock, the breech-piece being pivoted beneath being moved up and down by a lever at the rear of
the barrel, so as to swing downward and exjwse the the trigger-guard. The firing is by a spiral spring,
chamber in the front end of the breech-piece for which actuates a firing-pin. The cartridge-shell ex-
the insertion of the cartridge. tractor works on a pivot below and behind, the barrel
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 15 3 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
being operated by the descent of the front end of the cam-latch /, which locks the brei'< h-hlock in place ;
breech-block upon one arm of the bell-crank lever. ri is the cam-latch
spring, h is the firing-pin, which
The Chassepot gun {B) is the French arm, and is transmits the blow of the hammer to the priming
named after its inventor. It is what wc term a of the cartridge, and is pressed back by a spiral
bolt-gun, an opening on the riccht hand of the cham- spring after the delivery of the blow ; ; is the cart-
*' ita spring Z an incline which
ber admitting the insertion of the cartrid<{<*. The ridge-shell ejector, ;
forward thrust of a knob drives the cartridge into tips up the ejected shell so as to throw it out of the
the breech, and a partial rotation of the knob locks
the breech-piece. The firing is by a needle. R a top view of the gun with block closed. J?
is
the breech-
The Prussian needle -gnn (C) is also a bolt-gun, is a longitudinal vertical section with
having an inner bolt which forms the firing-pin, block closed. The dotted lines show the block
a sleeve around it, and an outer cylinder. The parts raised.
are shown with the needle in its fired position. The breech-block upward and forward in
is raised
In preparing to reload, the rear knob is withdrawn, the act of opening by a thumb- piece whic h re
and tne axial bolt retained by a catch which leases it by turning up the cam-latch out of its recess
engages a projection, withdrawing the needle. The in the breech-pin. When fully oj»cn, it discloses the
chamber is then unlocked by the knob and slid chamber, or rear end of the barrel, ready for the in-
back, the cartridge inserted and driven into the sertion of the charge contained in a copper cartridge-
breech by the chamber, which is locked by a partial case, holding seventy grains of musket-powder, and
rotation. The firing is done by releasing the needle- firing a bullet tVW of an inch in diameter and weigh-
bolt. ing about 400 grains. When the breech-block is
The Laidley gun (0) has a breech-block pivoted closed, it is held down and braced against the effort
beneath the barrel and rotating backward and down- of the heaviest charges by the cam latch, which flies
ward to open thechamber. When in position for firing, into plaoe in doting. The piece is fired by the ordi-
it is fastened by a locking-brace which is operated nary side-lock taken from the old muzzle-loaders.
by a spring, and vibrates on the same axis as the In opening the piece after firing, the breech-block
hammer. The breech-block is unlocked by a cam strikes the lump on top of the extractor, and revolves
and thrown back by a pawl attached to the locking- it so as to carry the now empty cartridge-shell to the
brace and actuated by the hammer. rear. After passing a certain point, the spiral spring
The Westley-Kichards gun (H) is an English arm in front 6f tne extractor is released, and accelerates
having a pivoted breech-block whose front end is
its motion, so that the cartridge is thrown sharply
depressed by the action of a lever pivoted to the against the beveled surface of the ejector-stud, by
stock beneath the rear of the barrel. which it is deflected upward and expelled from the
The Snider gun (/), built at Enfield, England, is gun.
similar to our Springfield converted rifle, of which
presently. The breech-block is hinged to the rear of S & are two views
of the Elliot carbine recom-
mended by the same board for trial in the field, as
and above the barrel, the block throwing upward
exhibiting 11 remarkable facility of manipulation in
and forward, exposing a chamber in rear of the bore. requiring but one hand to work it." This arm has
Into this the cartridge is dropped, pushed into the
a breech-block hinged to the brcech-pin and oper-
bore, the block brought down and locked by a latch
ated by the hammer. Fig. S shows the gun in load-
in the rear. The tiring-pin passes obliquely through
the block and is struck by the ordinary hammer.
ing position, and &
in. the position
41
ready to fire."
After firing, the hammer d is pulled back to the po-
The Berdan form of this type is shown at J% sition shown in S, and in so doing draws by the
and has a breech-block in two sections hinged to-
yoke b upon the breech-block a, to which it is piv-
gether. . M1 oted at c. This pulls down the front end of the
.
,
thrown up ; a is the bottom of the receiver, c the and withdrawing it directly rearward ; the position
breech-pin, with its circular recess to receive, the is shown in Fig. T
of Plate 17. As the cartridge-
; ;
driving the cartridge into the barrel, it leaves the inder x3 is a view of the cartridge-carrier detached.
;
shoulder of the firing- pin resting against the trigger, The motions are as follows the lever a is raised, ro-
:
1CH-LOADINQ FIRE-ARMS.
The composition consists of 2 parts sulphuret of Fig. 2132, a b iathe common wooden fuse for
timony and 1 part chlorate of potassa, moistened with shells ; the central cavitv is filled with a composi-
gum water and dried. tion of niter sulphur and mealed powder thoroughly
incorporated together, and uniformly and compactly
Fric'tion-tube. (Ordnance.) A tube containing a com-
driven by means of a mallet and drift. The open
position which is inflamed by friction, and which is plac-
end is capped with water-proof paper or parchment.
ed in the vent of a gun to ignite the charge when the
lanyard is pulled. See FRICTION-PRIMER,
For use, a part is sawed off at the smaller end.
The number of seconds which the remaining com-
The movable position will burn is indicated by the annular lines,
Fri'ML plate of steel placed verti-
cally above the pan of a gun-lock to receive the blow so that cutting off a greater or less portion regulates
of the maphance. The form of flint-lock which su- the time of bursting of the shell. The fuse is. in-
perseded the wheel -lock. serted in the fuse-hole when the projectile is re-
quired for use, and the cap removed previous to
Ful'mi-nate. Beckman states that fulminate or loading the piece.
gold was discovered by a monk in the fifteenth cen- Paper fuses containing compositions which burned
tury. This substance, which explodes more rapid v I at the rate of two, three, four, and five seconds to
and with greater local force than gunpowder, is made the inch were formerly employed for field artillery
by precipitating a solution of chloride of gold by in the United States >erviee. A wooden fuse-plug
an excess of ammonia, Mr. Forsyth discovered that driven into the projectile when prepared forser-
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 158 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
vice, and the fuse inserted therein at the moment of Fig. 2132.
loading. The different kinds were indicated by their
color.
These were succeeded by the Bormann fuse c,
which consists of a flat, circular, screw- threaded
piece of an alloy composed of equal parts of tin and
lead, having a deep annular channel extending
nearly around its lower surface, into which the fuse
composition is pressed, communicating with a maga-
zine of fine iK>wder. The composition is protected
by an annular piece of the same metal, which is
forced down over it by pressure, and turned to a
smooth surface. The upper part of the fuse is
graduated to quarter-seconds up to five seconds, so
that by removing the thin metal covering with a
small gouge at any particular mark, the composition,
when ignited, will burn the length of time that the
mark indicates before reaching the magazine which
communicates fire to the bursting charge of the pro-
jectile. This fuse rests in part on the walls of the
shell and in part on a perforated iron fuse-plug,
set in a smaller orifice central to the exterior
luse-hole. When screwed in, it is cemented to the
shell by white lead ground in oil, rendering its ex-
traction somewhat difficult and dangerous. To
obviate this a modification has been contrived con-
sisting of a fiat ring which contains the composition
inserted into an annular groove surrounding the
hole through which powder is poured into the shell.
As this may be made smaller than the ordinary
fuse-hole, the efficacy of the bursting charge for
shattering the shell is increased, while the charge
may be removed without disturbing the fuse thus ;
The first set f* at the top of the machine, about 20^ from made it the rival of Home. It was taken from the
the floor, and the press cake, broken up between them, Greeks, in 1204, by the Venetians under Dandolo :
falls on to an inclined screen which conducts the fragments retaken hy the Greek* in 1201, under the Emperor
to a second pair of rollers. A succession of vibratory screeni Miehoc Pateologus captured by the Turks in
sorts the powder into grades and dust. ; 1 453.
Id the Petersburg arsenal the powder cake Is broken Into An old recipe for Greek-fire is thus given : —
grains by placing It in sieves which contain a certain num- * , ltum uepta, drngnntuin, plx i|U>miuc tlrotca,
£ P* »
ber of bronze balls. These sisves are attached to a vibra- l
Sulphur, wrnkin, d« pcrolio mmque vitro.
tory frame, crushing the cake, the pieces falling through Mcrcuril, mil gviiiuue Urax-i dk-jtur ignis.''
the bottom of the sieve into drawers beneath. The grains
are subsequently dusted, glased, and assorted. Another read* as follows "Take of pulverized
:
The invention is ascribed to Collinicus, an archi- 1200, gives an account of a similar contrivance, used
tect of Hcliopolis, the ''city of the sun/' after- by a Gothic king. The devices of Archimedes, who
wards called Baal bee. He is reported to have de- defended Syracuse from the Romans, 212 ». c, were
serted the service of the Caliph and entered that mechanical or optica), and do not seem to have in-
of the Emperor Constantino Pogonatus, a. d. 678. volved chemical compounds.
The Emperor Leo described its use, 911 ; the Prin- Gre-nade'. (Italian grenado.) A small shell
cess Anna Comnena described its properties. 1106 weighing about two pounds, and thrown by hand.
;
so did Joinville, 1249. It is said to have been first used at the siege of
v
men aimed with hand-grenades. Hence the term ened to the gallows. The executioner cut the cord
grenadiers. Various forma of grenades have been that supported the axe. The deadly instrument in
invented, some containing combustibles, missiles of its fall severed the head from the body, and pene-
0
various sorts, Greek-fire, or other incendiary com- trated about two inches into the block.
pounds. 6-pounders, and even larger shells, have The original instrument was probably Persian.
been used as rampart grenades, being rolled over The French <jiul!oti,ic has a heavy knife, sliding
parapets against assailants. in vertical grooves in a frame.
The Orsini grenades, with which an attempt was It is a grim subject, but, involving mechanical
made to assassinate Louis Napoleon, were spherical construction, is within our scope.
shells containing powder and missiles, and having a An observer in Paris thus records the appearance
large number of cones or nipples, each capped with of the machine and the mode of using it :
44
—
u gun -cup. They were made in London.
On a platform about 12 feet square, and 7 feet
above the ground, an erected the two upright posts
1
,
G-uil'lo-tine. A machine for beheading persons, between which is susjiended the a.ve. They some-
named after Joseph Ignacc Guillotin, a French what resemble a narrow gallows with not more than
physician (1738 - 1814), its supposed inventor. He a foot between the posts. The axe, which is not
did not invent it, but seeing that his Revolutionary unlike a hay-knife, though much heavier and
friends had a Urge job of killing on hand, he sug- broader, is drawn up to the top of the nosts, be-
gested its use as a certain and complete mode of de- tween which it runs in grooves, and is held bus-
capitation. tended by a loop in the halyards, passed over a
I
Dr. Antoiue Louis, of Paris, had the credit of its
invention for a while, and it appears under the
button at the bottom. The edge of the axe is
diagonal, so as to make a draw rut, giving it a fear-
hands of the facile French to have attained a com-
ful power Attd certainty in severing a human neck.
pleteness in construction and execution which left
nothing to be desired —
except, perhaps, mercy.
14
On the center of the platform stands a fmme or
large inverted box, much resembling a soldier s arms-
A beheading machine, called the maiden^ and chest, about 6 feet long and 24 feet wide and high.
sometimes the widow, by the lively Scotch, was
imported from Halifax, England, into Scotland, One end of this abuts upon the upright ]wsts at ;
was a favorite subject with illuminators of manu- up and face the executioner,
scripts 250 years before the French Revolution. and has less of humiliation
In the London "Monthly Magazine, "April 1, 1800, than the cutting and chok-
p. 247, is an enumeration of ten cuts
and engrav- ing processes.
ings of the sixteenth century in which a guillotine It is a vulgar error that
grasped by
tongs, by which the bar is twisted pensed with.
till it assumes k
cylindrical shape, and is shortened
to, say, three feet. Much ingenuity has been cx|K»nded in devices for
Several such ban, twisted in diverse detecting deflection or faults in gun-barrels, and for
directions, are
laid together, welded, and
drawn into ribbons, straightening them when unrvenness is detected.
winch are .severally wound on mandrels The correction is made by placing the barrel on a
as before.
Stub- Damascus is formed from a single bar small anvil and giving it a gentle blow with the
or
twisted rod, forged, drawn into a ribbon, and hammer. The workman obtains artificial aid in de-
wound
on a mandrel. tecting faults, by a transparent slate marked with
Damascus and wire twist is ribbon of the said va- two parallel lines anil placed in a window. The
rieties combined. barrel being pointed towards tin* window, the lines
The ribbon for the twisted barrel i« several yards ire reflected upon the polished interior surface of
long, about
i inch bioad, and is thicker at one end the barrel, and any un evenness throws the reflected
than the other, m
order to give the strength at the lines out of parallelism which is readily detected
;
spiral together
and cause them to adhere. This is revealed by the distance between the line and its re-
<MM jumping and the operation of welding is com-
t flected image in the metal.
Eleted by a hammer on Hn anvil, the central rod
For proving, the barrels are loaded with a heavy
eing maintained in position.
charge and then laid in a rank in the parallel
The iron plate, technically termed a skeip, is usu-
grooves of a massive bible in the proving-room, the
ally about a foot in length, and when heated
to a charge in eaeli piece being connected to a train of
welding temperature is rolled around a mandrel nnd
powder on the Ijaek of the stand, and passing to the
passed through .sets of roller*, which, in turn, elon-
outside of the building, so as to lire the charges
gate the skelp, reducing its diameter and giving the
from a -place uf security. The balls arc received in
proper size and taper to the barrel.
a bank of eaith, nnd those barrels which appear to
Formerly the edges of the heated blank wen-
have withstood the first charge are subjected to a
welded upon the mandrel by the successive blows of
second, smaller proving charge, to open any rent
ft trip-hammer, or a " drop," dies intervening be-
which may have been made by the former. Those
tween the iron tube nnd the drop and anvil respec-
which stand both tests are stamped with the mark
tively. A portion only of the seam is closed at a of approval.
time by this means, and the operation is more tedi-
ous and expensive than the rollers just described.
A stillmore severe test is filling the barrel with
water, and driving in nn air tight bullet hy heavy
The rolling process was introduced from England.
and repeated blows. If any chink or crack is to be
(Boritig.) For boring, the barrels are placed in a found, the water will ooze from it.
heavy iron frame called "boring banks," where they
The having been welded, rolled, bored,
barrel
are teamed out by the boring-tool, which consists of
turned, ground, polished, and proved, is* now to be
a square broach of steel, with sharp edges. The rifled by having twisting grooves cut in its interior.
tool is rotated and advanced while the barrel is
This is more fully referred to in this work under
firmly held, and the operation is repeated with suc-
Rifling-m a<;u ink, and is a very old device, speci-
cessively larger tools until the required size is ob- mens of rilled cannon and small-arms of the seven-
tained. —something jhort of the eventual caliber, as teenth century being preserved in European collec-
other operations are to follow, and will farther in- tions. In general features most of the machines
crease the size of the bore. agree ; the barrel is firmly secured in the frame of
A
1
at the proper stage of its progress, the former by he also added a tongue, so that two horses could draw
brazing and the latter by welding. abreast, and made the limbers so that one sort would
Steel barilla are drawn from short bars, which are answer kinds of carriages.
for several different
bored, heated, and drawn upon a mandrel between Land gun-carriages comprise field, siege, casemate,
rolls, which successively lengthen and reduce the and barbette carriages. The two former are adapted
diameter of the liarrel. for the tnuis|*>rtation as well as service of the piece,
After boring and rifling, the grain or mottled ap- while the lntter are intended to l>e kept in one posi-
pearance is produced by steeping in acids or by heat- tion in a fortification. A smaller kind of field-car-
ing in boxes with charcoal, and then plunging in riage may be readily taken to pieces and put to-
solution of ammonia. See Rkowninu. gether, so as to be carried on mules' backs in a rug-
The principal imperfections to which gun-barrels
© ed and mountainous country.
IT
are liable are the clank, the crack, and the flaw. Field-carnages include those which arc adapted to
The chink is a small rent in the direction of the accompany tlie movements of troops during an en-
length of the barrel. gagement, and currying a class of guns weighing
The crack is an imperfection across the barrel. from 800 to 1200 }>ounds, as the 12-puunder smooth-
The fltm is a scale, or small plate, adhering to the bore and lighter rifled cannon.
lmrrel by a narrow base, from which it spreads out These carriages are known as 41 stock trail " pat-
like the head of a nail from its shank, and when tern, from having a single piece, which serves as the
separated leaves a little pit in the metal which col- trail, inserted between the two cheeks on which the
lects moisture and foulness, corroding the metal. trunnions rest.
Gun-bar rel Gage. The gage of large guns is The Gribeauval and older patterns of carriage
the weight of the ball they carry, as 6-pounder, 8- had no stock, the ends of the cheeks resting imme-
pounder, 12 -pounder, etc. diately on the ground the fore-wheels were also
;
be adapted for the transportation of the piece. rf, handle. 0, D-nug for hand-spike.
c c prolonge hooks. q, trunnion -plate.
The first consisted merely of u timber-block, or t
The detachable forepart of the carriage is called semble the army casemate carriage, but have
the limber. It carries a chest for containing ammu-
no
chaa>ds. They are mounted upon four small wheels,
nition, upon which the cannoniers sit. The limliera called " tracka," and are run in and out and
pointed
for all field-cuiTiages differ only' in the interior fitting bv means of two tide tackles, hooked respectively on
up of the chest. Adapting it for receiving different the left and nght to the side of the ship, and a train-
kinds of ammunition. tackU hooked to a ring-bolt behind the carriage.
A caisson for carrying niumimition accompanies ExcesMve recoil is checked by the breeching, a stout
each fluid-piece. This vehicle has a limber similar rope passing through a hole in the cascabel
to that of the gun -carriage of the
Its rear part, or body, gun, and shackled to the ship's ribs on either aide.
carries two ammunition-chests, the three, with that Elevation is given either by means of a graduated
on the carriage-limber, containing the full supply of quoin or an elevating screw.
ammunition for the piece.
In the" MartiUy carriage the two front rollers are
Each fiehblwttery of four or more pieces is also i
into firing position by steam piston and cylinder six times when the cotton is finally
washed ill a
beneath. warm alkaline solution to remove all the mi com-
Houel and faille t have a system of level's which bined acid. Up to this period the cotton has been
oscillate,buckwiirdly by the recoil, and in so doing in a grrater or less degree damp, since it was first
bring into action a spring which afterward assist* i» subjected to the action of the acids, but niter as-
restoring the gun to tiring position. See ulso Coon, suming its filial shape is dried in harges of twenty
c
18(33; Foster, 18(39. pounds in tire-proof cages. See also Kevy'a nrocess,
a toggle-joint and screw for " Treatise
Wappieh, 1863, lias 1B05 ; ami appendix to A. L. HoUry'n
(deration and depression. Also screws beneath the on Ordnance and Armor." M|t AW1 of llu Woul . .
trunnions. wic,h(Kiigland)l)oek.Yard
In Monerieir's gun carriage (Fig. 2341) the gun is Chemical Department, has
supported upon a moving fulcrum, which, on the discovered that the explo-
firing of the gun, is caused to shift nearer to
the
sive force of gun-cotton,
gun and farther from a counterweight, spring, or like that of iiitro-glyee-
other force, while at the same time the gun is brought rine, may l>c. developed by
into a lowered position for reloading, and is
then
the exposure of the sub-
automatically raised into position for tiring. By the
staii.-o to the sudden con-
shifting of the fulcrum, the statical momentum of
cussion produced by a
the balance weight is made to preponderate so greatly detonation, and that if ex-
over that of the gun that it will, when allowed free ploded by that agency the
action, after the loading of the gun, raise the same suddenness and conse-
into its original position.
and quent violence of its action greatly exceeds that of its
For running the gun in and out of battery, explosion by menus of a highly heated body of llame.
traversing and operating guns in turrets see patent Charges for sporting or blasting purposes are some-
of Ericsson, I860, 1870; tar-ley, 1S0:>, 1SG7; Eiwte,
times put up with a core of raw cotton, tu diminish
1864. 1865 ; Itortol, 1S(>3. Training twin guns ill
the force of explosion.
parallelism in turrets, Ends, 186U. Wet gun-cotton is of course proof against explo-
Eads, 1864, 1865, has a means for training the gun siou by heat, but it has Ikcii found that its explo-
u|K>n an imaginary center, which is the center of when
sive energy is mther increased than diminished
the exterior opening of the port or embrasure, so as wet ami tired by pi rcussum. A body of gun-cotton
to reduce the opening to the smallest size. thrown into the sea in a uetf with a protected piun-
Ghin-oot'ton. The first notice of the discovery ingof dry cotton and fulminate, will explode, with
of gun-cotton was made by Iiraconnet, in 1833, who as much force as if confined in a water tight vessel.
R MAN'S JANES BOND Vol. 3 166 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
dropping a shower
The rapidity with which gun-oottou detonates has the battery, throwiug it hick and
" pan " containing the pruning.
linen computed at 20,000 feet per second. Its energy of snarks into die
obtained a patent in
is from two to four time, that of gunpowder. See In 1807 Rev. Mr. Forsyth
England for a fulminating powder, which was to
lw
KXI'LOKIVKS.
the gun and
Gun-eotton is not soluble in alcohol or ether, but plated in a magazine at the breech of
in a mixture of the two it dissolves readily, giving tired bv a pin. Various modifications were devised
of the common copper cap,
vise to a perfectly colorless imieilaciiious limiid, prior to the introduction
known as coIMim, This dries quickly to a hard about 1*16. This, however, made its way rather
it was not until 1842 that
the percussion
skin, quite rtnic tuivless and possessing considerable slowly,
strength. It is used in nurp-ry, and also, in con- lock and cap were adopted in the United States mili-
junction with iodides nnd bromides, to form the tary service.
tlie adaptationof the. flint-lock to cannon was
collodion of the photographer.
to secure the lock in
1
The cotton thoroughly cleansed by boiling it in
i« fir*t easy it being merely necessary
position bv a ring around the
breech of the gun;
nn alk-liue solution and exposing it to a current of air, and
then again boiling it in clean water. After the second boil- « the hammer fell back, on firing, the blast trom
when
to tlie lock.
ing it must be a«uJn thoroughly dried, fir.-t by a centrifugal the vent parsed freely, without injury
uKiChino, ami afterward by being pa«Red arer a current of pcmission-loeks when ap-
It was otherwise with
hot air, the wet meeting the cold current, and as it drie* ris- diameter 1 he
ing to a temperature of about 120° K. The cotton, in charge* plied to a vent two tenths of an inch in
destroyed such
of one pound each, i* then steeped for five minute* In a bath shock of the blast would soon have
containing three parts of sulphuric acid and one part of nitric a lock without the luunmer
was withdrawn from
acid, after which it is tnken out and placed in an iron cylin- This
over the vent at the very instant of tiring.
der, and a perforated pirton, about 8" in diameter, is forced Hidden s lock, first
difficulty was obviated by K.
down upon it by hjJmulic pressure. The excess of acid improved.
pre>sed out of the cotton pjuw-s through the perforations in patented in 1831 and subsequently
winch the lan-
the disk and is pumped off. The cotton U then placed in In this, that end of the hammer to
gtuxed earthenware jiir*, which are corered in order to pre- slotted, so that
yard is attache*! is longitudinally
vent any hunting taking place, the jar* being placed in a
the same pull which brings the
hammer down upon
current of cold water, wnere they are allowed to remain for
24 hours, after which the cotton is taken out and again thor- the head of the primer withdraws it
back a alight
Friction
oughly washed, and while yet damp is passed between roll- distance, leaving the blast unimpeded.
ers until it is reduced to a rery fine powder; this process the
primers for cannon have generally superseded
being gone through while the compound is damp, prevent* maintains its place ill
nnv possibility of its explosion. The ponder U then mixed tiseof this lock, though it still
with a certain quantity of sugar, nitric acid, and water, into the United States navy.
u pulpy mass, which, after being strained through a fine Tlu. dements of all gun-locks of the modem pat-
sieve, is carefully dried in a temperature never exceeding breech-loading
YJfP ¥. The manufacturing process is Anally completed by V ww j -
bailing small-arms.
ivgular in siic, but for rirle cartridges it is made in small
pellets, similar in form and size to rape seed.' —
1 u Univer*
sai Engineer. 1
' a, hammer or cock.
6, Uunhlcr.
Gun-lock. Tlie combination of parts by which c, brulh.
to ignite. The
the propulsive charge ia caused d, bridlcscrcxo.
matchlock, the. first known employment of
Wtoen scar.
Cy
Common formula
Stirling's (English)
-.91 Copper.
50
Tiu.
25 1 -8
lower part being cut out in crescent shape. It has
a Fig- 2344
ends,
Or ....
tary purposes .
used it in Spain in 1312, and in 1331 the king of Staunton, Halhcd, Hallam, M. Langles, Muratori,
Granada battered Alicnnt with iron ballets, dis- Reinaud, and Grove, which indicate the very early
charged by fire from machines. In 1342-48, the use of gunpowder.
Moorish garrison of Algesiras defended themselves It must oe recollected that in many parts of Asia
against Alonzo XL, king of Castile, by projectiles saltpeter occurs as an efflorescence on the surface of
fired from cannon by powder. the ground, and its sputtering effects upon ignited
The Venetians used gunpowder in their wara with charcoal, when a fire was built upon it, must have
the Genoese in 1380. Gnnpowder is mentioned in been very commonly observed. Sulphur is useful
the French national accounts, 1338, and is said to in the combination, but not essential for some pur-
have been used at Crete}*, 1346, and to have con- poses to which the explosive compound is applied.
tributed much to the success of the English. In early ages, probably as early as the time of the
The two Europeans whose names have been exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, fire-works were
prominently brought forward as inventors of gun- common in China, and from tlience, at a very re-
l»owd£r are Roger Bacon and Michael Schwartz. mote period, they spread to India, where they were
Roger Bacon, in 1216, wrote a work entitled used on a scale which made them dangerous weapons
"The Secrets of Art and Nature," wherein he states when Alexander invaded that country, 327 n. c.
that "from saltpeter and other ingredients we are There is no reasonable doubt that, long before they
able to make a tire that shall burn at what distance were employed as weapons, rockets and other pyro-
we please ; and that sounds and coruscations re- technic devices were used among these Eistern Asiatic
sembling thunder and lightning might be formed in nations, especially among the Chinese, with whom
the air, much more to be dreaded than those that they have for many centuries formed an important
happen naturally, inasmuch as by its power armies item in public celebrations ami festivals. From
and cities might be destroyed. Bacon did not those devices, in which a charged paper tube expels
claim the discovery, and had probably read the fire-balls or pellets of explosive material, the tran-
"Liber Ignium" of Marcus Gnecua, written about sition is very easy to larger tubes with projectiles,
A. d. 825, in which he describes the nature of the which depend for execution upon percussive fori*.
composition for making rockets. His formula is Such were the original fire-arms, and the strength-
stated by one authority to have been, —
sulohur, 1 ened paper tuba or the bamboo was the first barrel.
charcoal, 2 saltpeter, 6.
;
It is now difficult to sift We have occasion to notice, in the course of this
the error from the truth, but it is said that in the work, that many arts in which the Chinese excelled
recipe of Bacon the ingredients saltpeter and were carried to India, and were cultivated in that
sulphur were given, snd that the charcoal was stated congenial soil, until an irruption of another nation
anagmmmatically, by the transposition of the letters scattered the artificers or scholars, and gave to tho
of the words, carbontcm pulverc; which he wrQte world the secret or the industry which was locked
"Lura nope cum ubre." This looks as though he up, as it were, within circumscribed limits. This
considered it a secret not necessarily his invention,
;
has commonly occurred in the history of the indus-
but a dangerous compound not adapted for the use trial arts.
Sgard it as certain that they introduced the knowl- charcoal, 15; in every 100 parts. Of the three
ge of gunpowder into Europe. ingredients forty-two pound* arc placed in a hollow-
The ingredients for the manufacture of gunpowder drum, which revolves rapidly, and contains a Jly-
should Ik; of the greatest possible purity. The crude pan, which rotates in an op|n>site direction in ;
saltpeter is refined by washing, awl thi n dissolving alHMit five minutes a complete mixture is effected,
in the least possible proportion of hot wuter, and arid the charge is received in a bag tied over the
clarified by adding a very small quantity of glue, lower orifice of the drum.
and boiling until the impurities, such as chloride of The compaction is next taken to the iyicorporaiing*
sodium, are deposited and the liquid becomes per* nulls, and is now a combustible compound, which
fectly clear. It is then drawn oif into pans, where will acquire an txjrtosivc j*>wcr by the thorough in-
it is cooled and crystallized in very minute grains, corporation of ingredients. The mill consists of a
and afterwards washed with cold water, dried, and pair of circular atones (runners) weighing about
sieved. It should not contain more than moiir part Ah ton* each, and slowly rolling over the powder,
of chlorides. That used in the best powder does not which is nlaced on the stone lied of the mill, sur-
contain more than th Jititt- and for the best sporting rounded by a huge wooden basin. The powder
powder it undergoes a second refining, and contains is previously damped, as it could not bo safely
not more than Kni^iT part. ground dry ;about aeven pints of water {liquor)
The charcoal has a great effec t upon the quality being added to the charge of forty-two pounds of
of the powder. It should Ik* light, friable, and powder during three and a half hours, the tinie of
porous, burning freely, and leaving little ashes. The grinding. To insure this with precision, and to
woods used are willow and black-alder, principally obviate the chance of any irregularity in a clock,
the former. Blanches not exceeding if inch di- the water-wheel which works two of these mills
ameter are selected, harked, and dried, after which in one house also marks its revolutions on a dial,
they nre charred in upright cast-iron cylinders, so that the attendant can never l>c mistaken in
heated from the outside ; about 65 per cent of the the time the charge has lieen "on," —
a most im-
weight is found to pass oil" in the gaseous products portiuit lKrint, where the over-grinding of the too
distilled from the wood, leaving only 35 per cent of dry jiowdcr might fiUUM it to explode. Sometimes
coal. It should only be prepared as required for a portion of the wood- work of the roof, or mill, be-
use, owing to its liability to absorb moisture, and to coming detached —
such as a cog of the wheel —
spontaneous combustion when stored in quantities and falling into the pan, acts to cause a mass of
exceeding 30 |wuud* weight. K>wdcr to explode. As a protection, over each
Sulphur is refined by sublimation, the chamber in i lOtlftc containing a pair of mills is suspended a Hat
which the va|H>rs condense being kej.t at a tcnijiera- l>oard, which, in ease of an explosion, is first blown
ture of about 248° K., so as to allow the sulphur to lie upward, and, being connected by win* to a cistern
drawn otl'in liquid form. If much lower than this of water over the pan of the fellow mill, upsets the
it condenses in the form of a powder, called Howers
same, and drowns the gumiowdrr. Tin; attendants
of sulphur, which always contains a projK)rtio]i of are as little as possible in these mills, nnd only work
sulphurous and sulphuric acids. by daylight. Wore hazardous processes, however,
The three ingredients are now incorporated. follow. The |K>wdcr thus incnr|K>rated is in hard,
Dr. Scollcrn's description of the pneess as con- flat lumps, and has agub* to lw reduced to dust
ducted at the National Mills at Waltham, England, in the brcttkhuf-d'WH 1wusr by conveying it down
%
which produce powder of unsurpassed quality, gives am inclined plane, through rollers, "which crush
a good general idea of the mode of manufacture. nearly 500 jH>unds in the hour. The ]>owdci is
It may be remarked that the proems commonly then taken to the prcw-iitHtsc, and there, between
employed in this country, though almost identical, gun-metal plates i« pressed in thin cakes to one
differs somewhat in the preliminaries. Here the third its bulk by a power of 700 tons in an hydrau-
saltpeter is usually found sufliciently pulverized as lic press. The cakes arc roughly broken up, and
it comes from the refinery. The charcoal is pulver- sent in baskets to the granttlutimj-mif?, where the
ized bv being placed in a large cast-iron lau rel, hav- iiowdcr is again broken down into grains, the size
ing ledges on its interior, with twice its weight lieing regulated by sieves. The floor is covered
of bronze balls, and the barrel is caused to rotate at with hides fastened down with copper nails, and the
the rate of from 20 to 15 revolutions per minute for mill can bo started or stopped by a rope passing
two or three hours. The sulphur is similarly treated through the wall, which is Iwmb-proof. The powder
is then dried, by heat, in the storing. room, which
in barrels made of thick leather stretched over a
wooilen frame, and revolved from four to eight is Hanked externally by trt* rente* (mounds of earth
hours. The ingredients are incorporated by placing thirty feet thick), to confine explosion, should it
the charcoal and sulphur together in a rolling bar- happen, os much as possible to one house. Lastly,
ltd, similar to that in which the sulphur is pulver- the powder is sifted in the duHtiay-housc, w here the
ized, and rolling them for one hour. The saltpeter sieves revolve with great velocity the dust escapes
;
is then added and rolled for three hours longer, after through the meshes, nnd the gunjiowdor is drawn
which the mixture is transferred to x he cylinder or offthrough a sort of tap, into barrels, for packing.
rolling mill, which consists of two cast-iron cylin- The finest powder is glazed by black-lead being
ders rolling in a circular trough with a cast-iron shaken up with it but cannon powder has not this
;
bottom. finish.
At Waltham, the saltpeter, brimstone, and char- The of grain of gunpowder is varied according
size
coal are ground separately in mills each consisting to its intended me. The finest is known as sjtort-
of a pair of heavy circular stones slowly revolving ixg, the uext rifle, then mvskct, and lastly cannon
on a stone lied. Next the ingredient* are conveyed jwnvder. The rapidity of burning is in inverse pro-
to the micintf'ttotrsc. Here, in bins, are the salt- I»ortion to the size of the grain, for very heavy
;
bore for the side screws of the lock, and two more to (Firr-tfrms.) The position of the
make places for tips and bands. After these various gun-lock when the nose of the mw is in the that or
operations comes the second turning and smoothing ilcrp tirirh of the tumhfrr. From this it cannot he
ot the work ; then the grooving for the ramrod ;
pulled oil* by tin* trigger.
then the boring for the ramrod from the point at
which the groove ends. These machine* are each Ham'mer-cap. A cover lor
provided with a pattern or templet, which is the the cock of a gun.
exact counterpart of the cavity or other form to be Ham'xner-lesfl Gun. One without exterior
produced in the stock. They are furnished also hammer; usually fired by concealed sprinjr-piu.
with cutters or borers, which, being placed above
The term may include the needle and bolt guns.
the stock, are made to revolve rapidly and cut the
wood in exact imitation of the pattern below. The That shown in Fig. 1298 is by Greener, of Birmingham,
England. It is shown by longitudinal section. Tbe barrels
movements of the tool are controlled by a guide an hinged to the breech-frame in the usual manner, but in-
which is inserted within the pattern. The tool is
made to revolve by means of small machinery within Iig.l2B8.
its frame, the latter and all within it moving to-
gether with both lateral and vertical motions, being
governed by the guide, which is connected with it,
by the aid of very curious and intricate machinery.
The work of the artisan, when the machine is in
motion and the stock is adjusted in its bed
within it, beneath the borers or cutters, is simply
to bring the guide down into the pattern, and
move it about the circumference and through its
center. The cutting-tool follows the movements
of the guide, and the result is a perfect duplicate
in the stock of the form in the mold below. See
Lathe fou Turning Iukkgulail Fokms.
Fig. 1291.
HammerUss Gun.
stead of the ordinary gun lock with outride hammers, thu
tumblers A are made nearly in the form of an elbow lever.
These tumblers have their upper ends curved forward, and
are provided with a small rounded point, which is arranged
to strike through a small hole at the center of the breech
piece instead of the ordinary firing pin. The lower front
portions of the tumblers A are extended forward in the form
of a Mat arm, and these arms are curved laterally inward, so
that their inner ends nearly meet at the center, each arm
terminating with a amall rounded projection on its lower
side. The tumbler* are in a recess which also contains the
mainspring. (Referred to in the plural, as the gun is double
barreled.)
To one of the projections in rear of the joint is pivoted a
pendant C, which plays loosely in a vertical slot in the cen-
ter of the front arm of the breech frame, directly in front of
the converging amis of the tumblers. This pendant has a
hook-shaped projection which engsges und*r the front ends
of the arms of the tumblers, so that when the rear ends of
the barrels are raided the hook raises the arms of the tum-
blers far enough to permit the dogs £ to engage in & notch in
the tumblers, thus automatically cocking the arm,
atting
11
G unwnU Gun. To hold the hook C back far enough to engage with the
" .
Ham'mer-spring. The
spring of the hammer Cannon-balls made red hot in a fur-
in a gun-lock. Its parts are the play-tide, Mudnide, order to fire wooden structure* into which
the turn, the ,/lower, the Had, the eye ; through the they are thrown.
Utter passes the rod of the spring-pin.
Tig. 1888.
part of the stock
(Fire-arm.) Tht
gripped by the hnnd, and which may be either
straight or pistolyrippei.
Haufise. A
lifting breech- Fig. 1329.
sight of a gun.
Figs. 1329,
1331, show that of
the Mauser rifle, Spanish Howitzer.
t h e piece adopted
tom nick (Fig. 1330), rf, the siege-howitzer, 1861, has a chamber the
400 meters. Ize of the bore. See Mountain-howitzer.
The slider raised so
that its lower end corre- Kg. 2599
sponds with figure "6"
on the left, 600 meters.
Slipping to mark
600 meters.
And so on up to " 10
(Fig. 1881), 1,000 meters.
The signt then shifts
to the upper opening in
the slider, the letter be-
Fig. 1881.
ing slipped down.
The bottom of the up*
per opening. 1,100 m.
The top of the hausae,
1,200 meters.
The slider lifted to ex-
pose " 13 " on the right,
1,300 meters.
And soon up to" 16 "
l,&Ht nicteis, which is
the position shown in
big 1331, which isshown
a* set for 1,000 or 1,000
meters, by using the
lower or the higher Im-pres'sion Ma-chine'. (Cartridge.) A
notch, for the respective
distanced.
machine for making an impression in the hefcd of
Other forms are given the cup, which is done by a horizontal die pressing
undor Sight. it into a pattern, ao that, when vented, the holes
will not be on the top but on the side of the impres-
sion.
composition formed
inc* n-liury
Bm "Ordnotu* Report" 1879, Appendix I., Plat* HM Pig.
6, and description on pp. OB-MO.
of sulphur, saltpeter, ami sulphide of antimony,
For gunpowder, Br
mixed into a i»a«te with juice of black sycamore,
liquid asphaltum, and quicklime.
In-creaae' - twiat (Riftiyig.) A rifle-groove
The French engineer Chevallier, about 1797, in- which has an' increased angle of twist as it approaches
rented a compound which would burn under wa-
the muzzle, allowiug the projectile to be easily
ter.
started and giving it an increased velocity of rotation
Shells, charged with this or n similar xubatance,
as it proceeds.
are said to have been found ou some of the ships of
Rifling van known in the seventeenth century ;
the French fleet which carried Napoleon and his inventor and dab being unknown.
1
Mere
its
army to Egypt, and were afterwards taken or de-
grooved born-la, without spirality, were used two
stroyed by Nelson at the battle of the Nile.
centuries earlier.
Rock-Are is one of the best known modern incen-
The twist is credited to Tamisicr, and
increa.se
diary compositions it burns slowly, is difficult to
;
dates but a few years back.
extinguish, and is used for setting fire to ships,
buildings, etc. For putting in shells it is cast in
cylindrical paper cases, having a priming in their
axes.
Rock-fire is composed of sulphur,
rosin, 3 parts ;
sieve ; the tallow in invited over a fire, the rosin is well gun, » "EiyincerMfj" xxi. Ifi. Also the Arm-
then Added, next the turpentine, and afterward the strong gun,
other materials the whole being thoroughly incor-
;
Jelly Pow'der. So
called from its resem-
porated by stirring with spatulas, and great care blance to calfVfoot jelly. It consists of 94% or
being taken to prevent its taking fire. When the 95% of nitro-glycerine and 5% or 6% collodion cot-
composition becomes of a brown color the fire is per- ton, ao mixed as to asaume a gelatinous form. It
mitted to go down, and when sufficiently fluid is is tough, but can be easily cut with knives or shears,
poured into the paper cases. and applied to cartridges and balls. It is water-
Niepce experimented upon the effects of potassium proof, acta in the same way as dynamite, but is
and benzole, and ascertained that 4 gramme of po- at least 50% stronger, and does not possess the
tassium in 300 grammes of benzole would spontane-
great defect of the latter in parting with its nitro-
ously ignite on the surface of the water, burning and
spreading over a considerable surface. Petroleum glycerine when damp. — Nobd.
may be substituted for benzole. A solution of
phosphorus or chloride of sulphur, in sulphuret of
carbon, also spontaneously ignites on exposure to the
air.
the introduction of the Greek fire, though these were barrel bon»; .498 inch eccentricity, .01 in half an
; ;
Light-ball. (Ordnance.) The ordinary light- Lock-screw. The screw which fastens the gun-
ball, which has been in military use for centuries, lo.-k to the. sto.'k.
consists of a canvas sack of elongated aha]>e, filled
with a combustible and illuminating composition. Long-bow. Weapon. )
( A bow
It is used for lighting up works in sieges, and also the hight of the an her, formerly used
for discovering the position of an enemy in the ;
in England. See Bow.
latter case it is charged with a shell to prevent
its being approached, and is fired from a piece of Loop. {Fire-arm.) The projection under the
ordnance. As from its position on the ground it barrel to which the fore end is fastened.
can illuminate but a limited area, parachute light-
balls have been proposed. That of Sir William 2. {Cartridge.) A machine in which the bullets
Congreve was to be attached to a rocket General after being trimmed are waxed so :ih to clean the gun
Boxers light-ball was adopted into the British ser- when tiring. They
arc covered with Japan wax,
vice in 1850. It consists of a mass of sulphur, salt- which is in a veriical tube regulated by a heavy
peter, and red orpiment, inclosed in a hemispheri- weight keeping it apainst the bullets which are fed
cal case of tinned iron, which is attached by chains in on a wheel. The bullets are pressed out carry-
anil cords to a large calico parachute that is com- ing so much wax with theui. bee Cautuiugk.
pressed into a similar hemispherical casing, the two
forming a sphere, having an annular depression mir* Lump. (Fire-arm.) The
piece soldered
iron
rounding it. A
second tinned-iron case fits over the onto the luirrel, and which descends into the ac-
first, and has a fuse communicating with a train of tion (ill break-joint breech-loaders) where there is
quickmatch in the annular groove before mentioned, a recess prepared fur it.
anil also with the bursting charge. This projectile
is fired from a mortar.
explode in contact with open Are ; in three times as uti-oof aa in armor. It bad many forms a simple iron club
:
an equal weight of black blasting powder, and lens than one a spiked club ; a pointed hammer ; an iron-spiked
third the price. Mentioned in tht "Deutsche Industrie Zei-
tung" Made at Kieltah by Baron von Truuachhler Falken- half chained to a handle about 2 feet long. The
atein. latter were called morning Mar* by the train bauds
of London ; a grim pleasantry.
Load'er. An instrument for re-loading car- The Assyrian soldiers used " wooden dubs knot-
tridge shells (Fig. 1617.) ted with iron." — Herodotus, VII. 63.
The instrument a hat a prop for the shell and a plunger for The bent msces </*««> are found in the old Egyp-
the mading, the preuure being given by approaching the tian picture*, and am yet common in Africa and
handles in manner of a forceps.
o la a powiirr or a hot rammer, and at one end baa a point
which may be employed to din lodge the spent In the times of the Plantagemrts the mace was
shell.
need in battles and tournaments, and was superseded
a and 6 are manifestly not intended for the
a ib shown coasressins; the bullet into a by the pistol in the time of Elizabeth. The mace i*
stfll retained among the Turkish cavalry.
Kip. 1U47.
t'artridge Loaders.
ride b> Hide. The magazine in at the Hide of the receiver end
chamber of the barrel, extends downward to the bottom of tho trigger guard. The
The Hotxhkiss repeater is a holt and needle rnng- mouth of tho msgiuine I* at the side, of the receiver, and the
cartridge* sire forced upward by a spring so us to bring them
gnn. The magazine in the butt contiuu* *ix In tiMcvwinu to the action of the holt. A vpi-in^-gate pre-
cnrtritTju'e* which arc forced forward by a spring. Kiit. lftV*.
The gun is shown
iu ¥\g. If»50.
The cartridge* are inserted one at a time, to the number of
five, proaslog each backward Into the chamber until a click
pun shown
is in Figs. 1651,1652. The magazine without. They may be inserted Kingly, or the niagaxine may
he Ailed quickly from a cartridge-box applied to the mouth
is at the side and can whether the piece he
1*5 filled
of the magazine, th« cartridges being forced in by the finger,
londed or unloaded, the opening for insertion of the the gate ol the magazine j iehling to the pressure from above
cartridge being accessible at all times. and closing ;iftcr tlie cartridges have entered.
The net ion of the holt is rectilinear. It is drawn out by a
The loading on the bolt svsteni, lui' m« turning of the
is handle which unlocks a pivoted catch-piece, f, to free the
b«lt if rvjulnHl. Klg. 1051 thorn the larii pushed forwird bolt, and relock« the piece Cwlion the bolt in thrust home
Pig. I6T»1 In loading. The forward mot ion of the bolt comprises the
firing spring and the trigger cm tehee in the book of the
Bring pin. The breerh mechanism is simple, and ths opera-
tion require* merely a forward and back motion of the hand.
Sea also Trab**'* magazine gun, patents Nos. 223.414;
25 seconds wen; occupied, in which rime the K rug fired 9, theguu on the same axle. The 37 cartridges, in.
the Kropat<chek and the llotehki*> «. -"i rounds on an tended for one charge, arc contained in a small lwx.
average. Single shot fire proved ijetti-r ilmn rcdiurgiug the
mngtixiuo and repeating continually. The minimum time*
A steel plate with corresponding holes is placed on
taken to lire tiff the imigaxiues, at tiiu i-oiiclurfKnn of the ex- the open box, which is then reversed, ami the car-
periment-, when the men were expert, were as follows: tridges fall foremost into their respective
points
llotrhki**, 0 nmnd>, in lU>eerinds Kiopatsclu k, modified. 8
:
holes. They are prevented from failing through
rounds, in 14 seeoml* Krai-, !) iound>, in 17 -ceonds; giving
;
an average time |wr round of by the rims at their Imscfl. The loaded plate is then
l.titi, \ .7i, % and 1.8S second* re-
spectively. introduced into the breech-slot, and when the breech
u nas concluded
I'imilly, it that the llotehkiss rifle is the is closed by a lever, a number of steel pins, pressed
easiest jind quickest in charging the magazines; then the
Kropatseliek and last, King, As to rapidity of fire, the
:
by spiral springs, are only prevented from striking
llotehkiss nnd Kroputitrlu-k lire about equal, "ijirge maga- the percussion arrangement in the cartridges by a
zines hnvu a great advantage the ma^itllH! once empty, it is
: plat*? in front of them. When this case is moved
best nol to attempt to refill it till Insure gives the opportu-.
slowly by a handle, the cartridges are fuvd one by
one. If the plate be withdrawn rapidly, they fol-
Match-lock. The form of ^un- lock which pre-
low each other so quickly that their discharge is all
ceded the wheel-lock and the flint-lock. It hail a
hut simultaneous.
match, whence its name, which was presented to the
The projectile weighs 37 grammes, or a little over
priming. Still used in some parts of Asia. See
an ounce. The charge of powder is from to 8
Revolver.
grammes. The la^t amount is that counseled by the
Mar'tin's Shells. (Ordnance) Cast-iron spher-
inventors.
ical shells, lined with loam and cow-hair and filled
Used as an incendiary shell. The mitrailleur of 37 barrels weighs 180 kilo-
with molten iron.
grammes, or 400 pounds, without the carriage, andean
Mealed Pow'der. Gunpowder pulverized
be worked by two men. It was found, however, at
treating with alcohol.
Vienna, in December, 1369, that to obtain the most
Me-tallic Cartridge. One in which the charge
rapid firing, or 481 balls per minute, five men were
is contained in a metallic capsulr, in contradistinc- necessary to work the piece.
tion to the paper cartridge. Sim* Cakthidok.
The front carriage contains from 48 to 56 boxes
Min'ie-bullet Invented at Vincennes by M. for loading, and the two caissons hold 16 brecch-
Minie about 1833. See Bullet, c, Fig. 969. phitcs furnished with cartridges. The mitrailleur
Mi'trail-leur'. (Fire-arms.) A French form of is, therefore, provided with 2,368 cartridges; and
battery-gun which is loaded at the breech, by a a battery of 8 mitrailleurs can hurl on an attacking
block containing pockets for a number of cartridges. column 3,849 effective projectiles per minute.
These are fired consecutively or in a volley. Charged Another form of battery-gun employed hy the
plates are kept in reserve. French in the war with Germany consists of a series
The object is to obtain greater accuracy and of barrels arranged side by side, the muzzles slightly
range than arc attainable by the case or canister diverging, and loaded at the breech by means of a
shot, discharged from cannon. These are contained rectangular breech-block containing two rows of
in an envelope which is ruptured either by a burst- chambers, one above the other. The cartridges are
inserted into the upper row of ehaml>ers the breech-
ing charge within or by the force of projection, and ;
99 iKjunds.
Tim chamber would contain about 30 pounds of
|K>wder, but 12 pounds were found to project the
shell to a distance of 800 or 900 yards.
This monster affair hunt with a charge of less
than 20 pounds of powder after a few rounds firing.
Among the lurgest mortars on record aro those of
44
the island of Malta. The rocks hero are not only
Near|M*d into fortilientions, but likewise into fire-
engines or artillery to defend those fortifications ; - 74).
Mountain-Howitztr (Ashmttt Kxptdition* 1873
being hollowed out in many places into the form of
immense mortars. These mortars they fill with The new Woolwich mountain guns, made from the designs
of Sir William Armstrong, instead of weighing merely 200
cantors of cannon-bulls, shells, stones, and other
lbs., like the mountain gun need in Abyssinia and Zululand,
deadly materials and if nn enemy's ship should
;
will weigh 400 lbs. each. As, however, an essential condi-
upprouch with a design to land, they fin? the whole tion of mountain artillery is that every part of it shall bs
carried on the backs of mules, these gans are made in two
into the air. The effect of this tremendous inven- pieces, screwed together, and strengthened at the joint by s
tion must Ihs very great, ns it will prodnoe a shower
third piece in she shape of a ring or collar. The breech end
for 200 or 300 yards around, and would make great
of the can when disjointed weighs 200 lbs., and the barrel
havoc among a debarkation of bouts. A can tar is with collar amounts to about the name weight, which is re-
id tout 100 |K>umLs weight and as the months of some
;
garded ns a fair burden fora mule over hilly country. The*e
guns, like their smaller namesakes, arc of the small caliber
of these mortars are G feet wide, they will throw, ac- adopted for 7-poumlc-r projectiles, but their greater length
cording to calculation, 100 can tars each.'* From — and weight enable thorn to do much inure effective work.
an. account written just before the submission of the (Firc-mrmaJ) The fire-arm of the in-
Musket.
isiund to Qtmrat Ituwiapartc, 1798. superseded the arquebus, on
fantry soldier. It
*lg. 176*1* a fatten
Fig. 1704. tmall Austrian which it was an improvement. Formerly, smooth-
Of S>
Title mortar in which bore mid mnzzle-loiuling, modern progress lifts im-
the vrojectilc cover* proved it into the rifled breech-loader of the present
the outer part of the See FlttK-AKMfi.
mortar. The smbmevil
portion I* Ji hexujtoiwl
Mus'ket-oon. A short musket used by cavalry
juiirnl, like a Whlt> anil artillery previous to the introduction of breech-
worth bolt, snd the loaders.
1»i»j«ctfl« U of eor-
n-.->»'"»hnjj 'hapc, and MutfsUt-fllfllt. The front-sight, screwed in-
Hlh it like a «p, «<! mui-
to the well oftlie mui- tit of agun or rtie
Klip.-* oil when Ami.
Tlir coonterljMinm-e, zlc-band of a howitzer. It ia made of iron or
Mttrtat. A, i.< to fit* |WL'|MHMkr- steel, and equal in bight to the dispart or
ia
awe m f i» ? rvi ^ difference between the •emi-diaraeters of the
a. Projectile in section, thr trunnion*.
ft. Mortar, I'm.-.- inn rifled inor- baae-ring and muzzle.
e. Powder rrmmber. Inr ol 21 MM. U *W-
d. Bed. mnmn toport*' 1S7S, Nail-ball {Ord-
nance.) An
iron ball
Moun'tain-how'it-ier. A light field-piece,
ia
of large caliber
mounted on a
by one horse.
in proportion to its weight.
light carriage which may be drawn
It
N0 with a tail-pin pro-
1noting from it, to
:eef> it from turn-
ing in the bore of the
may each be packed piece.
Tlw howitzer ami its carriage
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 18 2 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
Needle-gun. (German, Ziiud- on 1 400 metres (1,564 yards), out of
480 shots.
niulcltjcuxhr.) A fire-arm which 460 hits are reported."
is loaded at tin? breech with a
cartridge earning its own Nip'ple-seat (Fire-arm.) The hump on the
ful-
initiate, and which side of a band on which the nipple is screwed and
ignited by
is
a needle or pin traversing the through which the fire is carried to the charge.
breech-block and struck by the Nip'ple- wrench. (Fire-arm.) The spanner
hammer. with sides which fit the square of th« nipple, and
There are many guns of this which is used for screwing it to and unscrewing it
construction, such as the con- from the barrel.
verted Entield (sec Coxvkutixg);
but the one which has attained
Ni'tro-gel'a-tine. An explosive agent invented
by Nobel formed by dissolving gun-cotton in nitro-
;
1
Ni't r o-gl y c e r- '
it is turned quarter round and drawn backward, The acids used should be of the purest quality,
awl great care taken to avoid the introduction of
retracting the needle until a catch thereon drops
foreign matters otherwise slow decomposition, which
;
into a notch by which it is retained until released
may finally result in spontaneous explosion, occurs.
by the action of the trigger, when it is driven for- For this reason it is better to have
ward by a spiral spring.
it made on the
spot and used soon after making.
An extractor works in a groove at the side of the
. It may be purified by dissolving it, very gradually
shoe d9 withdrawing the cartridge-case when the and at a temperature not exceeding 50° F,, in sul-
phuric acid, and separating the nitroleum by the
breech-jnece is drawn backward. This move- gradual addition of nitric acid, and then pouring, in
ment brings the case in violent contact with the a fine stream, into pure cold water from which the
ejector e 9 by which it is thrown out. air has been expelled by boiling in the preparation
A Berlin correspondent of the London "Times"
;
Among the most prominent accidents occurring Teriuoto (Ital.), a hawk, waa * small pletol, etc.
from these sources were, the explosions at Aspinwadl
and in the office of Wells, Fargo, & Co. at San Fran- Fig. 3407 showa a form of timber carriage by
cisco, by the former of which forty-five and by the which a gun may be trained to all points of the
latter six lives were destroyed. In the case of the compass, without being pivoted or placed on a circu-
Aspinwall disaster the nitroleurn had lieen shipped lar track. The foundation, or chassis, is composed
60*
from Hamburg, where the temperature was 55* or of timbers framed together in the form of a cross,
to a tropical climate where the temperature in the and having grooves ff D* cut in their upper sur-
hold of the steamer was probably mora than double face. In tnese grooves the legs of bolsters C D run
this. It was inclosed in cork-stopped vessels, on casters, or slide on greased runners. The bolsters
packed in eases with sawdust. The explosion has support the bed A, on which the carriage B slides
been attributed to the disengagement of gas, which,
Fig. 8407.
by the corrosion of the corks, escaped into the sur-
rounding sawdust, fowling a new and easily ignited
compound, which, becoming mixed with the unde-
coiuposed nitroleurn which escaped, was easily ex-
ploded at such at high temperature by the rough
handling to which it was subjected by the steve-
dores. The surveyor, and four other \wr-
sheriff,
sons were killed by an explosion at Newcastle on
Tyne, England, while engaged in burying some
east's of this compound in a pit beyond the city
limits for safety.
It noticeable that most of the accidents recorded
Is
have occurred hi moving, transporting, or liquefying
the compound after congelation, and not in blasting.
O-bUque' Fire. (Fire-arm*.) That shape of
action in which the plunger lies and strikes the
ignition obliquely, that is, not parallel with the
axis of the barrel.
out and in. The plan of mounting is adapted for use
Ob'tu-ra'tor. (Athl) 2. (Orthumw.) A gas in earthworks and extemporized fortifications.
:hcck in a breech-loading piece; a Bnimlwell riiiR, Ericsson's gun-carriage, Fig. 3408, ia for working
:or instance. guns on shipboard in rough weather, and is designed
O'pen Bead Sight. (Rifle.) Also known as to check the movement of the carriage instantly,
aperture sight. See 5k a d Sight. either in its recoil, or when swayed by the motion
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 184 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
of the ship. A is the gun-carriage, and B
f a slide- allows the restoration of the gun by the expansion
frame on which the carriage tubs- His a wheel of the air.
with cogs on ita periphery, which runs the gun Strain or water pressure may l»c substituted for
out and in by means of gears worked by lever L, Clint of compressed air. The carriage, is trained hor-
M is a nipper on the side of the carriage, which
izontally in the usual manner, whether the gun be
aerves to lock the lever L and stop the motion of iu a raised or depressed jtosatioii.
the gun in case of a lurch of the ship. Fig. 3J10 is a plan of elevating heavy shot to the
Several devices arc in use to take up the recoil of gun-muzzlc. The ball in placed in a cradle upon a
guns, by rubber or spiral metallic springs, com*
telescupic stem, which is extended by internal steam*
pressed air, etc.
pressure from below. As it rises, the yoke on the
Some of the gun-carriages devised by Captain
cradle catches below the maszlft of the gun, the front
Ericsson, and in use on the monitors, axe so easy of
ston is depressed, the pivoted cradle tilted, and the
operation that in cose of necessity one man can
ball rolls into the bora or the gun.
manipulate a gun weighing 25 tons. See Turrbt.
Fig. 8411 is a plan for operating guns, in which
Stevens's mode of operating heavy guns, designed
the piece may swing about the muzzle, as a pivot,
to obtain security for the gunners while loading; is
when the gun is in battery, so that a port-hole about
by elevating the breech and depressing the muzzle, the sire of the muzzle may be sufficient.
until the piece stands at an angle of 80% or there-
In the figure, the chassis and carriage are moved
abouts. The charge is then inserted through a hole
by revolution of the crank-shaft 6. To elevate or
in the deck, if on shipboard, or from below the top
of the parapet, if mounted in a fortification en bar-
dp pre sd the breech, the hollow screw -collar m on
the shaft d is thrown into gear, and by lever connec-
bette. Tor heavy guns the rammer is worked by tion the breech is swung upward. The collar m is left
steam-power.
out of gear, and the chassis and carriage swung side*
This plan of loadingwas tried on the "Naugatuck/ wise, still retaining the muzzle as a pivotal point.
a small iron -clad presented by Mr. Stevens to the
United States government. The Parrott gun mount- a isthe shield through which the port-hole is made.
ed on this vessel burst while she was engaged with the Winan's mode of loading guns on gunboats is
Confederate forts on James River. The disaster was illustrate d in Fig. Tlivgun-enrriage is formal
3412.
supposed by some to be the result of the manner of ill two parts, tin; upjKjr section swiveling iijioii
the
loading, as affording the shot a chance to slip for* lower sections, ami is support i-d on un adjustable
ward after being driven home.
chassis, the whole l>"iug raised and lowered by steani-
Eads's system of working barbette-guns consists
] tower, and also snp[*>rtcd on hydrostatic cylinders
in removing the piece boofljr below the parapet
1) 1), which control the descent of the platform and
while loading, and only elevating it to position at
its carriage. Sliding hatchways are n]ieued ami closed
the moment of firing.
by the raising and lowering of the gun-platform. Tins
Tig. 3409 shows a carriage for operating a gun in
vessel has no port-holes, and Mic gun A is lifted above
this manner. The recoil of the gun when Urea com-
the bulwarks when it is to be fired.
presses air in cylinder a by the pressure of piston ft.
Moncrieffs counternoisc-cnrric.gc elevates the gnu
When the piece is loaded, a valve is opened which
above its parapet by the weight of the front part of
the cheeks. The uplpcr and forward part of the car*
ri ago is made very heavy, anil rocks in its seat when
Earf$'r Oun-Curria^t.
Fig. 34 11.
6" Is diameter, placed about 0.5" apart, their axes being hor-
izontal and parallel. The teeth formed on the roller by
fluting It are 0.5" apart. The rollers rarolre in opposite
directions, and the corree ponding teeth of the two roll ore
past the place joining the axis at the same time. The cuke
is 14" X
16", and In fed vertically between the rollers which
it into right prisms 14" long with square bases. Tbe.se
fall upon * board, and fed by strips on endless band to a
second pair of toothed rollers which break it into cubes.
The result Is sifted to remove crushed fragments and dust.
The cubes are dusted and are rounded off in the glazing op-
eration, which is done in barrels holding 400 lbs. each.
The barrel makes 40 revolutions per minute, aud 0.5 os.
Hge |fW.
sight*
Sight. A form of hind sight for rifles.
Peep
It turn an opening through which the muzzle sight
is lined upon the object.
u »n.f -p * ij.r
A weight, 95 grains. The molds
* « rTT are bored holes In a bronte plate
Fig. 3413.
form of British cannon ^ wn ich a gang of bronw pis-
Kwder in which each pel- tons work by hydraulic power.
IS molded of a given
Pebble powder has superseded
Operating Hen vt/ (Stmt.
quantity of mealed powder.
rt
^Slffig; ,ollowlng m
P Various
tried
ders
shape
;
:
shape, have
diiks, prisms. and cylin-
the latter preferred. The
a right cylinder with
i.
been
the adopted size.
14 centimeter
to .3937".
:
gun from
19 to 24 centimeter gun from
.275"
Paix'han Gun. A l;n«o cliiimWml slwll-ntni, a circular base and a .mall he mi- .51" to .63".
spherical cavity at one end. 27 centimeter gun from .63"
so calK'.l from CtiloiH'l l'siixhan of tin- Fivm-h army,
Size 0.5" long, .75" diameter ; to .787".
who introduced it in 1S22. _
invented by Colonel ] ion. Ibid, United States annv, 12, and described on pp. 126, 127.
their Dr. John Anderson's machine for this purpose is .shown at
al.ont 1812, in b.;in<i lighter in iiro|iovtion to
on the cas- Fig.. 11, 12. p. 196, vol. Engineering.-' See also
nliber and in having no elevating nu-k 4 I 1
Percussion- Fuse.
Pis'tol. A
form of fire-arm adapted for use with
one liund. The modern form of pistol is a brecch-
lottder, using metallic cartridges.
with saltpeter and rolled into a solid cylinder about which may be exploded by percussion or by friction ;
used for igniting the charge of powder in a cannon.
sixteen inches long. It will bum three or four
Those generally used in the navy are made from
hours.
quills which are nearly filled with fine-grained gun-
Port-fires may be made by boiling: square rods of poplar or
her light porous wood in a solution composed of oue quart powder, the upper part of the quill being split and
of waU>r to one pound of nitrate of lead for six hour*. These turned over for containing a capsule of fulminate
are then dried and afterward boiled in spirits of turpentine. which is exploded by a sudden blow of the lock-
One yard will burn throe hours.
hammer. Friction -primers (whicli see) are exclu-
Port-fire Clip'per. A nippers for cutting off" sively employed in the land service.
the ends of port-Area. 2. (Blasting.) Tape printers are used for firing
Fou'dre Bru'tale. Coarse, or mAr fwtlrr. charges at a distance. They are formed of long
Slow burning |>owdcr in blocks of determitiaU- siic, flexible strips of rmoer or fabric containing fulmi-
consisting, in some cases, of cubes 1.5" thick. nate or other quick-burning compound, and are
See Pehblk Powdeu; Pem.et Powder, su/ru. covered with a water-proof composition.
Pow'der-chest. {Mintiad.) A fonn of grenade A detonating primer used in blasting with gun-
consisting of a box charged with powder, old nails, cotton consists of a frusto-conical tube having its
etc, to b*i hurled ;it boarders. lower end filled with a detonating composition, above
Pow'der Dustfing Ma-chine'. Gunpowder, which is a layer of gun-cotton the upper part of
;
whether pebble or granulated, is required to be the tube is empty, and is covered with a paper cap
clean, and the dusting operation intervenes between an ordinary fuse is inserted into this cavity and
the pebbling or granulating and the glazing. fired in the usual manner.
Dusting performed in revolving cylindrical reals, with
ia TM5rae
Pi*. 2061-
clothing of canYafl or wire cloth of a Antaeus to salt the
grade of powder. A reel 8> long and 30" diameter will hare
40 revolutions per minute.
In Russia, the powder is dusted in bags, riff. tt, accom-
panying Appendix "Ordnance Report" 18777
L,
of a gun whose charge is fired when the composition Enjrllsh, 21,088; MftauUU*e, 1*3 Turks, l.ftfMi Knvit) forces
: :
tion, so that the fire may involve the whole length 12-Inch n gun wkvn«> thu IfallLhrr |rrojcc1ile& flr«d°fruu
:
tain a detonating" com position which is exploded by Tho oppo*im tin* hol<r« through rht tnrgefc are the-
n^/uriM
a hammer. This is the cross-headed or detonating dl*UnccH in >artu up or* whlcti the *hnt made a clean bnsarli.
rij.3970. The povw-r<if ri.KiMtitnw: of each firja* is ^ivcii inmuiiiutely
tube.
A 217 BIS* D 141 K1S5 P UT G ^01 2168 i -a K5t
English II. L. Rifled Ordnam «
1700 »«*>*•
I 4jW>
lll>.T«0
I
JS00
I in. 2j f"»i
1*00
i
-._24O0
tun*
"a
70.400 10 in. Irt
J
[S3- 9 in. 12 (oil
700 1M0 2100
LI
1100 2i00
8 5
T iacA «U foat
u.aaaiai taaam ii.ix.ih wm i« aia&K aiaix t.u 15,
Ptnflrfilitm of PrnfmiUs
;
composition for oxygen the iron is heated and the cigar lighted.
held down by a heavy beam a train of powder Is then laid to
;
all the touch holes, the workmen leave the room, and all is ready
the double doors having been dreed, tins tester strikes with a Pyr'o-tech'niCB. Preparations of inflammable
hammer n small rod of Iron protruding through the wooden material are used in making cascades of fire or ex-
partition th<» rod is* driven into a pcrcu?*Hon-cap at tht* end ol
;
the train of pnwdcr, and the explosion of the charges iu all the plosions for signals or as expressions of rejoicing.
rirte* immediately occur*. The value of this tent it* very great, Fire-works are of Oriental origin. The Chinese and Japanese
the ordinary charge being 70 grains of lend. The barrels are still excel in their production. The " Yokohama. Herald" de-
nfterward tented with 150 gruins of powder, to see If they have scribes the effects produced at an exhibition of Japanese day-
been strained by the first U*t. light flre-works These cun stated principally of bombs which,
Swords are proved by bending them and seeing if they re- exploding high in the air, discharged variously colored Jets of
sume their original shape, and by striking them Hat w fee over a smoke, and sometimes large parachutes which assumed the
curved block or hard wood. figures of fishes, snakes, or bird*, which hovered kite-like aud
motionless in the air for an incredibly long time. Occasionally
(Gunpowder.) a. Ordinary proof of jwtlcr ;
6. they took the shape of cottages, tcmplen, human beings, trees,
one ounce with a 24-pound ball. The mean range and flowers, and various other forms. The smoke figures were,
of new, proved at any one time, must not be less howeTer, the most amusing. One of those moat frequently at-
tempted was a cuttle-fish, with a body of thick black smoke,
than 250 yards hut none ranging below 225 yards
;
and arms of lighter hues. Though the smoke was soon dissi-
isreceived. pated by the wind, the resemblance for a few momenta was very
Powder iu magazines that docs not range over ISO striking.
of 45°, shall throw a ball of 68 pound* to a distance of copper, blue nitrate of baryta, green, tilcel, iron, copper,
;
of 240 feet and sine filings are used for producing brilliant f parks of
Tarious colors.
Another that two ounces of powder in the
test is, Besides these, numerous other substances arc used for pro-
eprouvette gun (weight, 8t>A pounds; bore, 27.6 ducing different tints, most of which may be found in works on
inches long and 1£ inches diameter) shall give a pyrotechny, though many artists in this line claim to have
secret compounds or processes for producing peculiarly brilliant
recoil of 20°.
flames. The compositions are formed into small pieces called
Proof-house. A house
proving fitted up for stars, for insertion in rocket* anil bombs, or are driven into
paper cases which are attached to light frameworks of wood or
barrels of fire-arms. They are extra heavily charged,
bnmboo for stationary fire-works.
laid on a bench, primed, and fired by a train of pow-
der into a bank of sand. The average loss in Eng-
land is four ner cent on 600.000 'parrels annually..
A second proving takes place when the piece is ready
toiled in salt- for assembling. Quick-match. Cotton-wick is I
o\ is added to Proof-plug. A
plug screwed temporarily into peter and rain-water for 1 hour; alcoh
1me red for 15 the breech of a gun -barrel to be proved. the mixture while warm, and it is sin
Ided, and the minutes. Mealed powder is then ac
vick is wound Pol ver-iz'ing.
1
(Gunpowd^r-maaufacturc. ) A whole left for 24 hours. The cotton-i
>ver it. It is mill in which the ingredients are separately reduced on a reel, and mealed powder sifted c
to an impalpable powder before being transferred to then dried-
—
R
(Fire-arms.) a. The rod by which
L'mer. 1.
and polishing-powder.
Re-bound'er.
The grooved ends of the rubber* are
pressed against the ramrods by spring*, and the rubbers receive
a rapid motion while the ramrods are slowly revolved.
{Fire-arms.) A device in a gun-
lock fur throwing the hammer back from the nipple
the charge is forced home. See Ramrod. after striking and exploding the cap.
6. A stalf having a cylindrical or conoidal head
attached, used in cannon for the same purpose. The Fig. 4209.
rammer-head is made of beech, maple, or other hard
wood not easily split, and is bored for about two
thirds of its length to receive a tenon on the staff.
For rifled guns or for hollow projectiles, its face is
countersunk.
Rammers for large guns are technically termed
rammers and staves. For field artillery, a sponge is
attached to the other end of the staff, and the com-
bined implement is called a sponge and rammer.
The sponge is made of coarse, well-twisted woolen
yarn, woven into a warp of strong heinp or flax
thread, after the manner of Brussels carpet.
They are woven in threads with selvages between
them, which, being cut, the sponges are sewed to
fit formers of the same diameter as the sponge-heads.
Ram'rod. A
rod of wood or metal, used for mentum until it
forcing the charge to the bottom of a gun-barrel, and strikes the cap,
also with a wiper or ball-screw attached, for cleans- when the pressure of the sear on the cam-shaped ex-
ing the interior of the barrel and for withdrawing a tension y throws the tumbler back until the nose of
charge. It is held to the gun by thimblesor by grooves the sear enters the half-cock notch, or sufficiently far
in the band and a corresponding groove in the stock. to lift the hammer clear of the nipple.
Wooden ones are now only used for sporting arms.
The iron ramrod did not supersede the wooden one Re-coil' Check. An
apparatus to absorb
1.
the recoil of a cannon, otherwise known as a hy-
until 1742. It was introduced into the Prussian
draulic buffer, which see.
army by Prince Leopold, of Anhalt-Dessau.
The United States service ramrod, used prior to See 10" gun-carriage, with hydraulic recoil check. Plate
VI., attached to Appendix II, "Ordnance Report," 1876.
the introduction of breechloaders, is made of steel.
Its parts are : — 2. A
spring cushion attached to the butt-end of
The stem. The thread. a gun-stock to take the force of the recoil. MilUr%
The head. The cap. No. 169,465.
The cup. Re-cotl' Dy'na-mom'e-ter. An instrument
It generally is made with a swell, to keep it in to measure the recoil of small arms.
place but in some patterns a spring in the stock
; Lieut. Metcalfe's device is to measure the recoil by substi-
serves this purpose, and the swell is dispensed with. tuting for springs a material of uniform resistance, such aa
copper or lead, and measuring the recoil by means of a cut
Ramrods, in the large gun-factories, are made by machinery. made in the material by a Rodmau knife Interposed between
In the case of wooden one*, the blanks are driven through tu- the metal and the butt of the guu.
bular cutter*, which bring them to a cylindrical form. The Re-flect'ing
Iron ones are cut from a round rod. For polishing, they are
Sight. [Fire-arm.)
placed upright in a frame which holds ten at a time, and are
subjected to the action of hard-wood rubbers supplied with oil The si^ht has a re-
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 *
192 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
fleeting surface placed at such an angle as to re-
(Barlow vs. Quare), and decided in favor of Quare
flect to the eye light from one direction only.
(167tf). Priority of invention belonged, however,
Re'in-force'. (Cartridge.) A
lining or plale to Barlow, who employed two pins to strike the
to strengthen the bead of a cartridge, aometimes hours and quarters, while Quare afterward effected
also acting as an anvil or a gas check. See Cup this with one only.
Anvil; Disk Anvil; Gas Check. The smallest repeating-watch ever known was
Re-load'ing Tools. For reloading spent cap- made by Arnold for George IILf to whom it was
A
complete set presented on his birthday, June 4, 1764. Although
sules of breech-loading fire-arms.
less than six tenths of an inch in diameter, it re-
for rifle cartridges consists of primer extractor,
charger, loader, and reprimcr, which see. peated the hours, quarters, and half-quarters, and
contained the first ruby cylinder ever made. Its
Fig. 2115 shows a single tool with the functions of decap-
comprised within a weight of weight was that of an English silver sixpence. Ar-
I*r, recapper, and rammer
nold made it himself, and also the tools employed
in its construction. The king presented Arnold with
500 guineas ($ 2,500) for this curious watch, and the
Emperor of Russia afterward offered the maker 1,000
guineas for a duplicate of it, which Arnold declined.
2. (Fire-arms.) An arm which may be caused to
fire several successive shots without reloading. In
Colt's and other revolvers, the charges are placed
in chambers in a rotating cylinder, and brought
successively in line with the barrel; while in the
Spencer, Winchester, and Henry rifles, and others
of that class, a number of the cartridges are inserted
in a chamber at the butt or beneath the barrel, and
fed and discharged singly by mechanism connected
Reloading Toots for BrfrekJoading Shot-guns. with the lock devices metallic cartridges only are
;
« **StaWB
ft TLSg?*
tion beneath the barrel, where it Is secured by a key.
On the base of the cylinder /is a ratchet h*ving as many
teeth, five or six, as the chamber has barrels. The teeth are
cartridge and withdraws
so arranged that when the hammer is at full cock, a chamber
the spent shell when the is directly in line with the barrel. On the surface of the cylin-
breech is opened. In Fig. der are cut as many siuhII slots as there are chamtora. Tliat
which happens to be lowest at the time is entered by a bolt
4282, the positire move-
which is moved by the action of the lock, and it pressed Into
ment of the notched ex- tlio slot by a spring, so that while iu this position the
cylinder
tractor-plate loosens the Is immovable.
shell from the bore, and The lock-frame Is directly in rear of the cylinder, and con-
tains the firing mechanism.
after passing a certain point
The near and trigger ure in one piece, as are also the hammer
a spring comes into play, and tumbler upon which the main-spring acts directly. On
and gives a sudden impulse the facu of the tumbler is a pawl or han't ft, which successively
to the shell, which throws engage* each of the teeth on the rear of the cylinder; and the
Retractor.
tumbler has also a projecting pin which at the proper time en-
it clear of the fire-arm.
giiges the bolt that locks the cylinder, lifting it out of the slot
Re-volv'er. }Vcrtpm.) A fire-arm having
1. (
and allowing tike cylinder to rotate under the action of the
to dit> hand. When the pin no longer act* upon the bolt, it is forced
a revolving barrel or breech cylinder, so as by the spring into the next notch which present* itself.
without
chorge several loads in quick succession
Fig. 4201.
being reloaded. In some pistols the Ijnnvl has a
are inserted
plurality of bom, in which the charges
and from which they are iiivd more commonly,
;
as
at the taw of
in Colt's, the weapon has a cylimler
generally
the barrel, containing wevenil chnmhers,
all are hied
six, in which the loads are placed, and
O'H's Rtcotrcrs.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 194 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
rylimlcr is rotated in the usual way by a click oper-
ated by the hammer in cocking and firing.
The cylinder is connected with the barrel, which is pivoted
to the lower metallic part of the stock, so that by setting the
hammer at half cock, raising a spring-catch a, and depressing
tlie muraslc, the Ixtttoiu of the cylinder is turned up to receive
Colt's Revolver.
the metallic cartridges. Wheu the muzzle end of the barrel Is
The operation as follows : The chambers bavin? been
is thrown upward, the spring-catch reengages iu the back plate,
loaded by inserting a cartridge successively in each and forcing and the pistol may be flrcd.
it home by the rummer and its lever, Hnd capping each cone,
the hummer, supposed to be resting on one of the cone-, is Fig. 4294 shows six revolvers which are interest-
drawn buck this causes the pin on the tumbler to disengage the
; ing in the history of that tire -arm.
bole from the lowermost slot in the cylinder, and the hand en-
gages u tooth and rotates the cylinder 1 n or 1 D of a revolution ;
a a matchlock of the fifteenth century, In the Museum of
is
on arriving nt full cock the pin Is disengaged from the bolt, the Tower of I/ondon. It has a revolving breech with four cham-
which then falls into the next slot and locks the cylinder ; the bers, which rotates on an arbor parallel to the barrel. The
weapon may then be discharged bv pulling the trigger. chamber Is turned by hand.
In those pistols which arc designed for firing metallic car- h is an arquebuse, with six chambers, each of which carries it*
tridges, the cartridge is inserted at the base of the cylinder, the own pan for priming powder- A movable plate covers the pow-
case being afterward pushed out by a device analogous to the dcr-piuis and exposes them serially to the mutch as a given
rammer just described. chamber comes in line with thu barrel. This Is an Oriental
pkvc, and was given to Mr. Forsyth by Lord William Ueutwick,
Fig. 4292 shows a group of Colt's revolvers, tho govcrnor-Keneral of India.
c is an arquebuse, in the Tower of London, with fix chnmhers
A t till! revolver musket for infantry.
in a revolving breech, and a Hint lock. This has a sliding plate
1!7 a revolving rifle for sporting. over the powder-pau. The turning of the breech is automatic.
C, a revolver-carbine. </ is the arm of John Dafts, of Loudon, and has nix eluiliibers.
Fig. 4293.
;
1252 i«»f the fame collection) U an ari|U*'bu>c with a match; about three fourths upward off) groove?, varying from 7 to 12.
iheevHu'ler lias five chambers ami turns u|niii an axis parallel Nearly seven eighths have grooves with rounded edge*. Much
with the barrel. It has a pan fur each barrel. the greater part of the remainder have triangular, but a few
12->3 is a ttvo-char-ru match axiiuehit*', having but one pan, of have rectangular grooves. None have grooves decreasing in
which you renew the priming at each shot. depth from the breech toward the muzzle. Thit* species of
1254 is a Gemma musket of the middle of the seventeenth cen- groove was introduced bj Tamisier, in 1846, but is now general
tury. It ha* a wheel-lock. It has three chambers, and turns among the shallow-grooved arms intended for discharging ex-
on an axis parallel with the barrel. panding bullets. Tamisier also introduced the plan of increas-
125Q is a rivc-chanibered French flint-lock gun of the eigh- ing the twist of the grooves as they approached the muzzle.
teenth century. With the earlier rilles and until a very recent pe-
12o'i i$ a gun of the same date, with six chambers.
riod, a patch was generally used over the ball, caus-
Re-vol'ver. ing itto fit tightly in the bore and take hold of the
Vig. 2132 the latest Smith
is &
Wesson revolver with auto- grooves. This was a somewhat precarious method ;
matic discharge of the spent cartridge capsule*. The dis- and, accordingly, the Brunswick rifle, one of the
charge is moved rearward by the rocking of the barrels on latest specially adapted for the round bill, was made
Fig. 2132. with but two grooves, into which an annular rib on
the ball fitted, compelling it to follow these. Lan-
caster effected the rotation of the ball by making it
and the bore of the gun slightly elliptical in section.
To this succeeded the system invented by Dclvigne,
and improved by Thouvenct, Tamisier, and Millie,
in which an elongated bullet, fitting loosely in the
bore, expanded, so as to fill the grooves.
is
This
permitted greater rapidity in loading, and insured
the rotation of the projectile. See BulLKT. page 401.
Riflingis now generally adopted in small-ai ms. The
number of grooves is usually three. They are made
very shallow, and gradually diminish in depth from
the breech to the muzzle. The Swiss Federal rillo,
the hinge to uncover the breach, and throws the capsules introduced in 1848 by Colonel Wursteinburger, has
clear of the barrels. The dUchsrgcr then returns automat- eight grooves with a twist of one turn ill three feet.
icallv into place.
In this the bullet is not expanded, and it has en-
The bull dog revolver is a pocket weapon with short barrel
and large bore. joyed a high reputation for accuracy. The caliber
grains,
is small, .41 inch, the bullet weighing 257
_ _'co-chet'. (Military.) A mode of tiring with
and the powder charge 62 grains. The plan of hav-
small charges ami small elevation, resulting in a ing studs or ridges on the bullet to engage the
bounding or skipping of the projectile. In firing at grooves has not been extensively adopted for small-
a fortification, sufficient elevation is given arms. The rifle of General Jacobs, East India ser-
to just clear the parapet, so that the ball vice, employs a bullet of this class, having four ridges
may bound along the terre-plein or ban- corresponding to the four grooves of the rifle, and
quette without rising far above its level. used with a patch.
It is used with effect on hard, smooth In Murphy's mode, the rifling only extends four
ground against bodies of troops or such obstacles as inehes from the muzzle, and has its pitch left-hand-
abattis and also upon water, either with round shot
;
ed to correct the slight tendency to pull the gun over
or rifle balls. It was introduced by Vauban at the to the right in pulling the trigger.
siege of Plrilipsburg, in 1688. The Whitworth ritle has a hexagonal l>ore the ;
SpoTiing-Ritt*.
breech-block in its upward movement a cartridge
;
moved, the shell cleansed, a new cap iuserted, a
having its end closed by a thin combustible paper
charge of powder (toured in, over which is placed a
was subsequently substituted for this. At present paper wad, and a lubricating wad coni|K>sed of £
the metallic cartridge is employed. beeswax and j s|>crm oil, and the bullet pressed home
In Fig. 4324, A
is a vertical section of the gun, with a ball-scutur.
the parts in loading position B, the parts in firing Among known and most
; tlie best efficient arms of
position C, a top view
; ; D
a transverse section,
t itsclass is the revolviug-rille of the late Colonel
with the breech-block down L\ front view of the
; Samuel Colt, who, by the simplicity ami ingenuity
breech-block, showing in the center the end of
the of his devices and his uncasing care to insure |km'-
firing-pin, and at the right-hand side the
groove fection of workmanship and material, first rendered
occupied by the cartridge-retractor shown by two
the revolving system a success, and succeeded in
views at G H. F
is a metallic cartridge in section.
producing a weapon which is kuowu and used
a is the metallic breech-piece, secured to the
wooden stock b, and into which the barrel c screws throughout the world.
d is the breech-block connected by a toggle e to the ; In 1830, Colt invented a device " lor combining
guard-lever /, and having a vertical movement a number of long l>arrels so as to rotate upon a
spindle by the act of cocking the hammer." His
within a slot in the breech-piece a. The upper
sur- improvement on this plan, which consisted in using
face of the breech-block has a groove a'
in line with a rotating cylinder containing severul chambers, all
the barrel, serving as a guide for the insertion of the
of which discharge through one barrel, was patented
cartridge into the chamber <j when the breech-block
in England in 1835, and in this country in 1830.
is depressed out of the way. This is effected by The rirle (A B C Fig. 4292, page 1939) has a steel
t
throwing down the guard-lever /, as shown at A. barrel with seven flat angular grooves. The lock-
The cartridge is then inserted, and the guard-lever frame is provided with a bridge a al>ove the barrel,
brought back to the position shown in B the ham- and the stock is in two parts 6 b\ called respectively
f
mer h having been previously set at half-cock. On
depressing the lever the tiring-bolt i is automatically the butt and tip. adapted to receive a bayonet
It is
moved rearward by a spur on its forward end, so its The tip in some cases is dispensed with.
to clear the point of the bolt from the cartridge shell The rod by which the cylinder is secured to the
and rear end of the barrel. The shell is retracted by barrel has a ratcheted disk c' near its rear end, which
the same movement. is engaged in the act of cocking, by a hook connected
In order to fire, the hammer is set at full cock, with the tumbler, rotating the cylinder and bringing
and on pulling the trigger, its face comes in contact each chamber successively in line with the barrel.
Fig. 4326 show* Maynard's rifle. It may. at the option of
witli the end of the firing-bolt, which is thrown for-
the user, be provided with two rifle-barrels of different calibers
ward, its end impinging against the base of tin? and a shot-barrel, one of which may be substituted tor the other
cartridge whore the capsule containing the fulminate by simply releasing the pin a which, with the fixed pin 6, con-
is nlaced. nects the barrel with the stock and firing mechanism, removing
the first barrel and securing the second by placing the pin 6
The firing-lwlt is so adjusted that the hammer in the hook and reinserting the pin a after bringing the holes
cannot come in contact witli it until the breech is In the flanges, one of which is seen at e, and the nrm rf (shown
perfectly closcil, thus allbrding a security against In dotted lines) into line. These operations take but very few
moments to perform.
premature discharge. The cartridge shells may be The rear end of the U thrown up for this purpose, and
barrel
used a number of times. The exploded cap is re- also for loftdlng, by turning forward the lever e, which also
POOR MAN'S JANES BOND Vol. 3 197 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
m the trigger-guard. When this is restored to its normal Lancaster gun had, however, been tried to some ex-
position it is held by the pin
,
/ near the small of the stock, and
tent during the Crimean war.
the movement, by means of the arm t/, draws the breech down
into a groove in the metallic part of the stock, where it is in They may be divided into four classes :
—
position for firing. Either the forward or backward movement 1. Guns in which the projectile is made entirely
of the trigger-guard * places the lock at half-cock, obviating of hard metal, and of section corresponding to and
the danger of premature discharge.
The Maynard rifle was perhaps the first in which a metallic fitting the bore, but having a small windage such ;
cartridge was employed. The report of Major Bell to Colonel as the Lancaster and Whitworth, just described.
Uraig, Chief of Ordnance, United States Army, May 1G, 1856, 2. Muzzle-loading guns with balls having studs or
describes the firing of Dr. £. Maynard's rifle, charged with a
metallic cylindrical water-proof cartridge, and dwells upon the
ribs fitting the grooves ; as the Armstrong and others.
important fact of the coincidence of the axes of the ball and the 3. Muzzle-loading guns having projectiles with
barrel, obtained by the symmetrical setting of the ball in the expansible cups or envelopes of soft metal, which
metallic shell. The- bullet was held in the shell by its exact tit,
and without choking the shell upon it. The May nurd coil- are forced into the grooves in the act of firing, so as
primer was then used with it; the nipple and percussion-cap to prevent windage as Parrott's, Blakcley's, etc.
;
were substituted in 1804; the plunger exploder, in 18*3; the 4. Breech-loading guns. In these the projectile
Derdan primer, in 1874.
has a soft metal coating, which is forced into the
The cartridge cases i; arc of sheet-metal, sufficiently thick to
permit their being used an indefinite number of time*, and have grooves in the same way as the leaden bullets of
a thick base, perforated to allow the passage of fire from the small-arms e. g. the Prussian and Armstrong's.
;
primer, which in a cap placed on a nipple slightly rece*sed The grooves of the Armstrong muzzle-loader are
within the cavity of the base. The charge of powder i*
placed within the case, and with the wad, if one be used, U made deeper on one side than on the other, as
rammed by the short rod /i, which also serves for rammiug the shown in Fig. 4323, a the deeper part is of
;
wad over shot when these are employed. uniform depth and connected with the shallower
If ball be used, it is pushed into the case by means of the
loader t, which has a cylindrical cavity terminating in a hollow part by an incline. The studs on the shot are only
conoid fitting the point ol the ball and keeping it in truly axial half the width of the grooves, and of bight suffi-
position in the case. The flange at the base of the curtrMg*
cient to allow the shot to enter the bore and pass
enables it to be readily withdrawn from the loader and from the
barrel after firing. The device i is used for pressing the primer,
down freely to its seat, as shown at b. When driven
a shallow, Hanged cap, upon the nipple. The cartridge, having forward by the force of the discharge, the studs
been loaded as described, Is pushed into the rear of the barrel, come in contact with the incline, ana are shunted
which is theu depressed by throwing backward the trigger-
over into the shallower part of the groove, against
guard e until Its loop rests against the stock, the pin/ entering
a hole In the guard. The hammer / Is drawn back to full cock, which they bear firmly, causing the shot to leave
and on pulling the trigger the main-spring throws the tumbler the >«.)i- in a line concentric with its axis, as shown
I
Upper Figure: Plan. Figure: Front Elevation or Embankment, showing Target* as seen from Firing-Pointa.
Fig 4327
th<* groove is deep enough. The barrel h drenched with oil rectangular section, and of such taper that the rocket will bal-
all (he time.
ance at a point on the stick one or two inches from the case.
The Pratt &
Whitney rifling machine gives from one turn The choked end is primed with a piece of quickmatch, and
to the grooves in 20" to one in 3h'". The rafter- rod carries the rocket is flred from a stand which may be adjusted to any
desired angle of elevation.
from 1 to 3 cutters, as the riHing is 4, 5, or G to the circum-
An adjustable feed-stop gages the depth of the Desaguliers had proposed the use of rockets in modern war-
ference.
fare, but the first actually employed was introduced by Colonel,
riHing, and the racks, which are of steel, are double, to take
afterward Sir William, Congrvve, in 1803.
up all back-lash, so that the cutters cannot ride on the The Congreve rocket consists of a sheet-iron case filled with a
lands. An oil-pump feeds automatically at each end «f the composition of niter, sulphur, and charcoal pulverised, and hav-
stroke. The carriage is gibbed on the outside ot the long ing a head which may be either solid or hollow, to contain
slide, allowing free access to its working parts. a bursting charge, and is closed at bottom with a circular
Rim'baae. {Ordnance.) A short cylinder At
1. piece of gun-metal, having a central aperture, into which the
stick is screwed, snd smaller surrounding apertures for the
the junction of a irwinimi with the gun. It is an
cape of If the shell-head be employed, it is provided
enlargement or shoulder to the trunnion which ("onus with a the time of striking,
employed the attack ou Boulogne, in
the journal to the piece in elevating or depressing. first in
1H06, and again hi Copenhagen, in 1807* They were also
See Cannon. at the battle of Leipsic, 1813, by the British rocket troop,
2. (Small-Arms.) The shoulder on the stock of organisation whic h is still maintained in that service.
In Hale's rocket, the stick is dispensed with. As originally
a iwuskct against which the breech of the barrel made, this rocket, which in external appearance resembles Con-
rests. greve's, had a central aperture at the rear, through which the
Rock et. 1. A cylindrical tube of paper or metal propelling gas escaped, surrounded by smaller tangential aper-
with a compressed mixture of niter, sulphur, ture* rQT imparting rotation. These were employed by the
filled '
' States army "Iv M« V
-xieaii campaign of 1S47, having
and charcoal, which, on being ignited, propels it
'
Marcus Gnecus, who, writing in the eighth century, says that of about 3& ounces each, which are successively compressed by
If a compound of niter, sulphur, and charcoal be
tightly rammed a screw or hydraulic press, under a force of 20 tons or more
into a long narrow tube and set fire to, the tube will rty through to the square Inch. A hole is bored axially through the com-
the air. position, and afterward reamed out conically tapering toward
They appear to have been employed against the Crusaders by the head
the Saracens, and were probably first introduced by the former A few rocket-hattcries were organized in the early part of the
Into Western Europe. War-rockets were used by the Venetians late war, but most, if not all, of the material was subsequently
In 1880, aud by the French in 1449. See Gunpowder. turned into store. Korkets are, in fact, not adapted for use in
Rockets are used for various purposes :
— a wooded country, not being susceptible of great accuracy of
War; in which the charge may amount to 32 pounds. aim and being diverted from their course by the slightest
;
the spindle, on which it is placed for driving. The composition flanges on the rocket itself.
employed in the United States military service consists of about Hanges.
26 parts niter, 6, sulphur, and 19 charcoal from bard wood,
preferably maple.
The niter and sulphur are pulverised, mixed by hand, and
passed through a sieve having about 25 wires to the inch ; the
charcoal, moderately pulverised, is then Incorporated by hand.
The case is placed, choke end downward, in a mold the ;
12-pdr.
10°
in
6-pdr.
ff
9*
HH
Yards.
44H»
500
700
y Hi
15
6-pdr.
11,°
124
14
Yards.
900
1000
1100
1200
spindle, which projects upward about | the length of the case, 124 Hi 800 16 14* 1250
having been inserted through the choke-hole; a ladleful of When the wind
directly against the direction of flight, half
is
composition is poured Into the case, and driven by means of a degree is to be added to, and when directly favorable, the
hollow copper-shod drift, which is struck 26 or 30 blows with a amount is to be deducted from, the above elevations.
wooden mallet, packing the composition Into a solid mass ; an- In Hunt's rocket, a stick is dispensed with, rotary motion Is
other ladleful is then poured in and similarly driven ; several
imparted by spiral wings on the case or tail-piece A, over which
hollow drifts are used, each shorter than the other, until the case is a bursting charge to separate the head D
has been charged to the top of the spindle, when a solid drift is therefrom at the termination of the upward
employed. When the case has been charged to within about one flight. The rocket U fired by pulling a lanyard
diameter of its top, the charge is covered with a piece of paper,
m, which draws a slide iguiting a friction com-
over which is placed a wad of clay or plaster of Paris. position.
Into this end a paper cylinder, termed a pot, is usually in- Walbarh's rocket has wings and a percussion
serted for containing the garniture or decorations ; it projects
point, and an elbow to secure discha-ge if the
about H
diameters beyond the end of the case, and is
Rocket.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol, 3 200 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
Fig. 4386.
S
Saber. (Weapon.) A sword having a curved
point docs not collide. A balancing piece mi blade, specially adapted for cutting.
the tliruided bill has spiral projection.*, which Three kinds are in general use in the armies of
mmu It to traverse toward the rear under the Europe and America.
impulse of the bluing composition, and
serve the equilibrium as That for heavy cavalry has a slightly curved,
Fig. 4387. composition is expended. heavy blade.
a rocket has i
The light-cavalry saber has a lighter blade some-
of interchangeable cups Ai A* A*
containing differently colored what more curved.
Ares; them; are intcrrhangunble, The bor-?-artillery saber is shorter, lighter,
still
so as to appear in any required ami more curved, and has but one branch to the
succession when the head t* ex-
ploded, their various combina-
guard.
tions forming signals.
BaaVlj (Fire-arm*.) A rear of the hammer
2. The lever whereby the device to prevent the and locks it against
blacksmith's bellows are accidental discharge the nipple ; when
inflated. of a gun. In Fig. the spring is pressed
Rock et-drift. (Py/v- 4542, a flat spring against the stock, the
tcdtaij.) A cylinder of wood catches against the hammer is free to be cocked.
tipped with copper, em-
ployed for driving rocket*. Fig. 4642.
Ordnance shells have been constructed in great ing U grooved, to receive band* of cord,
which prevent fouling, and are coated
variety, some depending upon the force of the charge with graphite to diminish friction.
to burst the shell iuto fragments of indefinite size ; Johnson, 1864 (ft. The shell has a
others having lines of easy fracture indented in them charging-hole closed by a screw-plug at
;
annular wedge at front of the rear part When filled with Shaffner. 186ft (ft The shells contain a buraHugrChWge of
leaden balls, It is termed a bullet-shell. A later form (g> con- nitro-glycerine iu vials packed with gun-< .,tmn and a honey
tain* a charge of powder, separated from the ball* by a plate, combed lining of India-rubber, to deaden the rourussion and
and ignited by the fuse so , M
to give theinau additional impulse prevent explosion in the act of firing.
at the moment of bursting. Long. l*6fi ( 7 ). The bursting-charge is surrounded by a se-
ries of barrels containing severul charges of powder
and ball,
and fired by fuses at the moment when the shell explodes
ln
ft of firing A ttsk^soft ^S^^SXBl 2. Shells of paper oi Wooil tilled
(PfffOtcc/mif.)
with stars, senvnts, oi ^ohl-i'iiiulVtMjuentlyforniai'art
th. two are impacted and
leasee <
open end of the shell into a die. The handles arc then shoi, which ate afterward separated.
pressed together to reduce the shell at the mouth. Ity open- Tbi? rolan.l. rs or h -re« ire h- u-vv hemisphere* of shcct-lrou
.
ing the handles the shell will he withdrawn from the die; aiK. ii 10 ineh« - in diameter, and the -izo of the holes is as JoJ-
and tis it then may he a little too small it can be brought to iuWtf for the retire lire 'izes of^hot : —
the exact size of the bullet by the repetition of the same
process, using a plug iustead of the di«.
No 0, the hole*
I, the hole-* are
w t
M iiieh
torn in Hauteur
in dila meter ;
enough to cover the man from the face to the knee. This was No S, (lie liou^ are loch iu diameter.
exceeded by the pavise of the Middle Ages, which was as tall aa rhe eolano. is laoity In n-|<i of
t its delivering the
jt man, and was carried by a pavuor, who therewith shielded an
at ;i\*afer ra- iditx when mil nr vmt\? thuu when nearly
archer. It was also carried in assaults on fortifications. • mpty, owin-xin the variation iu procure of the luvttll as it de-
The Roman troops were drilled in modes of combining their cp-oses In uVptli. i* in »• gem ralh U
•ii|A*r«tfihil by the ladle,
shields so as to make a carapace, each soldier holding his shield whieh has a sermti-1 -ide to divi le the ,ead Into *t reams equal
aloft, the shields overlapping in such a manner as to glance off to the mt rations
iu unmbvr ihnVreut iadlesare used forvary-
arrows and other missiles. It was called a lestudo, from its re- !ng sIm-s of *ho|, the M-rrafb iij in; more
semblance to the back of a tortoise. uumeroux for -mall shot and prot'ottloliutely
The shield of the Roman legionary was of wood covered with tewer for ^hot of larger ma-.
leather, and studded with metal it was 4 feet by 2$.
;
Tho poun r takes :» hnllefui j^rhaps 'JO
The shield of the ancient Briton was roundJ and of hasket- |N>unds of melted alloy, lorn nttlenrsi-nic is —
added to the lead, rile I .vstilig it on a bar —
The Norman shield was kite or pear shaped. over the sliufl, brings the lead into a quic*- Uatl- Point hp
In the time of Edward IV. it had become triangular. eentstaU*, serifn-* .«.»a\ the oxide from the Lull*.
In f*outh Africa it is made of rhinoceros hide pouring hide, and n ri.ivfullv tipi the ladle, t-n that tho
The shield fell out of use when the broadsword was exchanged depth of the -'ream .s even thvoni/hout the length oi the eotnb,
for the small sword and rapier. The introduction of in order that the tm ml mu\ he dell vend in streams of equal
has farther changed the tactics, and fitU'f at the Hen ml notches. Thedrops having iH'i'nine partbdly
past with civilized nations. coolinl and eoi'solidated dnvitnr their full, an* receiviil at the
It would be a bottom of the tower in a tcelt t-r reservoir tilled with wntev,(rom
some circumstances. whence they are taken ami transferred to the dr>ing-uiarhtne,
Shot. 1, Small
{Fif'>i(t'in$.) <t. >|tlii iiial im-1- where they are lightly roiled between tliinnel rollers, and when
Irts ol load or shut mc/«/, UM*d lor >liouiiii^ birds
thoroughly drv the elongated and ini|>erfert shot are separated
bv ntlling the whole down a series of inclined planes, each
and other small ^aiiir. slightly lower than the I'lcecdiiig and K'l mi rated from it bv a
Tliry wwv originally iwnlu by rolling an iiiuot "f slight o|M-iiing; the perfect om-s, having a greater momentum
leap the 0|N iiing, while the defective one- fall through, and are
Iwtd into U shoot of a lliitrk HCSs rol1V*t|Hj||illil<r to t lit'
size of the shot to In- madr, tln-n rutting tin? lead
mm It i-d
1IM
KK.
K
. ..24 .
.
.
.
.
.
m
na
I he follow nig direction lor making .-hot
TT •i 1^'t rr. . ::i ...2W
is found
7 Si t . . .
*
.-. -t'l
in a work publish, <; in rhe sowutoi-uth .i-niury : IIHB ift* * nun. s* •
hot that it begins to turn greenish, strew as much fine imw- 1 Ol 11.. U.L"S. 11 ... . 1 .34<i
den a auripignu-ntnni liirM-inc) upon it as w ill lie upon n shilling 2 s«; 12 . . 2,32'i
fo every twelve or tifta-ii pounds of kail, which then mu.-t lm 3 - - - - - . ^Irt :j * ims
stirred well, ami tin- nitripigiiientiuu will fame. A little uuv by cfc*ting or by comprettioo
Ii
" ' ,
a wooden plug having an aperture for It is made from one piece of metal
the insertion of a pair of bellows. The and reinforced by a
shell being nearly covered with water, soldered to It-* bottom j the
air is forced into its interior by meaus of primer i< uaed in connection there-
the bellows, and if there be any holes in with, an J is pressed home upon the
it the air will rise in bubbles through the nipple, so an not to project beyond
water. This test also gives auother in- tli*' liortoni of the shell, by the de-
dication of the soundness of the metal, •lceiFi«.ftian<
as the parts containing cavities will dry A referable loading plug is em-
more slowly than the rest. ployed, either for chargiug the shell*
or withdrawing the cups.
Fig 603o huowk the cmo contain-
Shot-car'tridge. A round of ammunition lor a law*- ing tit" gun aud its
iplet*.
shot-gun. Tin shot arc
Fig. 5032 frequently inclosed in a
wire-gauze ease to prevent
their scattering too much.
In the example, a fibrous,
elastic tube is tied at one
end, and prepared with)
Shot- Cartridge. stearine or similar sub-
stance, applied hot in a
former the small shot being inserted, the other end
;
Shot-gun. A
smooth-bore five -arm for shooting
small game. Shot-guns are frequently made double-
barreled, and of late years the oreech-loading prin-
ciple of Lefaucheux and others has been extensively
introduced. Some breech-loaders, as Maynard's,
are provided with interchangeable rifle and shot
Parkrr Shot- Gun.
barrels.
r
a breech loading
Fi<£. 22. >2 is
Fig5033 is the Parker double-barrel, breech-loading gun,
made by Messrs. Parker Brothers, West Meriden, Conn. A C pun manufactured at Colt's armory. The parts
show the barrels and mechanism in loading, and In firing, B are intrrcliaiigealile, and so accurately made that
position. For loading, the breech of the piece is placed under parts of different guns may be intermixed and a
the right arm; by pressing on the finger- piece a, the lifter b is
raised, and its beveled side, coining in contact with the pun uuiy be put together from parts taken haphaz-
c, draws the bolt d from a mortise in the lug e, releasii ard. The lock is of the rebounding style, and the
barrels, which, turning on the joint >, are ready for the Kriug pins are without springs.
»
various grades
of size. The
imperfect shot
are separated by
a series of in-
clines bed with
foot-troughs,
over which the
perfect shot are
projected by
their velocity,
to be afterward
assorted in a se-
ries of rotary
screens of grad-
Colt's lire erf i Loading Shot Gil it. ually increasing
coai-seness.
gages two hooks on the barrels and retains the barrel* rigidly Shot-ta'ble.
in nine*.
The bolt carrying the sholl extractors i* engaged by a earn
A device for in-
on the bolt, connecting the stock and (he barrel, and when suring the equal
the barrel in released by drawing the action bolt and tipped shrinkage of
a* .'how ii in rig tho shell extractor is operated.
Fig. 2263 show* that form of the Colt shot gun having
shot in all di-
while
,
up with coal-dust.
Shrapnel nre commonly filled with leaden musket-bolls,
melted sulphur or bituminous mntter Is poured iu to fill up
Parker Gun and in Cast. the lutrrsticvs, and a chamber sufficiently large to t outaiu the
bursting ch&rgu is bored out beneath the fuse-hole.
Shot-met'aL An alloy of load, 56 parts ; ar- Shunt-gun. (Ordnance.) A rifled gun, having
senic, 1. Used for making bird-shot.
Shot-sort 'er. A frame with a series of sieves of
deep, along which the studs pass in discharging, —
different grades
of fineness, to
the ball being shunted from one set to the other at
sort shot into
the bottom of the bore.
;
Fig. uflTO.
tarl pound sulphur, 2 charcoal, and 6 of salter.
•cone of this powder tightly in a long narrow
tabe closed at one end, then set on fire, and the
tube will fly through the air.
Is a veritable rocket
The United States service rifle has „eU from 8 to 4 Inches In diameter ascend
.
a t*Ucli for 100 yards, ami two kmxs 1 ,000 to 1,200 yards in from 7 to 10 seconds,
for300 and 500 yard* reflectively. 86 to 40 miles. Rockets of 1 or
Fig. 6079 shows a Mght for service only ascend to from 460 to 600
fire-arms.
2. survey inp and other in-
Some A strip of iron which is bent and welded
struments of m
v t wbm hum Mata-
into a tube to form a gun-barrel, or pipe.
sight* usually consisting of n vertical
Skeins for gun -barrels were formerly forged, the strip being
•bout S fset long and 4 Inches wide, thicker at the end for the
butt than at the end which forms the mussle. These sketps
afterward bent, lapped at the edges, and welded at several
cW « finch, 1-inch, or U-inch rocket* A bar of iron about u foot long is bent into » cylindrical shupe,
the edge* overlapping being raised to u welding heat, it is then
,
The case is formed of stout paper, which U cat Into rectangles slipped over a triolet uud |>assvd between u pair of rollers, whii li
in width equal to the length of the case ; these are rolled orer weld the edges and draw tin- cylinder to tbu length and propor-
e wooden former which la of the same diameter as that of the tions of a gun- barrel at a siuglo heat.
interior of the rocket the paper la pasted after the first turn,
Is drawn around the roller, keeping It perfectly taut as Skelp-bend'er. A
die of l-eijuiivd form is made
tarn Is taken. This to done on a flat table, and successive in two mils, ho arranged on a slide as to optn for
of paper are added until the required thickness Is at-
. It is then choked near one end by means of a stout
the admission of the end of the sheet and be closed
round once around it and drawn taut by means of a Fig. 6127
after whkh the choke Is secured by several turns of
twine, leaving an aperture large enough for the Insertion of
the spindle in driving | the case Is now dried In the shade.
When dry, the composition may be driren Into the case. For
this purpose the choke end is cut off square to such a length
that when the case la Inserted In the mold, the
Fig. 6064. choke shall fit closely orer the nipple of the spin-
_ die, the end of the case resting on IU baas ; being
! 1 placed on the spindle, the case is driven firmly down,
and the moid placed over the case. The mold Is a
,t metallic tube, bound with rings ; or a block
having a
circular hole, into whkh the case At*, may be used
for holding the case while driving. For driving, three
or more drifts are used ; these are of the same diame- SkttpI>n.tiHi Machine.
ter as the rocket, but of different lengths.and all ex-
cept the shortest are recessed to receive the spindle. by a lever. Tin: end is then bent when it is
ii|>,
A ladleful of composition Is poured Into the case by the proitcr npnunttua and drawn through
y
seized
and driven down by 26 or 80 blows of a wooden mallet the die.
on the head of the drift, which is then withdrawn,
and another ladleful of composition poured in, which Sky-rock' et. {Pi/rofccltai/.) A species of lire-
Skyrocket. Xly-rocktt.
Sling. 1. (Weapon.) A short leathern strap
having a string secured to each end, by which a
stone is hurled.
The stone lying in the strop, which has a central
aperture to receive it, the sling is rapidly whirled,
the ends of the two strings being held in the hand,
Sponge for Cannon.
and when ono string is released, the stone flies off
hollow head, as usual, is made to fit the rammer or
at a tangent. The velocity is computed from the r, and n spiral groove i* turmsl on its outside from
length of the radius and rate of revolution. one end to the other it mat of horse or horned-cattle hrdr i*
;
The sling la a weapon of groat antiquity, and la atlU theu laid around the stock aud lashed down by wire wound
among some barbaroua nation*. About 140b* n. o.. when upon it, over the grooves, iiubeddiug it in the same.
flrat great dissension ocvurrud among the I Springs aL Weapon. ) An ancient form of mili-
(
tliat among the 2G.U0U Bo nja mini to* were "
left-luuulcd every one could aUutt atone* at an _ tary engine for throwing stones and darts.
;
not miaa." Young David waa a akillful linger. Spring-blade Knife. A pocket-knife whose
The aling wait UHcd by the Phoenician*, Kgyptiun* and
sians. Qmki
lly the early it appears to havo been but Fig. 6479.
known, but the light troop* of the later Greek* and
consisted largely of dliugera. The uiiwib were usually stoi
hut cant plummets wero alno used by the Greeks Such —
found on tlie plain of Marathon.
Stone* hurled by liand without alinga were often used. Tin
Libyan* carried three *|»car* and a bag full ofatoues.
The iuhubjtanU of the Balearic Isles were (anion* sliDcers in Spring Dirk-Knift.
the time of Strnho.
The Huguenot* used slings at thu siege or Sanccrre. 1672, to blade is thrown out or held out by a spring. In the
economize powder. ordinary pocket-knife, the blade is held by
the spring in open or closed position.
Fig. 5388. In the example, the blade la projected longitudi-
nally from the handle bv a apiral spring catches on ;
1. A small
a pivot.
wifd^iuck .hoot,
the gunwale.
< >iM' whose pi'ojci'tilt 1
force is de-
vivi d rroni the i-xpimsioii of strain iwming through a
shotted till"'.
Spade-bay'o-net. (Military.) A broad-bladed In a manuscript of Leonardo da Vinci, about a. i». 1G00, oc-
bayonet, which may Ix; used in dicing shelter- holes
" The mriuimmtf* is a miichinc made of flne hraaa,
or rifle-pits. A Tiiuwkl-hayoxkt (which see). which
throw* Iron Imlls with great noise and much force. One third
of thin instrument c naa4i'ta of great quantity of Arc and Awl,
Spear. 1. (Weapon.) A
very ancient instru- When the wafer is pm^-rlv heated, ihc screw mi the vessel
ment of war, consisting of a blade on the end of a where the water is must Ik- turned «t that moment the water
;
long shatt. will c*cnnc In-low, willdescend into the heated part of the ma-
It still survives among savage nations,
chine, and l»e immediately converted into steam an abundant
and under the name of lance is used by cavalry and powerful that the effects of its force and it* nolae will strike
among those comparatively civilized. one with nmaaenient. This machine will propel a ImiII weighing
The apear of antiquity waa aoxnetimea proTided with the mther more than a talewt."
amentum or thong for throwing. I* da Vinri, in describing thla (run, uses fireck terms, and it
Herodotua distinguishes the nationality of come of the na- is surmised that it la the invention of Archimedes. One who
tions in the army of Xerxes by describing the peculiar orna- has had to the manuscript states that Da Vinci (fata tlie
menta on the ends of their apear-ahafta. of the invention to the (ireek philosopher.
For a dissertation on the epeare of the ancient*, see article A steam-gun is di-x-rilxsl in Van Kt ten's " ItccreatioiM Ma-
Haata," in Smith 'a " Dictionary of Greek and Roman An- thematique/' H»Z», Kid Problem. It is a very clumay rontriT-
tiquities." The apear waa the principal weapon of the Mace- •nre, but used steam acting on a wooden piston or sabot to
donian phalanx. The lance wa* introduced from TarUry into expel the 1*11.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 207 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
Fijr. 5*N4.
Submarine
Perkins exhibited a .*tr;im gun in England beforr tin- Puke
of Wellington, 1M24 It wn* Tory effective, but the " I ma
Btab. 1. An old horseshoe nail. Iron formed
"
Duke considered Hint n wreiiin-lmiler Hint fhrvw awnv 1*11* ** therefrom. StiU>-iron.
fnstii* I hat dfil would Im mil of pinre in an unity, and would 8tub-iron is used especially for gun-barrels of superior quality.
want* ammunition. The wune nldeetion hn» been until lately The stubs are put into a tumbling-box to brighten them, re-
urged a-pilnst the use of breech loading flre-nrtiiK. 41 The men moving all rust and dirt. They are then combined with from
'*
*ln»ot to » fast
12 to 50 per cent of steel In blocks of the same size as the stubs.
Mr. II wry Hewnier** bleu is to have a ptnn fire engine to
The combined metals are puddled, hammered, heated, tilted,
throw U llets instead of water. He calculates that it will throw and rolled into ribbons, to be wound in colls around mandrels,
181) poi nds, representing 2,540 rifle-millets per minute, to a heated to a welding heat, jumped, and finished by a hammer
distance of 1 mile, with a consumption of 5 pounds of coal and on the anvil. See Otm-BAian. ; Twist.
3 gallons of water. " An increase in the weight of the projec-
tile would increase both its range and force, and 2-ounce bullets Stub-twist. A
might b" used for a long range, being propelled at the rate of gun-barrel made of a
1,000 a minute. A machine with three parallel barrels could combined
throw 2-c unce shot at long range from the center barrel, and 1- ribbon of
ounce shct(2,000aminute)at short rangefrom the side barrels," iron and steel, the.
The calculation for steam at 150 pounds pressure is that It iron being derived
would escape at an Initial velocity of 1,900 feet per second, and,
hall, presenting an
a 2-ounce leaden ball, tin aitaof t*oi an
area ni Sofui from stubs (old horse-
iK upcn 11
acting
inchu would exert a force upon it of 90 pound" 1,100 to 1,200 shoe nails.) See Stub.
feet per second Is the initial velocity of the Armstrong gun pro-
jeetile.
i)e. Mr Bessemer suggests a univer-iaUjoint tube for do - Sub-oal'i-ber Fro-jeo'tUe. (Ordnance.) A
Hvering a sweeping Are and a mantlet to shield the gunners
; projectile for cannon or small-anna, of smaller di-
Kig 5684 shows the Wood and Lay submarine steam-gun ameter than the bore of the gun from which it is
The side of the ship, below the water line, has an aperture,
which is closed by a ball and socket joint This joint has con- fired, but having a sabot large enough to fill the
nected with it a tube, which extends inward, and terminates in bore, allowing the usual windage or with an ex-
;
a box in which is a trunk with two compartments for containing panding sabot, which is forced out so as to fill the
the shells. This trunk Is capable of being moved in the box,
mo that while one shell is being discharged another can be
bore when the gun is fired.
placed therein To the rear end of thin box a steam cylinder is Sub'ma-rine' Gun. Submarine ordnance seems
placed, having a piston therein, which, when the shell is placed
first to have been suggested by Saint Cyr in 1797,
in the trunk, has steam admitted in the rear by means of suit-
able valves, and is pressed forward with such force as to eject and consisted, as shown at a.
the shell and force it to a considerable distance. The piston- Fig. 6031, of a mortar towed
rod is hollow, and a cord is passed through it, and Is wound underneath a vessel by a span
around a spool upon its outer end The opposite end of this
cord is secured to the shell, and thus, when the shell has trav- extending between two boat*.
eled any determined distance, the cord is made to discharge It. Fulton experimented with firing
guns under water in New York Har-
Stink-ball. A
nasty pyrotechnic, which makes bor in 1814, and was successful In
a suffocating smoke and odor, to be thrown among penetrating a bulkhead representing
the bottom of a first-class ship. Hi*
working parties, or on an enemy's deck at close
submarine battery of 100-pounder
quarters. It is composed of
nitch, rosin, niter, gun- Colombiads is illustrated at b The
powder, colophony, assafcetida, sulphur, etc. Used gun traveled on its carriage, the bar
rel of the piece slipping in a packed
by the Chinese and Malay pirates.
port-hole. The port was closed by n
shutter.which was raised by a lanyard
STOCK and dropped of its own accord when
6. That part of a fire-arm to which the barrel and the gun recoiled.
lock are attached. Mr. Phillips of Indiana in 1855, ami
Woodbury of Boston in 1861-1864.
The stock of the United States service musket worked at the problem. Woodbury V
Is made of well-seasoned black-walnut. The device la shown at Fig. 6032. An
different parts are shown by their respective American submarine gun was shown
letters in the cut. French Exposition of 1861
at the
a, butt ; the enlarged rear portion having a
cheek-piece and heel-plate.
b t comb.
hand, or small; its length and
e, hanttlr,
Fig. 6031.
bend or crook determine the fall or^drop.
d, head, having a brass side and lock side.
e shoulder for lower band.
t At this point is
the ihhnblt for the ramrod.
/, shoulder for middle band.
g, shoulder for upper band-
it, shoulder and tenon for tip.
Fig. 6083.
Submarine Projectile.
Sword. 1. A
cut and thrust weapon. Its use is
of a very remote antiquity, dating as far back as the
bronze aee. Stone is not adapted for weapons of
this kind, and they have not been found among the
relics of peoples unacquainted with the use of metals.
Artificers in flint could produce nothing better than
a short knife. Swords of iron were made by the
Chinese, 1879 b. c. This was about the era of Isaac,
and three centuries before Cecrops.
dinavia ; k, Denmark.
For the sake of comparison are added :
—
/ m, spear-heads from Ireland
end called the pommel, constitutes the kilt. The hand Is pro- A
T narrow strip of flexible ma-
tected by the guard, which Is a curved piece of metal, eooatot. <
of two blades, the ends for the tangs being of iron, are em- Time-fuse. A fuse which can
ployed. These are cut or broken in the middle, the tangs are be so arranged as to explode a
forged first, and afterward the blade, the furrow or furrows
being formed at the same time. Twenty-five reheatings arc re- charge at a certain determinate
quired for this purpose The blade is then heated and plunged interval after the time of its
Into cold water, rendering the metal extremely brittle ; sgain ignition. This is usually effect-
heated, and the distortions caui<ed by the hardening corrected
by rehammering, when it is again heated till its surface assumes
ed either by cutting
the proper color, of which the workman is the judge, to insure ag^HJ^ out or off a portion
its having the due hardness and flexibility when tempered, iSSSf of the fuse or by
which is done by plunging it at this stage into cold water.
It la next ground. The stones employed for finishing the employing compo-
furrows have raised flu tings suited to the furrows of the par- sitions of which
ticular kind of blade to be operated on. given lengths burn
The polishing is performed upon wheels of various sixes, with at different rates.
lard-oil and flour of emery, the blade being frequently dipped
into lime-dust during the operation. A brush-wheel, sprinkled Fig 6466 shows a
with fine croc us- powder, imparts the final polish. The scab- "Borman" fuse, which
bards, if of metal, the hilts, and other metallic parts are at the discharging
treated In like manner. point Is In contact with
In making the metallic scabbard, a piece of sheet-steel Is laid
over the top of an open vise, and beaten with a wedge-shaped Permission Fuse for quick noX^anl
wooden mallet, causing the edges to approach each other. The Shells. meeting/ with
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 210 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
charge of I he shell. Sm mlfo rwi, *V J132, 80, 1628, the English employed floating tin cnis-
th« Interior
the French at Kochelle. One exploded
To 'nit e. Dry nitrated gun without seriously damaging it. The others
cotton. Density 1.50, about the were Intercepted.
same as dynamite, and occupies "In the afternoon come the German, Dr. KnufBer, to dis-
course with us about his engine to blow up ships. We doubted
in a blast-hole $ the space of com- not the matter of fact, it being tried in Cromwell's time, but
pressed gun cotton. Sold as a the safety of carrying them in ships." —
Pepys's Diary, 1WB.
dense dry cartridge. In lt»88 an Immense floating bomb was prepaied by the French
against the port of Algiers, but was not used.
u London Mining Journal^ 1878.
In 1693 -W) similar contrivances were used by the English in
See also "Engineer" 1878. besieging St. Malo, Dieppe, and Dunkirk, without serious dam-
As made at Furnham, Kogland, it
consist** macerated
finely divided or
of.
In 1770 the Russians burned the Turkish fleet In the port of
gun cotton compounded with about the Tchesme.and destroyed the fortifications by the shock of the
same weight of nitrate of baryta. The
gun cotton itself is mainly common cot- "JsVlSM the loaded catamarans of Fulton were used by the
ton waste steeped in nitric acid, and on English against the French fleet off Boulogne But little dam-
the excess being forced out by a hy- age was done.
draulic press or otherwise, it is left The experiments were repeated again and again agninst Le Forte
some time for digestion in vessels ol Rouge at Calais, 1804 (Fulton blew up the brig " Dorothea' 1
clay. While moist, it is macerated be- in Walmer Roads, October, 1805. tee Fulton's " Torpedo
tween crushing rollers and then washed. War," and 11
Torpedoes, their Invention and Use," by \Y. R.
The rationale of the latter process is a King, U. S. A., 1866, Plates XVUI., XIX ); Rochefnrt, 1809;
the pontoon bridges of the French on the Dnnube, at Ks.-ling ;
As stated above, touite consists of this in 1813, by the Au»trians in attempting to destroy the bridges
macerated gun cotton intimately mixed across the Elbe at Kcenlgstein.
up between edge-ruunors with about About 1843 Colonel 8. Colt constructed a torpedo with which
the same weight of nitrate of baryta. he blew up a ship In the Eastern Brunch of the Potomac River,
It pressed into candle-shaped car-
Is near the Washington Navy Yard it is believed that the most
;
tridges, with a receiver at one end for Important feature of this consisted in the application of elec-
the reception of a fulminate of mer- tro-magnetism as a means of exploding the contained powder.
cury detonator. Torpedoes were extensively employed by the Russians during
Tor-pe'do. A
movable chamber or mine charged the Crimean war as a defense for the harbor of Cronstadt.
with an explosive which is fired by contact or by fuse. These were suspended from buoys to which they were connected
by pipes inclosing at their upper part a small glass tube con-
Th?y are here divided into taining sulphuric acid on the buoy being touched by a pass-
;
1 Nautical. 4- Railway. ing vessel, the tube would be broken and the sulphuric acid
2- Military. 5- Fishing. come In contact with chlorate of potash in the lower part of the
8. Oil-well. 6. Toy. pipe, causing its immediate intiammatiou and consequent ex-
L {Nautical.) Torpedoes are of four classes, — plosion of the gunpowder in the magazine.
The experiment of the 11 Louisiana 1
before Fort Fisher in
'
Booiru 1864 la one of the latest Instances. Two hundred and fifteen
a. Drifting. e.
tons of powder were stowed on board. A tier of barrels, with
b. Anchored. d. Maneuvered. the upper heads removed, were covered by 60-pound canvas
The and anchored preceded the boom and
drifting bags. A Oomes fuse was woven through the mass. Three
modes of explosion were adopted, —
clock-work and percussion,
maneuvered, and are adapted for circumstances and candles, slow-match. The vessel was towed within 861 yards of
positions where (a) they may be allowed to drift the works, and exploded in one hour and fifty-two minutes,
with the stream or tide against a vessel in a river or without doing any damage whatever to the fort. See infra.
Fig. 6660.
channel or at anchor or (b) may be placed in the
;
explosion ; the torpedo-boat, on the contrary, carries stream of hydrogen ou to a piece of spongy platinum and ex-
a torpedo, and either explodes it against the enemy's plode the charge ; horologieal torpedoes, exploded by clock-
vessel in such a manner as not itself to suffer in the work after the expiration of a given time.
contact, or launches it against the vessel after attain- The BouU tte Verdun la the name given to a crawling torpedo
which was to have been launched at Verdun with the purpose
ing such a degree of proximity as to insure the aim of destroying a bridge which the Prussians had thrown across
and power of navigation of the torpedo. See Tor- the Meuse, about three miles below the city. It waa a nearly
pedo-boat. spherical chamber, about 40 inches In diameter, and contained
a clock-work mechanism for pulling the trigger of a double-
Several terms used in practice are rather general barreled pistol which ignited the primary powder. It waa based
than accurately technical, as they denote whole upon the principle that a spherical body oouy oi weight auguuy
of "a weiguc
classes. Such are, — peater than
ty and
the
ma^U^e
displaced^
oojnc^i
water, and
id
i
having
havli its center
slightly
of grav-
seek and keep the deepest
Magnetic torpedo, one exploded by electro-mag-
It was not used, aa Verdun
netism, by spark, wire, or ignited pencil-line in a capitulated just before It waa to be launched.
fuse ; in contradistinction to one fired by contact, A drifting spar-torpedo intended to overcome obstructing
clock-work, etc. chains or booms waa Invented by Lewis, of the British Royal
Fig. 6655
steel mast secured to the deck. This
is
la 12 feet in length, and terminates above
in a wooden bail, the forward side of
which is painted sea-green, so as not to
be perceptible to the enemy, and the rear
white, to as to be easily distinguished
above the water by those dispatching Wood and Lay
the torpedo. Openings are made in the Torpedo.
engine-compartment, through which the
Spar.Tbrpeday'Pinta » water enters, completely filling the Interior space. The ma-
{Std* K,#W> chinery is made of bronze with boxwood bearings, so that the
Torpedo Fittings, "Pinto » water serves as a lubricant to every portion, thus doing away
(Asm). with stufflng-boxes at the rudders The apparatus is launched
The Wood and Lay spar torpedo was used ln the United overboard by means of swinging-davits, a* shown in the figure.
States Navy, notably by Lieutenant Gushing in destroying the The bow-piece containing the charge Is detachable.
Confederate ram "Albemarle*' at Plymouth, N. C. in 1864 The Lay torpedo used at Newport is a cigar-shaped vessel, 30
It was attached to a spar by means of the lug 6 run beneath
; feet longaod 3 feet wide, formed of water and air-tight iron plates,
the enemy's vessel detached from the spar by a device for that
;
in three compartments. One of these is to contain the motive
purpose allowed to rise against the vessel by its flotatlve
;
power, — compressed carbonic-acid gas. Another holds the ma-
power, when the lanyard was withdrawn, allowing the ball a chinery, which Is controlled by an electric battery on shore by
to fall upon the cap c and explode it and the charge. means of two wires, one of these governing the throttle and the
other the steering-apparatus In the third compartment ia
The offer-torpedo, so called, is towed by a line stored 600 pounds of powder or other explosive, and in the for-
from a boom rigged out athwart ship. ward portion of the vensel explosive shells are also arranged to
Maneuvered torpedo.
d. be fired by an electric spark passing through a third wire. These
are embedded in a cable which is paid out as the vessel
The /^-torpedo is so named from a certain resem- on. The shells are exploded without injury to the tor-
blance in form, and from its having an independent >, but of course the explosion of the magazine causes 1U
and automatic swimming action after being launched
Fig 6568.
iu the direction of the object of attack.
It is also known as the Whitehead torpedo, and as the Luppis-
Whitehead torpedo, from the names of two persons Intimately
concerned in its suggestion and Invention.
The body of the Ericsson torpedo con-
sists of a box of thin steel plates, 8 feet 6
inches long, 80 inches deep, and 20 inches
wide The explosive is placed at the bow.
The propellers are two-bladed, 3 feet 2
inches in diameter, with a pitch of 6 feet.
Both revolve around a common center in
opposite directions. The motive power Is
a small double-cylinder oscillating-engine,
driven by compressed air, which is sup-
plied by a 26 horse power steam-engine on
shore, and transmitted through a tubular
cable, connected just abaft the stern, os
shown ln Fig. 6668. The air-pressure
also governs an equipoise rudder, secured
under the bottom and near the bow. The
steering is effected by applying the force
of the air against the tiller on one side,
counteracted by the tension of a spring on The Ericsson Pneumatic Torpedo.
the opposite side.
The submersion Is regulated by two
horizontal rudders turning on a trans- Of late yean the subject of harbor defense by
verse axle which projects from each side means of torpedoes used offensively against an at-
near the bow. These wings or rudders tacking fleet, hm attracted great attention, and a
are so contrived and governed that they naval torpedo-station has been established at Goat
Island, Newport Harbor, for the purpose of instruc-
keep the torpedo at a depth of from 7
tion in their use and management on board veasels
feet to 12 feet below the surface, and are
specially constructed for this object. See Torpedo-
provided with automatic devices, so that
boat.
the latter limit cannot be exceeded. In
order to note the course of craft, a light No lees than 18 United States vessels were de-
: ;
which is ttEiSiSiPS
-K^Ti
k nd m
let down with the instrument
!
• time-fuse,
Others are exploded
and the ground cau be felt to shake for fifteen to twenty feet
back from the water.
Immediately after the explosion, all the fish that happen to
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 213 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
IVeek^ Koike' Torpedo. {Seetiona' Longitudinal View of tioekel Week? Korket Torpedo.
aul Er/'iosivf. Citunbers.) (Sectional Transverse View.)
Whitehead Torpedo.
© —V
•
mm r
Coioney Torpedo.
TOKPEDOii.S.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 214 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
be within a circle of twenty-fire or thirty feet of the spot where
the cartridge fell, come to the surface, either killed o
uses condensed carbonic acid gas. A cable containing the
so badly stunned that it is some minutes before they electric wires pays out as the torpedo proceeds; two of these
are for governing the machinery and the third for explod-
6. An
explosive toy, consisting of a small quantity ing the charge'.
or' fiihninating-iwwder and fine gravel, wrapix-d in Col. Lay'? torpedoes are still extensively used in Europe,
especially in Russia, and his star torpedoes in the Russian
thin paper. It explodes with a sharp detonation navy and two of his torpedo boats are owned by the
;
when thrown upon any hard substance. United States government This boat, as recently improved,
can be controlled at a distance of more than a mile and a
Tor-pe'do. Torpedoes have been divided into half.
defensive and offensive, and the former into electrical The Ericsson torpedo is launched from a vessel, and has
and mechanical: an india-rubber tube which pays out and conveys compressed
( Ut er enir?) air, which furnishes the motive power. Fig. 6658, "Meth.
I. Defensive: Diet.'* described on pace 2699.
The rUctrirat includes those fired
2. Drifting torpedoes have cases of various kinds, and are
1. by the closing of a abandoned lo drift in a current or with the tide.
circuit, either by a purty on the look-out or by contact of
the vessel. They are defined a*: u. " Electro-contact tor- 3. The
sea torpedo is used in action, and is i
pedoes " : 6. " Torpedoes tired by observation.^ vered by lines from the yards of the vessel.
a. The electro-contact torpedo is placed so that a ve*ael 4 Torpedo l»uuta nre of several kinds (see p. 2601, "Meca.
running against it will Vet in motion the electrical appara- ihrt./U »>'d ' ither carry the torpedo on a spar or a projec-
tus; but it can be rendered harmless as against u friendly tion from the stern, or are arranged for launching fish
torpe-
vessel by an observer on shore, and as instantly restored to
activity by the same agency. The torpedo Is so named from its resemblance to
turtle
A torpedo fired by contact can be much smaller in its charge that animal, and is placed to prevent raking or grappling for
than one fired by observation, as the proximity of the latter a moored bfK>u'torpedo, being connected with the latter
byJ
to the enemy can only be approximately determined, and it a rope ISO' or 140* long.
must be sufficiently powerful to be fatal U* vessels withiu a The Whitehead fish torpedo is a spindle of revolution,
considerable area. niade of iron and steel, about 14/ long, and having a diame^
b. In the torpedo fired 1>v observation, charges of powder ter of 14", and carries a charge of 2U lbs. of dynamite.
It
from 500 to 2,000 lbs. are Used, to be tired when the vessel i* is driven by a propeller and a compressed-air
engine, the air
over the spot where auch is sunken, to be determined by being contained in a reservoir. A rudder regulates the depth
means of collimators or telescopic observing art**. and the direction, being adjustable ho as to direct it along
The electric torpedo is not itself explosive, and a blow or any curve required. The after half has projecting longi-
a fall is harmless, except as It may injure. the envelope and tudinal ribs, which are extended aft to the ring which
sur-
cause a leak. rounds the propeller, and afford rests for the torpedo in
It is preferably lighted by the platinum wire fuse, which Launching. The bow, which contains the explosive, may
be
is simple, safe, and certain, and can be tested electrically, .separated from the body of the torpedo
and be stowed In a
both before and after it is placed in the torpedo, without magruune. The extreme point forward has an arrow-head
the fear of explosion. to stick into the side of a wooden vessel.
The charge may be gunpowder, gun cotton, dynamite, etc. The results attained have been speeds of from 101 to 74
The British prefer gun cotton America and Sweden have
; knots per hour for distances of from 720' to 4,600/ but more;
experimented largely with d>namite; Prussia, during the lately one has been made to run «KV at tho
rate of 17
war with France, 1«70, 1871, used dualine, another nitro- knots or a mile at the rate of 10 knots. This trial was wit-
glycerine preparation Austria used gun cotton.
; nessed by some U. H. officers at Kiume, and is reported in
2. The mee/ianirat includes those exploded by concussion. the "Army am/ Aavy Journal » of November 28, 1874
Anchored Torhbdoes. —
The shell torpedo is used for the a*s*nbeu in the -Army and Nary Journal as cigar-shaped,
It is
defense of obstructions in rivers and harbors. It is bolted made of {» inch steel, and llr" long, 16" in diameter. It has
in an Inclined position to a frame which is sunk upou the a six-bladed screw with expanding pitch, and four T-iron
obstructions and loaded with stone. angle pieces running three fifths of its length. A pistol
at
The arm torpedo is of the buoyant anchored class. As the bow is exploded by concussion, and in addition there are
the bottom or side of a ship comes in contact with one of three triggers projecting from the bow. which may explode
the three arms which radiate like spokes at angle* of 120° the charge by contact with a vessel. This torpedo had no
with each other, the hammer is unshipped, and the spring apparent steering apparatus, traveling only in the direction
drives it upon the caps, which esplode the charge. given to it at starting by the adjuHtmcnt of the rudder.
The percussion torpedo has a loose lid which is displaced The prendre in the reservoir ia 1.U00 pounds per square foot.
by the contact of the bottom or side of a vessel, and, falling The action of current Is taken into consideration in launch-
off the torpedo magazine, pulls upon some wires which spring ing, as well as the rate of motion of a vessel at which it may
the hammers and explode the charge. This wan one of the be launched. It can be limnchcd by projection from a tube
earliest in use during the lute war, and continued to be by compressed air, or by hand by simply starting.
employed to the last. It is undcrMood to have done more Mr. II. *. Hicks has designed a gun that is used, like that
execution than any other during the war. of Ericsson, to propel torpedoes under water, but the
motive
The submarine torpedo consists of a water-tight tank of Cwer is steam instead of gunpowder. The gun has a num-
common powder, anchored by two chains below the surface r of steam chambers connected with the
bore, so as to
of the water and exploded "by electricity, contact, clock- use steam pressure successively and act on the principle of
work, or what not. Tho term is general rather than de- accelerated velocity, on the plan of HaskelV gun.
scriptive, in contradistinction to terrestrial or military tor- Myron Coloney, of St. Louis, has a system of floating tor-
pedoes, and perhaps to those exposed on the ends of spars. pedoes, with magnets secured to them (*ec Hate J I.). The
I
See Sp Att To&pedo. magnets are intended to securely attach the torpedoes to
Into the conter of the tank pass the terminals of two In- iron vessels before exploding.
sulated copper wires, a fine platinum wire passing through a Thetorpedo invented by Asa Weeks (see Plate Ui.) is be-
small cartridge of fine rifle powder in the middle of the charge. ii
lieved to be the most powerful end destructive rocket torpedo
"^^^ torpedoes of various forms are described on
pp. 2609, 2600, "Meek. Diei."
vet produced. The torpedo proper is a triangular float,
hav-
lug two side wings extending astern, where they are provided
with keels or cut-waters. The wings serve to maintain
a. Drifting. r.
the
balance of the torpedo, as it grows lighter from the combus-
6. Anchored. d. tion of the rocket composition, and the cut-waters
serve as
putdlng rudders. The bursting charge of dynamite is in the
II.
front compartment of the torpedo, and is exploded by a per-
These may be
divided into — cussion primer on contact with an obstacle, or is blown up
1. The./Ss* torpedo, of which Whitehead s (see Plate UI.> by fir* from the rocket charge after the expiration of a suita-
is the principal example. ble interval.
2. Drifting torpedoes. The torpedo is slung at the davits of a steam launch made
3. The sea torpedo.
4. Torpedo boats. xST^7 toTJ** Purpose. The prow of the torpedo rises a
little above the general surface line to prevent the tendency
1. The fish torpedo has a steel or iron fish-like case
to run under when striking a wave. The rocket is carried
: the ey luxWcal chambers, and the powder is cored out eccen-
front fitted with a percussion fuse communicating with the trically to the inclosing casing. This arrangement of the
charge. The Whitehead torpedo has machinery
stern of the
powder secures a nearly uniform combustion. The combus-
for working a screw by compressed air, which is in "a tion chambers are surrounded by some refractory substance
voir amidships. It is launched from shore or from a ship, to prevent injury to the float and danger to the bursting
and pursues its course under water. charge. The rocket charge is ignited preferably by an elec-
The Lay torpedo (see Plate LIL), p. 2599, "Meek. Dm*.,91 tric irnitor. and the torpedo detaches itself from the davits
1 -
ary writers.
found drifting, half full of water, by her engineer, who climbed
.
Tor-pe'do-boat. A
vessel carrying a torpedo,
and either exploding it against the side of unothei
vessel beneath the water-line, or launching it against
the enemy's vessel when it may be trusted to reach
its destination by the force of the impulse, or by a
motor on board.
The torprdtKH are carried on the ends of spars
rigged forward, or are towed by booms, or are cigar-
shaped vessels known as _/wA-torpedoes, which may be
considered self-navigated projectiles. See Torpedo.
Porter Torpedo- Boat .
The first torpedo-vessel was perhaps the "American
unknown cause, and remained for many days, with her crew
Turtle " of David Bushnell, of Connecticut, iu 1776. of nine dead men, at the bottom of Cooper Hlver. Her last
His was a submarine vessel having a torpedo in tow. achievement was the destruction of the " llouaatonic," when
It was composed of two shells of sufficient capacity, when she and her crew disappeared forever from All human knowledge.
joined together and made water-tight, to contain the operator, Of late, however, it is not considered as an absolute pre-
together with sufficient air to enable him to remain under requisite to an efficient torpedo-boat that she should be capable
water for half an hour. He caused the boat to rise or sink by of being eutirely submerged when making an attack. Admiral
the water from or allowing It to enter a chamber Porter's system provides vessels of sufficient power to resist the
beneath" htm, at the same time lowering or raising a block of fire of an enemy, and attack openly when necessary. See
200 pounds of lead which might be made to touch bottom. He Fig. twttf.
propelled the boat by means of an oar, from a compartment in The destruction of the rebel ram 11
Albemarle, " at Plymouth,
the fore part, and at its stern a magasine containing powder N.C, (k-tober 27, was accomplished by the use of one of
was attached this was fired by a lock operated by clock-work
;
Wood and Lay's torpedoes (see Tokpedo, Fig. 6037), modified for
In the magaiine, which was set in motion at the time of IU Use by a ship's launch.
detachment from (he boat, and was calculated to ran a suf-
The steam-launch was run up under cover of night, and
ficienttime to allow the operator to reach a place of safety pre- succeeded in eluding the picket-boats of the enemy.
vious to the explosion. With this apparatus he succeeded In The
" Albemarle " was discovered lying fast to the wharf, with 'logs
frightening the crew of the British 64-gun ship " Eagle,
11
in
around her, about 30 feet from her side. As the launch ap-
New York Harbor, and afterward blew up a proached she was fired on from the shore, but continued her
London.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 216 WEAPONS DICTIONARY
course straight for the ram. Striking the logs, they were
driven inward some feet. " The torpedo- boom was then low- Fig. 6673.
ered," says Lieutenant Cushing, " and, by a rigorous pull, I
succeeded in driving the torpedo under the overhang, and ex-
ploding it at the same time the 1 Albemarle's 1 gun was fired.
A shot seemed to go crashing through my boat, and a dense
mass of water rushed in from the torpedo, filling the launch
and completely disabling her 1 The " Albemarle sunk at her
'
detached from the rifle. Invented by for this purpose with smoke) as the runner is displaced
Lieutenant-Colonel E. Rice, U. S. A. along the rod. The runner, It will be understood, is situated
: ;
this guide Is removed and the ciirtridge inserted ; to facilitate pulverised charcoal until It Is freed from nitrogen and attains
this the rear end of the bore is very slightly enlarged. By the density of 67° B. 1* parts of this, or 1 part of the purified
turning the lever/ the breech-block is then slid into tiring acid aud \ part of fuming sulphuric acid, ars mixed with 1 part
position and the gun is ready for discharge. The interlocking of thoroughly purified nitric acid, specific gravity 48° to 60° B.,
projections on the lever and the pinion g having a certain and the mixture Is allowed to stand in a close vessel for from
amount of play allow the lever to act as a hammer to more eight to fourteen days, during which time It Is subjected to
blasts of hot dry air, for the purpose of freeing It from
effectually start the breech-block at the commencement of this
and of the return movement. A steel gas-check a Is provided nitrogen.
Glycerine-starch Is prepared by roasting starch on Iron plates
to prevent escape of gas at the breech. It will be observed
that the grooves rf are undercut to prevent any tendency on until It turns reddish or yellowish brown, and mixing it with
the threads of the breech-block to separate the two parts of glycerine of 30° B. or upward, free from fatty acids, lime, and
the rein force-band which serve as guides, o Is the upper end chlorine.
of the elevating screw-link. Glycerine-cellulose is prepared by treating sawdust, preferably
The nine-pounder fleld-gun on this plan Is made from a solid from soft wood, with dilute acid, as hydrochloric, boiling it with
Ingot of steel, no rein force-band being employed. Its length an alkali, and afterward drying, pulverising, and roasting until
la 6 feet 2 inches weight, of cwt ; external diameter at the It turns of a yellowish brown color; it is then mixed with an-
;
breech, 101 Inches ; muxsle,4J Inches ; diameter of major axis of hydrous glycerine.
bore, 2.72 Inches; of minor axis, 2 47 Inches; charge of powder, Olyceri uito is by thoroughly drying
pulverizing it with anhydrous glycerine
II pounds.
of 30° B.
The rifling has a twist of 1 In 65 calibers, and the ordinary
projectiles are 81 diameters In length, and are fired as cast, Olycerlne-benxole is prepared by mixing bensole, or bensole-
without being trimmed up. The carriage Is alto of steel, weigh- toluole, with anhydrous glycerine of 30° B.
ins; 10 cwt Either of the ubove, or other Kuituble substance, analogously
Steel shot having their sides smoothly dressed up are fre- prepared, is mixed with the acid mixture above described, in
quently employed with the Whitworth gun, which is peculiarly the proportion of about 1 part ro 8 or 10 of the adds, and the
compound treated to a bath of pure water, or placed In an iron
or leaden vessel, when the acids separate from the nitrated
Hmall arms rifled on this plan are compounds ; the former being drawn off may be made service-
metal than leaden projectiles ; with the able for other purposes.
ti on an d accuracy are attainable. The nitrated substances freexl from acid are placed in a bath
of soda-lye and stirred until they Impart a blue color to red-
Wip'er. 1. (Valve Motion.) A cam which pro- dened test-paper.
jects from a horizontal shaft and acts periodically They are again washed In pure water, and then rendered
upon a toe whose elevation lifts the valve-rod anil anhydrous by being placed In flat
sulphuric acid and chloride of calcium, at a temperature uot
puppet- valve. exceeding 60° C.
The wiper baa usually a rotary reciprocation when the : A simple apparatus, consisting of a tank, with chambers or
rotary motion la continuous, It becomes a wiper-wheel, which worms, aud provided with suitable connecting-pipes, has been
may have a number of cams acting consecutively in the course contrived by the inventor, for mixing and cooling the com-
pound.
fig 7260. Dittmar's patent, for Uuatin, January 18, 1870, embraces
Fig. 7261. 11
cellulose, nltro-cellulose, nitro-etarch, nltro-mannlte, and
nltro-glycerine, mixed in various combinations, depending on
the degree of strength which it is desired the powder should
possess in adapting Iti use to various purposes." See Duauw.
Silencers
from the
Home Workshop
by
Bill Holmes
Copyright © 1980 by Bill Holmes
REPRINTED BY PERMISSION
Other Books by Bill Holmes
Home Workshop Guns for Defense and Resistance
Volume One - The Submachine Gun
will get into trouble, too, just as surely as the sun comes up
in the East
Back several weeks ago when an acquaintance of I still believe that the day will come when a person's
who is a would-be gun expert and professes to know very existence may depend upon whether or not he has a
considerably more about the subject than I do (he weapon to defend himself and resist an enemy. These
probably does), found out that I was getting ready to put way to create a
books of mine are meant to show you a
this book together, he immediately informed me that such suitable weapon for these purposes if and when such a
units are no longer referred to as "silencers." The term. time does come. Then, it won't make much difference
sound suppressor" is now the proper name for such an whether or not such a weapon is legal. The people on the
item and, according to him, no modern firearms student opposite side will probably kill you if they catch you
who knows what he is doing would refer to such a noise anyway. This book, then, show a way
will purport to
reducer by any other name. Very well, I am old fashioned (notice I said "a" way— not "the" way) to build a
and don't know what I am doing, but it will still be a satisfactory silencer using tools and materials readily
silencer in this book. available. I will attempt to show how one for the
to build
Regardless of whether it is called silencer, sound submachine gun described in Volume One of Home
suppressor, sound modifier, sound moderator, or just Workshop Guns for Defense and Resistance and one for
plain muffler, it is good for just two things. First of all, if the semi-automatic pistol shown in Volume Two of the
you are caught in possession of one, it will almost certainly series. These designs can be adapted to many other
get you a lengthy stay in a Federal prison or a healthy fine firearms simply by making suitable barrel adapters.
or likely, both. The only other thing a silencer is actually Incidentally, am afraid several people have the wrong
I
suited for is to kill some one at a distance without making a idea about what I am trying to do in these books. My
lot of noise. primary purpose is to show methods of manufacture and
They do not have any practical use as a ways that the average man can make the various parts in
target weapon; so regardless of who may tell you that he or Ws home wor kshop.
she wants a silencer on his or her .22 rifle so that he can The firearms designs are simply there to show a way to
hunt squirrels without disturbing his neighbors or so that build such a weapon that can be modified, and probably
he can target practice quietly, don't be taken ia He either improved on, in any number of ways. If you desire to
believes that you are a fool or else he is one. There are also change the designs, in any way, feel free to do so. How-
any number of "cowboys" or "psuedo gangsters" to ever, please don't write me or call me and ask me to
redesign them for you; and don't, for Heaven's sake, tell
n 975"
O
o
o
o
o
-J
CD
ro
o
of sound) then it will be necessary to drill ports or holes in o
the barrel beginning slightly forward of the chamber which
willallow enough gas to bleed off into the expansion
chamber, thereby reducing the efficiency of the gasses and
o
slowing the bullet to a subsonic velocity.
o
A sturdy barrel coupling or mounting ring is essential to
proper operation This should be made to fit tightly around
the barrel and threaded and screwed on or pressed and
pinned in place. The designs shown here utilize threads to CD
If lit"'
i it
mi •
II 111 *
II'
•a |
i 1
o
I
A/y own Vertical MMing Machine, set up to drill vent holes in silencer
3-
3
I
approximately .005" smaller than the outer barrel di-
built to the same dimensions as the barrel muzzel cap, available to you. The thread specifications can also be
which it replaces, except that it must be made longer and modified your requirements.
to
the forward end is a larger diameter to accommodate the A sleeve approximately 8" long is turned and threaded
rear end of the silencer body. Probably the easiest and on each end. One end will screw into the outer end of the
cheapest source of material would be an automobile rear barrel coupling. The end cap screws onto the other end,
axle, which can usually be obtained from salvage yards at the flanged portions supporting and securing the outer
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 224 SILENCERS
.225" to .229".
Before the final reaming and lapping operations are
performed on the sleeve, four parallel rows of vent holes
should be drilled along the axis of the bore. These allow
I gas to vent into the absorbent material surrounding the
I
This sleeve should be bored, reamed, and lapped to an removed by the final reaming.
barrel of .30 caliber or less. In this instance, the finished The outer tube can be made from various types of
inside diameter should be .312" to .316". tubing, pipe, etc., the only requirements being that it is
The .22 caliber sleeve can be made from dicarded. 22 and consistently round for its entire length.
fairly stiff
caliber barrel stock by reaming to an inside diameter of Automobile shock absorber bodies contain material well
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 225 SILENCERS
suited to this application and usually service stations and
garages that install shocks on automobiles are happy to
give away the worn shocks that they have removed, just to get
rid of them. The inside cylinder on the one I used for this
installation measured 1.075" in outside diameter and
.975" inside diameter which means it has a wall thickness
of .050". This cylinder was cut to a length of 7.750" and
then ends squared in the lathe, thus creating a satisfactory
outside sleeve for the silencer with a minimum amount of
expense and labor. As previously mentioned, the outer
and inner diameters of such cylinders salvaged from shock
absorbers varies considerably and the diameters of the
barrel coupling, center coupling, and end cap must be
modified from the dimensions shown in the drawings to Metal screen is cut to proper width, using sleeve as guide.
match the diameters of whatever cylinder of tube that you The silencer is initially assembled by screwing the
come up with.
barrel coupling in place on the end of the pistol barrel
and insulation in place between the barrel coupling and center bushing is wound
Sleeve with screen roll
now be blued or finished whatever tightly around the barrel until it fills the space between the
The parts should in
Hot nitrate bluing is described in barrel coupling and center bushing. The outside diameter
fashion that you desire.
Volume One of Home Workshop Guns for Defense and of this screen roll should be such that the outer tube will
Resistance and instructions on how to apply a rust blue are just slip over it
contained in Volume Two. The front portion between the center bushing and
If the end cap and barrel coupling are knurled around muzzle cap should be filled loosely with a roll of fiber glass
the circumference of the exposed portions as shown in the insulation, steel wool, or whatever other sound-absorbent
pictures, it not only improves the appearance but also material you deem appropriate. An acquaintance of mine,
provides a gripping surface to grasp with the fingers when who experiments with items such as this, told me that
"silly putty" works well for this; but I have always used
tightening or loosening these parts.
the rolled fiber glass as shown.
around the sleeve and the outer tube slid over it back to the
center coupling, at which time the screen is wound around
the sleeve and the outer tube pushed over it and to the rear
until it contacts the shoulder of the barrel coupling. The
end cap is now screwed onto the end of the sleeve, the
shoulder supporting and securing the outer tube in place.
The unit is now ready to test fire. As with any firearm
being tested for the first time, precautions should be taken
to avoid injury in the event that the unit should blow apart
At least, wear a heavy glove and hold the gun around the
corner of a building or around a tree, or best of all, under a
Common metal window screen can be salvaged from buildings, is
heavy board so that your face and body will be protected in
available from hardware and building supply stores. Can be cut with
sheet metal shears. case parts and pieces do start flying.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 226 SILENCERS
I
•12
Long shank drill for boring sleeve to larger diameter can be made by .
i
turning do wn drill sha nkand boring an extension to a slip fit o ver the Hand and chucking reamers can be had injust abou
t an v size desired
drill shank. Silver solder in place. Available from machine tool supply houses.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 227 SILENCERS
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 229 SILENCERS
8
a
a.
5'
I
K
•5
r 1 1
1 1
o ;
o
1-1-4 1
Cr
I
Df.M .187''
\
r ir i
mm®
DRILL JIG
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 230
'
Assembly begins by installing barrel bushing on barrel Screen roll is placed around barrel and rear outer tube pushed over it
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 231 SILENCERS
II
S 3
o
v
4.
2
5
a
gi
5
The sub machine gun silencer is made pretty much the
same way as the pistol silencer except that a barrel
bushing is made to screw onto the rear end of the barrel in
place of the barrel lock nut and is locked in place with a set
screw.
the pistol installation. Coupling and sleeve are then connected to barrel.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 2
After the first two holes are drilled, the clamp is loosened, the
sleeve
slidforward until the last hole drilled is in line with the
first hole inthe
Thefirst hole in the process ofdrilling. Hole is drilled entirely through jig, a
locating pin inserted to keep it aligned and the
clamp
sleeve thereby producing both top and bottom row at the same time, retightened Another hole can now be drilled through the
second hole
with but a single operation. in thejig. This process is repeated until the operation is completed
entry and exit into and out of the bore. Therefore, it will be
necessary to lap the rifled portion after the ports are drilled
by casting a lead lap around a steel rod as described in the
barrel making chapter of Volume One of this series. The
occurrence of these burrs can be greatly reduced by
pouring the bore full of molten lead before the ports are
drilled and driving the lead core out with a close-fitting rod
after the drilling is complete.
only one hole in the sleeve is lined up with the front hole
in the jig. A locating pin of the same size as the drilled hole
ispushed through both the jig opening, thus locating the
holes the same exact distance apart and precisely in line.
This process is repeated, one hole at a time, until the row is
completed, at which time the sleeve is rotated 90 degrees
and the process repeated.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 234 SILENCERS
of fiber glass insulation wound tightly around it, and the
front outer tube slipped over it The end cap is now
screwed tightly in place, which in turn locates and holds
the outer tube between the shoulders on the barrel coup-
ling and the end cap.
material for the outer tubes. This time the outside housing barrel threaded to receive an end cap which would secure
of two shocks are used (two outer tubes are used) by cut- the entire assembly in place. Where an installation is
ting to the proper length and facing the ends square desired on a weapon which has the barrel partly or totally
smooth. The ones I used had an inside diameter of 1 .750" enclosed, the muzzle end of the barrel would be threaded
and an outside diameter of 1.850". Here again, if the to receive a barrel coupling as shown in the pistol design.
tubes that you use are of a slightly different size, the coup- The thread diameter might have to be slightly different;
otherwise, the same dimensions should suffice.
ling bushing and end cap diameter must be adjusted
accordingly. We read about and see little sketches, etc., of silencers
This silencer is assembled practically the same way as clamped and sometimes even taped to rifle and pistol
the pistol silencer, except that after the barrel bushing is barrels, made from tin cans, copper tubing, and the like.
secured in place on the chamber end of the barrel, a tightly These are seldom, it ever, satisfactory. Such a flimsy,
wound roll of screen is placed around the barrel and the haphazard fabrication is usually only a figment of some-
rear outer tube slipped over it, the rear end slipping over one's imagination and has no practical value. While it is
and against the shoulders of the barrel bushing. The barrel true that the designs shown here require a little bit of
coupling is now screwed onto the end of the barrel, thus machine work and perhaps a day's time to build one, the
securing the outer tube in place. The sleeve is now result, if properly done, will be a sturdy, rigid assembly
screwed into the forward end of the barrel coupling, a roll that will remain in line with the bore and not shoot loose.
SMG barrel and sleeve assembled with bushing, coupling and muzzle Bill Holmes
cap in place. Fayetteville, Arkansas 1980
—
BOOBYTRAPS .-
No. 6-31 J
Warhinoton, D.C , U StpUmbiT 19GB functioning characteristics of standard demolition Items firing
devices, explosives, and accessories — and missiles, such as hand
BOOBYTRAPS grenades, mortar ammunition, ar'.ilicry ammunition, and bombs.
e. This manual also contains information on a variety of items
CHARACTERISTICS OF BOOBYTRAPS
Aboobytrap is an explosive charge cunningly contrived to be
fired by an unsuspecting person who disturbs an apparently harm-
S«<Hon L INTRODUCTION less objector performs a presumably safe act. Two types are in use
—improvised and manufactured. Improvised boobytraps are assem-
1. Purpew and Scop* bled from specially provided material or constructed from materials
a. This manual contains procedures, techniques, and expedients generally used for other purposes. Manfactured boobytraps are
for the instruction of the soldier in the assembly, use, detection, and dirty tridc devices made at a factory for issue to troops. They
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 236 BOOB YTR APS
usually imitate some object or article that haa aouvenir appeal or HJU
that may be used by the target to advantage.
4. Aiwmbllng, Roobytrapt
A
boobytrap consists of a main charge, firing device, standard
base (not always used} and detonator. Another item, the universal
,
KLfASCO
SCTIOTF DCTQftATOft
onoMTon
CBlASTlNaCAfl
I scts off toosre*
WWGHT Of FOOT
STAtn Btnosm
a enoh.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 237 BOOBYTRAPS
by specialists. All military personnel, however, are trained in hac
dlJ-n £ explosives and other boobytrapping materia], so that they
FIALMO TM» CHlMICAl
miMl TMSOOOH THt boobytrap a mine or install a simple boobytrap.
chemical comkx/nd
cauus flash that fiwj
THI DfTOKMOS. issue special instructions for the use of
within their command. Supplies are authorised and pro-
vided required to meet boobytrapping needs.
higher commanders may delegate authority to lay
as low as division commanders. All higher command-
, may revoke this authority for a definite or
indefinite
the tactical situation may require.
of all boobytraps laid are prepared and forwarded
L CHIMICAL and similar areas are suitable locations for concealing boobytrap*.
(1) MOIUIE e. In defense, boobytraps. placed in the path of the enemy at
P«Eft*U*E ON THI TOF strategic locations in sufficient numbers, may impede his progress,
IMAM THB VIAL, PIBV1NO
prevent detailed recoonoiasance. and delay disarming and removal
rut suirnu»c ac 10 ro mix
WIIH THI FLASH FOWDES,
FtOOOCINO A RAMI THAT ,10
vim the orroNATOt. II.
Certain basic principles, as old as warfare itself, must be followed
to get the optimum benefit from boobytraps. Knowledge of
these
les will aid the soldier, not only in
placing boobytraps
t, but in detecting and avoiding
those of the enemy.
#oorniAP
CONCEALED IN tOO*
WW 11 G'tmur
MK< CMtMICAL
PUZI
111 DELAY
CfUSHlNO THE AMPULE IELZASM
THi CHIMICAL TO COIIO0E
THt RETAINING WIIC FUSING
me sniKn to hu thi
OiTONATOI. TM DELAY IS COM AMPUll
DfTULMJNlD IV THI TIMI or
NEEDED K* THE CHtMICAl
TO COHODE THE IETA1NINO
win.
STAINING
WltE
SUING
CHAPTBt 2
USE OF BOOBYTKAPS
I. BASIC DOCTHNE
I. Tactical rrlndpJcs
Boobytraps supplement minefields by
value. They add to the confusion of the
destroy material, and lower morale. Boobytraps
!
c
Chamcteri3ti£4. Many inexpensive boobytraps, simple to make
and easy to lay. will delay and confuse the enemy more than a small
number of the expensive and complex kind. Complex mechanisms
13
coat more, recjuire more care In laying, and offer tittle more advan-
nissuii tage than the simple type.
11 R*co«wtaiiumc«
HiiMG
Complete reconnaissance of an area is essential to good planning.
L GADIUINO riAClC,
H ftUilDiNCV At KUIDNC *N*1ANCE3. Without this and the preparation of a program, boobytraps may
ANO IN 5 *".*» 'lACIS WMt£ not be used effectively. Boobytrap teams are beat suited to survey a
>OU)HIl MAI »OVI Oi
DIIAV f *AT Off combat area to determine its boobytrapping possibilitlea.
14. Men of Opanario*
a. The commander with authority to use boobytraps coordinates
indicating the site and the location, number, type, and setting. He
assigns boobytrap teams to specific areas and the laying of speci-
P. ap«*i ro cuiiosirr fied types. Trie plan covers arrangements for supplies and transpor-
M>0»YTIaH Iai» IN tation and designates the location where all preliminary work on
KXD rOJITlOO TO D-lf CaITON
TM CWIOVt CfT iUK-irt booby-traps will U. done. Time t&blue are cetabliuhcd to inourc com
pletion of the work to comply with withdrawal phases of tactical
o nun
UUMMT IUUITIVAPS. COHVJTfNTW plane.
FftAtEC. MAT INCOJIACf CAiUSJimsl
AH CWVIOUS 100»TT»A# MAY HMKYUhV
e. In hasty withdrawal, when
there is no time for planning, each
AMOTHH AND KIHA* A MWlMVi " V R
1 team will be given a supply of material with instructions fui making
DlAOiY DM the best possible use of it in the time allowed.
f.Boobytrap planning must give proper consideration to all
known characteristics of the enemy Members of teams should study
the personal habits of enemy soldiers, constantly devising new
methods to surprise them. Repetitions may soon become a pattern
by an alert enemy.
easily detected
g. Withdrawal operations are the moat desirable of all for laying
boobytraps- When an enemy meets a boobytrap at the first obstacle,
his progress throughout the area will be delayed even though no
others have been laid, A
few deadly boobytraps and many dummies,
laid indiscriminately, can inspire great caution. Dummies, however,
should be unserviceable or useless items. Never throw away mater-
H. lUtES
•OOtY'tAfS MAY »f IAI'0). T*| ial that may return to plague friendly forces
UNElfKKD CEIONAHON G* A 0!.A> 14
ACTION INCfNDtAIT Ot EJ»lOSIV(
lOOiTTtAF MAY KATTEff TKOOH OI Sactioa HI aNSTAtlATtON
orrou* them imo a moie hmvi» laid
A MA. 15. tatoomib.lir**
12. Chatg«
Locotiofi of a. A commander authorized boobytraps is responsible for
to use
a. Preparation. Small compact boobytraps are the most desire- all within his zone of command. He will keep Adequate records
able for use in raids in enemy-held territory. Each member of a showing their type, number, and location, and prepare information
team must carry his own supplies and be ab!e to operate indepen- on those laid and on practices followed by the enemy.
dently. Boobytraps should be assembled, except far the attachment 6. Management of boobytrap services may be delegated to the
of the firing: device, before entering enemy territory. Thia will engineer staff off cer.
i ,
<L Officers responsible far laying boobytraps prepare plana, (1) Intt-nt. This is transmitted by the fastest means available
supervise preliminary preparations, and direct their installation. consistent with signal security. It includes the location of
They forward to proper authority a detailed report of their pro- the boobytrapped area selected, the number and type of
gress, advise all concerned whf-n changes are made, and report mines to be Isid ( if antitank mines are boobytrapped)
to engineer intelligence units the discovery of any new enemy boobyxraps to be laid, the estimated starting and complet-
devices or low-cunning practices ing time, and the tactical purpose The report is initiated
e. Engineer and infantry unit*, with special training, have the by the commander authorized to lay the field and for-
responsibility or installing and neutralizing boobytraps. Since warded to higher headquarters.
adequate numbers of trainees may not always be available, all (2) Initiation of Laying. This report is Uaiismitted by the
troops are given familiarity instruction in boobytrapping. fastest means available consistent with signal security.
It contains the location and extent of the fteld, total num-
16. Pncwkm
ber of mines and boobytraps to be laid, and estimated
Like all activities involving explosives, boobytrapping is dan-
time of completion. The commander of the unit installing
gerous only because of mistakes men make. Prescribed methods 16
must be followed explicitly in the interest of personal safety and
overall effectiveness.
a. Before assembly) ng a boohytrap. components should be
all
(6)
a safe area.
Leave the boobytrapped area clean. Carry away all items 'WW »
that might betray the work that has been done, such as 17
loose dirt, empty boxes, tape, and broken vegetation.
Obliterate footprints. the field sends the report to the commander that directed
inch letters. The STANAG or new sign is similar except for the 1-
1
(MM !•
b.Functioning.
A pressure of 20 pounds or more on the pressure cap moves the
trigger pin downward until the striker spindle passes through the
keyhole slot This releasee the striker to fire the percussion cap.
'BiCVWION
or
MONIHCTItC
SIASTINO CAT
c. Installing.
(1) Remove protective cap.
(2) With crimpers, attach blasting cap U> standard
Crimper jaws should be placed no farther than # m.
from open end of blotting cap.
<3) Attach firing device assembly to charge.
PCflBJM
NOMnfcmc
22
b. Functioning. 0 1
FW« tinifi wild 10-H (lV Insert length of wire, nail, or cotter pin in positive safety
a**»i»« «d»ty ipoo<i of hip wW ! pinhole.
<oMm. ami 5 ia(»o*i
(2) Insert length of wire, nail, of safety pin in teckiiig safety
21
MbiiiIihi
1"*
m*u
b. Functioning-
c, Installing. lifting or removing retaining weight releases striker to fire
d. Armina.
(1) With remove small cotter pen from
cord,
pin and withdraw locking safety pin. If it not pull
out easiiy, adjust winch winding.
(2) With cord, pull out positive safety pin. should pull
out easily. If not, disassemble and 27
(1) a length of'lO-gage wire In interceptor hole,
slightly to prevent dropping out.
(2) Remove small cotter pin from safety pin.
(3) Holding release plate down, replace safety pin with length
of No. 18 wire. Bend wire slightly to prevent dropping
out.
(4) Remove protective cap from base and with crimpers,
attach blasting can. Crimper jams should be placed no
farther than %
inch from ope* end of blasting cap.
(5> Secure firing device assembly in charge.
POOR MAN'S JAM2S BOND Vol. 3 243 BOOB YTRAPS
H
toy*
CAP
flash
compound
__ PPOTECTtVl
y-f CAP
WOWI.FCTFC
eiAST>«G CAP
b. Functioning.
A strong pull on the T-shaped handle draws the friction
igniter through the flash compound, causing a name that
c. InetaUing.
(1)
(2> .Secure device in charge.
d. Arming.
d. Arming (1) Crush ampule by squeezing the copper portion of case.
Ol-i. mini.
1
CM« 0
ft. /Wfcoiwap
1
Lifting or remov
//IS f« la to
M«l«l 1
1 0 (Off**! is •«*
»o... In
ft. Functioning.
(2) with
COM TAFCD
TO
SLASTlM CA*
ASPHALT
PAPCR
•HONS
HEAVY GAGE odor of T3. Each block is wrapped in plastic covering with a
threaded cap well in each end. Twenty-four blocks are packed
in a wooden box.
Section II. DEMOLITION MATBMMS
V. E*ploo**M and A«coneHo* (Far wnw*
FM5 -23 and TM 9-1375.300.)
OUTER
COVER
BLACK
WATERPROOFING POWDER -ABRASIVE
CORE BAND
LENGTH
MARKERS
FIBRE
•RAPPING
WATERPROOFING
OUTER
COVER o. M60 Fuse Lighter.
(1) To install: Unscrew the
fuse holder cap, remove shipping
plug, insert time fuse, and tighten cap.
EXPLOSIVE
Tvpa IV. This is similar to types (2> To reload:
<2) I and II. except for the
special smooth plastic <a) Insert primer base and primer in *nd of lighter
and rough weather, housing.
<b) Put washers and grommets in open end of fuse
holder cap as shown, and screw fuse
holder cap
firmly on housing.
<c) Unscrew fuse holder cap about three turns and insert
a freshly cut end of time fuse into
the hole in the cap
until it reals against the primer.
<d> Tighten cap.
•explosive
m - Time Fuse. This consists of black powder
tightly
wrapped in layers of fabric and waterproofing
materials. It
may bo any color, orange being the most common.
As burning WASHERS
about 30 to 4 * ^onds per foot, each roll
IT PIN HOuS-NG
must be tested before
,
using by burning and timing a l-foos
length. (3) To fire:
(a) Remove safety pin
n. Safety Fuse M?0O. This fuse ia a dark green cord with a piastk (b) Pull on pull ring.
cover, either smooth or with single pointed Note. Lighter reusable after the insertion of a
is
abrasive bands new
around the outside at l~foot or 18-inch intervals primer and the reassembly of parts.
and double
POOR MAM'S JAMES BOMJ vol. 3 24 7 BOOBYTRAFS
p. Electric Bloating Capt. Electric blasting taps have three
length* of leads-short (4 to 10 ft.), medium (12 to 14 ft),
The bangalore torpedo iaa group of 10 loading assemblies (steel
and long (50 to 100 ft). The short-circuit tab or ahunt present*
tabes filled with high explosive; with nose sleeve and connecting
accidental firing It must be removed before the cap is con-
sleeves.The loading assemblies may be used singly, In series, or
nected in the firing circuit Military blasting caps are required
in bandies. They are primed In four ways: by a standard firing
to inaure detonation of military explosive*.
device; a standard firing device, nonelectric blasting cap, length of
detonating cord, priming adapter, and nonelectric blasting cap
(pars 29) ; a standard firing device, and length of detonating cord
attached by the clove hitch and two extra turns around the cap well
r WCTM sum won
TA» Ol
oicuiT
at either end of the loading assembly; and electrical methods (pars
q. NoneUctrie Blasting Cap*. Two types are available, the No. 8 29).
and the special M7, which resembles the No. 8 in appearance
except for the expanded nnen pnri.
r
3
MT 7 S FT
.CRIMPERS
t. AY/0 Universal Dcttrnctar. The destructor uaed to convert
is
loaded projectiles, missiles, and bombs into improvised Ml DELAY DETONATING CORD
charges. The destructor has booster caps containing tetrvl pel- FIRING DEVICE TAPED TO NONELECTRIC
BLASTING CAP
lets. All standard firing devices with the standard base coupler
all standard firing deviceo, and the base to screw in antitank ^P^'
and nonelectric blasting cap; and a priming adapter and
mine activator wells. electric blasting cap connected to power source.
THKADS-.
Ml PULIA
FIRING \ STD
DEVICE \ BASE
1
PROTECTIVE
cap CRIMPERS
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 248 BOOB YTR APS
M6T4L CONTAINER
BUT
This converted by replacing the fuze with a standard firing
la
device and a properly aaaembled destructor or by a firing device,
length of detonating cord, priming adapter, nonelectric bleating
cap, and a properly aaaembled destructor. If a destructor is not
available the detonating cord and nonelectric blasting cap are
packed firmly in the fuse well with C4 explosive.
FUZE
I -|
lAftrr mn r%H
DETON ATIMQ ACTIVATOR
COrtC T»PtO WOPEFL* AJXHBLID
TO W>CL£CTP»: MtrttNQ oesnrucrw
BLASTING CAP flC*JTEF
»4*
Ml*
DETONATION COKt
TO NON-tlSCTWC
MO
^ 4^4- mis airriTANK
MiW
BLAST MM CAP
- e.
(1) Insert length of wire in interceptor hole in MB
«c firing device. Bend wire slightly to pre-
PHOTECTIVE
a^Htmnh- mines laid in mine fields are boobytrapped <or acti-
OCSTfMJCrOR
vated) primarily to make breaching and clearing as dangerous,
difficult, and time ^""'"'"f as possible in order to confuse, demor-
mxummm com alise, and delay the enemy. Host standard U.S. antitank mines and
TAPED tto
ELfCTItlC gtVASTM «STfftxCTCP
to
/ foreign antitank mines have auxiliary fuse wells for this
See FM20-32 for more detailed
1
asersj^nef VS. standard antitank mines are generally boobytrapped by
of a poll or a firing device, or both, if
POOR MAN *S JAMEa bOND Vol. 3 250 3G0EYT3APS
deeirabte.
a m
a. PulL Dig hole to proper depth to bury mine on firm founda- b. Prtssvre-ReUase. Dig hole to proper depth to bury mine on
tion with top of pressure plate eren with or slightly above firm foundation, with top of pressure plate even with or
ground leveL Ann mine before boobytrapping. slightly above ground level.
(a> Remove locking safety cotter pin and replace with length U) Installing.
of thin wire. Bend wire slightly to prevent dropping out (a) Insert length of heavy wire in interceptor hole. Bend
(b) Remove positive safety cotter pin and replace with length wire slightly to prevent dropping out.
of thin wire- Bend wire slighUy to prevent dropping out. (b) Remove safety pin. Apply pressure on release plate until
(c) Remove protective cap from standard pin cornea out easily.
firing device, activator, and mine.
(c) Insert length of light wire in safety pin hole and bend
AUXILIARY slightly to prevent dropping out
CAP FUZE WELL (d) Remove protective cap from standard baae and assemble
firing device, activator, and mine.
ACTIVATOR
(e) Place mine and firing assembly in hole, using pressure
board to insure a solid foundation for firing device.
M 5 ANTITANK
ANTITANK
MINE
:tive ACT NATO R 1
WIRES CAP
easier t
<e)
(S) Duarming
(a) Uncover mine carefully.
(b> Locate booby trap assembly.
(a) Uncover mine carefully.
(c) Replace positive safety first, then locking safety.
(b) Locate boobytftp assembly.
(d) Cut trip wire.
(c) Insert length of heavy wire in interceptor
(e) Turn arming dial of mine to safe and hole.
<d) Turn dial on pressure plate to
plug. "S" (safe) and replace
safety fork,
(f) Remove fuse and replace safety clip.
(e) Recover mine and firing device assembly.
<g> Replace arming plug, <f) Remove pressure plate, unscrew detonator, and
(h) Recover mine and firing devke.
shipping plug.
aj»
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOKO Vol. 3 251 BOUBYTRAPS
INTERCEPTOR antitank mine (PT-Mi-D) that may prove extremely
HOLE- hazardous to breaching and clearing parties. Having an
RO-1, pull fuze in each end, it ts easily boobytrapped
by means of wire anchored to a stake underneath the
mine and extended through a hole in the bottom of the
case to the fuze pull pin.
a. Antitank Mint*.
The Communist European and Asiatic armies boobytrap mines
in a much different fashion from that of the U.S. and other NATO
countries. The Germans in World War II used both special antilift
devices and antidisturbanee fuzes, one of which has been copied by
the French.
U) Antiiift devices,
(a) Russia
1. The Russians, Communist Chinese, and North
Koreans boobytrapped wooden antitank mines by
laying two of them, one on top of the other, in the
same hole. The mines were connected by sn MUV
pull fuze and a pull wire, so that the bottom mine
would detonate when the top mine was lifted.
ruzEAcetss
HOUt
KZ. SM£ (EZ an explo-
kk). This device consists of
sive charge, a pressure- release firing mechanism, a
safety bar and a metal case. When the safety bar is
removed, the device arms ibelf by means of clock-
work inside the case. This device tannat h* rfu-
b. Antipersonnel Mines.
Antipersonnel mines are laid in antitank minefields
to halt and delay enemy troops and make breaching
and clearing as difficult, dangerous, and time consum-
ing as possible. Enemy mine layers may increase this
harrassment substantially by laying small blast type
antipersonnel mines near the anchors and along the
trip wires, which, according to procedure, most be
traced from pull ring to anchor before cutting. These
are extremely hazardous to breaching and clearing
Bpeciaiiats who may detonate them unawares by the
(2) T. Mi. Z iS and T. Mi Z Ua pressure of a hand, knee, or elbow on the pressure
(«) Germany. In addition to several antilift devices, the
Germans developed two antidiaturbence fuses initiated iovin
by pressure or pressure-release for activating Teller
mines 42 and 43. To arm, the fuse is placed in the
fuze well and the pressure plate screwed down on top
of the fuze, shearing the arming pin. Removal of the
pressure plate initiates the pressure-release mecha-
nism and detonates the mine. Although the T. Mi. Z
44 was an experimental model that never reached the
field, copies of both fusee are now in use in several
European armies. Mines armed* wUk these /uses
neither be identified by «"«,
of the ease, nor be
ings, wood piles, fruit trees, wells, fences with gates, walks, and
other locations easily rigged to wound or destroy careless soldiers.
c. Delayed action charges detonated in buildings after they are
occupied are extremely effective. Such charges, however, are diffi-
1. ML X 14 cult if not almost impossible to conceal, especially in large masonry
J M. I • 3
HOLE FOR
PULL WIRE
BOOBV TRAPS UNDER
BRICKS
: a l IM.
43. Entrances V
Curiosity prompts a soldier to investigate hurriedly an
rag huilding in his path. Women, loot, or mere inquiaitjveneas may
be the motive. His rush to be the first inside makes all entrances
excellent spots for boobytraps. For the foolish, a rigging connected
to the front door, side door, or back doors may be sufficient But for
the experienced soldier, who may carefully seek entry to the base-
ment first and then try to clear the building story by story, careful
and ingenious effort may be required.
c
Batement Windowa. Here boobytraps most be concealed to
prevent detection by the enemy's breaking the pane or kicking out a
door panel. Basement windows should be boobytrapped at the top
or in the floor underneath.
62
Upper Floor Windows. Window charges are easier concealed
b.
in the weight box behind the jamb than in the wall or under the
floor. Experienced hands can remove and replace window trim
without obvious damage,
( I) Nonelectric firing.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 254 BOOBYTRAPS
(2) Electric jirmg. <c) Place electric blasting cap in charge, and fasten one
(a) Fasten two metal brackets to side of weight box clos-; leg wire to top bracket.
enough to wedge two flashlight batteries between. (d) Bore pull wire hole at proper spot Inside jamb.
(b) Place sheet explosive charge in weight box. (e) Cut other leg wire long enough to twist on an insulated
(c) Insert"electric blasting cap in charge. loop on one end and fit over pull wire hole. Loop should
id) Cut one leg wire and attach to lower bracket. be about ^
inch, in diameter.
(*) Cut other leg wire to proper length to twist an uninsu- <f) Twist on uninsulated loop on one end of leg wire and
lated loop on end and fasten to hang In 4>lace just above secure to lower bracket so that loop fits over pull wire
top of window weight. hole. Fasten wire to jamb.
(f) On a length of leg wire twist on uninsulated loop around Anchor one end of insulated pull wire at proper spot
the leg wire hanging above the weight. Thread other on door, and thread free end through pull wire hole and
end through other uninsulated loop and fasten to top loop fastened to jamb.
clamp. Tape wire to window weight (h) Close door. Fasten free end of pull wire to other loop
to hold it snugly against stud.
(!) Test circuit with gaiovonmeter first, then insert bat-
teries between brackets, ( i) Check circuit with gilvonometex first,
(j) Install batteries between brackets,
(h) Conceal boobytrap.
(k) Conceal boobytrap.
Doors. Improved detection methods have made the use of
c.
boobytrapa on doors, with charges, firing devices, and wires
exposed, a waste of time and material, except for purposes of decep-
tion. The best location is the head or side jamb, not the sill, which is
often recommended. The sill is exposed, so that one experienced
clearing unit may easily locate the rigging while in the jamb, it is
concealed by the doorstop.
(1) Head jamb rigging.
(a) Assemble Ml pull firing device, standard base, and non-
electric blasting cap.
(b) Assemble length of detonating cord, priming adapter,
nonelectric blasting cap and explosive block.
(c) Attach firing device firmly to stud and tape free end of
length of detonating cord to nonelectric blasting cap.
(d) Drill hole at proper place in header and head jamb.
<e) Anchor one end of roll wire at proper place on
and thread free end through holes.
<f) Close door and attach pull wire to pull ring.
<g) Arm and conceal boobytrap.
Ml PULL FIRING
DEVICE
ASTENED TO
STUO
43. Sfrvtfvtol
(2} SuU jamb rigging. Beams and coiinms when they collapse cause much more
t.
<a) Attach metal brackets to side jamb close enough to damage than walls because they bear much more weight.
wedge two flashlight batteries between, (i) In wooden beams, holes for concealed explosives should be
(b) Insert sheet explosive charge snugly between stud and bored close enough together for sympathetic detonation.
jamb. An Ml delay firing device and detonator placed in a hole
POOR MAN S JAMES BOND Vol.
1
3 255 BOOB Y7R APS
within the bulk explosive charge should suffice. Buildings
of masonry and steel construction may also be booby-
trapped with delay charges. The difficulty of the job de-
pends often on the interior finish, type of decoration,
heating ducts, air conc<t.oning. and type of floors.
(2) A column may be destroyed by a charge buried below
ground level at its base. Although heavy delay charges
like these are often considered mines, they are 6nown
here because they may be found in boobytrap locations.
44 Interior FurrmKinyi
Vacated buildings provide much opportunity for boobytrapping.
Hurriedly departing occupants uamlly leave behind such oc'ds and
ends as desks, filingc ases, cooking uteris. Is. lab> items, rugs, lamps,
and furniture. Electric light and power fixtu.-ts are also exploitable.
a. Desk. Because of construction a desk is easily boob strap-
its
charge or series of charges go off. seriously damaging or destroy- <c> Remove ins-jlation from end? of wires and twist to
ing the building and killing or wounding rrany onlookers. form loop switch.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 256 BOOB YTR APS
<d) Place boobytrap in finder so that the raising of the c Electric Iron.
liddraws the loops together. (1) Remove bottom plate.
(e) Insulate inside of case from contact with loops with (2) Insert bulk explosive
and electric blasting cap.
friction tape. (8) Attach shortened leg
wires to power mlet.
70
(f) Check circuit with galvanometer first, then install
batteries.
Note. Batteries may be connected to legwires by wrap-
ping them tightly in place with friction tape.
SHEET
FXPLOSIVE
d\ Teakettle.
e. Pre$nire Cooker.
<1> AntvOsiurbance circuit.
(a) Assemble sheet explosive, mercury element, and elec-
tric blasting cap in cooker.
<b) Check circuit with galvanometer first, then install
batteries.
Note. Batteries may be bound tightly with friction
in circuit
tape. For safety and ease of assembly, use a wrist watch delay
in circuit (para 60d).
n
(2) Loop Mustek.
<1) Assemble sheet explosive and electric blasting cap.
<2) Cut leg wires to proper length. Remove insulation
S
E-CCTRIC
blasting ^BATTERIES
WITH TAPE
from ends and twist to form loop switch.
(3) Cheek circuit with galvanometer.
(4) Fasten one leg wire (insulated) to lid to
pull wire.
(5) Secure batteries in circuit by wrapping with
friction tape.
Note. For safety and ease of assembly, use a wrist watch delay
In circuit (para60<£).
ShCET
VtHCURV
SWITCH
of®
ELEMENT
SMROPWEL
l*P£
ELECT*;C
aiASTiMS CAP BATTERIES
OFF-OW
SWITCH 74
A. Choir* and Sofas. These may be booby-trapped nonelectrically
in / above. For nonelectric rigging the M1A1
g device, nonelectric blasting cap and sheet explosive
charge are probably the most suitable. The sofa because of its sire
should have more than one rigging. If the electrical method is used
the circuit ehould be tested with the galvanometer before the bat-
teries
7*
Uttton III. TEW AM
th
Uems ^^ii
riggcd agra]nst scavangera who may search
h lhe wrec kage for useful things.
Trip wire, being very thin and camouflage- colored, is not easily b. Abandoned ammunition should be exploited to the maxi-
detected by a driver. mum. Chain detonations of connected mines or sections of bangu lore
\l) Assemble two firing devices (only one may be necessary)
torpedo are particularly effective.
with detonators and lengths of detonating cord and a
detonating curd primer.
(2) Attach firing assemblies and M3 shaped charge ir. position
in tree, so that when the vehicle contacts the trip wires,
the explosive jet will penetrate the crew compartment.
Arm boobytrap.
MOVEMENT
^ iNf BLOC-5
Abardorwd Vahfdsi
Tnck WkesL
interceptor hole in firing
(1) Insert length of heavy wire in
device.
wire.
<2) Remove safety pin and replace with length of thin
Bend both wires sbghtly to prevent falling out.
and
PRESSURE-RELEASE (3) Assemble star.dard basp. nonelectric blasting cap.
FIRING DEVICE firing device.
47. Special Location! <4) Assemble two 2-block explosive charges, nonelectric blast-
detonating cord.
a. Abandoned, serviceable or repairable items are frequently ing caps, priming adapters, and length of
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 26 0 B00BYTRAF3
(5) In hole prepared under truck wheel, Motor. The fan belt is an excellent anchor for a pull wire. The
b.
blocks (take weight off explosive charge), pull wire will be much harder to detect if anchored underneath the
ing board, protective blocks (tike weight off firing bottom pulley, from where it may be extended any length to the
device) , and firing device. firing device and charge.
-5
(6) Arm firing device,
c Electric System- A useful combination is a charge primed with
(7) Cover boobytrap, and camouMftge.
an electric blasting cap with clamps attached to the leg wires. This
M5 PRESSURE -WtLEASE be attached to detonate by turning on the ignition switch,
FILING C€ViCE
ig the starter, braking, and the like.
PflOTECrtVE
CAP
MO*JELECT«lC HEAVY
BLASTING CV WTERCEPTOR
WIRE Electric
blasting
CAP
DET0MAT1NG COCO
TAPED TO NOME LECTWC
BLASTING CAP
CHAPTER 5
MISCELLANEOUS
S.cNon I. STANDARD BOOsYTIAPS
4*. TvctM Un
In World War
every major power manufactured boobytrapa
II,
to use against the enemy. Most of them were charged imitations of
useful objects, which maimed or killed helpless soldiers that handled
them. The defect common to all standard boobytrapa however, is
that after the first or second explosion, all others of the same type
become ineffective. A "one-shot" job hardly justifies production
OfcTONftTOS
/ DETONATOR WiRf-0 TO
TERMINALS AFTER THE
DtAPMRflW IS REMOVED
CULL FUZE
WATER
consisted of a policeman's or referee's whiaUe with a unpredictable. All are presented to stimulate initiative and arouse
charge and a metal ball covered with a layer of friction * nthusJaam *° °nt-do backward enemy peoples in devieing And
compound. Blowing the whistle moved the ball, igniting Pacing boobjtraps and to develop a higher level of proficiency
the friction compound and detonating the charge. *** €VEr before in ^
€ir detection and removal.
54. l*>prom«d Tom Fvxa and Exploit* Cap*
VIBRATING BALL
MADE OF a. Fast burning fuse (±0 inches per minute).
FRICTION MtTERIM.
(1) Braid three lengths of cotton string together.
m
7
CHARGE
(2) Moisten black powder to form a paste Rub paste into
line
twisted string with fingers and allow to dry. If a powder
is not available, mix 25 parts potassium nitrate (salt-
COMPOUND peter) in an equal amount of water and add S parts pul-
(8) The German Peters candy bar boobytrap was verlred charcoal and 2 parts pulverized sulphur to form
ingenious
indeed. The explosive charge, faze, a paste. Rub paste into twisted string and allow to dry.
and thin canvas pell
device were covered with chocolate. (3) Check burning rate before using.
c ft* 8 ™*
largely on ingenuity. Explosive, a necessary element, is either
improvised from commercial ingredient* or raptured from the
enemy. Captured mints, ammunition, and other similar material
are disassembled and every ounrp of pvplnaive saved.
VLI
52. Training
Every soldier should hav*» training in th« laesons learned KIT*" r*wr
from the guerrillas, for many items they have improvised and the »9w0EP
way they have uk#H th*w are also applicable to conventional war-
fare. With little effort, a soldier maybe trained so that with no mili-
tary ©quipment whatever but with ample funds, he may prepaid
himself to fight effectively with materials available from merchants,
junk piles, and salvage.
53. Application
93 wee
The improvisations Included in Uu* section are gathered from d. Percussion Cap Assembly.
numerous sources. Some may have wider application to boobytrap-
(1) Remove projectile, but not powder, from small
POOR MAN *S JAMES BOND Vol- 3 263 BOOBYTRAPS
cartridge^ d\ Rope and Cylinder.
(2) Tape nonelectric bhsting cap securely in cartridge. (1) Cut leg wires to proper length.
(2) Prepare wooden end plugs and bore hole in one to receive
<3 leg wires.
(3) Thread leg wires through hale in block.
NOKfLECTftiC (4) Strip end of one .eg wire and twist into loop, and secure
BLASTING COP other leg wire in position
fftiCiOW -APE (5) Testcircuit with gal vonometer.
55. Pull Firing Dtvicn
(6) Assemble metal cylinder, contact bolt, pull cord, charge,
a. Tube and Striker.
blasting cap, end blocks, and batteries.
Assemble tube, spring, str.ker shufl with hole or with hex nut
soft wood or met*'. :op plug, pull pir., and improvised j.errussioa CONTACT
PL JGS \ o.r COWUCT LOOP
cap assembly.
Note. Always assemble nr.ng device before attaching the impro-
vised percussion cap assembly.
/
CfU«Of<
JJ
CAP
e. Trip Lever and Pull Pin.
MONtLtt RlC
[1> Pint plant mint.
B.ASTtNG CAP
Assemble container, rharge, improvised pull firing device
(a above) and trip lever.
PERCUSS"**
CAF
6. Cbthe.sPin.
(1) Wrap stripped er,ds of leg wires round c'.othes pin jaws
to make electrical contact
(2) Assemble charge. adapter, elertric blading cap, and
clothes pin.
(3) Insert wooden w*dge. anchor rlulhes p;n, find install trip
wire.
(4) Check circui: with garvoncmcter first, ther. connect bat-
ter ics.
*f'X(
;o*tacts
(STRiPPFO
BCASTINS
CAP twviei
c Stake or PuU Initiator. (2) Sloping placement.
Assemble container, charge, improvised firing device
(1> Assemble stake or pole, container, metal contact plates, (u above* End stake.
charge, electric blasting/ cap, and pul! cord.
(2) Check circui: with galvanometer jlrrt, then connect bat-
terips.
(3) Fasten down top of container and seal hole around stake
with friction tape.
METAL
PLATES
COUD
FRiCTOk
ELCCTffiC
BLAST tit
CAP
56. Pmwn Firing Dlvicvt
00 a. M eckanical Concussion.
(1) Force striker into hole in pressure board.
(2) Insert wood or soft metal shear pin in shear pin hole.
<S) Assemble striker, metal tube, and improvised blasting
cap (para 54).
.
9 WOOMN
woooex
v FLUHGH CONTACT
KlfW
b. Electrical
LCVCfl<
7 WOOCCN
BLOCKS
II in spacing block for leg wires.
board and attach to (d) Thread leg wires through hole in box.
(c) Attach flexible sides. (e) Attach one leg wire to plunger, the other to metal
contact
noes
Note. Batteries may be placed inside box if necessary.
Ma MSB
DM
\
b. Cloths* Pin.
son
(1) Attach stripped ends of circuit wires to clothes pin to
make contacts. eiuu
(2) Place mine on top. keeping contacts apart.
ST«iO*t3 €NC$
103
MS PRESSU«E-«ELEAS£
f'RiWC DEVICE
TIME
b. Dried Seed Timer. FUSE
(1) Determine expansion rate of seeds. ALARM
wi so *JG
(2) Place in jar and add water.
STEM
<3) Assemble jar, lid, circuit wires, metal contacts, and
disk and secure with friction tape.
104 citcuri wito
61.
a. Pipe Bombs.
{!) Grenade.
LENGTH Of PIPE
TIPt HERE
PL as- WG CAP
time
rust
CBtMPtRS
6. Nail Grenade.
(2) Antiduiurbance bomb. Attach nails and sides oS charge by means of tape or string.
to top
cord m#
c. Delay Bomb.
(1) Ckemicnl delay.
(a) Crimp noneiectric blasting cap on base of appropri-
ate Ml
delay firing device.
ib) Assemble firing device and charge in package,
(c) Crush copper end of firing device with fingers.
WAD04NC
<5 w
r*T\
(c)
dard base firm'.y.
(b» Remove standard safety pin from
release firing
moved pin.
device and replace
MS
base.
(e) Attach one end of string in eye in pull pin and the
other to the alarm winding stem so that its turning
DCTOMATWG CORO PRtMEff
will winch the string and withdraw the pin.
PROTECTIVE CAP
ALARM
SYSTEM
rf. Envelop* Bomb.
i I) Cut leg Wires of electric blasting cap of proper length to
make circuit.
42) Strip insulation off ends of circuit wires and twist into
{4-inch loops to make loop switch.
<3) Test circuit with galvonometer jfof, then attach bat-
teries.
(4) Assemble cardboard base, batteries, electric blasting cap,
and explosive as package. /. Rite Paddy Bomb.
(5)Attach one end of string to loop switch so that it will (1) Remove protective cap from standard base and rrimp on
pull the bared loops together to close circuit. nonelectric blasting cap.
<6) Cut hole inside of envelope under flap. (2) Screw standard base with cap into Ml pull firing device.
<7) Fix package in envelope firmly and thread string through (3) Assemble firing device, detonating cord, priming adapter,
hole. nonelectric blasting cap. and explosive charge.
(8) Attach string firmly but concealed to underside of Rap. (4) Attach charge to drum of napalm.
(9) Close envelope with elastic band. Arm
(6)
S3 OAI.
^ ^
firing: device,
ua
OBUfcC Of NAPA_*
£P*C£D WTERMITTENTL*
SHNACNEI
c. Platter Charge.
«*> HIM
»1#
d. Improvised Claymxore.
(6)
device.
Ann firing device.
L i/4 WT Of SHRAPNEL
^ - \ DETAINER (CLOTH,
MfcBW* SCREEN, WKE,
-HBQ .
TAPE. ETC)
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 270 B00EYTRAP3
sail, s root,or disturbed soil generally.
EXPLOSIVE (2) Operating time should not exceed 20 minutes to avoid
ftND SHRAPNEL
operator fatigue. Tired operators often become careless
operators,
c Grapnels. These are hooks attached to a length of stout cord
or wire, iong enough, for the operator to pull a mine or boobytrap
from place from a safe distance or from at least 50 meters behind
cover.
ized, aural indication model, designed for metal detection, tion on new or unknown boobytrap devices that may aid in their
and AN/PRS-4 for nonmetallic detection. Of the metal identification and handling later on. Local inhabitants also often
detectors, the transistorized model is the lighter and provide information on boobytraps laid in the neighborhood.
more powerful. All three models have the same de- c. Searching for boobytraps and delayed charges is difficult
ficiences. They may signal a small piece of scrap as well and tedious, particularly when intelligence is lacking or inadequate.
as a metal-cased explosive or signal an air pocket in the The extent of search required, the ease of placing and camouflage
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 271 BOOBYTRAPS
ing, and the great number of devices available to the enemy make a light held at the other. Dog-leg Rues may be checked by lowering m
the clearance of all charges almost impossible. Searching parties, brick from a safe distance.
before being sent out, will be briefed on all that is known about n. Guard all buildings until they are occupied.
enemy activities in the area. o. When possible and only after a thorough check, turn on all
ft AH obstructions, for they are ideal spots for boobytraps. main charge and the detonator from the firingconventional
assembly.
warfare
b. Although type of boobytraps found in
Search carefully before lifting a stone, moving a low hanging limb.
or pushing aside a broken-down wheelbarrow.
in combat zone vary greatly, equipment used by most arm.es it
basically similar except in construction detail*. Accordingly, a
t. Queer imprints or marks on a road, which may lead a curious
knowledge of the mechanical details and techniques in the use of
person to danger
Abandoned vehicles, dugouts, wells, machinery, bridges, gul- standard
lies, defiles, or abandoned stores. Also walk carefully in or around
prepares a soW.er to oome
U
boobytrap ping equipment in conventional warfare
for deal.ng wan ft* of^ the«tw
true in giK-ml a warfare. Most enemy
theseasrressure-releaiedevicc-sareeas.lyconceaJedur.der^aUve. enemy. Th.s. however is not
boobytraps found recently :n guerrilla infested areas, were cun-
iv small obiec-s.
L-0bvi0UF trip wires. The presence of one trip wire attached to These are
discussed and illustrated in chapter 6
«. Boobytraps may be r.eutraUed by two
an object does not mean that there are no others. Searching must be
.
ever the location permits, they may be destroyed by actuating the
P J
^
by ^
^^
fij>c
'
^ ft
from or aer.al
^ Aj, exposed to blast artillery fire
treads window locks, or door knobs.
before
bomb:nr should be destroyed in place.
Never move furniture, pictures, or similar objects
e.
Kotkjtni* with unrecogni2able or complicated firing ar-
checking them carefully for release devices or pull wjroa. specialists to disarm.
rflnffements should be marked and left for
/. Kever open any box. cupboard door or drawer without care-
ful checking. Sticky doors, drawers, or LidS should be pulled »:th a
^^ fa ^ ^
Electrically fired boobytraps are among the most dangerous
^^
m>w t Jrn up freqj€ntly in ,
^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^
long rope. . guerrilla warfare. Some may be identified by the presence of elec-
on any chair, sofa, or bed before careful examination.
c Not . sit or r batttfk>< Soim arc amJlll ron . ,
ing the entire circuit. Such action may connect power to a charge.
dislurbance These can hardfr Ue disarmed even by experts.
t. Remove all switch plates and trace
all wires that appear for- spring-wound or
(£) Another aifficult type has deiaj' furing-a
eign to a circuit. Examine all appliances. firing
electric clockwork for long delay periods or chemical action
Investigate all repaired areas. Look for arming holes. Enlarge
4cv jces As tha lime of detonation is uncertain, such boobytraps
all wall and floor punctures. Cavities may
he examined by reflecting
9hould de3troye(i m place, if possibie or tactically fesasible,
applicant for
a flashlight beam off a h&nd mirror. (This is also
70 of ConduCl
searching
*
under antitank mines.) -
... . .
k. Empty all fire boxes, remove the and known boobytrap methods and mechanisms,
ashes, check fire wood,
more the coal pile- b Develop patience. A careless act may destroy ycu and others
-
I Always work from the basement upward. Check, move, and as well,
c. Remember that know) edge inspires confidence,
mark everything movable including valves, taps. levers, controls. Keep all others out
i
ment. expose their largest area to the force of the initiating explosive.
Demolition blocks should be used for destruction of these compo-
<I) Do not touch any part of a boobytrap before examining it nents, if available; but bangalore torpedoes or dynamite may be
thoroughly. Locate all firing device* and their triggering mechan- substituted. Primed charges should always be connected to firing
isms. mechanisms by detonating cord, so that blasting caps may be con-
(2) When tracing wires, look for concealed intermediate devices nected at the last minute. Tnis eliminates opening the pit in the
laid to impede searching. Do not disturb any wires during the exam- event of a misfire. All persons engaged in disposal should take
ination of the boobytrap. cover when explosive components are detonated. Despite the 2-foot
<3) Gut loose trip wires only after careful examination of aJI layer of earth, fragments may be thrown at high velocity for sev-
connecting objects and their functions and replacing all safeties. eral hundred yards.
(4) Trace taut wires and disarm all connected firing devices by I»
replacing safeties. Taut wires should be cut only when the danger at INDEX
both ends has been eliminated.
(5) ) Replace safeties in all mechanisms, using nails, lengths of
of wire, cotter pins, and other objects.
(6) Never use force in disarming firing devices. Abandoned materiel, boobytrsppim of:
(7) Without disturbing the main charge, cut detonating cord or Ammunition 47* B1
other leads between the disarmed firing devices and the main Lumber 47c H7
Serviceable itemi 470 81
charge.
Vehicles 48»-d 13
(8) Cut wires leading to an electric detonator— one at a time.
Activator, A/T rain* 27 1 41
(9) When us:ng a probe, push it gently into the ground. Stop
when you touch any object- It may be a pressure cap or plate. Adapftat, pnmins _ 27r 40
Antilift devices:
U0) Once separated, boobytrap components should be removed Dojhle detonttor fifto [Q2
to a safe storage or disposal area,
Mot sab It roalact »< 102
d. Special Precaution*. Sliding; contact Mk 103
(1) Be very cautious in handling delay mechAisms. Although Antitank mice, bwbytrspped:
there may be little danger before the appointed time, auxiliary fir- Pull 3Sfl AO
ing devices may be present AH complicated and confusing devices
should be destroyed in place or marked for treatment by specialists Amor, body tSa UT
(2) Explosive containers of wood or cardboard, buried for long Authority, boofcytreppii* O 9
periods are dangerous to disturb. They are also extremely danger-
ous to probe if in an advanced state of decomposition. Deteriorated a 43
high explosives are very susceptible to detonation. Thus destruc-
tion in place of a boobytrap and in a concentrated area long exposed 97p 40
to moisture may detonate many others simultaneously. Me 92
124 — - 27ff 40
often dangerous to remove. Oxidation may make them resistant to Hf.^De, :mpron»ed:
S5d 94
Hop* and cylinder
8Uk* or pole initiator 94
Trip lever aod pull pin _ 55* 95
8-aeomd delay.....
Prnaur* onog devieea, unprovked:
lo^eeond delay....
Electrical
Flcfcfe «**.__ -
56W2> 97
Dkpcnei.
Detraction
73
lift
134
10
Lever arm. — .... 565(1)
56a
97
Mechanical concussion.- • 96
ERacU, boobytrappiof 10 9 Metal box_ 565(5)
565(5)
m9fl
Electric blasting oap*. 27> 40 Springed prcaaure board
Enemy boobytrap*. . . Wooden plunger _ 565(4) 9B
63d 116
Firing chain
13 13
Firing device*, atandard:
17ft 17
Ml delay.
MIA.1
9e 9
MI
17a(3)
M5 17
17a{2) 15
Ml pull. Initiation.
M3 21 34 I7«U) 15
Foreign minea, bocbytrepped: of authority. So. b 9
Antipenocnel minea
CMchoalDvakia S&oUX*/
89* 59
Bs
Senile.
Searebiag technique*:
— 70 122
Franc*. SMX*) H IX
8oriel.,. r — 3fia(lX*) 58 frrtdoor ... • — 67 119
WW II Germany _ _ 39e<lX«) 56 Shaped charges:
Fnrniahrng*, rnterior, booby trapped: M2A3 - 29 43
Bed 44* 74 M3 30 44
44. 79 63 117
Boat
Card file 446(3) 70
Chair* andeafa* 69 50c 97
50*3) 89
Electric iron. 71 50JC4) 84
445(1) SOn 86
POOR MAN S JAKES BOND Vol.
1
3 274 INCENDIARIES
WW 11 Germany 506, <uiy m v
9 t
aa 54*,* M.M
(3), (6)- TNT....- _ w- w
n •<
Tane martini?
— -
<8)
64/ 119
Tnini&c
Typw of boobytrapi- ** * .» ^ ^ ^~ - -» •
UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES
INCENDIARIES
CHAPTER 1
Unconventional Warfare Devices and
Techniques
INCENDIARIES 1.
Bramr
putting a lighted match to an easily combustible
Aluminum material. However, a simple match is not always
effective. There are many important combustible
Match head targets that require far more heat for reliable ignition
Potassium permanganate — fly-
than available from a match. There are also in-
MM m is
0405
0407 111 deliberate employment of spontaneous combustion
Tipping deUy—fillad tuba 0408 113 (ch 6), that is, setting combustible material aflame
Tipping delay-corrosive or cn- without application of direct flame or spark.
0409 117
/. and techniques described herein
All of the devices
0410 121
0411 135 have been thoroughly checked by independent test to
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 276 INCENDIARIES
make certain that they work as intended. Detailed spoons. There should be no difficulty in obUining any
instruction* are given for the neeenary ingredienU Ail of the necessary equipment
and of them. is described in
their preparation. It is important that these instnic- each paragraph dealing with a particular incendiary
tions be followed carefully to be sure that the devices component.
will operate properly. In addition, close attention to 6. It is important that the operator follow the direc-
the instructions will assure safety. tions given in this manual exactly as written. They
have been worked out carefully to give the desired
0001 DEFINITIONS
results with the minimum chance of mishap. Don't
Common terms used in connection with incendiary experiment with different procedures or quantities,
system* are defined below. Note that the definitions e. By its very nature, the manufacture of incendiaries
are worded so as to cover only incendiaries. Some of is dangerous. It is the function of incendiaries to burn
the terms have additional meanings in the related with an intense flame under the right conditions. Care
AeM of explosives, during the making or
must be taken that no fires result
o. Delay Mechanism. Chemicai electrical or me- Pl**" 1 ^ °f * ne devices. There are also other dangers in
chanical elements that provide a time delay. mddition to the fire hasard. The chemicals used as
Elements
may be used singly or in combination. They provide a «nSred" nte '»*y burn * he « ki n, «* v« off poisonous fumes,
* or be easily flammable. They must not be eaten,
pjsdsterxmned, limited time interval before an in- d. When handled with care and proper precautions,
eendiary starts to burn.
incendiaries are fairly safe to make and use. Detailed
b. Fum A flexible fabric tube containing powder precautions and instructions are given in each para-
that is used to start fires at some remote k**UcsL
Tha graph where they apply. General safety precautions
powder m
the fuse burns and provides a time delay.
follow:
a, Igniter. An intermediate charge between an
ritiator and an incendiary material. It ii set aflame Preventing a Fire Hazard
by the and produces sufficient heat at high
initiator
l. Fire prevention is much more important than
temperature to ignite the main incendiary. Igniters
fire fighting. Prevent fires from starting,
are fast burning and relatively short lived.
2. Keep flammable liquids away from open flames.
d. Inamdiary Material. A material that buns with
a 3. Good housekeeping is the lire prevention. Keep
hotflamefor long periods. Its purpose is to set fire to
work areas neat and orderly. Clean away all equipment
wooden structures and other combustible targets.
and material not needed at the moment. Clean up
s. incendiary System. A group of elements that are spills as soon as possible,
assembled to start fires. The system consists of 4. Store incendiaries in closed containers away from
initiator, delay mechanism needed), igniter, and heat.
(if
Do not store material any longer than necessary,
incendiary material.
y
f. Initiator, The source that provides the first fire in « i„ #v a M _
m ™ "TT 5 In tne event of « e
fire, remove the incendiaries from
.
J^~^^ «L*
™
-
&n nwwrwliwr Uh
V^SA * u •
a
imtiater is
*
so sensitive that it
* H °"* P, *Y *
d *
quioUy and safely,
4
« WAter to figh t ^*
Btaohrt ^tolerable,
oils, l ji- * * j
handling concentrated u l ... • 1
when
u»d
initiated to
to bun, hole* in
form molten
**!
iron.Thermite MB
or to weld *rf parU
T* ™^ 71lent * A
nd l
™* ^T* « *™"*°««
7 °<
poisonous if breathed too much.
f"HUliUI
3. Avoid acid contact with the skin. If chemicals are
TOdS AND apilled on a person, wash immediately in running water
*W
000$. TECHNIQUES
*eVCT*1 n" nut€s If the 8Plftfih in wash
The equipment needed 7
^nl^ ™^
a. for the manufacture of
in 15
incendiaries consists of simple items.
r They
§ J are all 4.Clean up any acid that is spilled on floor or bench "S^
readily available. Required are bottles, jars, pots, and by flushing with large amounts of water. Acid spilled
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 277 INCENDIARIES
on wood can cause a fire. 10
5. Always pour concentrated acids into . (2) Safety fute M700.
Never pour water into concentrated acids because
riolent reaction will occur.
CHAPTER 2
INITIATORS
(1) General
(a) Cut and discard a 6-inch length from the
free end of the fuse roll. Do this to be sure
that there is no chance of misfire from a
damp powder train because of absorption
of moisture from the open air. Then cut
off a measured length of fuze to check the
burning rate. Check the burning rate
before actual use.
This consists of black powder tightly wrapped
with several layers of fabric and waterproofing (6) Cut the fuse long enough to allow a reason-
materials. It might be any color, orange able time delay in initiation of the incendi-
being the most common. The diameter of this ary system. The cut should be made
fuse cord is 0.2 inch (a little larger than *6 squarely across the fuse.
inch). This fuse burns inside the wrapping (c) Prepare the fuse for ignition by splitting the
at a rate of approximately 40 seconds per foot. fuse at one end to a depth of about one inch.
It must be tested before use to verify the Place the head of an unlighted match in the
burning rate. powder train.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol- 3 2 78 INCE NDIAR IE S
(d) Insert the other end of the fuse into a
quantity of an igniter mixture so that the
fuse end terminates near the center of the
mixture. Be sure the fuse cord is anchored
in the ignitermixture and cannot pull away.
In the case of a solid igniter material such as
Fire Fudge (0202), the fuse is split to about
one-half inch at the end opposite the end
containing the match in the powder train. the lighter, if necessary, by applying a
This split fuse end is wedged over a sharp sealing compound (putty or mastic),
edge of the solid igniter material. Be sure (c) In firing, hold the barrel in one hand and
the black powder in the fuse firmly contacts pull on the release pin with the other hand.
the solid igniter. If necessary, the fuse cord
can be held firmly to the solid igniter with (3) MGO fuse lighter.
conditions—even under water if it is barrel in one hand, and pull on the pull
properly waterproofed. The devices are ring with the other hand.
manually operated. A pull on the striker
retaining pin causes the striker to hit the 01Q1. IMFROVBID STRING PUS!
percussion primer, thus igniting the fuse. a. Description.
These devices are not recommended where IGNITER STRING FUSE
nience is required because a report is heard
when the primer is fired.
(1) Wash string or shoelaces in hot soapy water; hrk add to water. Ne?er add water to a
rinse in fresh water.
Dissolve one part potassium nitrate or 17
(2)
potassium chlorate and one part granulated (3) Certain igniter materials can be reliably
sugar in two parts hot water. brought to flaming by the addition of con-
Soak string or shoelaces in the hot solution centrated sulfuric acid. This ia brought
(3)
for at least five minutes. about by the chemical reaction between the
(4) Remove the string from hot solution and sulfuric acid and the igniter materials. The
twist or braid three strands of string together. following igniters are initiated by concen-
Hang the fuse up to dry. trated sulfuric acid: Sugar-Chlorate (0201),
(5)
(6) Check actual burning rate of the fuse by Fire Fudge Sugar— Sodium Peroxide
(0202),
measuring the time it takes for a known (0203) Aluminum Powder—Sodium Peroxide
,
(2) Cut the fuse long enough to allow a reasonable away from the igniter for a period of time by
time delay in initiation of the incendiary making use of the corrosive action of the acid
to work its wc:y through a barrier. If the
used when the delay mechanism container SUVFURIC AGIO CONCMTHATION <%)
is small. MuSgBw <%>
Caution: Concentrated sulfuric add most 0 1.000 +32
10 1.074 +23
be handled carefully because 1! is very cor-
20 1.151 +6
rosive. If it b splashed on doming, akin or
30 1.229 -39
•yes, the affected area most be immediately 39 1.205 -07
Unshed with water. This may not be always 40 1306 -91
practical. It is recommended that eye? pro- 50 1.406 -81
tection be worn by the user when soaring
60 1.610 -22
70 1.611 -40
concentrated sulfuric add. Many types are 75 1.686 -7
19 77 1.706 +12
available for this purpose. Rubber (lores can 80 1.726 +27
be worn to protect the hands. A small bottle 81 1.747 +39
of water can be carried to flush small areas of 89 1.818 +M
skin or clothing which may be contaminated SO 1.624 +13
with the acid.
92 1.810 -1
S3 1.8*6 -29
(3) Manual application, ii
(a) Manual application of concentrated sulfuric
acid for direct initiation of an igniter is not 04. WATER
recommended when fuse cord is available. a. Description.
It is possible to employ this acid for direct (1) Water causes spontaneous initiation of certain
initiation by quickly adding three or four igniter mixtures. This is caused by a chemical
drops to the igniter material. This reaction of the igniter materials in the presence
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 281 INCENDIARIES
of water. The following igniters are initiated Concentrated Sulfuric Acid (0103).
—
by water: Sugar Sodium Peroxide (0203), (3) This simple augar-chlorate mixture closely
—
Aluminum Powder Sodium Peroxide (0204), resembles granulated sugar and should not
—
and Silver Nitrate Magnesium Powder ordinarily arouse suspicion. It is an excellent
(0208). igniter.
(2) The most important use for water an as Caution: This mixture ia poisonous and
initiator is in conjunction with delay mecha- must not be
nisms Since only a few igniter mixtures are fa. Material and Equipment.
initiated by water and it cannot be used at
Granulated sugar (do not use powdered or con-
Jreeting temperatures, its use is limited. When fectioners sugar.)
tactics so dictate,water can be reliably used
Potassium chlorate or sodium chlorate (no coarser
with the following delay mechanisms: Gelatin
than granulated sugar).
Capsule (0402), Overflow (0407), Tipping
Spoon (preferably nonmetallic).
Delay— Filled Tube (0408), Balancing Stick Container with tightrfitting lid.
(0410), and Stretched Rubber Band (0411).
Rolling pin or round stick.
Jfoi*. Sulfuric acid of any concentration can b* 14
wbfltitutod for water in the initiation of water activated c Preparation.
icniten. Water cannot be lubaLiUited for concentrated (1) Using a clean, dry spoon, place granulated
ulfurfc acid. sugar in the container to one-quarter container
b. Material and Equipment. Water. volume. Wipe the spoon with a clean cloth.
C. Preparation. None. (2) If the potassium or sodium chlorate is lumpy,
(0101) F Improvised String Fuse (toOQ, or enameled, heat-resistant glass or porcelain pot
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 282 INCENDIARIES
white fumes start to
until dense, pour one measureful of clean water into the
paragraph 0103 for details. pan and warm it. Dry the measuring con-
(3) When used to ignite flammable liquids, wrap tainer and add one measureful of sugar.
a quantity of the mixture in a nonabsorbent Stir the liquid until the sugar dissolves.
material and suspend it inside the container (2) Boil the solution until a fairly thick syrup is
near the open top. The container must remain obtained.
open for easy ignition and combustion of the (3) Remove the pan from the source of heat to a
flammable liquid. distance of at least six feet and shut off heat.
(4) To minimize the hazard of premature ignition Rapidly add two measurefuls of potassium
of flammable liquid vapors, allow at least two chlorate. Stir gently for a minute to mix the
feet of fuse length to extend from the top syrup and powder, then pour or spoon the
edge of an open container of flammable liquid mixture into appropriate molds. If the mold
before lighting the fuse. is paper, it can usually be peeled off when the
fire fudge cools and hardens. Pieces of card-
27
a. Description.
board or paper adhering to the igniter will not
This item consists impair it* use. Pyrex glass or ceramic molds
(1) a mixture of sugar and
of
potassium chlorate in a hot water solution can be used when a clear, smooth surface is
which solidifies when cooled to room tempera- desired. recommended that section
It is
thickness of molded fire fudge be at least
ture. can be used to ignite all the incen-
It
diaries listed in chapter 4 except Thermite one-half inch. If desired, molded fire fudge
incendiary on readily flammable material, (4) This material moderately hard immediately
is
such as rags, dry paper, dry hay, or in the after cooling. It will become harder after
combustible vapor above liquid fuels. 24 hours. When kept in a tightly sealed
(2) The igniter can be initiated by Fuse Cord container, it will retain its effectiveness for
(0101), Improvised String Fuse (0102), or months.
Concentrated Sulfuric Acid (0103).
Caution: material la care-
If this Igniter
(3) Fire fudge resembles a white sugar fudge
Ussdy handled with excessive bumping or
having a smooth, hard surface. The ad-
vantage of this igniter material over Sugar-
K could be a fire hazard to the user.
Chlorate (0201), is its moldability. The
procedure for preparation must be followed (1) Place a piece of fudge on top of the
fire
closely to obtain a smooth, uniform material incendiary. Minimum size should be about
with a hard surface. one inch square and one-half inch thick.
Caution: This material Is poisonous and Prepare the fire fudge for ignition with Fuse
must not be eaten. Cord (0101) or Improvised String Fuse (0102)
6. Material and Equipment. in the normal manner. Concentrated Sul-
Granulated sugar (do not use powdered or con- furic Acid (0103) can be used as an initiator
used directly as an incendiary on readily veuient for use with specific delay mechanisms
dry hay, or in the combustible vapor above CO When used flammable liquids, wrap a
to ignite
liquid fuels. quantity of the mixture in a non-absorhcnt
(2) The by Fuse Cord
igniter can be initiated material and suspend it inside the container
(0101), Improvised String Fuse (0102), Con- near the open top. The container must remain
centrated Sulfuric Acid (0103), or Water open for easy ignition and combustion of the
(0104). flammable liquid.
Caution: This mixture is unstable and can
(3) To minimize the hazard of premature ignition
Ignite at high hmnidity or whea wet slightly two
of flammable liquid vapors, allow at least
by drops of water, perspiration, etc.
extend from the top of
feet of fuse length to
b. Material and Equipment.
an open container of flammable liquid before
Granulated sugar (do not use powdered or
lighting the fuse.
fectionere sugar).
Sodium peroxide (no coarser than granulated 0204. ALUMINUM POWDER —SODIUM PEROXIDE
sugar).
a. Description.
Bpooo.
(1) This Hem a mixture
consists of of sodium
Container with tight fitting lid for mixing and
can be
peroxide and powdered aluminum. It
the sodium peroxide container, and remove it (0101), Improvised String Fuse (0102), Con-
at least six feet from the working area. centrated Sulfuric Acid (0103), or water
(3) Tighten the lid on the mixing container. Turn (0104).
the container on its side and slowly roll until Caution: This ssixture is unstable and can
the two powders are completely mixed. The Ignite at high humidity or when wet slightly
mixture is now ready for use. by drops of water, perspiration, etc.
(4) A good practice is to keep the granulated M
sugar and sodium peroxide in separate air- 6. Material and
Equipment
tight containers and mix just before use. Powdered aluminum (no coarser than granulated
i Da not stem this mixture longer sugar).
may Sodium peroxide (no coarser than granulated
POOR MAN'S .TAME 3 BOND Vol. 3 284 INCENDIARIES
sugar). (1) This item consists of a quantity of match
Spoon. heads, prepared by breaking the heads off
Container with tight fitting lid for mixing and their match sticks and grouping the match
storage. heads together to form the desired quantity
c. Preparation. of igniter. Any kind of friction match will do.
(1) Using a clean, dry spoon, place powdered It can be used to ignite the following in-
aluminum in the container to one-quarter cendiaries listed in chapter 4: Napalm (0301),
container volume. Gelled Gasoline (exotic thickeners) (0302),
(2) Wipe the spoon with a clean, dry cloth, and Gelled Gasoline (improvised thickeners)
add an equal amount of sodium peroxide to (0303), Paraffin-Sawdust (0304), and Flam-
the dry mixing container. Tighten the lid on mable Liquids (0308). It may be used directly
the sodium peroxide container, and remove it 33
as an incendiary on readily flammaUe ma-
from the working area.
at least six feet
terial such as dry paper, dry hay or in
rags,
(3) Tighten the lid of the mixing container. Turn
the combustible vapor above liquid fuels.
the container on its side and slowly roll until
(2) The igniter can be initiated by a match
the two powders are completely mixed. The
flame, Fuse Cord (0101), Improvised String
mixture is now ready to use.
Fuse (0102), or Concentrated Sulfuric Acid
(4) A good practice is to keep the powdered
(0103).
aluminum and sodium peroxide in separate
b. If aterial and Equipment.
containers and mix just before use.
Razor blade or knife.
Caution: Do not store thk mixture longer
Container with tight-fitting lid.
than three days because decomposirisa maj
Matches, friction.
occur and cause spontaneous combustion.
c. Preparation.
Be sure that the storage container is sir-tight.
(1) Using a knife or raior blade, cut off the
d. Application.
match heads.
(1) Carefully pour or Bpoon the mixture, in a
(2) Prepare the desired quantity of igniter and
single pile, on the incendiary.
Prepare the
store it in an airtight container until ready
mixture for ignition with Fuse Cord <0101) or
for use.
Improvised String Fuse (0102) in the normal
d. Application.
manner. The fuse cord should terminate
(1) Pour or spoon the match heads, in a single
32
Con-
near the center of the igniter mixture. pile, on the incendiary. Prepare the match
centrated Sulfuric Acid (0103) and Water heads for ignition with Fuse Cord (0101) or
(0104) can be used as initiators, but are
Improvised String Fuse (0102) in the normal
generally less convenient. Ispution takes manner. The fuse cord should terminate
place almost immediately on contact with the near the center of the match head pile.
acid or water. These liquid initiators are Concentrated Sulfuric Acid (0108) or a
convenient for use with specific delay mecha- match flame can also be used as an initiator.
nisms found in (chapter 5.) Ignition takes place almost immediately on
contact with the acid or the match flame.
(2) When used to ignite flammable liqujds, wrap
Acid is recommended for use with specific
a quantity of the mixture in a nonabsorbent
delay mechanisms found in chapter 5.
material and suspend it inside the container
(2) If only battery-grade sulfuric acid is available,
near the open top. The container must remain
it must be concentrated before use to s
open for easy ignition and combustion of the
specific gravity of 1.835 by heating it in an
flammable liquid.
enameled, heat-resistant glass or porcelain
(3) To minimise the hazard of premature ignition 34
of flammable liquid vapors, allow at least two pot until dense, white fumes start to sppear.
feet of fuse length to extend from the top See paragraph 0103 for details.
edge of an open container of flammable liquid (3) When used to ignite flammable liquids, wrap
before lighting the fuse. a quantity of the match heads in a non-
0205. MATCH HEAD absorbent material and suspend it inside the
a. Description. container near the open top. The container
.
One larger container with tight-fitting for the started igniter mixture. A number of un-
potassium permanganate crystals. modified pellets are attached to the first pellet
Powdered magnesium or powdered to increase the quantity of heat after com-
num is available, mix 85 parts potassium per- Finely powdered starch (no coarser than cake
manganate enstais and 15 parts powdered flour)
mixing bowl then add 15 tablespoons of thermite, with the fuse extending for ignition
powdered sulfur. by a match flame. Large quantities of
(2) Mix the two powders gently with the spoon for thermite may require a cluster of more than
a few minutes until no unmixed particles of three pellets for satisfactory ignition.
sulfur are visible. (2) For use as an igniter of a solid incendiary,
(3) In a separate pot add two teaspoons of place a cluster of pellets on top of the in-
I
laundry starch to about 6 ounces of water and cendiary.
boil gently for a few minutes. Stir until the (3) When used to ignite flammable liquids, wrap a
starch is dissolved and allow the solution to cluster of igniter pellets in a nonabsorbent
cool to room temperature. material and suspend it inside the container
(4) When about one-half of the starch
cool, take near the open top. The container must
solution and add it to the mixture of alu- remain open for easy ignition and combustion
minum and sulfur powder. of the flammable liquid.
(5) Mix with a spoon'until the whole mass is a (4) To minimise the hazard of premature ignition
smooth, evenly mixed, putty-like paste. of flammable liquid vapors, allow at least two
(6) Fill the cylindrical tube with this paste, place feet of fuse length to extend from the top edge
one end of this tube on a hard surface and of an open container of flammable liquid
tamp the paste with the %
inch diameter rod before lighting the fuse.
to squeeze out the air bubbles and consolidate
the paste.
SAVBt NITRATE —MAGNESIUM POWDER
(7) Push the paste out of the tube with the larger a. DeieripUon.
rod, which just fits the tube, so that it forms a This item consists of a mixture of silver nitrate
(1)
cylinder, then cut the damp cylinder into \y2 crystals and magnesium powder. It can be
inch lengths using the knife. used to ignite all the incendiarieB listed in
(8) Dry these pieces at 90° F. for at least 24 hours chapter 4 except Thermite (0307). It may be
before using. The drying time can be reduced used directly as an incendiary on readily
by using a drying oven at a maximum tem- flammable material such as rags, dry paper,
perature of 150* F. dry hay, or in the combustible vapor above
(9) Form a hole at least Yi inch in diameter ap- liquid fuels.
proximately half-way into one end of an 40
igniter pellet. (2) The can be initiated by Fuse Cord
igniter
(10) Put one of the following igniters into the (0101), Improvised String Fuse (0102), Con-
cavity to roughly one-half its depth: centrated Sulfuric Acid (0103), or Water
Sugar-Chlorate (0201) (0104).
—
Sugar Sodium Peroxide (0203) Caution: This mixture is unstable and may
Aluminum Powder—Sodium Peroxide (0204) ignite at high humidity or when wet slightly
Silver Nitrate— Magnesium Powder (0208) by drops of water, perspiration, etc.
(11) Insert a length of fuse into the hole so that it b. Material and Equipment.
makes contact with the igniter mix. Fill the Silver nitrate crystals (no coarser than granulated
remainder of the hole with igniter mix and sugar).
tamp down to hold the fuse firmly. a powder or filings (no coarser than
.
Caution; Keep these fuels away from charcoal will outlast the burning napalm. It
is recommended that at least one quart of
flames.
(5) Stir the mixture with a stick or spoon until it
napalm be used to ignite heavy wooden
thickens to a paste having the consistency of structures and large wooden sections. A
jam. Do thia in a well ventilated room where minimum of one-half quart is recommended
the vapors will not concentrate and burn or for wooden structures of small cross section.
explode from a flame or spark. GELLED GASOLINE (EXOTIC THICKENERS)
POOR MAN'S JAMES BCND Vol- 3 291 INCENDIARIES
B.. Hexamethyl- 23. Hexamethyl- Borden Chemical
ene diiso-
U) This item consists of gasoline which is gelled cyanate.
with small quantities of organic chemicals. SYSTEM 6
The operation is carried out quickly, without A. . t-Octyl 51. trOctyl Rohm and Haas
B. _ Toluene diiso- 31. HyleneTM-«5 DuPont
heat, by addition of the chemicals while
cyanate. Nacconate National
stirring.
65. Aniline.
Formonyte Foremost
(3) Gelled gasoline incendiary is readily ignited, 601. Chemical.
long burning, and is suitable for setting fire B._ Naphthyl iao- 31.- Naphthyl iao- Distillation
ene diiao-
Spoon or stick for stirring.
cyanaU.
Large air-tight container.
Small jar.
„ e. Preparation.
One of the following seven additive systems: (I) Determine the amount of gasoline to be
gelled and place this amount in the large
Cewipvnrnti container.
SYSTEM 1
Caution: Kee» this material away
A.. Lauryl amine. . 55.. Ala mine 4D General Mills
Formonyte Foremost
616 Armeen com-
(2) Weigh out the appropriate quantity of
Armour
ponent A. This can be calculated by multi-
Chemical.
B._ Toluene diiso- 27.. HyleneTM-65 DuPont plying the number of gallons of gasoline by the
Nacconate National figure given in the Grama Added Per Gal. Gas.
65. Aniline. column of systems. (For example, if System
SYSTEM *
1 is being used and five gallons of gasoline are
A.. Coco amine 55.. Ala mine 21 Mills
being gelled, then (5X55) or 275 grama of
601. Lauryl amine are required).
D.. Toluene diiso- 27.. HyleneTM-«5 DuPont a
Nacconate National (3) Add component A to the gasoline and stir for
few minutes to dissolve.
SYSTEM S
65. Aniline.
M
A._ Lauryl amine. . 57. Alamine 4D General Mills Caution: Both components A and B are
Formonyte Foremost corroajre to the skin. If any of these ma-
616
terials contact the skin, wash the area with
Armour
Chemical. detergent and water.
B._ Hexamethyl- 25.. Hexamethyl- Borden Chemical (4) Clean the small container used to weight
com-
eoe diiso- ene diiso- ponent A thoroughly or use another container
cvanate. cyanate. for weighing component B. Weigh out the
SYSTEM A
proper quantity of component B. Calculate
A-. Oleyl amine... . 59. . Alamine II General Mills
the proper amount as mentioned above for
component A.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 292 INCENDIARIES
(5) Stir gasoline—component A mixture
the systems will produce gelled gasoline and are
rapidly and add all of component B at once, easily prepared: Lye systems, Lye-alcohol
not a little at a time. At the same time that systems, Lye-balsam systems. Soap-alcohol
component B enters the mixture, remove the systems, Egg system, Latex system, Wax
stirring rod and allow a few minutes for the systems, and Animal blood systems. These
gelling to take place. systems are discussed in the subparagraphs
(6) Store the gelled gasoline in a tightly sealed under 0303.
container until ready to use. It will keep for
months when stored (2) Theae incendiaries can be directly initiated by
in this manner.
d. Application.
a match flame. However, any igniter listed in
a7 <pow- «tc.
Or).
gasoline. Delay times are determined by the Water 1 or 2 (Always use about
length of fuse. Suitable delay mechanisms same amount
are given in chapter o for delay times longer as dry lye).
than those practical with fuse cord.) Rosin 15 Paint or varnish, Food and drug
NaTml supply,
(2) Gelled gasoline should not ordinarily be used
industrial usee. extract, paint and
with a delay longer than one hour because
varnish factories.
gasoline evaporates and this can reduce its
effectiveness. Spoon or stick for stirring
(3) The destructive effect of gelled gasoline is NoU. Lye is also known
as caustic soda or sodium
increased when charcoal is added. The hydroxide. Allow for strength of lye; if only fiO%
charcoal will readily ignite and the persistent (is in DranoX «te
twice the amount indicated above.
Castor oil can be substituted for the rosin. Potassium
fire from the charcoal will outlast the burning hydroxids (caustic potash, potassa) may be used In
gasoline. It is recommended that at least one place of lye.
quart of gelled gasoline be used to ignite heavy
wooden structures and largewooden sections.
(1) Measure the required quantity of and
A minimum of one-half quart is recommended
gai line
place in a clean container.
for wooden structures of small cross section.
NoU. Alt of the chemicals wed for the gelliaf Caution: material awiy from
proem must be added in a liquid state. Many of the
chemicals solidify at near freezing temperature (32* F.)
and uniform gel* are difficult to produce at these (2) Break the rosin into small pieces and add to
temperature.. the gasoline.
(3) Stir the mixture for about five minutes to
0303. OIILED GASOLINE (IMPROVISED THICKENERS]
disperse the rosin.
0303.1 LYE SYSTEMS
(4) In a separate container dissolve the lye in
(1) This item consists of gasoline which is gelled water.
by the addition of certain ingredients that are Caution; Add rye to water slowly. Do not
locally available. The following eight basic prepare ttis solution in an aluminum con-
.
(6) The mixture will thicken to & very firm butter (3) The destructive effect of gelled gasoline la
paste within one to two clays. The mixture increased when charcoal is added. The
cmn be thinned, if desired, by mixing in addi- charcoal will readily ignite and the persistent
tional gasoline. Store in an air-tight container il
fire from the charcoal will outlast the burning
until ready to use.
gasoline. It is recommended that at least one
d. Alternate Preparation Using Pyrelhrum Extract
quart of gelled gasoline be used to ignite
IntUad of Rosin.
heavy wooden structures and large wooden
(1) Replace rosin by the following: sections. A minimum of one-half quart is
recommended for wooden structures of small
Inaecticide, Hardware cross section.
thrum gradeii supply,
extract 0303-2 LYE-ALCOHOL SYSTEMS
(20%).
a. Inscription. See Paragraph 0303.1.
(2) Measure 78 parts by volume of gasoline and
place in a clean container. 6. Material and Equipment.
used to directly initiate this incendiary. A (aa in Drano), use twice the amount indicated above.
short time delay in ignition can be obtained by Methyl (wood) alcohol, isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
antlfreese product can be substituted for whiakey, but
combining Fuse Cord (0101) or Improvised
their use produces softer gela. Potassium hydroxide
String Fuse (0102) and one of the igniter may be ueed in place of lye.
(caustic potash, potaaaa)
mixtures found in chapter 3. (For example,
several spoonfuls of Sugar-Chlorate Mixture (1) The following can^e substituted for the tallow
directly on the gelled gasoline. Delay times Any vegetable oil (corn, cottonseed, peanut,
(3) Add the alcohol to the mixture. gasoline mixture and stir until the gel forms.
(4) In another container dissolve the lyc in water. Store m an container until ready to
Caution: Add use
lye to water slowly. Do not
'
prepare this solution in an aluminum con- NoU - the lve solution to lOparta by volume
(5 part* lye, 5 parts water) if the gasoline does not
Uiner.
(5) Add the lye solution to the gasoline mixture
and Btir occasionally until the mixture d. Application. See paragraph 0303.1.
(6)
^™ (*^«t oi^half hour).
The mixture will thicken to a very hrm butter
S OA>-ALCOHOl SYSTEMS
paste in one to two days. The mixture can be a Description. See paragraph 0303.1.
thinned, if desired, by mixing in additional b ' Material and Equipment
gasoline. Store in an air-tight container r^Winc u»dfw Camon *»m
until ready to use. Gasoline.. 36 Motor fuel Gas stations or
d. Application. See paragraph 0303.1. ™tor vehicles
Ethyl al- 1 Whiskey Liquor atom
0303.3 LYE-BALSAM SYSTEMS
r
Laundry nnt
20 (pow- Washing Food stores
a. Description. See paragraph 0303.1. aoap. der)or
6. Material and Equipment. 28
Fo ,6» (flake) -
mgrt&nt
r ?
BohiftM Uudfor Common *mrc« Air-tight container
Gasoline.. 80 Motor fuel Gas stations or Spoon or stick for stirring
raotorveh ' cl«- NtU. Methyl (wood) or isoprophyl (rubbing)
Either- u vf-r l
Medicine, varnish, Drug
l ^
stores, varnish
cZl "-k
Copaiba
alcohols can be substituted for the ethyl alcohol. When
odor fixafve. factories, perfume a atronger alcohol (150 proof) or one of the dry alcohol
J*
*™ processors, substitutes is used, add an amount of waUr to make
* natural oleoreein. the concentration 50% by volume. (The perwni
Llj
alcohol is equal to J* of the proof m 75%
£S£^££? aVai
lf
bIe P roducts ret ^ ^
»*« '«vel):
/Vote. Lye is also known as caustic soda or sodium l^ry Snow Proctor and Gamble
hydroxide. Allow for the strength of the lye. If only Ivory Flakes Proctor and Gamble
50% (as in Drano), use twice the amount indicated Lux Flakes Lever Brothers
above. Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash, potassa) Chiffon Flakes _ __ Armour
may be used in place of lye. Palmolive Bar Soap Colgate-Palmolive
SweethearL Bar Soap. Manhattan Soap Company
r
C. PmmrntiAm
Preparation. Octagon Bar Soap Colgate-PalmoHve
.
€. Preparation.
Epsom salts.. L— Mganeaium Medicine, Natural
sulfate mineral deposits.
hepta- water, Kieaerite,
(1) Measure out the appropriate amount of
hydrate. drug and
gasoline and place in a clean container. processes. lood stores.
Washing 2_._ Sodium Washing Food, drug.
Caution: Keep material away from
soda (sal carbon- cleanser, and photo
soda), ate deca- medicine, supply
hydrala. photog- stores.
<2) Add the alcohol to the gasoline. raphy.
(3) Add the soap powder to the gasoline-alcohol Baking soda.. 2... Sodium Baking ef- Food and
mixture, and atir occasionally until the bicar- fervescent drug stores
bonate. Baits,
mixture thickens (about 15 minutes).
beverages,
(4) The mixture will thicken to a very firm butter miner tu
paste in one to two days. It can be thinned,
if desired, by mixing in additional gasoline. medicine,
industrial
Store in an air-tight container until ready to
Aspirin 2... Acetylaaii- Medicine. . . Food and
(cmahed). cyhc drug stores.
d. Application. Sec paragraph HI* .1.
add.
66 Spoon or stick for stirring
Two air-tight containers
a. Description. See paragraph 1.1.
c. Preparation.
6. M alerial and Equipment. (1) Separate the egg white from the yolk at
Pari i
6y follows:
Uud fur
(a) Method J. Crack the egg at approximately
Gasoline... Motor fuel.. . Gas stations
the center. Allow the egg white to drain
or motor
vehicles. into a clean container. When most of the
Egg whites 14.., Food, in- Food stores, white has drained off, flip the yellow
(chicken, dustrial farms. yolk from one-half shell to the other,
ostrich, Pi each time allowing the egg white to drain
duck. into the container. Transfer the egg white
Use any one of the following additives:
Table salt 1--- Sodium Food, Sea water, to a capped jar for storage or directly into
chloride industrial natural the container being used for the gelled flame
brine, food
6t
fuel. Discard the egg yolk. Repeat the proc-
Ground 3 Beverage. Food stores,
coffee ess with each egg. Do not get the yellow
coffee (not
decarTein- processors. egg yolk mixed into the egg white. If egg
ised). yolk gets into the egg white, discard the egg.
Leaf tea 3 Beverage Cacao trees, (b) Method 8. Crack the egg and transfer
food stores (CAREFULLY SO AS TO AVOID
Sugar 2_— Sucrose Sugar cane, BREAKING THE YOLK) the egg to a
foods, in- food
shallow dish. Tilt the dish slowly and pour
dustrial
off the egg white into a suitable container
Natural in while holding back the yellow egg yolk with
Borax - 2... Sodium Washing aid,
tetrabor- industrial some areas, a flat piece of wood, knife blade, or fingers.
ate deca- processes- food Transfer the egg white to a capped jar for
hydrate. storage or directly to the container being
Saltpeter l~- Potassium Pyrotech- Natural used for the gelled flame Discard the
fuel.
(Niter). nitrate. nics, ex-
egg yolk. Repeat the process with each egg
piree, drug stores
matches.
being careful not to get yellow egg yolk
mixed in with the egg white. If egg yolk
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol, 3 296 INCENDIARIES
gets into egg a rate discard the egg and wash
,
NOT HEAT THE GELLED FUEL CON- 1. Place the latex and the gasoline in the
TAINING COFFEE.) container to be used for the gelled
acid 1 (muri- pickling and gasoline using the above formulation. This
atic acid). metal cleaning, gelled gasoline should be used as soon as
industrial possible after it has thickened sufficiently.
Air-light eontainer
d. Application. See paragraph 0303.1.
Spoon or stick for 0303.7 WAX SYSTEMS
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 297 INCENDIARIES
a. Description. See paragraph 0303.1. (c) Tightly cap the container and place it in
b. Material and Equipment. hot water (sufficiently hot so that a small
piece ofwax will melt on the Burface).
(d) When the wax has dissolved in the gasoline,
80.. Mo lor fuel.. Gu stations or place the capped container in a warm water
motor vehicles.
Any one of the following waxes:
bath and permit it to cool slowly to air
Osocerite 20., Leather poliah, Natural deposits, temperature.
mineral wax general and de- (e) If a solid paste of gel does not form, add
foaai] wax another 10 parts by volume of melted wax
in wax.
and repeat (.6), (c), and (rf) above.
textile ailing.
Honeycomb from {/) Continue adding wax (up to 40 parts by
. Furniture and
floor waxes, bees, general and volume) as before until a paste or gel is
artificial fruit department itores. formed. If no paste forms at 80 parts by
and flowers, volume of gasoline and 40 parta by volume
wax paper,
of melted wax, the wax is not satisfactory
candles.
for gelled gasolines and may be used only in
with alkali.
h&L Umiff
Bayberry 20. . Candles, soaps, Natural from (3) Gel from wax one
gasoline,
leather polish, myrica by volume of gasoline
70 parts
myrtle medicine. general, depart-
29-5 parta by volume of melted wax
ment,
0.5 parts by volume of staurated lye solution
stores.
Lye ... 0.5. Drain cleaner Food and drug (a) Prepare the saturated lye solution by
making of carefullyadding one volume of lye (or two
volumes of Drano) to one volume of water
Two sir-tight containers
Spoon or
and stir with a glass rod or wooden stick
stick fox stirring
until the lye is dissolved.
Caution r Lye causes severe
Cautions Lye cause* severe burns to eyes.
NaU. Lye is sJso known ss caustic sods or sodium
Add the lye to the water elowlj Let cool to
hydroxide. Allow for strength of lye. If only 50% (as
temperature and pour off the am torsted
in Drano), use twice the amount
Potassium hydroxide (caustic potai I
solution. Do not prepare this solution
be used in place of lye. in an ahuninum container.
(2) Gel from gasoline and wax. may be used: eandelills wax, carnauba (BraiU) wax,
(a) Put the gasoline in a clean container. Chinese (insect) wax, Japan (sumac) wax, montan
(lignite) wax, and palm wax,
Caution: Keep material away from open
d Application. See paragraph 0303.1.
73
H into the
0303.8 ANIMAL M.OOD SYSTEMS
(6) Melt the wax and pour
container. o. Description. See paragraph 0303.1.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 298 INCENDIARIES
b. Material and Equipment Nate. Egg white may be substituted for up
to y» of the animal blood serum.
a. Description. CAP
NoU. If only battery-grade sulfuric at id ia available,
paragraph 0103.
(11) When the solution is cool, pour it into the Chlorate Igniter (0201). A delay feature is
small 3^ pint bottle using the glass funnel and incorporated in this incendiary. The amount
cap tightly. of delay is determined by time it takes the
(12) Flush this bottle with water to remove any
sulfuric acid to corrode a rubber membrane
solution or crystals adhering to the outside and react with the igniter mix. Immediate
surface and dry the bottle. When the crystals ignition may also be achieved by breaking the
bottle and allowing the
settle, there should be about liquid above H ingredient? to mix.
FUSE CORD
IGNITER
available and they are easily ignited with a match. Spoon or stick
Brick mold
However, these liquids tend to flow off the target and
Red paint
their characteristic odor may cast suspicion on the
Measuring cup or can
person found carrying them. Double boiler
b. Material and Equipment. Heat source (hot plate or stove)
Xylene or Xylol Fuel oil (3) Stir well to blend all the materials evenly.
Benzene or Benzol Alcohol (4) Remove the upper half of the double boiler
c. Preparation. No preparation other than placing from the lower portion and cither shut off
the heat source or move the upper section
the liquid into an air-tight container for storage and
several feet from the fire.
transportation to the target is required.
d. Application. The most effective way to use flam-
Caution: Extreme care should be exercised
at this point because accidental ignition of
mable liquids is to pour at least a pint of the liquid on
the mixture is possible. Some means of
a pile of rags or sawdust which have been place in a
extinguishing a should be at hand, a Ore
fire
corner of a packing box or other wooden object. This
extinguisher or sand. It is important to keep
procedure keeps the liquid concentrated in a small area
face, hands, and clothing at a reasonably safe
and gives a more persistent flame for igniting wooden
distance during the remainder of the prepara-
objects. If small pieces of charcoal are available, they
should be soaked with the flammable liquid and placed
tion. A face shield and fireproof gloves are
recommended.
on the target. The charcoal will ignite and give a hot, 93
persistent glow that is long lasting. After placing the (5) CAREFULLY add the required amount of
flammable liquid on the target, throw a lighted match potassium chlorate and again stir well to
on a soaked area. Do not stand too close when this is obtain a homogeneous mixture.
done. (6) Pour the mixture into a brick mold and set
0309. INCENDIARY BRICK aside until it cools and hardens.
a. Description.
(7) When hard, remove the incendiary from the
composed of potassium mold, and paint it red to simulate a normal
(1) This incendiary is
building brick.
chlorate, sulfur, sugar, iron filings and wax.
d. Application.
When properly made, it looks like an ordinary
building brick and can be easily transported (1) When painted, the incendiary brick can be
Iron filing* 10
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 304 INCENDIARIES
0 Tie or tape matches around the cigarette
CHAPTER 5 with the match heads at the same location
as the first match in the cigarette.
DELAY MECHANISMS 96
C2) Match box delay.
a. Description.
Match box.
String or tape.
c. Preparation.
(1) Picket- fence delay.
32° F. Gelatin capsule delays will work with the touching one edge of the bowl and quickly
following igniters: pile incendiary material close to the capsule
when the capsule ignites, the
(1) Water actuated igniters such as Sugar- so that
Sodium Peroxide (0203), Silver Nitrate- incendiary will also ignite.
Magnesium Powder (0208), and Aluminum <3) The gelatin capsule delays work slowly in
Powder—Sodium Peroxide (0204). cold weather and will pot work at or below 32°
Concentrated sulfuric acid actuated igniters F. Capsule thickness also affects delay time.
(2)
such as Sugar-Chlorate (0201), Fire Fudge In water at 77° F.. a delay time of approx-
Sugar—Sodium Peroxide (0203) Alu-
(0202), imately 20 minutes can be expected, while the
minum Powder—Sodium Peroxide (02Oi), same type of capsule in concentrated sulfuric
Match Head (0205), and Silver Nitrate- acid at 77° F. will give a delay time of ap-
being used. Use a medicine dropper to fill the (5) The sulfuric acid must be concentrated. If
capsule. Wipe the outside of the capsule only battery-grade sulfuric acid is available,
it must be concentrated before use to a
carefully and place it on a quantity of igniter
specific gravity of 1.835 by heating it in an
mixture.
Gelatin will slowly dissolve in either water or enameled, heat resistant glass or porcelain
(2)
pot until dense, white fumes appear. See
concentrated sulfuric acid, usually faster in
than in acid. Sulfuric acid should be paragraph 0103 for details.
. —
POOR MAN'S JAKES BOND Vol. 3 306 INCENDIARIES
101 or secure with a rubber band.
0403. ROBBER DIAPHRAGM
(3) Pour about 1 ounce of concentrated
fluid
o. Description. sulfuric acid into a small glass jar with a glass
ACID stopper and seal tightly.
d. Application.
RUBBER MEMBRANE (1) Place the jar with the rubber membrane at
STRING
the desired target. Pile the material to be
ignited around this jar so thai when the flames
^ ,
IGNITER issue from the
ary materials.
jar,
Do
they will ignite the incendi-
(2) The
delay does not burn or glow, a very condom at a temperature of 77° F., a delay
desirable feature where premature detection
time of 15 to 20 minutes is normal. This
may aame delay when tested at 40° F.
take as may
occur. The main disadvantages of this
type of delay are long as eight hours to penetrate the rubber
membrane. Do not use this delay at tempera-
(a) Delay time fluctuates with temperature tures below 40° F.
changes.
(4) Another simple method of using this type of
(6) Delay is not reliable below 40° F. delay is to first fill a small jar half full of
0404. PAPER DIAPHRAGM (SULFURIC ACID) it will be used, to be sure of positive ignition.
ing igniters listed in chapter 3: Sugar-Chlorate (0201), combustion. This delay can be used for
Fire Fudge (0202), Sugar—Sodium Peroxide (0203), directly initiating all igniters listed in chapter
Aluminum Powder—Sodium Peroxide (0204), Match 3 except White Phosphorus (0209). The
Head (0205), Silver Nitrate— Magnesium Powder igniting ability of this delay is increased when
(0208). magnesium or aluminum particles are mixed
b. Material and Equipment with the potassium permanganate crystals.
Wide-mouthed jar.
(2) The following incendiaries (ch 4) can be di-
Sulfuric acid (concentrated).
rectly ignited using this delay: Napalm (0301),
Paper.
Gelled Gasoline (exotic thickeners) (0302),
String.
from Gelled Gasoline (Improvised thickeners)
c. Preparation. Remove the cap a wide-
(0303), Paraffin-Sawdust (0304), and In-
mouthed jar. Fill about half-full with concentrated
cendiary Brick (0309), Other combustible
sulfuric acid. Tie the paper securely over the mouth
dry materials such as paper, rags, straw, and
of the jar.
1M excelsior can also be directly initiated. This
d. Application.
delay not recommended for use in temper-
is
(1) Make a pile of dry flammable material such tares below 50° F.
.
del *y-
u*ed In *n
™ ^ ^ ^™ -
Welding «
No
110
|
"quired to uae
required for the candle when
of strong winds or drafts. This delay
(2) If thisdelay must be set in a windy or dra/ty of the same size are used, either one may be
used for the top. If different size cans are
location, place a shield over it Notch or
punch holes in a metal can or cardboard used, place the larger can on top. The delay
carton at the bottom and aides for is variable and adjustable depending on the
tion, and place sizes of the cans, the quantity of liquid used,
this cover over the delay.
or the diameter of the hole in the top can.
ovumow d. Application.
a. Description. tempera-
(1) Always test the glycerin delay at the
flows, the overflowed liquid will reactwith the igniter RICE, PEAS, OR BEANS
material placed around the bottom can. This
device is
used for igniting the following water actuated igniters
IGNITER MIX
listed in chapter 3: Sugar— Sodium
Peroxide (0203),
Aluminum Powder—Sodium Peroxide (0204), and
8ilver Nitrate— Magnesium Powder (C 18) . Glycerin
is used as the initiating liquid to ig (1) This delay composed of a hollow metal rod
is
Permanganate glycerin (0206). or bamboo filled with wet beans, rice or peas.
6, Material and Equipment. The tube is inverted and placed in the center
Two tin cans. of a ring of igniter material and a small vial
(1) Using some string or rubber bands, attach the potassium permanganate crystals in a ring
small vial to the larger tube. Attach the vial around the delay. When the glycerin is
near the top with the open end of the vial spilled onto the crystals, combustion will occur
pointing up and the open end of the tube and ignite the incendiary material. The
down. glycerin igniter will not work in temperatures
below 50° F.
yy7
TAPE (6) It is recommended that this device be tested
at the same temperature at which it is to be
used.
040*. TIFFING DELAY—CORROSIVE OR DISSOLVING
ACTION
a. Description
(2) This assembly Bhould stand up without
toppling over. If it appears unsteady, move
the vial downward slightly. A final adjust-
ment may be required when the delay is filled
with the required materials.
d. Application.
(1) Rice give delays of about ten to
will usually DISSOLVING C0BR0SIVE
TIPFIMC ftELAf
twenty minutes. Peas and beans will usually
give delay times up to 4 or 5 hours. Which-
(1) This device consists of a vial of initiating
ever is used it must be first tested to determine liquid supported by a tripod. One of the legs
the delay time for the tube that will be used. which supports the vial of liquid is dissolved
(2) To use this device, tightly pack the piece of by a fluid. The center of gravity of the
pipe or bamboo with rice, peas or
structure changes and the structure topples
^ 3
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 311 INCENDIARIES
over. The contents of the vial spill onto an
appropriate igniter mixture and combustion
occurs.
(2) This corrosive or dissolving tipping delay may
be used with a variety of igniters. However,
it should not be used at temperatures near or
nail, or steel wire, adjusting the length so that used merely as a guideline of expected delay
the wire leg stands almost vertically. times for the various materials.
Dcta* rmttrial Dtiap tim*
(3) The finished tripod should have a distance of Hard candy plus water S— 10 minutea
—
about 4 5 inches between any two legs. Copper wire plus concentrated nitric acid 2— 5 minutes
(4) To the top of the tripod, on the short leg, Copper wire plus nitric acid diluted with an 45 —60 minutes
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 312 INCENDIARIES
equal volume of waLer. be used with the Glycerin— Potassium Per-
Steel wire or nails plus concentrated hydro- 24 hours to 7 days
manganate Igniter (0206).
chloric acid.
b. Material and Equipment.
Steel wire or nails plue cupric chloride 10 minutes to
solution. 5—6 hour*. Piece of wood ( %
by ~y% by 16 inches).
2 Nails.
(3) The delay time vary greatly with only
will
String.
moderate changes in temperature. Do not
Strip of cloth.
use this type of delay mechanism where ac-
2 glass vials (1 fluid ounce) with stoppers.
curate delay times are required.
e. Preparation.
0410. BALANCING STICK
(1) Drill a hole through the middle of the stick
a. Description. shown below.
STRING
stick and, the liquid in the vial will pour out Sugar—Sodium Peroxide (0203), Aluminum Powder—
and initiate the igniter mixture. Sodium Peroxide (0204), and Silver Nitrate Magne- —
125 sium Powder (0208). The delay may be used with con-
V I AL — -0
tf eentrated sulfuric acid to initiate the above igniters and
the following acid activated igniters: Sugar-Chlorate
(0201), FireFudge (0202), and Match Head (0205),
This delay may bo used with Glycerin— Potassium
Permanganate Igniter (0206).
1S7
b. Material and Equipment.
LIQUID
(2) This alarm clock delay may
be used with a
variety of igniters. However, it should not
be used at temperatures near or below 32* F.
when water is used as the initiator because the
STICK
water freeses. The following water actuated
(2) Adjust the spacing so that the string is taut.
Iff Place a cloth or an absorbent paper towel
igniters listed in chapter 3 can be used with
where the contents of the bottle will be spilled.
this mechanism: Sugar—Sodium Peroxide Place a quantity of igniter mixture on the
(0203) , Aluminum Powder—Sodium Peroxide cloth or paper towel. Partially overlap the
(0204) , and Silver Nitrate —Magnesium Pow- igniter mixture with a flammable material so
der (0208). The delay may be used with as to assist combustion.
concentrated sulfuric acid to initiate the above
Ml
igniters and the following acid activated CHAPTER 6
igniters: Sugar-Chlorate (0201), Fire Fudge
(0202), and Match Head (0205). This delay SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION
may be used with Glycerin— Potassium
Permanganate (0206).
(3) This device will produce fairly accurate delay o. Description.
times between one and eleven hours. (1) Spontaneous combustion is the outbreak of
Caution: The ticking sound of the clock fire in combustible material that occurs with-
may reveal the presence of the device. out application of direct flame or spark. A
b. Material and Equipment. combustible material such as cotton waste,
Alarm clock, manually wound (without bell, if sawdust, or cotton batting is impregnated with
possible). a mixture of a vegetable oil and specific drying
Bottle. oils known as driers. This impregnated
combustible material is placed in a container
Initiator liquid. which provides confinement around the sides
Cloth or absorbent paper. and bottom. Heat produced by the chemical
Preparation. action of the driers in the oil is transferred to
(1) Remove the bell or striker from the clock. the confined combustible material with re-
(2) Fully wind time and alarm springs. sultant outbreak of fire. Prepared igniter
(3) Set desired time on alarm. materials such as FireFudge (0202) or initi-
(4) Tie the string to the alarm key so that it w ator material such as Fuse Cord (0101) can
POOR MAN'S JAKES BOND Vol. 3 315 INCENDIARIES
be used with the impregnated combustible CombuttibU Material*
material to increase reliability and decrease Cotton waste Machine shops, By-product of textile
ignition delay time. manufacture.
shopa.
(2) The chemical reaction that supplies heat in the k textile
Cotton batting... Furniture manu- Felt
spontaneous combustion device becomes faster facture. manufacturers.
as the surrounding temperature rises. Con- Sawduet. Water-oil-grease By-product or food
versely, as the temperature drops ignition absorbent. working.
caused by the chemical reaction time of the Sharp knife General Commonly available
One pint wide- General Commonly available
drying process in the oil. The user places the
mouth jar.
device and is away from the scene when the
Commonly available
Teaspoon General
fire starts.Spontaneous combustion devices Fire Fudge Igniter Igniter See paragraph 0202
have the added advantage of using items seen (optional).
daily around shop, plant, or office. Containers Fuse Cord Initiator See paragraph OtOl
for confining the impregnated combustible (optional).
H Pint. y2
—
Tung (China Ii Tung ou, 2 Cotton batting. 3
oil . Paint manufacturers
wood}. pinta.
I.
12 Tung oil, H pint. H 2 Sawdust, 1pint
H Pint- H
1
Drier. Tung oil, 2 Kapok, 1 pint
Cobalt (6%) Paint manufacture. Paint NoU. quantities tor each
The above
Lead (24%) Paint manufucture. Paint manufacturers approximately correct for use in a 1 gallon
Manganese (can be container. impregnated combustible material
The
substituted for ahould fill the container to approximately to the H H
cobalt). Tolume for beat result*. Different size containers can
Lead oxide (can be be used with properly adjusted quantities of impreg-
substituted for nated combuatible material. At approximately 70* F. (
lead). to ignition ia roughly 1 to 2 hours. With
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 316 INCENDIARIES
Fire Fudge or Fuee Cord added to the impregnated
combustible material, delay time k reduced to roughly
Yt to l hour. The exception Byatera 8 where
to tail ia
delay time to if*i lion fa about 3 to S houre. With Fire
Fudge or Fuse Cord added, delay time ii ehortened to 1
to 2 hours.
c. Preparation.
(1) General instructions.
(a) Measure the combustible material by
tightly packing it up to the top of the one
pint measuring jar. The material should
puff out of the measuring jar when firm
hand pressure removed.
is
0302,0303, 53,57,90
03OS
Gelatin capsule delay 12 1/
131
Corrosive action delay 117
Siring fuse H
Definitions hi' 4 Subigniter for thermit* 0211 47
Delay mechanisms. (See aUo specific 0306,0401 82.94 Sugar igniter mixes 0203 23,28
item.) to 0412 to 128 Sulfur pellets —alu minum powder 0207
Diaphragm delays 0403,0404 101, 105
igniter.
Dissolving action, delay 117 Sulfuric acid delays i: i/ to 0404 96 to 105
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 319 INCENDIAKIES
Sulfuric acid initiator 0103 10 wooden) bowl with a wooden pestle, the resulting granules should
approximate those of ordinary table sugar.
Thermite igniter 0211 47 2. Mix equal volumes of the granulated chlorate and sugar by
Thermite incendiary 0307 85 placing both on a large sheet of paper and then lifting the comers
Thickener, for gasoline. (Set aUo 0302,0303 53.57 alternately.
specific material.) CAUTION:
This mixture is extremely spark sensitive and must be
handled accordin^y
Tipping delays 0408 to (M 10 113
Wrap
4 to 6 tablespoonfuls of the mixture in thin paper so as to
. _ , tm
w
1_ 1*1
,
3.
form a tight packet. Keep the mixture as dry as possible. If it is to be
Tool! and techniques. (S<C also 0003 5 3tored in a damp area before using, the packet may be coated with
specific device.) paraffin wax.
Tung oil 0501 131 Chlorate-sugar is easily ignited by the flame of a match, the spit of a
percussion cap or time fuse, with concentrated sulfuric acid.
Water delays 0402, 0407
to 0409
98, 1 1 1, If lgnit ^ wnen under confinement it will explode like gunpowder. If
1 17 contained in a waxed packet, therefore, the Utter should be punched
it is
Water initiator 0104 21 through in several places before it is used with a basic incendiary and
Wax thickener for gasoline
-
0303.7 71 W 1 ***
Good incendiaries can be improvised more easily than explores and MATERIALS: Flake aluminum, finely powdered sulfur,
the materials are more easily obtained. On a pound for pound basis. PREPARATION:
incendiaries can do more damage than explosives against many type i. Mix 4 parts by volume of finely powdered sulfur with 1 part of
targets if properly used. There is a time lag, however, between the start of aluminum powder.
a fire and the destruction of the target. During this period the fire may bo — - . . .
To use, place several spoonfuls ofthe mixture on the materialt to be lit
discovered and controlled or put out An explosive once detonated has
a a s P°onnj °' chlorate-sugar on top. Be sure the safety (time) fuse
done its work '
. _ . ...
. , or other spark-producing delay system is placed so it will act upon the
.
Incendiaries are cheap and little training is needed for their chlorate-sugar mixture first.
preparation and use. Used in very carefully excuted operations, the act of UA«»«« n J«
sabotage may be concealed in the ashes of an "accidental" fire.
i>
Homemade m
Black Powder Igniter
i i
in open co ntamerai paper> looae ragSi straW( excelsior and other tinder
,
1. See that there ia plenty of air and fuel to feed the fire type materials. If it is not available already mixed, it can be prepared as
follows:
2. Use an incendiary that supplies a prolonged and persistent heat
3. Start the fire low in the target structure and let it spread MATERIALS: Potassium (or sodium) nitrate, powdered charcoal,
naturally upwards. powdered sulfur, powder
4. reflecting surfaces, such as corners, boxes, shelves, to
Use PREPARATION:
concentrate the heat. Into a clean, dry jar or can put 7 spoonfuls of potassium or sodium
1.
Use drafts to spread the fire rapidly — near stairways, elevator nitrate. 2 spoonfuls of powdered charcoal, and I spoonful of powdered
^
5.
shafts sulfur. The ingredients must be at least as fine as granulated sugar If
nr^J^
"
^
6. first
good concealment and tuning.
m,xed ~ thev ma > or e *P lode
*
In preparing improvised incendiaries observe basic rules of safety. .
Chemicals that must be powered should be ground separately with clean '"feints
completely mixed. ^ ™jJ5Z
tools and then mixed in the indicated proportions. Chemicals or mixtures The mixture will be effective for months if kept tightly sealed and
should be kept tightly sealed in jars or cans to protect them from dry. Sodium nitrate in particular has a tendency to absorb moisture,
moisture. Damp materials will work poorly if at all. To use the gunpowder, pile 2 or 3 spoonfuls on top of any solid
Sulfuric acid, which ia useful for chemical delays and to ignite incendiary material which is to be ignited. For igniting liquids in open
incendiaries or explosive detonators, can be obtained by concentrating containers, wrap 2 or 3 spoonfuls in a piece of paper and suspend it just
battery acid. This can be done by boiling off the water in the battery acid above the liquid.
in a glass or porcelained pan until dense white fumes begin to appear. Gunpowder is best ignited by safety fuse. It burns very quickly and
This operation should be done out of doors and the resulting concentrated with a great deal of heat, so allow sufficient time delay for safe
acid should be handled carefully. withdrawal from the vicinity.
The paragraphs which follow will describe the preparation of several _ _ lit j t
igniter (or "first fire") incendiary mixes, some basic incendiary mixes. MatCtl Head Igniter
and a thermate metal-destroying incendiary.
...........
^esub^ofince^ , , A
good ignition material for inccndiarico con bo obtained from the
^
> ,
i. Grind the chlorate separately in a clean, non-sparking (glass or licl uids 3Uch 83 solvents or napalm, wrap several spoonfuls in a piece of
'
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 320 INCENDIARIES
paper and hang this just over the fluid, or place nearby. If fluids dampen continuously, until the soap completely dissolved and a thin pasty
is
the nuxture it may not ignite. mul £
liquid ff necea8ary *turn tfa? mixture to the Are, but as? s5e?
Ignition can be by time fuse, fircracker fuse, a spark, or concentrated measure it is best not to stir while the container is on the fire,
sulfuric acid.
4. When the desired consistency is reached allow the mixture to cool.
Time Fuse Fire Starter 6. Napalm also can be mixed by a cold method, although it may take
hours to thicken. This should be done by alternately adding very small
Several igniters or first fire mixes can be set off by a
ftue. Others require a stronger flame. Time fuse, plus matches, can be
combined to improve this more intense initial flame.
STOPPER
MATERIALS: Time (safety) fuse, safety matches, string or tape.
PREPARATION:
inch from the end of a piece of time fuse cut a notch with a
About
1 . V*
ignited with a match or any of the first fire mixtures described previously.
The ignition packet should be placed adjacent to or just over the napalm,
otherwise the petroleum may soak it and prevent its burning.
When napalm used on easily ignitible materials (such aa loosely
is
piled paper, rags, or hay) it should be spread out so it will start a large
area burning at once. Tightly baled paper or rags should be loosened first,
because they do not burn well. If used directly against wooden structures
or other large articles which are diffcult to ignite, the napalm should be
concentrated in sufficient quantity to provide a hot, long lasting blaxe. If
FUSE fthout a half dozen pieces of charcoal arc put into and around the napalm
the heat output is considerably increased.
Napalm makes an excellent "Molotov cocktail." Just fill any glass
bottle with a small neck with the napalm and cram a twisted «rtp df cloth
into the mouth of the bottle as a stopper. See Figure 60. When ready to
use, pull about 4 to 6 inches of the rag stopper out of the bottle. Light the
napalm soaked rag with a match and, when the rag is burning well, throw
the bottle at the target. When the bottle breaks napalm spashea over the
target and is ignited by the burning rag.
Time Fuse Fire Starter
Paraffin-Sawdust Incendiary
Homemade Napalm
It
VT
win rcaauy
structures.
*^ra
,
^^ ^
i
.
Iine ^
.
. a
ible
t
Paraffin-sawdust is almost as effective as napalm against combust-
but SI e
^ ar
equal parts of soap and oil. If bar soap is used, shoe it roughly equal
•
ofgawdust
Me the wax remove the container from
the fire and stir in a
* fc -
into small chipa. If both gasoline and fuel oil are available, use both in _
0 Continue
4|
.
Lumps of the mixture the size of a fist are easiest to manage. The
out ofdoors. Try to avoid creating sparks or having a high open flame, but chunks of incendiary may be carried to the target in a paper bag or other
if the fuel should catch on fire extinguish it by placing a board or piece of wrapper. Any igniter that will set fire to the paper wrapper will ignite the
tin over the container. wax and sawdust.
3. Gasoline, in particular, will begin to bubble very quickly. When it a similar incendiary can be made bv dipping sheets of newspaper
does, remove from the fire and gradually add the soap, stirring i nto melted wax and allowing them to cool. These papers may then be
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 321 MA OOBYTRAP
crumpled up and used in the same manner as the paraffin-sawdust,
although they will not burn as hot and persistently.
Sawdust, Moth Flakes, and Oil Incendiary
This incendiary is very good for use against all kinds of
structures, including heavy beams and timbers. It also works welt on
paper, rags, straw, excelsior, and other tinder type materials. It will start
fires in open containers of flammable liquids, piles of coal, coke, or
lumber, and on baled rags and paper. It is not effective against metal.
MATERIALS: Dry sawdust, moth flakes (naphthalene), fuel oil
(kerosene or diesel oil).
PREPARATION:
1. Place equal parts of sawdust, moth flakes, and oil into a container
and stir until the mixture is the consistency of mush.
Thermate Incendiary
Thermate similar to commercial thermit, used in welding, except
is
that it also contains an oxidizer, making it easier to ignite. Thermate wil I
readily burn paper, rags, excelsior, straw, and other Under type
materials. However, its main use in sabotage operations is against
motors, gears, lathes, or other metal target* —
to weld moving parts
ingredients should be no coarser than granulated sugar.
together, warp precision machined surfaces, and so on. Since it burns
with a brief, almost explosive action, it is not recommended for burning PREPARATION:
wooden structuree or other materials where persistent heat is required 1. Fill a quart size (or larger) container about 2/3 full of equal parts
A good source of ready-made thermate is the U.S. military AN M-14 of the metal powder and the oxidizing agent.
Incendiary Grenade. To remove the thermate, first pry out the fuse 2. Cover with a tight lid. then roll and tumble the container until the
aaaembly with crimpers or other nonsparking implement. See Figure 61. contents are completely mixed.
The reddish-brown caked substance on top of the contents of the grenade 3. If flake aluminum is the metal used, fill the container H full of the
is a first fire mixture and it is spark sensitive. This should be broken up aluminum then add oxidizing agent until the container is * full. Mix as
and the grayish powder beneath, which is the thermate, can be poured described above.
out.
Thermate also can be made from aluminum or magnesium powder Thermate in a sealed container can be stored for months. To use, put
1 or 2 pounds of the mixture in a paper bag and place it on the target in
and a chemical oxidizing agent, as described below:
such a way that when it burns the red hot molten material will run down
MATERIALS: Aluminum filings, powder or flakes, or magnesium and attack the vital parte.
filings or powder, plus any one of the following chemicals: potassium
nitrate, sodium nitrate, barium nitrate, potassium dichromste, sodium
Chlorate-sugar and aluminum-sulfur igniters are beat for setting off
dichromate, or potassium permanganate. Although aluminum and thermate, particularly if the thermate contains aluminum powder, which
is more difficult to ignite.
magnesium are equally effective, thermate made from magnesium is
easier to ignite. Flake aluminum, which is the extremely fine variety Thermate also is used in the improvised dust initiator and the
used in paints, is excellent. In any case, both the metal and chemical external POL charges described later.
THE
GUNSMITH'S MANUAL;
A COMPLETE HANDBOOK
AMERICAN GUNSMITH,
WHO A
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ALL BRANCHES
OP THE TRADE.
New Yobk:
EXCELSIOR PUBLISHING HOUSE
McKeon £ Schofikld, Proprietor*,
S Murray Street.
1
Xutket, Petrone* „ against them. It was not until 1596 that Queen
The Wt*«l Lock
Tho Pistol Elizabeth, by a proclamation, directed that cross and
<>it
TtinBoaphaurc* ] other bows used in the army should be discarded en-
The Flinl Lock
Important lr»prc»ecieiiU. tirely in favor of muskets. And thereat thsre arose
, *
AdT&nce of the Rifle much murmuring of dissatisfaction throughout the
The Percuerfon Lock
Tho Breeds Lo*der English Empire, according to Michael Montaigne, a
most prominent man of his time, who narrates the
fact, and adds: "Except the noise in our ears, to
CHAPTER L which we will be henceforth accustomed, r think the
fire-arm U one of very little effect, and I hope that
we shall one day give up its use." Gould he return
Discovery of to earth at this age, and see the wonderful Are arms
Gunpowder.— Wo authentic record*
have been that have developed from the humble beginning of
left to show when or by whom was die
covered the wonderful properties of the chemical which he was then treating, he would speedily lose
his hope to the effect that one day its use would be
compound now known as gunpowder; nor here we
any information concerning the uses to which it was entirely given up.
originally applied. There is iHtle probability that it The First Rifle. -The first rifle is said to have
waa at once employed as an agent in fire-arms; in- been made about the close of the fifteenth century,
deed, we have pretty strong evidence to ahow that it by one Gaspard Zollner, of Vienna. It waa a sim-
waa not, for Roger Bacon refers to it in his famous ple barrel with straight grooves; the only object of
treatiBe, I* Nullttate Magics, published A. D., 19.16, the grooves being to prevent its becoming so dirty w 4 '
while fire arms are mentioned by no writer as hav- from continued use, as did the smooth-bore. Spiral
ing been known earlier than about 1888. grooving does not seem 1o have been thought of un-
The First Fire- Anns. -Tlie first fire-arms, or til many years later.
guns, as we now call them, are said to have been The Arquebus. -The earliest noted improvement
rude cannon, formed by banding together
flat iron in the hand gun, making it lighter and giving it a
bars, something on the plan of our wooden
casks or longer barrel, was called the arquebus; but even this
barrels of to day. These guns were
fired with a was so heavy that a rest " was necessary while dis-
1
"slow match," the gunners retiring to a safe dis- charging :t. ThU rest was asingle staff armed with
tance while the match was burning to the priming.
a steel point which went into the ground like the
THeir earliest use was as engines of war. The
writers Jacob- staff of a surveyor, but which fitted it for
of ancient history tell us that they were
so employed use as a pike when not employed in connection with
by the Moon at the noted si»ge of Algebras.
Spain, the gun. It was called the schweine feder, which
in J34I, and
at the battle of Calais, in me. At the rendered into English means the " hog's bristle."
latter battle, Edward III is credited
with having The arquebus was a regular "match-gun;" that
had four pieces, which made him victorious. is, it had a "pan M or receptacle at the
side of the
Earliest Hand-Guns.— It is claimed
by Spanish breech for the priming powder, which communi-
historians that to Spain belongs
the honor of having cated with the interior of the barrel by a email per-
been the first power to furnish her soldiers
with fire- foration called the "touch-hole." The priming was
arms so small that they could be transported
by lighted by a match, which consisted of a coil of
a single person. They were unwieldy affairs
at the small rope saturated with some kind of chemical,
beginning, however; really small cannon
lashed upon which caused it to hum readily and hold fire for a
wooden scantlings. The soldier could not
fire his long time. The soldier using the arquebus carried
piece off-hand, but waa forced to
carry- a "rest" the match in his hand and kept buring during an
it
with him wherever he went.
Being ready to dis- action. The manner of setting off the piece was
charge his arm he balanced it upon the
rest, steadied about the same as with the live coal— he secured his
it by holding the
scantling under hfe arm, and then sight and then touched the priming with his lighted
'touched it off" with a live coal of fire, while
he match
sighted[along the barrel to take
aim at his object The Match Lock — Later, the serpent match was
vvhat happened immediately after
the coal came in invented and looked urxin as a startling improvement.
contact with the powder the historian
saith not, but It was a simple S-shaped piece of iron or wire hinged
a modern writer, who has been examining
one of to the side of the gun just back of the priming
these old guns in a museum, jumps to the oondu- pan. The upper end was provided with a beak
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 325 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
which gripped the lighted fuse, while the lower end with a curve, as in later days, dropped at right
played the part of a modern trigger. With this con- angles to the iron. It was put into use as a cavalry
trivance the gunner had only to take eight and then arm, first by the Germans and afterwards by the
pull with his finger upon the lower end of the S people of many other nations. In 1G07 the German
until the lighted fuse was brought down into the horse soldiers were ail regularly armed with double-
priming:. After many years of use an improve- barrel wheel-lock pistols.
ment was made upon the S, consisting of a email The Snaphaunce.— After the date just mentioned
spring which threw it back into an erect position so modifications and improvements in fire-arms were
soon as the pressure upon the lower end was dis- rapid and constant. The wheel-lock was finally fol
continued. lowed by the " snaphaunce," which was a straight
The powder employed with the old arquebus was piece of furrowed steel brought to bear upon the
of two grades as to size of grain a coarse grade for
:
flint instead of tho disk. It was more simple in its
the charge, and a fine grade for the priming. Its construction than tho wheel-lock, and hence less
chemical composition does not seem to have differed liable to get out of order. Of course it worked in
materially from tliat of our modern gunpowder. obedience to the action of a spring, but the spring
The serpent njatch, so called because the upper was not a spiral— it was more on the plan of the
end holding the fuse was often shaped to represent mainspring in modern gun-locks.
the head of a serpent, was the first actual step taken The Fitnl- Lock.— About 1630 Spain again popped
towards a gun-lock. It was thought to be perfec- to the surface; this time with the regular flint lock,
tion iteelf, especially after the returning springhad embraciug precisely the same mechanism as the flint-
been added, and so strong a hold did it take upon lock used in our Revolutionary war, and familiar
all nations that only a few years has elapsed since to very many of the older people of the present day.
it was wholly abandoned in sumo of the niost be- Its advautgee over the wheel-lock and the snap-
nighted regions, as in China, for instance, where it haunce were so marked that France at once adopted
is known to have been used in the army at a date it for use in her armies, but England held back, con-
as lata as I860. tending that the wheel-lock was the better inven-
Musket PetroneX.— Next order to the arquebus
in tion, till 1690, when she gave up the contest, and
the "wheel-lock," which was a regular gun lock, appeared, tho first in 1098. Prior to this time a rudo
entirely doing away with the lighted match. It kind of Ivayonet had been more or leas in use— it was
consisted of a small di.-k of steel fluted on the edges, a sort of dagger set into a wooden handle, the latter
priming pan, and made
set in close contact with the to be thrust into the muzzle of the gun in case of a
to revolve with great rapidity by means of a spiral hand-to-hand charge, where loading and firing cooM
spring arranged somewhat on tho plan of the spring not b« Attended to. Iron ramrvW took the place of
the inconvenient and unsafe wooden ones formerly
of a spring-clock.In contact with its fluted edge,
in nee, which was regarded as a long stride in the
and held there by a spring, was arranged a sharp
efficiency of the musket. With the old wooden
flint hence when the steel disk was set in motion a
;
rararodi, clumiry and easily broken, the loading of a
train of sparks was thrown off as it revolved over
moakeiwaeaak>wai>dlaborknietaak,but the iron
the edge of flint. These sparks fell into the priming
rod secured comparative ease and rapidity.
pan and ignited the powder, discharging the piece.
The spring was wound up like winding a clock or Advance of the Jtyls.— With the general improve-
watch, and a slight pressure upon a trigger under ment of fire-arms the rifle had worked gradually
the breech eet the wheel in motion. The pressure into favor and nee. Its main drawback, aa an
was continued until the gun was discharged, when army gun, laid in the difficulty experienced in load-
it was discontinued, the result of which was an im ing it. But it wee admirably adapted to the wants
mediate stopping of the wheel A single winding of the people settling the wilds of the American
would usually discharge the gun about half a dozen continent, hence they adopted it almost to the entire
times. exclusion of any other kind of fire-arm. In the
The Pistol.—The wheel-lock went into quite gen- armies its use was limited to a few corps of sharp-
eral use, finally leading to the invention of the shooters, usually on the frontiers where it was ad
pistol, about 1544. The first pistols were single vantageous to harass the enemy by picking off his
barrel, and very short. The stock was heavy, and men at long range. England seems to have been
the breech or handle, instead of leaving the barrel rather prejudiced against the rifle until after our war
:
strongest prejudice must give way to them sooner vention was very apt to suggest another. Three
or later. 8o it proved in this instance; one by one years after the Marquis of Worcester had taken out
tho manufacturers of flint lock fire-arms adopted the bis patent, one Abraham Hill, of London, patented
improvements insulting from the discoveries of the some six different systems of breech -loaders. In his
Scotch clergyman, until finally no more flimVlocks specification concerning one of them be says
were made, and the percussion lock was in undis- "It a new way of making a gun or a piston,
is
puted possession of the field. the breech whereof rises on a hindge, by a contriv-
X%& Br&ch-boader.— When the percussion-lock ance of a motion under it, by which it is also let
had been fully adopted by the public, and all the down and bolted fast by one of the same motion."
"latest improvements" had been added to it, people This, as will be readily seen, was rubbing pretty
thought that the fire-arm had attained to such a de- close upon the breech-loader of the present day.
gree of perfection as to preclude any further change Since the dates of the patents just referred to, the
in the future; but how mistaken I The fate breech-loading fire-arm ia known to have been in
of the
percuaaion lock is now as much sealed as was that of uninterrupted existence-, but so strong was the cur-
rent turned against it by popular prejudice, that It
the flint-lock at the teat- trial of 1834. It is going was little known to the people in general.
the way of all its predecessors, and its entire ex-
A
want
of scientific training among the masses was the
tinction isonly a matter of time. The breech-load- cause which held it back ; they were unable to
er, with charge and ignition combined in the same dearly understand all the whys and wherefores con-
cartridge, is rapidly taking its place, and, until some nected with its workings, and, therefore, rejected it
new and wonderful discovery comes to the surface, on the plea that it was dangerous, without really
..
Gwnmtk-Qunmaker. -The modern gunsmith is the country hunting and buying them up, paying a
not necessarily a gun mater, but rather a repairer of much higher price for an old broken spring than a
guns that have happened to get out of order. In new one would coat its owner.
earlier days the devotees to his calling may, in then- On Making Gun-Barrel*.—The selected scrape to
little shops, have made guns entire, but now, if the be worked into gun- barrel material are cut into
gunsmith makes them at all, that making consiets small pieces and thrown into a furnace, where they
in merely finishing up the parte and putting them are exposed to intense heat until fused, after which
together—generally making the stock entire. All they are brought forth an adhering mass and placed
gun parts can now be bought as " gunsmith's mate- under a hammer, which drives them together and
rials," either finished or in therough, as may be de- forges them into bars. The bars are next rolled
sired. They are made by a variety of workmen, into thin plates, and then cut into stripe twelve
the business of each man being to make a single inches long and six inches wide. The vtry best gum
part, and nothing more. There is at present too are made of a combination of iron and steel. Both
much in a good gun to admit of all being made ad- materials having been rolled and cut into sheets of
vantageously by one man ; he would need to be a exactly the same size, these sheets (one-fourth of
kind of " Jack-of -aU-tradee," and, like the tradi- an inch thick) are piled upon each other alternately
tional Jack, it is but reasonable to suppose that he to the number of and subjected to a welding
thirty,
would be really first-class at none. heat; they are then driven together under a five-ton
In some of the large establishments where guns hammer into a consolidated slab. The slabs so
are made all these different workmen are employed, formed are next worked down into one-fourth inch
hence such an establishment is really a collection of square rods. The more the material is hammered
workers in many trades. The gunsmith who has and worked the better it is. The rods are next
his shop for repairing purposes, or for putting toge- twisted until they present the appearance of a strand
ther materials under the name of gunmaking, will of rope, some rods being twisted to the right and
not be specially concerned with reference to any of others to the left. Two rods, with opposite twist,
these trades; still it is but reasonable to suppose that are heated to the welding degree, placed upon each
he would like to know something of how the imple- other, and rolled together ; they are now in a nar-
ments, or parts of implements, that he will be con- row slab, presenting that fine curl of "grain" pecu-
stantly handling, were put up and. besides, there
; liar tothe Damascus, or that beautiful wavy figure
will exist something akin to a necessity for his pos- peculiar to the laminated steel, as the case may be.
session of such knowledge, owing to the fact that The next operation is to coil one of these slabs
his customers will often rail upon him to answer around a mandrel in a spiral form, and weld it se-
many a question as to how this or that gun was curely under the blows of hand-hammers. It is
made, etc. With this view of the case, it is really now a gun barrel in the rough.
necessary to give a brief outline of gunmaking. fol- Finishing and Proving— The rough barrel goes
lowing the work from the rough material to the from the welder to the borer, where it is put through
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 328 GUNSMITH* S MANUAL
the process of " rough boring." From the "rough The genera] principlethe same, however, and
is
borer" it goes into the hands of the " fine borer,'1 therefore it is not necessary to consume time in
who bores it out smoothly and to near the size It U further description. The great care mentioned is
to be when finished. Another operator then takes only done to make a good gun; only the cheap and
it in charge and dresses it to smoothness externally,
inferiorguns are pitched together in an easier and
then the " teeter" takes it and dips it into strong more irregular way. But the gunsmith would not
acid, which soon shows any imperfection in either
thank any one for a treatise on cheap and bad guns.
twist or welding that might exist If not perfect, They are legion, more'a the pity, and his extensive
it is sent back to be worked over if all right, it
; dealings with them will afford annoyance sufficient
passes to the next department, where it is straight- to do away with any desire on his part to fight his
ened inside. This part of the work » governed en- battles over in a book.
tirely by the eye, and hence demands the services of .Plain Steel Barrel
' OuHs.—Otcourse there are
a workman of great skill, and experience. guns with " plain Bteel barrels," as the/ are called,
Having been H passed on " by the " straightener," which pass muster as fair ; and the barrels of these
the barrel goes to the "turner/' who turns it in a are made by a process differing materially from that
lathe until the outside is true and correspondingly described in the foregoing all else connected with
,
is applied by the " targeteer, who peases upon it ordnance in all its sizes and forms, is simply a large
according to its merits. If bis report comes in favor- gun. It is variously divided off, according to charac-
ter, into heavy siege-guns, field-pieces, rifled-cannon
able, the gun goes to the proper department for final
finish. The stock is dressed up, finished in oil or and smooth-bores. These again are sub -divided into
varnish and chequered, and its mountings put on. a large number of different kinds, as the Armstrong,
tbe Dahlgren, the Columbiad, the Paixhan, the
Every piece of metal pobabed and bormmbed to
is Parrot, the Whitworth, etc. But with guns of this
the highest possible degree, and all the needed en- class the practical gunsmith will have nothing to do,
graving ia done. Next comes the case-hardening, and hence it is but reasonabje to suppose that he
coloring, and the browning or bronzing; and this feels no particular concern about them. It id with
having been well and satisfactorily performed, the the small-arms that his concern will mainly lie, and
gun is ready for market. therefore from this page to the conclusion of this
On Making the Ri#.-The
processes employed in work the giu. mentioned will be some instrument
making the modern riffc do not differ materially classing with the small fire-arms, and liahJn to be
from those named in the foregoing. Of course there brought to a gunsmith's shop for repairs.
are Borne processes employed on tho shot gun that Hie small arms, or hand guns are muskets, rifles,
are not called for in the manufacture of the rifle, carbines, fowling-pieces and pistols. These may be
and some on the rifle not needed on the shot gun. properly divided into three classes: the flint-lock, the
1 .
not differ materially from all other muzzle-loaders. barrel i shorter, say from 'Sii to 36 inches in length,
The barrel is usually longer than that of the more and comparatively light ; and the stock extends
modern gun; and, in the case of the rifle, the stock only half the length of the barrel, joining to a rib
(all wood) extends nearly to the muzzle. It is what, affixed to the barrel for the purpose of holding the
in later days, when half-stocks had been invented, ramrod thimbles
-
was called a full-stock. As already intimated the The patent-breech " may bo mentioned as an-
1
interior mechanism of the lock differs very little other peculiarity of the percuss ion-lock gun, since it
from that of the more modern cap or percussion- was not known in the daya ere the flint-lock had
lock. On the outside, in place of the cap hammer lost its prestige. In those early days the brooch end
isa cock arranged with two lips for holding a flint. cf the barrel was closed by a plug of iron, screwed
The lips are brought together firmly upon the flint in and called the breech-pin. From its upper sido
by means of a screw which passes down immedi- there extended backward along the stock a thin plate
ately back of it. In the top of the Lock-plate, di or strap, through which screws passed at right
rocUy in front of the cock, is set the priming pan; angles to hold the barrel in place. This method of
a small iron receptacle made to contain, say the securing the breech-end of the barrel into the stock
fourth of a teaspoon! ul of gunpowder. When tho has been done away with by the patent breech,
lock is in position the butt or open end of the pan which secures H by means of a short hook on the
comes squarely up against the barrel of the gun end of the breech-pin; or, rather, on the end of the
where a small hole called the 11 touch-hole ' com- 1
short plug screwed into the barrel in place of the old
amnkatts with the interior, and with the charge, breech-pin. It is much more convenient than tho oftl
when the gun is loaded. Over the priming-pan a fashioned arrangement, as it enables the barrel to
cover fits nicely, lying horizontally when the pan is be taken from the stock in a moment, doing away
closed, and turning up at right angles on the edge with the labor of drawing the breech-pin screws.
nearest the cock, and standing erect, a small plate of
stool, immediately in front of the flint. This tvver, On the Muzzle-Loaders. — The percussion-lock
with Vorti&U plate is called the frizzon.
its It works muzzle-loaders all work upon about the same prin-
on a hinge, an<l is held inLo whatever [KMritiott set, ciple. The charge must go in at the muzzle and bo
by means of a small spring called the heel spring. put down to tho breech. In the caso of army guns
When tho cock is Bet in motion by drawing upon Lhe it usually contained in a paper cartridge. The
is
triggerand releasing tho check to tho mainspring soldier bites off the end of the cartridge in which
the flint comes in contort with tho sieel plate of the the powder is inclosed, to admit of a communication
frizzen, throwing it back upon its liiug« and scrap with the cap, and then forces it down with tho ram-
ing down its
faco directly towards tho priming-pan. rod. But in the case of rifles and fowling pieces, or
As the frizzen flies back the pan is uncovered, of shotguns, as the latter are most commonly called
course, enabling tho flint to end its journey directly in this country, cartridges are seldom employed. In
in the priming powder of the pan. Tn its scrape loading a the powder is first measured in a
rifle
over the steel plate of the frizzen it causes many "charger," and then poured down the barrel; noxt
brilliant sparks of fire, which descending with it comes the patch, which is usually a piece of now
into the priming seta off tho charge. and strong cotton cloth, most commonly the kind
The Percussion-Lock Gun.— As has already been known as white drilling. This, having been tal-
stated, the immediate successor of tho old flint-lock lowed upon one side, the tallowed side is spread over
was the percussion or cap- lock. While now far be- the muzzle of the gun, and the bullet is pressed
yond its zenith, it is still the prevailing gun in many upon it into tho muzzle, the sidB from which the
portions of the country; especially in out-of-the-way "neck," formed in moulding, has been cut, must be
districts South and West. In the oldest make of directly downward. Generally with tho handle of
these guns a small plug of iron is screwed into the a knife the bullet is pressed into the bore as far as it
barrel at the point where tho touch-hole of the flint- can be sent by such means; then the patch is gathered
lock was located. It is called the cylinder. The end around it and cut smoothly ofT exactly flush with
passing into the barrel is drilled to communicate tho muzzle end of the barrel. The next operation
with the powder-bed of the gun, and with a cap- is to draw the ramrod, throw the gun under the left
tube, which is screwed into the cylinder, to stand arm, with its breech resting upon the ground and
erect near the side of the barrel. In more modern its muzzle in front of the breast, and then having
POOR MAN'S JAKES BOND Vol. 3 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
act the buttend of the ramrod upon the bullet and again into position for shooting. The means by
grasped itin both hands, thobuDet is gradually, aad which this opening and closing is effected vary
by main strength, forced downward into position. greatly in the guna of different makers.
To make sure that it is entirely down the gun is Variety of Breech- Loaders.—This gives the gen-
taken from under the arm, by some, and eet wich eral idea of about all there is of it There are a few
tho breech resting upon the ground more in front, breech-loaders made in both this country and in
after which the ramrod is raised up a foot or so and Europe whose barrels are fixed, the cartridge being
pitched down the bore like throwing a pike. M it inserted through some other device; and there are
does not bound back the bullet is not down solid still a few others whose barrels slide forward or side-
upon the powder, and the pitching is repeated until ways in the stock to receive the load^do not tilt on
it does hound. The upward bound of a few inches a hinge-pin— hot neither of these kinds are so com-
is sufficient to settle it that the bullet ig down. mon as the kinds just referred to.
In the early times the bullet of the rifle was CHAPTER rv.
patched with dressed deer-skin exclusively. Ptftou Now di Ub
Old Btrlc .„'"
Charging the shot-gun muzzle-loader is an opera- Pfctali
Tb« Dthagn
tion somewhat different. First comes the powder The Pepper Box.
OldCoii'iHeToifo
poured down the bore from a charger, as in the case Sharps POT-abcder
of the rifle. Next comes a wad, usually of paper, The Brack Loading Cartridja Phtole
which must fit tightly, and be rammed down solid CHAPTER IV.
upon the powder. Following this comes the shot,
measured in the same charger, or in one of the same PISTOLS NOW Di USE.
capacity. The measure of powder and the measure
of shot usually made about the same. Over the shot Old Style Pistols. -Pistols, tho smallest of fire-
is rammed a loose wad- it needs only to be tight arms, were originally plain implements ot a single
enough to prevent the shot from rolling out when barrel; but, as improvements advanced, a second
the muzzle of the gun happens to come lower than barrel was added to many of them, presenting what
the breech. Disk-like wads of pasteboard or felt is knowD as the double-barreled pistol. Some of
cloth are the latest Invention. these old-fashioned single and doable barreled pistols
77>e Breech Loaders. -The brcoch-loading gun is will still occasionally find their way into the shop of
now before the public in considerable variety; and the gunsmith, though their numbers, as now in use,
being really the gun of the day, and, consequently, are comparatively small, especially the muzzle- load-
engaging the best thought of invontore, it is con- ers. In rare instances a flint-lock " horse pistol " or
stantly appearing in new forms. This being the holstermay put in an appearance, though none such
case, about all that could be expected in this work, are now on sale at any house dealing in fire-arms.
is a mere mention of the general principles upon Some few houses are still offering the old cap-lock
which it works. army holster, always a second hand article thai
Taking a double-barrel shot-gun for illustrating once belonged to the Government, and was bought
these general principles, it may be stated that the up by dealers when the Government had discarded
barrels are movable at the breech or rear end, and it for the adoption of more modern ana better arms.
butt upon the face of the standing breech peculiar to A description of this kind of weapon is unnecessary
the latest and best muzzle-loaders. The face of as it is simply & small musket with side-lock, and
these barrels fita smoothly against that of the stand- all on the usual plan, differing only in being short
ing breech. There is nothing in the way of a breech- and having a turned-down handle, to be held in one
pin to resist the backward force of the ignited hand, instead of the usual breech. The single or
powder, or hold the barrels in place. The hooks double-barrel muazle-loadera. outside the line of
mentioned as peculiar to the patent hreeoh muzzle- army holsters, will usually have the central lock,
loader are not there— nothing at all like them. But Which next to no lock at all ; simply a main-
is
tho barrels, when put into place for shooting are spring working in tho handle and throwing the cap-
held there by means of a solid piece of iron attached hammer, which is fitted in tho middle of the piece
to them underneath, called the "lump." To effect immediately behind the hreuch-end of the barrel.
this, it descends into an iron bed on the stock called Some very cheap pistols for boys are still made on
11
the "action, its projections fitting into suitable re- this plan.
cesses in the action and being held there by the —
The Derringer. The old Derringer, though not now
agency of keys, wedges, bolts or grips. much manufactured in this country, is still among
There are many devices for gripping, bolting or the people in considerable numbers It is a muzzle .
wedging up the gun, as it is called; and also many loader, with side-lock and full-stock in wood and, ;
for attacliiug the barrels to the stock. In alt cases by the way, it is a very guod pisiol of its kind.
the barrels play upon a hinge pin, which admits of JJie Pepper Box.—There are quite a number of
their dropping down at the muzzle and rising at the little breech -loading cartndge-pistola, with single
breech, the latter to reject the empty cartridge and barrels, now in use, but the pistol of the day is a
receive the loaded one, At e^ery discharge the gun repeater, of which there are kinds in great variety.
is opened and closed by throwing up the barrels for On*» df the nldps* unH now rAr*wt ctf fchfwa in the
the purpose just named, and then letting them down " pepper-box," so called. It has a single barrel con-
POOR MAN » S JAMES BOND Vol . 3 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
taining from five to seven bores, which are loaded
CHAPTER V
from the muzzle. A
tube for percussion caps com-
municates with each bore at the breech, and upon OK GENERAL GUNMHTHING.
these a hammer strikes, having an automatic action,
rising up and striking in response to pre-osure upon The Gunsmith and his Trade.— Few trades pre
a trigger underneath, which pressure also revolve? sent so little regular routine as does that of the gun-
the barrel, bringing the caps into proper position foi smith. In most trades it is the samp thing over and
receiving the blow. It was never a popular pistol, over again; but. with the exception of taking the
people objecting to a kind of way it had of some gun to pieces and putting it together; and, perhaps,
times letting off its seven charges simultaneously, of tempering, case hardening and the like, tho gun
when the person operating it had intended to fire .-mi' h may work regularly for a long time without
Oolt's revolver is yet an excellent arm. There are in a word he will need a light hut complete set of
houses still making revolvers on the same plan. blacksmith's tools, to begin with. This outfit will
Sharp's Four Shooter. Next to tho old Colt's he his foundation, so to speak and he can add to
;
revolver may be placed the Sharp's four shooter. It it such smaller tools as judgment and experience
is a neat and strong-shooting, little breech loading may suggest as wanted inch, for instance, as a
;
pistol, using a No. 23 cartridge. The barrel has hand -vise or two, cutting-pliers, bending pliers, hold
four bores but does not revolve but the hammer ; ing pliers, small filesof various shapes, small drills,
has a revolving point, for striking lho cartridge, a screw plate or two, a few gravers, and so on. He
which moves into proper position for ;t new dis- might have many special tools, such ac could not be
charge every time it is drawn back to full cork. bought at the ordinary hardware store, or at any
The barrel slides forward upon the stock for receiv- house dealing in outfits for the general worker in
ing new cartridge*. metals, but for ordinary repairing, he will not have
The Breech-loading Cartridge Jievolvers.—Next muchneedof them. Among tho special tools that he
comes tho regular hrcoch-Iuuding cartridge revolver, will be compelled to have will be a rifle-guide, a few
which is the pistol now most common and most sets of rifle saws and a few mould cherries. These
popular. To attempt a detailed description of every with proper instructions he can make himself if he
style of thisweapon would be to swell our book to finds he cannot buy them cheaper than ho can make
unwieldy proportions, and even were the multitud- them. There are a few speciiillies* in the way of
inous styles at present before the pubhc described, it tools or machines for gunsmiths that am offered to
would be impossible to keep pace with the number tho trado by houses dealing in gunsmit h's materials*
which would be constantly introduced. But, even and some of them may be found very uselul as
were it possible to do so, no good purpose would be labor-sabers, but tho gunsmith can get along with
subserved. Various as the styles appear, they ail out them if he doea not wish to buy. Prominent
embrace devices and combinations which are sub- among these is a mainspring vise or clamp, which
stantially covered by our several chapters, and the has several advantages over the common hand-vise
intelligent workman will not require minute descrip- sometimes employed for clamping the mainspring.
tions recognize or understand the individual
to It would be well to look after these things, and to
weapon when well grounded in a knowledge of the adopt them in every case where it ap[»eared beyond
class of fire-arms to which itour pur-
belongs. It is question that they could be made to pay. There is
pose to give such descriptions, directions and illus- no occasion to speak against any of the specialties
trations as shall make everything sufficiently clear that may be presented to the attention of the trade
and explicit to enable the reader, with careful atten- — of their merits the party most concerned must be
tion thereto, to handle successfully and satisfactorily his own judge.
any job likely to come to his hands. CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER V. T*xn»e Apart CiMirmn »kd Purr mo Gtra* Toorrazx
Om Oduh Gnmcrrvma To Tfcke ttw Gun Apart-
Tha G jrurJtL tod hit T.-*ce To Clean Uie Gun when A part
Fittingup ft Shop To Put the Out. Together.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 332 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
CHAPTER VL gun two reasons its peculiar
cleaner for : fitness for
detaching and carrying away dirt, and highlyits
TAXING APART, CLEANING AND PUTTOG GUNS TO" volatile properties,which cause it to evaporate and
OETHKR. entirely leave the metal in a short time after the ap-
plication has been made. Its adoption has com-
To Take theGun Apart.— With the muzzle load pletely done away with thenocessity of ever using a
ing gu as now in common use this is an operation so
drop of water upon a gun, in any case, which is a
simple as to be scarcely worthy a mention. If the
matter of decided importance and advantage.
gun is an old-fashioned breech -pinned muzzle-loader,
To Put the Gun Together.— With the muzzle-
the first thing is to push out the small wire pins or
loaders tho operation of putting together is sim-
holts which pass through the stock, under the barrel,
ply a work directly in reverse to that of taking
and through' the barrel-loops. The next thing ia to
draw the breechpin screw this lets the barrel out apart. In case of the common make of breech-
;
loaders a little more variation may be regarded as
of the stock, If it is desirable to unbreech the gun,
necessary. Take the grip of the stock in the left
it done by clamping the breechpin in a vise, and
is
hand, having the lever open. Hook on the barrel
then turning the barrel by hand until it is screwed
and turn the gun over with the hammers under-
off the pin.
neath, holding the stock at tho grip.
still
The
The patent-breech muzzle-loader comes apart the
weight of the barrel will keep it in place. With the
same way in every particular, with the exception
right hand attach the forepieceaud push in the bolt.
that there is no breechpin screw to draw the barrel ;
in Fig. 9, very convenient when continued blowing hold it so as to tile an angle of about 45 degrees.
is required, or when the " knack" of using the com- The tool is shown in Fig 4. It is held in the vise,
mon plow-pipe cannot be readily acquired. It may the shoulders resting on the viae jaws. The spring
be used for soldering, brazing small articles, or har between the jointed portions opens the tool when the
dening small tools, Size 2, inches diameter and S vice jaws are opened, the closing of the viae
inches high, $2; about S inches diameter and 6 inches jaws, of course, closing the clamp upon the work
nigh, $8. that is placed in it. The cost of these tools is from
Anvil—An anvil weighing about ninety or one
two to three dollars, according to sire and quality.
hundred pounds is heavy enough. An Eaglo anvil
of thi* weight will cost about |0 or $10. The body
of this kind of anvil ie cast iron with steel face and
horn. Price per pound id about ten cents.
Barrel Planes.—These plants are now but littlo
used, except for stocking guns or ntles which arc to
Flo oat 4.
—
Blacksmith Tonffs. Blacksmith tongs can now be
purchased of the hardware dealer. The twelve inch
length are used for small work, and the fifteen or
eighteen for heavier work. The twelve inch cost
about Wcents; the fifteen, 63, and the eighteen, 75
cents each.
Blow-Pipe.— Select a blow- pipe eight or ten inches
in length, with bulb or without, as fancy may dic-
tate. If the end where the mouth comes in contact
be silver or nickle-plated, not taste of brass
it will
be with full-length stocks. As this form of
fitted
If it be difficult to get one plated, tin it with soft
gun is somewhat going out of use, so the Blocker's
solder by wetting with soldering acid, and melting
planes are getting to be cast to one side. They are
the solder on it by holding it over the lamp. Wipe
made similar to a narrow rabbet plane, but have the
off all superfluous solder with a rag. The cost of
iron set close to the fore end. Any narrow plane Add
plain eight or ten inch pipe is about 2S cents.
with the fore end cut off to within half an inch of
about one-third or one-half this price for pipes with
the opening in which the iron is placed will make a
bulb.
substitute for the stocker's plane. The plane with
round face is used to let in round barrels, and one Breeching Taps.— Breeching taps ought to be ob
with a face equal in width to the sides of an octagon tained in pairs, one to enter first and another to
A narrow follow, tutting a full thread aL the bottom. The
barrel, for letting in such barrels.
plane is used to let in the ramrod, by cutting a groove prices per pair are for thf; | inch 82.125; J inch, 82.50;
centrally in the bottom of the barrel groove. The | inch, $2.75. For shot gun tajfi, J inch. 83-00; *
planes used are about four in number and the cost inch, $3.25. A stock
with dies will cost aboutalike
is about seven or eight dollars for the set as sold by sum, but if the stock be fitted with only two sets
dealers. of dies, it will be much less. The two threads used
Bevel.— Bevels for ascertaining and forming sur- for rifle pins are 14 and Ifi to the. inch.
faces, not at a right angle with some certain line, can The 14 and not always adhered to.
1G threads arc
be had from one dollar upward in price. The four A house in Philadelphia say they use taps of ]8
inch is very good size. The blade is held in position threads, and a firm in Pittsburg advertise taps of 90
by a screw, which forma part of the joint on which threads per inch.
the blade turns. Shown in Fig. 3. Calipers and Dividers. —The best length of spring
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 GUNSMITH #
S MANUAL
calipers and dividers, for common bor»:h work, is forge. Some
prefer the bellows forge, while others
about four inches. The coat is from 5»» cents to select the fan blower. The great requirement of
$1.50, according to quality. the gunsmith is portability and occupying little
Chisels.— The chisok, as used by stockers, are space. Jt should also be so enclosed as to prevent
about half a dozen in number. The narrowest is
escape of dust, and be free f 10m accident of fire escap-
about one-eighth of an inch wide, and thn widest ing if left with the fire lighted. Tho cost of either
about half inch. The set of six will cost about a
form of portable forge will be from $20. upward.
dollar or a dollar and a half.
Cutting Ptit>r3.—A pair of cutting pliers, -ax Glue Pot.— Glue pots ran ho purchased with ket-
inches in Umgth, for cutting wire, arc indispensable. tle fitting tho pot and tinned on inside,
inside
Select Ihoso of good quality. Poor plicra of this de- quart size about 7:. cents. A glue pot may be ex-
scription aic poor, indeed. The rofit will be from 75 temporized by selecting a common round fruit can,
cents to §1.:>C. Tl.rro arc patented pliers of this cutting out tho cover f.o r.s to allow a smaller can
kind in market that arc rcLommrududbyrnany who in and be held in place. Where economy is desir-
fit
FlOl RK 3
Hand -vise. — A hand-vise for holding wire, screws, A good size— No. 3— will weigh about a pound and
etc., isneeded. About four or four nndahalf inches a half, costing abuut 1t> cents.
in length is most convenient. For holding small
Screw drivers. —Several sercw-drivera are requir-
wire, cut a groove with a three- square flln across the ed, and of several width*, to fit different sized
jaws toward the jointed end. The cost will be from screw heads. The narrowest may be about one
60 cents to $1.00, according to quality. eighth inch, and the widest, say, half inch to five-
eighths inch. If the mechanic desires to make
Iron Clamps.— A pair of malloaNo iron damn?)
these himself, select octagon steel, about one-quar-
(shown in Fig. 8), opening about four inches, ire
ter inch diameter, draw one end to form the tang,
and the other to form the screw-driving part. Get
good apple, beech or maple wood handles. Lot the
length project about six or seven inches from the
handle. For tho larger size screw-drivers get steel
three-eighths diameter. Old files, wilh the temper
drawn and tike points ground to shajio, make a pass-
able screw-driver. Screw -drivers purchased at the
store, are generally not so satisfactory as those made
Piodxb 8.
from rods. Stub's round steel wire rod makes «ood
useful for holding barrels into the stock during screwdri vers.
stocking, holding a lock plate or strap in place for inters— Three kinds of pliers are used by gun-
marking, holding barrels together, pieces of wood to smiths flat nose, round nose, and long tlat nose or
;
be glued, etc. Cost, about 50 cent* each. clock-makers' pliers. Six inch is about the right
length for general use. The round nose are useful
Mainspring Vise. —This (shown in Fig. 9, as
tool
for bending wire or metal into circular forms. The
clamping a spring) is used to clamp the mainspring,
long flat note fur holding work for soldering and
prejamtory to removing it from the lock. The handling work at tho forge. Of the flat nose a five
hammer in set at Full e>»ck, ami the v'm applied, the inch pair are useful in many cases. The
cost of
nrtiw Lighteiud until the upiiug can te lifted from pliers (six inch), is from about 50 cents to $1.00 per
plaro. Iii taking d«« n double guns, a viso for each
pair according to quality.
lock spring is very convenient, .is the springs can Wing Dividers - A pair of wing dividers, about
thru i<-st in the vise, boing emuped in place, until eight inches in length, will be found the best size for
general use. The coat will be about 75 cents. In
purchasing see that the screw that binds the leg to
the arc or wing is well fitted. The thread, either in
the leg or tho screw, is
out after a little using.
Mlppk
Portfchla Pc
V ice A [
for laying out lines parallel to a surface already needed by the gunsmith, and as directions are given
formed. IC made of beech wood, and plain, it is for making them, they can be made by almost any
generally sold for about 25 cents each. ingenious person during leisure hours.
Scren'-cutting Tools. —
A small die stock and dies, The AlcohvlLamp.—A lamp for this kind of work
with taps for lock work, will cost about $2.50. A is easily made. A common gum or mucilage bottle
plate and ten taps, suitable for all sizes of nipples, with a tube inserted in the cork has been used, fo
English and German, can be had for about $3.00. has a small tin spice-box, with a tube soldered into
1
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 336 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
the cover. A common
copper or brass cartridge,
with the head filed off, can be used for a tube. A
common oil can, such as is used for oiling sawing
machines, with about half of the taper tube cut off,
will make a serviceable lamp. These appliances are
small, unsightly and not to the taate of the mechanic
who has a pride in the appearance of his tools.
The best form of lamp, shown in Fig. 10, may be
made by obtaining a small glass kerosene baud lamp,
which will cost only a trifle of two or three shillings. 1
Cut off that portion of the burner above the screw,
where it is held to the socket that is fastened to the
lamp. Remove the tube that holds the lamp-wick
and also the little contrivance made to raise and
lower the wick. In the place whore the tube was
inserted, generally a flat one, rile out with
a round
file, a
place which is Urge enough to receive
a
common brass 44 cartridge that has had the head placed in the boiler, and the steam
thereby
cut off or removed by filing; this is the produces a jet that blows the lamp flame
tube for the the
nek. Fastea it in place with soft solder. as is done with the mouth.
Let this
tube project a little into the lamp,
and solder it on The sise of the cup may be from three inches
to
the under side. The greater portion of the ttree and a half in diameter, and about
tube pro- five inches
ject above the place where soldered. high. The opening at the bottom
may extend about
half or the height. The lamp is made of less diam-
eter than the interior of the cup to admit of
moving
to get a good flame from the blow-pipe.
The lamp
may be l| inches in diameter and an inch high. The
boiler is about two inches high and has the
bottom
made a convex, as shown by dotted lines,
little
and is some smaller than at the top where
a flange
is formed CO admit of its
resting on the top of the
cup. The top of the boiler is also convex,
and hasa
short tubo in which a cork is fitted, for
the purpose
of filling it. The blowing tube is about three-six-
teenths of an inch m
diameter. There is a long slot
in the cup near its handle which readilv admits
of
its being put in position for
blowing. " There are
several small holes near the top of
the cup to insure
draft to the ]amp, and there is
a large hole about an
inch m
diameter opposite the end of the
blow-pipe
The wick is made of common cotton wicking, through which the flame issues where
the work k
letting the end iuwde touch the bottom of the lamp! held.
Pill with alcohol, and the lamp is For aiJver soldering, email brazing, tempering,
ready for use. Be
careful that the wick is not too tight
or
in the tube, or any similar small work, this lamp is most excellent.
in other words, do not fill the tube with To make *be small bio wing, pipe, drill a smooth
too much hole
wick, as it will prevent the alcohol from through a piece of iron or sioei and ream
rising and the out one
lamp from burning. To prevent evaporation of side of it. Cut a strip of thin copper or soft brass of
the
alcohol and to have the wick alwayi ready for a width just enough to fill the hole if it were
light- made
ing, cover the tubewith a cap that fit* it quite closely into a tube. Point one end of the
strip and roughly
and ha* the upper end closed. A brass cartridge form it into a tubo, insert in the hole and pull
it
that will go over the tube makes a good cover. Be through. Or the strip can be rolled around
a piece
move the primed cap or see that the cap has been of iron wire forming it to a
tube by hammering.
exploded before using it to cover the lamp tube. Soft solder it after being
formed to shape.
Breech Wrenchts.-ln many shops
A Seif-hlovring Lamp.— A
very good form of this
the monkey
wrench is made to do duty in removing breech-pins.
lamp shown in Fig. 11. It consists of a lamp en-
is
closed in a kind of cup which has
an open place at
the bottom to admit the lamp and a small
boiler
fitting loosely, and held by a
flange on its top A FioLiie 12
small pipe is soldered to the top of this boiler and but at the expense of marring the pin where the
exteada downward, and has an end like a blow-pipe
wrench engages it. If many guns with breech-pins
that paases through one side of the cup and ends like those used in army guns are handled,
it is worth
or a little above the lamp wick. The operation while to have solid wrenches forced of iron like
Fig.
follows: the lamp being lighted, heats alcohol W. The length may be about fifteen inches, with
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 337 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
an opening to fit the shoulder of the breech-pin. Fig. 14. of a square or round shank
It consists
The width at this place may be about one and a half about three-Bixteenths or a quarter inch in diameter
inches thickness, about half an inch ; diameter at
; and about six inches long. At one end a wooden
end of handle, about three-quartere of an inch, and handle is attached, and the other end is bent at
at the email portions near the centre, about half an an angle which is about half an inch or perhaps
inch. a little more, and on this angle ia another one
A wrench for removing patent breeches or nuts turned parallel with the shank and which is about
from double guns is made like Fig. J3. It consists three-eighths of an inch long. This is the cut-
of a steel bar about fifteen or sixteen inches long ting end and is fashioned like the cutting edge
and about three-quartern of an inch diameter. At a of a chisel, and is about a quarter of an inch
little to one side of the center is fastened u steel col- wide. The bottom side, as it would tw held for
use,
lar that lias four projections made at one end. A is ground ami the upper side bevelled like a
flat
similar piece is fittod opposite to it, but is made to chisel. The cutting edge may he square or roundt*!
move back and forth to fit tJie work by means of a to suit round places as letting in the bridle of a
screw that is formed behind where it is fitted. A lock. Th«; size given is that generally used, but if
slot ia made in the extension of the piece and a key it l*rnadc about twice this size
it willlm found very
fitted to prevent its turning around as the nut is Useful in letting in octogon rifle barrels ; if the tool
turned to advance it toward its fellow piece. l»u made and hollow like a gouge it is very
larger
The only substitute to answer for this tool e to useful in letting in round gun barrel*, "in letting in
file down the jawa of a monkey wrench so that they break off straps it will he found to take the place of
will turn between (lie extensions of ;i patent hreeih a chisel to bomo advantage.
while the first breech is being it moved. This m a Chtnucriny Tools — The tools used for chequering
poor substitute, as there is only one bundle to turn aie very simple. Imagine a small saw, or rather
with, and when force is applied to removo the breech
£1
Fiocr* IB.
side as in the other kind of wreath, onsen uently it lengthwise with it. In using, out* blade first forms
is not as effective nor so easy to luiuova tin* hrweh. a groove and the other hi -de works (he next cut;
If an extension lo Lorm another handle cuuld be im- as the cut is finished, another mark is being
fii*t
provised it would make it much better, modu while so doiug This insuies equal width of
The Bit Stnck Even if thi gunsmith have a the cuts. Care must be exorcised in using them so
lathe there is much work Lhat can tie ilono to ad- as not to tear the wood. A fine cut, sharp edged,
vantage with a coinmuii bit-stock. But as the drills three square or ;i sm.ill half round tile may be used
and tools used in the lathe generally have round l<> work if disirud.
finish the
shanks by which Lo hold them iu the chuck, the Nipple Wrenches.—Tv/o forma of nipple wrenches
square holo where bits and tools are held iu the are used, one for square and the other for two sided
bit- stock must be filled by brazing or soldoring a nipples. The most serviceable of these are made
piece of iron into it and boring a hole to fit the from a straight rod of steel, with a cross han-
shank of the lathe tools. It is advisable to have dle and an opening at the opposite end to cor-
two sizes mentioned. Government or military arms have the squares lar-
Bottoming Tools — Bottoming tools are used for ger than sporting guns, and the wrenches arc gen
erally made of a flat piece of steel with a square
letting in locks, cutting out for escutcheons,and are
hole made through from side to aide at one end and
useful in other places where a chisel cannot be made
squared to fit the tube. When made, harden and
draw to a blue color for temper
—
Portable Forge. The following description of a
"home made portable forge shown in Fig. Ifi is
11
Fiolxk 16.
Fiotrtu: IS.
KlODBK 17
front of tins angular piece will be the same as the wood makes a very good bench, but as it is soft, it
piece of work that is held between the two. will absorb oil, and in time will become black and
dirty. As a remedy for this, give it two or three
Shanks of Tools. —The shank?
best two sixes for
coat* of shellac varnish. The best bench is mado
of tools are about seven-sixteenths and about
from a hard or eugar maple plank that has been
quarter- inch. Two solid chocks, fitted with set-
well seasoned and has been planed true in a planing
machine. Ash wood dors very well, so does beech.
Oak is not good; absorbs grease and dirt readily,
it
riii*ii*iii
higher than the elbows as the workman stands erect iiriiiiiiiii
Uie G*n Brace.— A gun brace, as shown in Pig. must be heavier than in the case first named.
29, is made from a piece of inch and a half or two If the forging is to extend to a material change
inch plank, with its upper edge of a height about in the shape of the iron, the rate of heat must be
an inch leas than the height of the vise jaws. It is much higher it must bo increased to what smiths
;
hinged or pivoted by a single screw passing through call the " while flame heat." The hammering must
the end of the bottom extension, this screw passing be much heavier, of course ; if the pieco is large
a
into the bench, the brace turning freely upon it. sledge hammer must be brought into requisition.
It
can be swung around back out of the way, and when But the gunsmith
seldom have work heavy
will
needed for use is turned in front, and is ready to enough to demand the aid of an assistant with a
support a barrel or gun stock which is held in the sledge-hammer.
vise. This brace is put to the right of the rise, but rraWii^.-The "welding" or "sparkling heat"
if another one like it is put in the left side
it will be
is required in this process, which is a higher degree
found useful at times. of heat than either named in the forgoing. In secur-
In cutting out gun-stocks from the plank many ing this heat, the metal ia brought nearly to a state
times pieces of just the right form for these braces
of fusion which condition is made known by its
;
^£^"
.
A Good War to stiffened in this way. They are first cut from soft
CMe-bardoi...
s sheet-iron and then hammered inU* the required
hardness. Some heat to a cherry red and hammer
to and after
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 341 GUNSMITH S MANUAL. •
Com Hardening.
- —
The various parts of gun to close ends of gas pipe; if such cannot be obtained,
mountings, such as guards, heel plates, etc., and drive in a cast-iron plug and upset the end of tho
the different parte of locks, such as hammers, tum- pipe so that it wilt not readily come out. In these
blers, triggers and plates, as received by the gun- pieces of pipe place the work, packing it well with
smith from the manufacturer or dealer in such arti- good, fine bone-dust, such as is used by farmers for
cles, are generally in the rough or partially finished fertilizing land. Be careful to so pack that the dif-
condition. Many gunsmiths, particularly those in ferent pieces of work will not touch each other.
the country, where there is more or less a class of Stop the open end of the pipe with a cover, but in
cheap work, finish up these parts with a file and a such a manner as to be readily opened place the ;
little hand polishing, and when the work is put pipe and its contents in a good lire, letting it remain
together hand it over to the customer. Not only at a red heat for fifteen minutes or more, dependent
tumblers and triggers, but even sears and tubes are upon the thickness of the articles or the depth they
finished up in this manner. As these parte are should be hardened. Remove from the fire and
almost always made of soft iron, the result is they quickly empty the contents of the pipe into a pail
soon wear and have to be repaired. of cold water.
If pieces of gas pipe cannot very well be obtained,
The gunsmith who does good work will thor-
oughly case-harden the parts when they ire fitted thimbles from old carriage hubs may be used in-
and finished, and by so doing will turn out a really stead. Plug up the small end, fit a cover to the
large end and use as if it were gas pipe. As these
good piece of work that will wear as wet as hard-
ened steel. Why the majority of the trade do not thimbles are made of cast iron they will not bear
case-harden their work cannot very well be ex- the rough usage nor the heat that wrought iron will
plained, unless they are ignorant of the processor withstand. Oomnion cast malleable iron makes the
best receptacles to contain work for case-hardening.
do not care to he put to the trbnhln of doing it. It
Articles of malleable iron and cast iron are as
is true it may be made a tedious job or a quick and
easy one. easily case-hardened as wrought iron. A poor qual-
ity of steel is benefited by the operation, as the
Soma gunsmiths when such work is finished,
metal imbibes carbon in which it was before de-
heat it red hot, smear it with prusjajfi of potash or
ficient.
cyonido uf potassium, and while hot, plunge it into
Material jar Case-HaTdvniny, — For case-harden-
cold water, letting it chill. This produces a super-
ing, bone-dust is the article most readily obtaii led and
hardened airfare that is not " »kin deep,"
ficially
it is clean and nnat to use hut it will not produce
;
and as soon as this surface becomes abraded will the mottled tints that charred or burned leather will
wear away rapidly. give. The leather may be prepared by cutting up
Ifthe case-hardening of the expert manufacturer old shoes or boots putting them in an old pan and
be examined, it will be observed that the surface of setting the mass on fire. Let it bum until it is a
such work has a fine grayish appearance, and in charcoal that will readily crumble in pieces by using
many places mottled with colored tints that are a little for Grind this charcoal to a fine powder
pleasing and beautiful to tho mechanical eye. It by pouiiding in a mortar or by running it through
will be furl.k«T observed that the hardening is of an old coffee or spice milL Pack the work with the
such depth that it will wear for a long time. In powder, the same as bone-dust. Bone-black may
fact it willwear better than hardened steel. The be used the same as bone-dust, but it is not very
condition of the material is that of a hardened steel satisfactory in its results. It is also dirty to use
surface stretched over and shrunk upon the iron and to have around a shop. Ivory dust will also
body of tho work. It is stronger than steel, for it answer the same purpose as bone-dust. Gun
has the tenacity of iron for its interior. It has the guards, Btraps and long pieces of work will become
advantage of steel, inasmuch as it may be bent shorter by case hardening, and it is best not to fit
when cold to a limited degree, and when so hard- such pieces into the stock until after they are hard
ened will not break as readily as steel. This prop- env.l. If it be desired to have a portion of the work
erty of bending is not confined to all articles, as left soft and the other parts hardened, securely
they may case-harden entirely through, and then cover the places to be left soft, with a coating of
they will be very brittle anri easily broken, but by moist clay, and this will prevent the hardening
drawing them to temper after hardening; in the material from coming in contact, and, consequently,
same manner as a tool is drawn to temper, they it will have no opportunity to absorb carbon and
may be of any hardness desired. harden when put in the cold water.
Agood «-ay to Case-Hardeu.—'Ihe easiest and It may also beoleeivcd that articles that are case-
perhaps the best way to caae-haruen gun work is to hardened will not rust so readily as those not so
have a number of short pieces of common gas pipe, treated.
such as will be adapted to the size or quantity of the If the articles be quite thin and there be danger
work, and have one end of these pieces securely of then cracking by sudden chilling, the water may
plugged or closed. One way will be to heat the be warmed a little, or a film of oil may be spread on
pipe and close by flattening the end with a hammer the water which will tend to prevent a too sudden
on the anvil, but it is a " alouchy " way of doing it. contraction of the articles while cooling.
A neater way is to have a gas fitter cut a thread in If it be desired to have the work present the
the pipe and then screw in a plug, such as are used colors or mottled tints as seen ou some kinds of
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 342 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
case- ardened gun work, the surface of the worfc Some smiths contend that tho pulverized prussiate
before being put in the receptacles containing the of potash, used in the same way, is entirely effec-
burnt leather, must be nicely polished and then tual without the other ingredients.
buffed or burnished.
more
The higher the finish the —
To Chill Cast Iron. Make a powder by pulveriz-
be the colors.
brilliant will ing together, salt, 2 lbs saltpetre, j lb. alum, , lb.;
; j
In using primate of potash to case-harden, the ammonia. 4 ozs., and salts of tartar, 4 ozs. Heat
potash must be finely powdered, tab work heated the iron to cherry-ied, sprinkle thoroughly with the
and dipped in, or if the work be large the potash powder and then plunge into cold water.
must be spread over ft. The work must be hat —
Another Mode. Make a solution by dissolving in
nough to fuse the potash, and if it become some- 10 gallons of soft water, pec>; oil vitrol, j pint;
salt, 1
what by removing from the fire it must be re-
cold saltpetre, \ lb. j prussiate of potato,
{ lb., and cya-
healed, removed quickly from the fire and quenched nide of potassium, i lb. Heat the iron to cherry-red
in cold wa'.r. and plunge at once into the cold solution. This
Another way Case-Harden. —Collect such arti-
to makes cast iron hard enough to cut glass, and is the
cles of animal origin as cows' horns, or hoofs method usually resorted to for hardening tho cheap
of
either cows or horses, or leather trimmings
from cast-iron glass cuttere, now so common on the mar-
about the shoe- shops, or old cast off boots or sh oee,and ket
burn them until su fncientlj charred to admit of being To So/ten Wrought Iron. —Heat the iron with a
easily pounded into a powder. Having finished up alow blast to a dark-red, then pour upon the burn-
the article to be hardened, ready for the final polish, ing coals half a pint of fluoric acid. Keep up the
place it in an iron box, and surround it completely blast gently, without increasing the
degree of heat,
on all sides by a packing of the powder. Pour into until all sign of the acid has disappeared,
then lay
the box, until the powder is made moist, out the iron to cool gradually of itself.
a saturated
solution of common salt in urine.
Next close the Alloy for FxUing Holes in Iron.— Melt
together
box and seal it until airtight, with wet and well- nine parts load, two parts antimony and one part
worked clay, then put it into the furnace and blow bismuth. Pour into tho hole while in a muulton
up gradually until heated to a cherry red. Don't state, or dmo iu while the iron U somewhat hat.
run the heat any higher, but hold it at that about This alloy possesses tho peculiarity of expanding as
five minutes, then tako out and plunge at once into it cools,consequently the plug tightens as its tem-
the slack -tub. perature falls.
By this means a piece of soft malleable iron is run- To Harden Iron for Polishing. —V\i\\v\\za and dis-
deted as hard as hardened steel, Some workmon solve the fullowing-mmed articles in one quart of
contend that the salt solution is of no particular im- boiling water: blue vitrol, 1 ounce; borax, 1 ounce;
portance— that just as good results will come of prussiate of potash, 1 ounce; charcoal, 1 ounce, and
packing in the animal charcoal alone. The iron box, common salt, Add
\ pint. to this 1 pallon raw lin-
though very convenient when a good deal of case- seed oil Having finished up the article ready for
hardening is to be done, is not an absolute necessity, polishing, heat it to a cherry-red, and plunge into
If the article,surrounded bv the animal charcoal is the mixture; a rapid stirring of the mixture should
incased in a ball of stiff and well. worked clay, and be going on at the time when tho plunge is made.
then exposed to the proper heat and slacking, the This preparation hardens the iron to such a de-
results will be the same as if heated in an iron gree that it takes and retains polish almost equal to
box.
Another Formula.—In earlier times, when guns the best of steel.
were more in use than either agricultural or me-
CHAPTER XX
chanical implements, and there was a gunsmith's
0>m WoajjHa n* Brm.
shop at almost every cross-road, they had a way of Porrto* Steel
case-hardening that was much more simple than
either of the foregoing, and yet quite effectual. To Kmuk? Burnt steel
Scrape of old leather, as cut from old boots or shoes,
were tightly wrapped and
to Blue
To Remove
hS
tied around the piece of Blue Calm Prom StteJ
TemperiDc KmTe BUde.
iron to be madehard, to the extent of several thick- for Tcnperiiv.
nesses. Around this was placed a layer of sand and
salt in equal proportions, to the thickness of half
an
inch. The sand and salt was dampened with water
to make it stick together. A layer of plastic clay,
an inch in thickness, was worked around the whole, OS WORKING IS 8THKU
and the ball, so made, was exposed to heat at about
the cherry-red degree, sufficiently long to consume Hand-Forging Steel— In the main this does not
the leather, when it was dropped suddenly into the differ materially from the same work in iron. Spec-
slack-tub. ial care must be exercised to have the fire clear of
StiU Another Formu/a.— Make a powder of pul- sulphur, hence charcoal is the best fuel to use. In
verized prussiate of potash, sal-ammoniac and salt- cases where the use of bituminous coal cannot be
petre in equal parts. Heat the iron to cherry-red aToided, the fire should be blowed up for Bereral
and sprinkle thoroughly on all sides with the pow- minutes before putting in the steel, to drire off the
der, then immediaUly plunge into the alack-tuh. sulphur.
;
this may be effected hy the same process as that alcohol lamp after h iving been hardened they
;
employed in welding steel to steel. None but work- should be held in the flam«j of the lamp a little back
men of thorough experience would be apt to kuc- of the point or cutting-edge, which will enable the
ceed in either case, on the old plan of proceeding the operator to note the movement of the culors. In
same as in welding iron to iron. this case his actions, so far as the colors are con-
cerned, will be governed the samo as in the other.
Bat steel may
be more easily welded than on the Small articles to be tempered alike all over may bo
old plan by the employment of certain welding com- placed upon a hit of sheet iron, after hardening, and
positions. One of them consists of half a pound of the iron held over the firo of the forge, or directly
saltpetre dissolved in half a pound of oil of vitriol, over the flame of the lamp, until the required color
and afterwards added to two gallons of soft water. has appeared, when they must he quickly plunged
Heat the pieces to a cherry-red, then plunge them into the water. On large articles the colors will be
into this composition; after which proceed to reheat often so strongly marked as to I- readily seen on
and weld in the usual way. At the welding the the surface of the metal, rough, just as it came
strokes of the hammer should he quick and light. from the hammer, but in small.articles they will bo
Another composition is made by pulverizing to- somewhat faint; hence it is best to give small arti-
gether ten parts of borax and one part of sal-ammo- cles a alight polish before exposing them to heat for
niac. Thoroughly melt the composition so made in drawing the temper Nine shades of color will pre-
an iron pot, then pour out upon some level surface sent themselves one after the other as a piece of
to cool. When cooled grind to a fine powder. Heat thoroughly-hardened steel is exposed to gradually-
the pieces of steel and sprinkle this welding powder increasing heat. They are:
over them; then return to the fire, and again heat 1. Very faint yellow, appearing at a temperature
up, and it is ready to go together under the ham of 430° Fahrenheit. If slacked at this rolor, the
mer. piece will be very hard, having a temper admira
Some smiths claim to weld steel successfully by bly suited to drills for working in hard metals or
dusting over the heated pieces a powder composed hard stone.
of clear white sand, 2 Ibe., and plaster of Paris, 1 lb. 2. Pale straw-color— 450\ Still very hard, suit-
then rrtheating and proceeding in the usual way. able for the faced of hammers and anvils.
In welding steel to iron the foregoing processes 3. Full yellow —
47i)\ Shea re and scissors.
are employed the same as if both pieces were steeL 4. Brown — *&0°. Gravers and turning tools for
Tempering.— Heat the steel to a bright cherry-red, hard metals; also percuss ion-lock gun tul>es.
and plunge it at once into cold water. It will then be 5. Brown, with purple spots— 610*. Wood- work-
as hard as tire and water could make it, and too ing tools and most of the steel parts in a gun-lock
hard for anything except hardened bearings for ma- with the exception of the springs also knives of ;
chinery, or for some kind of implements necessary all sorts for cutting wood.
c
to be extremely hard, as tools for cutting glass, and 6. Purple— 538 Butcher-knives and other flesh-
.
through to the steel the figure you wish to etch; willwear a long time.
then cover the figure so prepared with the etching To Clean Silver. — Wash with a little spirits of
solution, and let stand for a short time, depending
ammonia reduced in strength by twice its bulk of
upon the depth of cut desired. Finally rinse off pure water, then rub dry and bright with soft
with clear water, and then remove the bees-wax. leather. No kind of polishing powder will be nec-
It will be found that the solution has cut into the essary. Some workmen clean silver by wash-
first
surface of the steel wherever exposed, leaving un- ing over with diluted muriatic acid,
it then immedi-
touched all partt covered by the wax ately covering the surface with dry prepared chalk,
Very good etching can be done by applying, on then brushing off and rubbing clean with a bit of
the foregoing plan, nitric acid alone. Etching chamois skin. It acts very well, but care must be
offers a good method of cutting a man's name on his had to get the add thoroughly cleaned off else it
gun or pistol. It works on aflver or brass the same. will hare a tendency to soon tarnish the silver.
To Work Copper. —This metal is almost as malle-
OH APT IK XD-
able as silver, and works very well under the ham-
mer in a cold state. Heat adds nothing to its malle-
abilty, though, as in the case of aflver, exposure to
a low degree of heat, followed by gradual cooling,
Td Vfamk Oapam
To Wort Bk softens it somewhat when it has been rendered hard
TfeOutBut* and brittle by long hammering. It polishes very
To Br-. In*,
To CW_Btm». well, but does not long retain its polish and bnllancy
To Cast Brass. — The gunsmith may occasionally easily, takes a superior polish, has a rich dark color,
find itnecessary to cast something in brass. This he naturally, and when finished up does not incline to
can do without trouble, as brass melts quite easily. "check." So popular is it, indeed, that most of the
The mould should have vent& at or near the top to other woods worked into gun stocks are stained and
admit the free escape of air as the molten metal finished up to imitate walnut.
runs in to take its place; and it is always best, if In some portions of the country hard or sugar
possible, to arrange so that the metal will enter the maple ("swrar tree") is worked quite extensively
mould near the bottom and rise up in the fitting. by the local gunsmiths. It makes a very nice stock,
Without such an arrangement there is danger of finishing togood advantage, especially "curled
air bubbles remaining under the metal and spoiling maple," which is really beautiful Soft maple is
the casting. The metal should be heated only to a also extensively used, stained and finished to imitate
degree high enough to admit of flowing freely and either hard maple or walnut
no higher. The common dogwood makes an excellent gun-
stock, but it works badly on account of the small-
To Brass Iron. — Clean and
the iron polish ness of the tree rendering it difficult for one to get
thoroughly, being extremely careful not to touch its
the pieces sawed out in proper shape at the begin-
surface with the fingers at the finishing; then plunge
ning. Holly also makes a good stock, but presents
it into molten brass. Take out immediately; a the same objection as the dogwood. Cherry has
thin coating of brass wffl be found covering the
few superiors, but it is now becoming a very scarce
iron, which may be polished or burnished, giving
wood. Sweet gum is getting to be quite extensively
the article the appearance of solid brass.
used for cheap guns, stained to imitate either wal-
2b Clean Brass.-To half a pint of soft water add nut or cheny. It has flno grain, ami works very
one tableepoonful of oxalic acid. Wash the article well, the chief objection to it being that it is won-
with this, then cover with prepared chalk, brush dry
derfully inclined to warp.
and polish with chamois skin, as in cleaning silver.
The solution may be bottled and kept on hand foe
Wood/or Gun Stocks.—The wood fora gun stock
should combine strength and lightness, and at the
use as wanted.
sume time it U desirable that it be uusy to cut. The
To Solder Brass.— The processes in soft soldering fibres of the wood should Iks close and possess
are the same for all metals, full instructions for great cohesion and should be little liable to split.
which may be found Yx
in Chapter V iy Hard In country black-walnut is generally selected
this
soldering (see also Chapter XXXIV) is something for shot guns, and either black-walnut or hard
different, and in the case of brass it is somewhat maple for rifles, Tho grain oe the wood should be
different on account of the low degree of tempera- straight at the 3mall of the stock, which is the
ture at which the metal melts. The solder most weakest portion of the work. Between this and the
commonly used is composed of two parts of com- end of the breech it little matters how tho grain
mon brasB and one part of sine, melted together. runs. If there be curls, waves or a hard knot, let
Reduce your solder to fine bite by cutting or filing, it come about midway between the small and the
and then mix with sal-ammoniac and borax, the end of the butt As the wood at this place is simply
two latter having been pulverised together in equal "rounded " it is easy to work it into shape, as the
paits and moistened with water to form a kind of shape given to it is such that any deviation of the
paste. Carefully clean the pieces to be joined, lay fibres or grain from a straight line can be shown to
them together, place the soldering compound along the best advantage, also at this place there is less
the upper edge of the joint, which must be held demand for strength of wood than at any other
vertically, and then heat gradually over a charcoal part of the gun stock. Around tho 6mall it is very
fire until the solder is seen to run down between the necessary that the grain be straight and run in the
direction of tho shafte given and also continue
pieces. The instant the solder is seen to run re-
move the work from the fire, tap the work gently straight until post the place where the locks are set
with a small hammer to jar the solder into all inter- in. Alittle distance in front of the barrel breech
it matters but little how the grain runs, but if
stices, and, if the work be so that it can be done, the
scrape off the superfluous solder and burnt borax fibres of the wood where the barrel is let in run
remains in it, the barrel and portions of the lock and it is evident if he requires a stock to be
that come in contact with the wood, will in a short made different from the one he has in band. If the
time be covered with rust, fare cnmfw naturally to ths breech and the eye lias a
CHAPTER XTV. " fine sight " along the barrel, it isjust the pattern
Oat flow ham of gun
Qtook for him to have. If it bo too straight
Form of Gmn Blocks.
for Blaffle G«D. he will shoot over, if too much crooked be will
shoot under. In the first Instance the muzzle Is
brought too high by an effort of the face to find a
position at the breech, and in the other case it so
readily finds a place that no further effort is made,
Bsttlu In Um Locks except by practice, to raise the muzzle to the proper
ftjfllnc to Ike Trimr i
level.
the eight of the gun over and beyond the butt. Be curled or twisted grain, or has a knob that ia hard
particular that the straight-edge liee along the rib and sound, let this spot come in the center of the
and touches it at both mnzzle and breech. Thp butt, for by its width and thickness no accident is
liable to break it, and the rounded form gives oppor-
measurement from a to 6 on the butt is what is
termed the "drop," and this may be from two and tunity to show off the irregular grain to good ad-
vantage. Let the wood where the butt plate is at-
a half to four inches, according to the requirements
tached be of straight and regular grain if possible.
of the shooter The cheek of the sportsman come*
between c and d, and almost alwavs touches the The grain where the locks are let in, and also where
the barrel is let in, should be straight and run in the
stock at this place when bending his head forward
same line as the barrel.
over the atock of his gun to take the line of eight.
The plankB or rough pieces for double gun stocks
This part of the gun should command particular
should be about two and a quarter inches thick be-
attention.
Another point of considerable importance to ob- fore they are reduced. Two inches for a single gun,
serve is, that a due regard be paid to the proper fall and about one and three-quarter inches, or a little
thicker, for rifles, depending on their weight and
of equipoise or centre of gravity of the gun when
Btocked and ready for use. This centre of gravity the taste of the customer.
It is best to have a nnmher of stocks roughed out.
should fall at a point about two feet two inches, or
perhaps an inch more, from che heel of the butt. Maple for rifles and black- walnut for single and
double guns. Let them lay in a dry place to thor-
In this case the arm is easier to handle and easier to
carry. If the breech be too tight, lead may be in-
oughly season, and if they remain in this manner
serted to advantage in the butt, the butt-plate being
for several years, they are all the better for it. It
width of stock at butt, two inches ; from point of signs of decay. Often in laying the patterns, upon
the wood Ihese places can be readily avoided, and
centre of the lock tumbler to cap, eleven inches;
width of stock before the guard, one inch and three- thrown awayas the plank is cut up. Draw a straight
line where the barrels will come, and cut to this line,
eighths, and made nearly square.
but be sure to leave plenty of wood where the breech
Dimensions for Double Gun.— Tot a double gun of the barrels rest, and where the break-off is set in.
Length of stock, from butt to cap, two feet one When the Btock is roughed out, this spot will have
inch; length or depth of butt, five and a half
the appearance of a rise or swell with a sharp curve
inches, with a slightly concave surface two inches
in front, down on to the line which is just below the
in width from centre of lock-tumbler to cap, ten
;
centre of the line of the barrels for double guns, and
and one-quarter inches width of stock before guard,
;
on the centre for single guns and rifles. Except in
one inch and three-quarters, and made nearly
the case of some who may fancy the old Kentucky
square.
rifle, all guns will probably be made with half stock.
—
Laying out Gun Stocks. Several patterns each, of It would be hardly advisable to keep only a very
double and single, and rifle stocks are necessary. limited stock of full length stocks on hand. If
These patterns may be of thin wood or thick
made such are to be roughed out, pay particular atten-
straw-board. These patterns ought to be a little tion to have the grain of the wood as straight as
larger than the finished stock, and are intended possible the full length where the barrel is to be
only for a proximate measurement of the stock let in.
when to be sawed from the rough wood. Select Hour to Stock a Gun.—Stocking a gun is the roost
the wood, lay the pattern upon it, mark around with difficultportion of the gunsmith's trade. The
a pencil or crayon, and then saw oat by the lines change from iron work to the manipulation of wood
made. is so great that many workmen refuse to work at
With a plane, smooth one side of the wood so as both branches of the business. Then again, if the
to show the grain and the direction in which it runs. stock be not well done and the parts well fitted, they
This must govern the position of laying the pattern. show a greater per cent, worse than perhaps they
POOR MAN'S JAMES EOND Vol. 3 349 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
really are. The letting in of the barreland locks Measure for the Stock.— Sow measure for the
should be done with care and nicety, and no appar- drop of the stock, which is illustrated in Fig. 98.
ent openings between wood and metal should be From the line a to 6, which is a continuation of a
visible. The parte should be closely adherent to the line along the top of the barrels, may be. for instance
wood, yet easy to be removed and returned to place. about three inches. Cut the stock away on top to
Where straight lines of the wood work are required, this measurement, and fit on the butt plate. To get
aa along the line of the barrels and other places, let the length of the breech, measure from the spot
the lines be straight. Where the convex lines of the where the end of the front trigger will come, and
breech and butt occur, let the lines be graceful and this measurement extended, straight back to the
of even proportions. centre of the butt, gives the length. For a person
The First Operation.— After receiving the rough with long arms about fifteen and a half inches is
formed stock, as roughed out for seasoning, the first enough; about fourteen and a half for a person with
thing to do is to plane it to a thickness, and there ordinary length of arm, and thirteen and a half or
are two places to measure for this thickness. One thirteen and three-quarters for a person with short
is the thickness of the butt, which in double guns arms.
may be two inches, and the same width in heavy The Butt.— The depth of the butt for a doable or
•ingle guns, and a trifle tighter if it be a light gun. single may be about five and a half inches, but for a
Ice other place fur measurement is across where light single gun a little less but u;>t very much.
the locks are to be let in. Observe how the locks Letting in the Locks — The locks should now be
are to rest, against the break-off or against the bar- let in their proper places, and, while so doing, have
rels. Note this measurement and add the thickness great care that no more wood be removed than is
of the locks. This may be an inch and three-eighths necessary. See that the lock-plates have all the
to an inch and a half for single guns, and an inch support possible where they fit into the wood. Out
and five-eighths to an inch and three-quarters for out onough for full play of the mainspring and sear-
double guns, yet as the formation of the breech and berg spring carefully, do not remove wood where
style of locks differ so will these measurements vary the edges of the lock-plate come, so as to leave open
from the measurements given. When these meas- Bpaces for admission of water, dust or moisture. In
urements are made, aud the stock reduced to the letting in the locks the portions of wood to be re-
proper width, draw a lino both on the upper side of moved can be ascertained by touching the promi-
the stock as well a* the under side, exactly bet wees nent parts of the lock with oil, or holding the lock
the breech and lock measurement*,, and continue >ver a smoky lamp, so as to have soot adhere, then
this line from the end of the butt to the end of the observe where it touches, on pressing the locks into
fore-stock. Cut down to a straight line the stock place. Observe if the cup of the hammer comes
where the barrels are to be let in, and fit in the squarely on the nipple, and put in the side bolts as
break off. Take pains to fit it well, for on the fitting they are to remain.
of this in a great measure depends the life of the Letting in the Trigger- Plate.—Lei the trigger-plate
stock. the barrels be loose fitted, each recoil of
If
into the stock bo that the arm of the sear bears
the gun on firing tends to loosen the break-off from
wholly on the thick of the trigger, and not on the
the barrvij, and the joint soon becomes open and outer end. For this reason, if it engages the outer
shackling. end, on being pulled to disengage the nOBe of the
When this part snugly fitted and the strap let
is
sear from the tumbler notch, it produces a sort of
in, put in temporary screws to hold it for a season. " twisted leverage " which does not work quick and
Out out the groove for the barrels, keeping in mind strong enough to properly disengage the sear with-
all the time that the central line between the barrels
out some effort on account of this. If the arm of the
must be on the line as drawn on the centre of the sear boars only in part on the thick of the trigger,
stock. If a single gun, this line must pass directly
it works hard and stiff, and the parts soon wear each
through the axial line of the bore.
other. Observe if the arm of the sear be not too
Letting in Barrels. -When it is thought that
short, for it might happen that the trigger will slip
wood enough has been removed to admit the bar-
off at the end upon a quick pressure being applied,
rels, rub oil on them on the under side where they
leaving the parte disengaged and the hammer stand-
come in contact with the stock, put the hooks in the ing at full-cork.
break-off, and with the hand press the barrels to
—
place the oil will show on the wood, on removing
—
Letting in the Trigger. The trigger should bo so
disposed in the plate that a distance of an inch and
them, and then, with gouge or float, remove this
about three-eighths exist between the right triggei
portion and again put the barrels in place, observ-
and the front of the trigger guard, and an inch and
ing the oil marks, and reduce the wood again until
three-sixteenths or more between
the two triggers,
the barrels lie in their beds evenly and solidly, and
and a sufficient space between the rear of the loft
the joining at the break-off is in place, square and
trigger and the guard behind it to admit of free
true. The heelthe stock 6hould come in a
of
movement of the trigger. Observe if the triggers
straight line with the middle of the rib, and will
do not come too close to each other; if they do they
come bo, if observance of the lines first drawn has
been made.
may so rub upon each other that the action of one
will compel the other to follow its motion, and the
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 350 GUNSMITH *S MANUAL
result will be a descent of both hammers at the place and fasten them. They can now he finished
same time. down with even with the stock.
a file
sufficient distance from each other so chat the left enough to admit of small screws being inserted to
barrel can be fired without the projecting and innei hold them. They are more permanent than those
edge of the right or first trigger hurting the finger that are held by a wire-like extension that goes
that pulls the trigger. through the wood and is clinched a little. By using
—
Secure Fastenings. For a secure fastening of the the screws the workman can make his own es-
break -off, and, at the same time, to bind the stock cutcheons. Sheet iron, brass or German silver may
together and prevent splitting through where the be used. The slot can be cut with a punch or drift,
locks are let in, insert a screw through the tang of and finished with a thin, flat file. The handles of
the strap and have it received in the front end of the old German silver spoons make very good escutch-
trigger-plate. Have a good thread where the screw eons. If too thick, hammer out thinner. Heat
goes into the trigger-plate, and have the plate firmly them to soften so that they will not crack in ham-
drawn to its bed in the wood. Fit the guard, ob-
serving the measurements for space in front and rear In putting escutcheons to place where they are to
of the triggers. remain, heat them quite warm, smear with gum
Fitting Bolt-Loops.—To ascertain the position of shellac and. while soft and melted, press into place.
the loop where the bolt or wire goes through to hold If done expertly, a neat job will be the result.
the barrel in place, insert a fine steel needle through Bow toCast Tips on Fore-end of Stock —
Tip*
the wood until it strikes the hole, and then enlarge are cast on the fore-end of half-stocked single guns
around it to accommodate the hole and the loop. and rifles for the purpose of preventing the stock
If for a bolt, a slender tool made like a saw wUl en- from splitting, and, at the same time, give it a- fin-
large the hole in the wood, letting the tool follow in ished appearance. After the Btock is finished to
the loop and act as a guide to shape the hole. The shape and the rod fitted, put the barrel in place, and
finishing of the bole in the wood may be done with put a short piece of wood in the rod groove, the
a bolt float, shown in Fig. 24. same as the rod would be if put there. Let the
—
Hints for Finishing. In finishing up the stock piece project from the wood four or five inches. It
have the part where the cheek rests in firing made serves a double purpose, preventing the metal from
pretty full. Make it rather long than short, and flowing into the hole and making a hole to receive
the rod. *ow, wind thick, smooth paper—manilla
paper is best— around the stock and barrel where
the tip is to be cast, confining it with a cordj fa-king
care to have all tight so that no portion of the metal
have it more The length of a
Btraight than curved. will escape. See that the space between the paper and
stock, be it double or single gun, from butt to front wood is left large enough, so that the metal can be
end of stock, may be from about two feel to two dresseddown a little; little notches may be cut in
feet two inches from the centre of the ham-
;
the wood to have it hold the better.
mer-screw to front end of the stock, from ten to
Fix the gun so as to stand upright, so that the
eleven inches. metal will pour evenly. Heat the metal pretty hot
Fitting the Break-off. —
On good fitting of the and pour carefully into the paper, and pour in more
break of depends, in a great measure, the lasting than is wanted for the length of the tip, as the dross
quality of the gun. If this be not properly fitted to will float to the top and can be removed when cold
the hooks of the breech, to the breech itself, and
by sawing off a little of Iho tip. File up and finish
into the stock, the gun ia soon kicked" to pieces
'
to suit the taste.
by its own recoil. The extension of the break-off
The best metal for tips is pure block tin, as it re-
that is let into the stock toward the breech is called
jains white. If it be wished to make it a little
tang, strap or tail, and these are of two lengths,
harder, add a very little antimony, but this is hardly
called the long and the short. These lengths usually
correspond wifh the lengths of breech pins. The
necessary. Old type, when melted, make a very
good material for tips when pure tin cannot be ob-
smallest diameter of break-off is one inch, and in-
tained. Tin has the advantage of always retaining
creases by eighths of an inch up to two inches. a clear white color, which when alloyed
7b lei in Escutcheons, etc.— Do not fit in an es- with lead
rt will not do.
cutcheon until that part of the stock is finished or Chequering —To lay out the work preparatory for
marie to form. Then, after the bolt is fitted to its chequering, take a piece of card— a firm pasteboard,
place through the loop, remove the bolt, make the cut it to the shape of the spot to be chequered; mark
bole in the escutcheon so that the bolt slides easily around it with a lead pencil. If it be the small of a
through it Hold the escutcheons on the stock in gun stock, place it at the other side from that first
the place they are to occupy and put the bolt marked and mark that place. See that both places
through them. Mark around them with the sharp are marked alike. Then place the paper on, so that
point of a knife and remove them. Cut out the when it is used as a guide the tool will cut a groove
wood of a depth to correspond with the thickness of the line was drawn. Cut outlines in the
the escutcheon with a bottoming tool. Put them in »r, the paper serving as a *uide
for the
;
nish.
sponge or a rag.
To Stain a Maple Stock.— Mix an ounce and a Mahogany Statn.— It is not often that guns are
stocked in mahogany, but the gunsmith ought
half of nitric acid with about equal quantity of iron to
turnings or filings. Wait until all the gas evolved
know how to stain in imitation of th.it wood, should
occasion happen to cull for it. Put together, wator,
has evaporated, and then dip a rag in the liquid and
one half gallon; madder, four ounces; n.id rustic,
wash the portions of the stock to be colored. When
two ounces. Boil. Lay on the wood wuh a brush
thia is dry, wet with the oil and alkanet root.
while hot; and while yet damp, but not wet.- rub off
—
Another Metfiod. A stock may be oiled and then
with a woollen cloth; then, when dry, go over with
passed over a brisk flame, as that made from dry
a second coat in strftiks to imitat-- the grain of ma-
shavings, until the oil is scorched off, and then
hogany. Rub off all loose matter when dry, and
lightly rubbed down with fine sand -paper and
Arnifih.
then finished in the usual way.
Cfierry Stain.— Put two ounces of annatto in
2b Color a Maple Stock Brown.— Dissolve a few
ha.f a gallon of rain water. Boil until the annatto
grains of sulphate of manganese in water wet the
is dissolved, then add half an ounce of potash This
;
The arms to be proved are to be divided into classes, marksof the two English companies, via.: the London
and the comprises single- barrelled military
first class
and the Birmingham. The provisional proof marks
arms of smooth bore, and they are not qualified for consist of, for the London company, the letters
proof until they are fitted and complete to be set up
G. P., interlaced in a cypher surmounted by a lion
or assembled. The second class comprises double-
rampant, and for the Birmingham company the
barrelled military arms of smooth bore and rifled
letters B. P., interlaced in a cypher surmounted by
arms of every description, whether of one or more a crown. The London marks are shown in Fig. 26,
barrels, and constricted of plain or twisted Iron.
and the Birmingham in Fig. 27.
The fourth class comprises double-barrelled guns for The method of affixing the proof marks in arms
firing small phot, and these are subject to the two
of the first and third classes, the definitive proof
proofs, provisional and For provisional
definitive.
mark and view mark is impressed at the breech end
proof, if of plain metal, the barrels are to be bored
of the barrel, and, ifthe barrel be designed for s
and ground to sue, the vent hole drilled of a size not patent breech, the view mark 19 also impressed
exceeding one-sixteenth of an inch diameter, and a upon the breech. In arms of the second, fourth
vent enlarged to one-tenth disqualified it for proof.
and fifth classes, the proof mark is impressed at the
Notches in the plugs, instead of drilled vents, also
breech end of the barrel ; the definitive proof and
disqualified them. If the arms are of twisted metal,
view marks are impressed upon the barrel above the
they are to he fine bored and struck up, with proving provisional proof marks. If the barrel be made
plugs attached, and vents d ruled the same as in plain
barrels.
For definitive proof the barrels, either plain or
twisted, must be finished ready for assembling, with
break- offs and locks fitted. The top and bottom ribs
It ft*® 17.
have to be rough struck up, pipes, loops and stoppers with patent breech or with revolving cylinders or
on, and the proper breeches in. The same finished chambers, the view mark is impressed upon the
condition is required for rifles, but, in addition, the breech or upon the cylinders 01 chambers, as the
barrels rnnet be rifled. The third class comprises case may be.
single-barrelled shot guns, and for proving they are On all barrels the gauge size of the barrel is struck
to be finished ready for assembling, with breeches in; both at tho provisional and at the definitive proof.
and all barrels, with lumps for percussioning, are to These gauge marks are readily recognized, as shown
be proved through the nipple hole. The fifth in the cuts of the proof marks.
~
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 354 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
Barrels stamped with London marks are not al- sizes,there being no intermediate sizes. The 10 and
ways made in London, for some gunmakers send 12 bore are mostly in use, the 12 being in especial
their barrels to London to be proved, because guns demand. The calibre or bore of military guns dur-
so marked find a readier sale. Barrels with foreign ing the Revolution was 75 hundredths of an inch,
proof marks are exempted, except in case of being and has been reduced by successive stages until now
marked as of English manufacture. Old muzzle- it is but 45 hundredths. Down to 1856 the calibre of
loaders, if English manufacture, intended for
of the Springfield musket was 58 hundredths, in 1656
conversion into other styles of guns, must be sub it was changed to 50 hundredths or one-half inch ;
jected to both provisional and definitive proof. and again, in 1873, it was changed to the present
It is said to be a fact that the proof marks of both calibre of 45 hundredths.
companies are forged and imitated, both in England Bursting of Barrels. Bursting of barrels may re-
and Germany, and many cheap guns so stamped
in sultfrom three causes: Poor quality of iron of which
are exported to this country. A cheap gun, with the gun is made; an excess of charge or some :
the stamps mentioned, may be looked upon with obstruction in the barrel so as to form an air space
suspicion as to its really having been in the official between the charge and the obstruction. Of poor
proof-houses. quality barrels, and excess of charge it is needless to
The proof marks employed by the inspectors in make mention. The instances of bursting from
the U. S. Government armories, and placed on all obstructions forming the air space or chamber may
arms inspected by them, even if made in private be mentioned in military guns, firing the charge
armories, are V
for viewed, and P for proved, to- but neglecting to remove the wooden tompion from
gether with the initial letters of the inspector's the muzzle of the gun. In sporting guns snow may
name, and are found stamped on each barrel. On accidentally get into the muzzle or a lump of dirt
many guns of the old model arms will be found, in may "somehow" get in so as to fill the bore, and
addition to these marks, the head of an eagle. This when the gun is fired, it will probably, yes, most
is the mark that indicated that the barrels were certainly be blown off or blown open where the ob-
made at the armory at Harper's Ferry, when those struction exists the muzzle of a gun being thrust
;
works were in operation. into water for a couple of inches or more will have
Gauge of Oun Barrels.— Guns are gauged by like effect. The gas formed by burning the powder
numbers, and these numbers were originally de- finds no outlet of escape, and the whole expansive
signed to express the number of round balls to the force concentrates itself on the weakest portion
pound that would fit the bqre of the barrel. Thus a of the Iwrrel, and as a result it is forced apart. In
ten gauge, a ball of which ten made a pound, would good guns the portion toward the muzzle is the
fit the bore, etc. Ten and twelve bores are generally thinnest, and obstructions are generally at or above
used by sportsmen, especially those who use breech- this place, and it is in this proximity where most
loaders. The twelve, perhaps, is the one most em- guns are burst. If within three, four or five inches
ployed. from the muzzle, the portion so destroyed can be
The following shows the sizes of various
list sawed off, the barrels squared up and it will not al-
gauges, the values of the numbers being those ways seriously affect the shooting of the gun.
adopted by the English proof companies. The In loading a gun be careful that there be no air
diameters of bores being expressed in decimal thous- space left between the charge and the ball or shot
sands of an inch : cartridge. In double guns, frequent firing the right
Number
barrel, which is the one fired the most, the recoil
2T 3
tab will often cause the ball or shot charge in the left
m
.587
.571
the powder and the
affect the shooting.
ball or shot cartridge it will
Every one using double guns
should accustom himself to the use alternately
of both barrels, not only for safety but for good
.MS
shooting. A
barrel is often said to be a poor
.537
shooter, when its bad qualities may be wholly as-
cribed to the air space produced above the powder
by the recoil occasioned by firing the other barrel.
To Prevent Qun Barrels from Rusting. Heat the —
barrel to about the temperature of boiling water, no
higher, and then cover it with a good coating of
copal varnish. Let it stand at same- temperature
Muzzle-loaders are of almost every variety of about half an hour, then rub off the varnish while
gauge, while breech-loaders are made of a limited still hot with a soft cloth. In this process the
number of sizes. The sizes of this class of guns are varnish will enter the pores of the metal sufficiently
8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 20, and are limited to these to prevent rusting, but will not show on the surface
.
them from the effects of rust. One of the most while cutting, and care must be exercised not to lei
common things is to either grease them or wrap itget clogged with cuttings, as a tearing of the sur-
them in a greasy rag. This may answer in many face of the barrel would be the result
cases, but it is not nearly so good as to paint them
When the tool is made to be pushed through
over with a mixture of white lead and tallow in while cutting, the cutting edges of the tool is on the
equal parts, the white lead to be such as has been end. and it operates like a reamer. This cutting
ground in oil for the painter's use. In this simple end should be bevelled off so ay to follow tho bore to
mixture will be found an effectual protection and be enlarged.
as the tallow will prevent drying, it may be en-
;
Tt« N«w Meibnd and a little less in diagonal diameter than the bore
Anothei Method of the barrel. The whole rod should be a little
lilting Barrel.* Together
1
Joining Barrels Together longer, say a foot or so, than the barrel to be bored,
B'jlfiencg Barrel* Together Harden and temper the bit end. See that it is true
Why Not Bra** Bureli
Fercuwioning and perfectly straight when ground. The grinding
Floating Nipple Betl should be done by drawing
the bit across the face of
The Vent iu PercuMion Guns.
The Patent Breech the grindstone, and this will leave the aides of the bit
Form of lha Chamber or Cup- a little hollowing, and the edges quite sharp. Pack
upone side with a thin strip of soft pine until it will
just enter the breech end of the barrel. By means
CHAPTER XVI.
of a strong bit stock, or a handle affixed like an
auger, turn it around, at the same time forcing it
oy work os aux barrkus.
toward the muzzle, nntil it has cut its way through
Boring Barrels —The tool uaad for this pur-
Gun the entire length of the barrel. While the cutting
pose consists of a rod a little longer than the barrel is going on keep the interior of the barrel plentifully
to be bored, with a cutter head at one end. This supplied with good mL Now, as the bit will be a
cutter is about onn half or three-quarters of an inch very little smaller than the bore of the barrel, re-
long, and' of a diameter a little larger than the bore move it and take off tho little strip of wood and
;
kerf and pressed deeper in as the bore increases, or straightening barrels which was explained by a
near as the rod diminishes its size. By wrapping writer in a scientific paper a few years ago, which
11
the rod with fine twine where the hole is made ia termed straightening by the shade," and by this
there will be no danger of splitting the rod when the method barrels can be straightened with a greater
wedge is pushed in. The same form of wedge can degree of precision than by any other known pro-
be used in the rod first described, and at the same cess. The principle is something iike this: If we
Uina the wedge will help keep the emery cloth or examine a plane mirror for the purpose of ascertain-
paper in place. The cut, Fig. SB, shows the rod as ing whether its reflecting surface is a true plane, we
ready to receive the coating of emery. cuuse objects to be reflected from it to the eye at
Finishing Muzzles of Oun-Barrels. —To shorten a jmal) angles of incidence. If under these circum-
barrel, the general custom is to cut it off with a staccesevery part of the mirror gives an image true
three-square file, by filing a groove around it, or to nature, he pronounces it perfect for the slight-
;
else saw it off with a hack-saw ; the latter method est deviation from a true plane would cause a mani-
being preferable, as by sawing completely through fest distortion of the image. In the process of
the barrel the piece is removed with no temptation straightening barrelsby the shade, crooks in the bore
are detected upon the same The miernal
principle.
to sever it by bending, aa is often the case when cut-
surface of the barrel is a mirror, and whatever
ting off with a file.
objects are reflected to the eye from any portion of
After the piece is removed use a tool like the one
it that lies beyond a certain distance, will bo reflected
shown in Fig. 29, to square up the end. This tool under very small augles of incidence. As the in-
terior surface of the barrel Is not a piano mirror, the
reflected image" w ill not be true to nature. If the
bore be straight, the image will have a normal dis-
tortion, which is due to (he transverse or cylindrical
curvature of the mirror while if there be longi-
;
time method of straightening a gun-barrel was by flected. The second, third, fourth, etc.,
of black silk or a hair, which
means of a fine thread respectively, are images formed by
was passed through the bore of the barrel, light reflected two, three, four, times,
line was drawn tight by being stretched from etc. In order to see how these images
are formed, and to find their respective
points of location in the bore, consider
that a ray of light from each point in
V /
the end of the calibre, as shown at a,
Fig. 31, may pass to same point b, on
Fioc&m 30. the other side of the bore, and be thence
ends of a rod of wood or spring steel, the elasticity reflected to the eye, thus forming at bt
of which kept it taut, and the workman looking I an image at the end of the bore, of one
^
through turned the barrel round so as to bring the w reflection. Another ray from the same
thread of hair into coincidence successively with ev- JJ point pursue the route a, c, d e,
may t
ery portion of the inner surface. If there existed any forming an image at d cf two reflec-
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 358 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
tions. Another ray the may take
route, a, /, g, h.
This tells that there is a crook at q, and
forming an image at
e,
also tells that the bore is concave downward at that
k by three reflection*, and 90 on for the
point. It will require some experience to tell how
other imagee since in the formation of
each of these images, respectrrely, the far that point is from the eye, but when that is
angles of incidence and reflection are learned, tho fore finger placed upon this point on the
equal, it foDowB that the focus, under side of tho hairel tells where the blow must
or
point of place of the image 6, formed by be given to straighten it as it ought to be.
one re-
flection of light,at one-third of the distance
is Another Method —
Another method to ascertain if
from the eye to the further end of the bom; that a barrel be straight, is to insert a slip of card into
formed by two reflections d y is one-fifth; that by the muzzle of the gun and then look through the
three reflectionsis one-seventh, and the succeeding bore to the light. If the slip of card he properly
ones, one-ninth, one-etevenlh, etc., of the
same dis- placed the "shade " can readily be seen. The card
tance. slip need rot be more than one-quarter of an inch
in
Therefore, it will be observed that all these images width and in length to juM nt the muzzle so that it
are. located within the third part of the length of will be retailed in place. It must bo placed with
the
bore nearest to the eye. Consequently there are two- Lhe edge of the card toward the eye.
thirds of the entire length of the bore in which
none Fitting BarrtU Together.- When selecting a pair
of these images appear. It is to this
part of the bore, of gun barret, preparatory to joining them
•jnlythat the workman directs his attention, for it is for the
purpose of making a double-barreled gun, it
here only that he can cause the " shade " to appear is nec-
essary to ascertain the barrels lie of the same
if
which discloses the crooks in the bore if any exist.
longth. and have the sam«size at
When this part is straightened, he inverts the barrel breech and muzzle,
and also at points bet ween the breerh and
and works from the other end. muzzle.
Nearly all shot-gun barrets arc ground, or made
The practical application ,.f the process is made in sonm
smaller at the c«ntre of thefr length
this manner: the workman has a rest, than at other
generally potions. Any one who is not conversant
consisting of an upright strip of board with this
of convenient may be .somewhat surprisid rin placing a straight-
height with a Vent in its upper end
for conveni- edge along tho side of a barrel, a common
ence in resting the barrel in case of rotating musket
it. Uirrei. for iustance. Place the straight-edge on the
Across a window opposite, at almost any
distance, tap or bottom side, as the ru;ht and
say about ton or twelve feet, left hand sides
nailed horizontally,'
i
-
I ?
^ br8wh ^P° 9in K these to be left on the
Uarrta) place a small square on the
same surface on
pressing the end held in the hands,
until which the barrels are laid, letting
tho shade assumes a form la which the upright arm
the oi the square just touch the
twouides near the apex are equally drawn outside Hat. If the
^nare touch the flat alike from tnp to bottom,
iu toward each other as shown at thon
q. If the flab: are parallel, but if
there be an open space to
the crook be considerable the two side3 be seen, then file away the
flat to be joined until
may be drawn qiute together, cutting off the
square indicate? that both inner and
ftou»K n., a Portion of the shade of the apex as at outer flats are
r.
parallel Be particular in regard to this, as it
is
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol- 3 359 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL.
easier to correct the inner flattened surface than to be fastened at this t:me. The reason of putting in
make parallel th* outer one. this rod is twofold: it serves to keep the thimbles
If the same amount bo takeu from the breech aa straight with the barrels, so as to properly receive the
from tho muzzle, the point of divergence will uufc Iw ramrod, and at the same time tends to hold the un-
sufficient for accurate shooting. Mora must betaken der rib firmly in place.
from the breech to allow of this divergence to be Before fastening the parts with binding wire, fill
extended a greater distance. The flattening at the the space bet ween the top rib and barrels with small
muzzle does not require to be very great, yet must pieces of solder, or what is better, a small rod of
he done to some extent ; hut, as before remarked, soWer like a wire, but not large enough to interfere
this will depend upon the small noss or size of the with the rib fitting dose to the barrels.
middle portions of the barrel.
Ft is very doubtful if any two gunsmiths will agree —
Soldering Barrels Together. Now begin to care-
as to the inclination of a pair of barrels. fully heat the work, commencing at the breech, and
Perhaps
ib would be almost foolishness *.o insist on. any defi-
when sufficiently hot. don't heat too fast nor too
nite or certain inclination, so that the converging hot, apply solder, using the muriate of zinc as a
lines would come to a point. flux, to the joinings of the ribs and barrels. If the
As an instance, let the
point of divergence b* two and a half yards, it fol- solder be hammered quite thin it will be readily
lows that at forty yards the right barrel, if lire guu melted by the heat of the barrels, and will be
were rigidly held as if fixed in u vice, would throw "sucked in" until the space between the different
its charge about six inches to the left of the mark,
pieces is completely rilled. Proceed carefully in this
and the left barrel, nee versa.
way until the entire length of the barrels is gone
\&t it bo supposed (hat two barrels are tat li thirty-
over. Turn the work often in the fire, so that all
two inches in length and one-sixteenth :nch thick at portions are evenly heated. At tin- muzzle fit and
tho muzzle and three-sixteenths thick at the breech, insert a small piece to fill the interstice between the
barrel* and the top rib.
it requires the difference four-sixteenths be multi-
It is necessary that all the space between the top
plied by the times the length of the barrels are con-
rib and the barrels be completely filled with folder,
tained in the forty yards, this being forty-five, to as-
certain what distance the point of the different l.nes or rust will form there, which will prove of serious
are from each other. Jn this case it is eleven and detriment to the barrels, and in time work under the
ribs, throwing them from the barrels if even a little
one-quarter inches, or rive inches and five-eighths of
an inch from the centre or line of sight. It may be torsion or springing of tho barrels should ever take
place.
remarked that ifthe point of convergence be forty
During tho progress of soldering, seo that he I
yards it will be productive of as good results, per-
parts are kept pressed c,c*e together, and that they
haps, as any other.
do not spring away from each other by their expan-
Joining Barrels Together,— After tho barrels are sion during heating. A small iron clamp screw
fitted together so that they are parallel, touching placed at the breech and also one at the muzzle, is
each other their entire length and equally in a ver- very convenient, as by tightening the screw there is
tical line, the next thing in order is to At the top and less danger of the parts springing apait. When tho
bottom ribs. Fit the lower thimble or pipe through breech is soldered and somewhat cooled, the clamp
which the cross-bolt got* and cut the under rib to there placed can be removed. These clamps, made
fit both above and below it, as this thimble is of malleable iron, ran be obtained at the hardware
soldered direct to the barrels, not :o the rib. Mark stores.
along the Bides of the ribs with a sharp scriber, so When the work is soldered and is cool, wash it
as to leave a distinct Ihe on the barrels to indicate well with warm water, using a stiff brush to remove
their location. File blight and smooth the parts of dirt and all traces of the acid flux that may remain
the pipe and ribs whore they are to be joined to the on the work. With a chisel or scraper remove all
barrels and tin with good soft solder. Also tin the superfluous solder and brighten the work with
harreiB where they are to he joined, and where the emery cloth or paper of different grades. Begin
ribs come in contact. This is easily done by using a with the coarser and finishing with the fine or with
clear charcoal h re and heating the barrels .and tibs flourand emery.
quite slowly, t/sse niunato of ?.inc for Mux, and Why not Braze Barrels f — It was formerly the
apply the solder with a common soldering topper. practice to braze barrels together, with spelter solder,
If the copper Ik- quite henvy and well heated the at the breech or at both breech and muzzle, but good
ribs can be tinned from the heat :>i tho ccp|>er, as workmen condemn the practice, as heating the bar
there is no need <•' putting the-,-.' parts in the firo. rels to a high heat in order to melt this solder some-
If the barrels be properly heated and the solder what diminishes the strength of the metal, and as it
boater, out thin on an anvil, it may be rubbed on ib also necessary to again clean and brighten the
the barrels without the aid o: the copper. When it work after brazing, and to perfectly brighten the
melts and flows, wipe uff the surplus with a woolen flats where they lie together is not so easy a matter.
rag which has been slightly moistened with oil. In tho life of the gun, it was found to bo of no real
When the barrels and other |>arts are nicely benefit to thus braze them, as the pares woro securely
tinned, let them cool, and then fasten them in place held in place if well soldered with soft solder, and
in the manner they are to remain with binding- of late years but very few barrels have been thus
wire. Put a rod of iron through the lower thimble, brazed.
and also through the upper thimbles, if they are to Select solder of good quality, put the work well
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol, 3 360 GUNSMITH' S MANUAL
together, and the barrels will remain firmly and Perhaps a broken nipple may necessitate drilling or
rigidly in place, and will not be separated except by cutting out and the thread may be injured some-
unfair means. what, bo that it may have to be bored out and a new
Percussioning. —
The term Percuasioning is need thread made to receive a larger nipple.
to designate the operations of drilling and finishing After the hole is drilled H is cupped or a seat
the cone or nipple seat, lapping, putting in the tube formed for the shoulders of the nipple to rest upon.
ur cone (by some called nipple) and otherwise finish-
ing up the parts bearing relationship to the cone
seat
The operation, after ascertaining the locality
first
where to drill the hole for the nipple, is to drill this
hole. If a double gun the nipples must be inserted
as near the centre of the breech as possible to get This is done with the tool shown in Fig. 34. The
them and have a communication, with no un-
direct guide is need to get the proper angle of this seat, the
necessary angles, in the passage way of the flame same as in drilling. The stem at the end of the cut-
of the cap to the powder in the chamber. From ting portion of the tool, enters and Alls the hole
the bottom of the hole drilled for the nipple a f mall drilled, which insures the conect formation of the
vent, as small as can conveniently be made, must or seat. The tap is held in the guide in the same man-
ought to communicate directly to the powder cham- ner and it follows that the thread has been made at
ber. The nipple ought to be seated or screwed to the same angle that the hole was drilled.
the bottom of the hole and the vent he an unbroken JYnianino Jftppb S*nt —The filing and finishing
continuation of the opening through the nipple. of the nipple seat is one in which tastes differ or the
Let there be no chamber or reservoir between the This hint may be
price of the work may demand.
bottom end of the nipple and the bottom of the hole given, the seating tool must cut a seat largo enough
n which it is screwed. to receive the nipple and in filing keep this seal full
But to return the drilling. From the axial or
to size, taking care not to allow the file to take away
central line of the barrel, this hole rau*t bo drilled or reduce any portion of it. A study of this por-
at an angle of forty five degrees so that the nipple tion of different guns that may come under the ob-
when inserted shall stand at that angle. In the cut servation of the workman is tho best guide for form-
ing and shaping these parts. Tho first effort may
Fig. 3.1, a
represents the central tine of the barrels, b
bo to form a nipple scat from a pier© of hard wood
a line at right angles to this, and e the angle of forty-
shaped like the barrel with iU lump, utting the drill,
five degrees. M
the workman have no lathe and is
tho seating tool and even the Up, thnn fi nish up
necessitated to use a bit stock or breast drill, a piece
with filss, a* it it were iron, and insert tho nipple
of iron can be fitted to lay upon the barrels with one M of
Better to Lorrc--t a ftuiH in a sham wood than
end els v siod three or (our inches with the end turned
spoil a good ba. i-.il breech.
at an angle in a hole drilled in this end to receive the more recoil than in the other form of gun. It was
drill, which should the hole. By clamping this
fill supposed that tho hermetically closing of the breech,
upon the barrels, inserting the drill in the hole and as Uiu firing took place, was thecuusoof this, audio
having a prick mark where the hole is to be made icniedy the matter a small vent was drilled near tlie
for the nipple, it forms a reliable guide to insure the locality of the vent or tourh-hole" of the old time
correctness of the hole, and also to get any number arm. A few gun-jmiths and many users of arms
of hohvt alike To insure the hole to be tapped or cling to the vent and could "not do without It. 1 '
threaded propel 1 7 the guide can be kept in position Some claim that thn, vent is of use. as it enables air
and the hole tapped after being cupped to form the to circulate through the barrel, after the ignition of
beat. Lite chaig*. While both these theories are doubted
If a lathe be used to drill the hole, a piece of wood by Others, one thing is quite certain, it increases the
or an iron forging can be fitted to the spindle against certainty and also aids the rapid ignition of the
which the Work is held and when made of the proper charge, as the air contained among the powder and
angle and the barrel confined upou it to drill the hole, held thore in * mory or less state of proiiaurc, being
no guide is necessary, as the drill being held in the so forced and held by the wadding, retards in some
spindle and the spindle running in its bearings ope- measuie the entrance of the fire from the percus-
rates upon the same principle as the guide clamped sion cap. The vent allows this confined air to escape,
upon tha barrel*. An upright drill can be fitted and that is the only real and apparent good thai can
with a forging or casting to hold the barrels in the be accredited to it. In making these vents make
8OID0 manner. them very email, and in no instance let them exceed
The size of hole to be drilled ought to be that of a thirty -second of an inch. To jwv«it their b*ing
the smaller bized nipples, as In time frequent re-tap- closed by rust or the debris of burnt powder, drill a
pings to insert new nipples will enlarge the hole. larger hole, tap a thread in it Ann! screw in a diver
;"
The at- and shape, and then file four spiral flutes, equi dis-
loader, and no doubt has its advantages.
tant from each other, with a small round Hie, but
tempt has been made to form the interior bise of a
remember to file them "right hand." jikeanght
cartridge for breech-loaders upon the modei of the
hand screw thread. About a quarter s turn iu the
Interior of a patent breech, but thus far has not length is sufficient. The end whore the Cutting is
come into very extensive use. done must be " cut back " between each flute, so a*
Form of the Chamber or Cup.— While many forms to make a cutting edge, or lip. The flutes serve io
of the chamber or cup of the patent breech are in carry the chips away from the work, and prevent
use, tho most simple form, and the one easiest to clogging. Above the end of tho cutting portion, Uio
make, is that of an inverted elliptical cone. This reamer may be turned dawn to a sizo a little larger
form may be represented by the ah ape of iui acorn than the extension, and it will be than a very easy
if it were cut off even with the top of tin- cup. The matter to nicely cut the flutes with a round tile, as
snap.) is also one that will not weaken the breech directed.
nor affect the strength of the thread where it enters Breeching Taps. —
The usual diameters of rifle
the barrel. The tool to ehape it U easy to make. breech pins are three eighths, one-half, and five-
Turn a piece of steel the exact shape the "cap'" is to eighths of an inch ; of shot guns thrco quarters and
be and then make a cutting tool of it b> filing a seven-eighths of an inch. The thread of the rifle is
groove on two aides, exactly like a flat drill of the generally fourteen to the inch, and the shot gun
required elliptical form, but with a -bulge" or sixteen to the inch. The breech pins of military
cheek left on each side, and then file a groo\e mid- arms vary. Some are made with coarse thread and
way in this cheek from point to base, and moke it so some with fin© thread, ranging from ten to eighteen
as to form two cutting edges on each Bide of the cut threads per inch. Hiere is no arbitrary rule for
first made. Each prominent part roust be formed breeching guns, and excepting English made guns,
into cutting edges, like the cutting edges of a coni- almost every conceivable size and thread may be
cal-shaped cherry to cut out bullet moulds. The found in guns that are brought in to be repaired.
cut, of bullet cherry, Kg. 71, Chapter XXVII, In rifle and shot guns the fourteen aud sixteen
shows the way to make this tool. thread will be found to predominate. In unbreech
With this form of "cup" there is great solidity ing guns that have been made by "experts "of
of breech, and there need be but little fuar of miss- some country town, who built the arms " to order,
fire or hang Are in shooting, if the gun be properly or in overhauling guns that have been repaired at
loaded. the same kind of establishments, it will not be un-
common to And threads in the barrels that have
been cut with a blacksmith's taper tap, and tho pin
Toou fob Bbxeciiiho tapered to suit the thread bo formed. It will he
nothing uncommon to find a breech that is made to
one side of the bore, or made with a crooked thread.
If tapped with the taper tap, the thread may be
found to be ten or twelve to the inch, according as
CHAPTER XV1L
a tap to fit the breech could be found.
TOOM FOR BREECHING GUNS. Let the workman discard all such ways of breech-
ing guns. Let him procure a set of taps of the sizes
Breeching Reamers. —
The form of breeching and threads as noticed at the beginning of this arti-
reamers is shown in Fig. 35. Tho extension is sup-
posed to rill the bore of the gun, and when it does
so the tool will make a cut tliat is straight and true-
When this extension does not fill, then slip a brass
end, and gradually increased for five or. six threads, chambering barrels for breech-loaders, the
when it will be of full size. A stem or projection is utmost care should be observed to make the cham-
made at shown in the rut, Fig. which enters and
3t">, ber exactly concentric with the bore, and have it
nils the bore of the gun and go serves to insure a smooth and well finished. T>o not trust to a drill or
thread straight with the barrel. If the boro be a flat reamer; neither will a half-round or a com-
larger than the extension, slip over it a piece of mon fluted reamer answer the purpose. Take, for
brass tube or a ferrule of some kind, until it fits a instance, a bore for a thirty-eight cartridge. Fig.
little snug in the bonx If but little be wanting to
make the fit, a piece of writing paper or a bit of
card may be wrapped around it. Old-fashioned
38 sbowa the tool for chambering, and Fjg. 80 the
tool for recessing for the head of the cartridge.
The diameter of the tool for chambering is thir-
teen sixty-fourths The tool for recessing for the
head id seven-sixteenths. The body of the cutting
portion is about seven-eighths or an inch long. An
extension is formed beyond the cutting part which
must exactly fill the bore of the barrel and servos aa
a guide to insure the cutting part making the cham
Fiacits 37. ber in proper relation to the bore.
gunsmiths hire been known tu wind tow around an The neck or rccesa in front of the cutting part is
extension to makea tit. for a three-fold purpose it forms a receptacle for
;
The diameter of these extensions must be that of the chips or cuttings, which otherwise would clog
the smallest bored gun in which they will be used.
tho tool as soon as the teeth were filled, and would
The extension of the shot-gun tap may be about
pi-ohably result in a rough surface by being forced
half-inch diameter. The len>rth of the extension
between the wall of tlie chamber and the tool back
may be about an inch for rifles and an inch and a
nf the teeth it also serves to produce a better
;
quarter for shot guns, the thread about an inch in
shaped tooth, which is done with a fine cut three-
length. The whole length of rifle tape may be
about three and a half inches, for shot guns about
four inches.
BrcecTi Pin Formers, — These made of
tools are
Fiotmc S»
steol and hava holes drilled through them and
square file, and finally by the teeth being made be-
cutting teeth formed on one end us shown in Fig.
low the surface of the extension a square cut is pro-
37) In use it may bo held stationary, and the
duced with no feather edge where the chamber ter-
breech- pin turned in the hole until the teeth form
minate?.
it to sizo and remove enough in length for the screw
The cutting teeth of the chambering tool are made
to be cut on the pin. Right teeth are enough for
so as to produce a bevel at the end of the chamber,
the smaller sizes of these tools. If made with more
and by this means avoid shaving ihe nail, as would
tooth they are consequently finer and shallower and
do not operate so well, or cannot bo ground to an be the case if it passed over a sharp anglo. The re-
ceasing tool is made square on the cutting end.
edge or sharpened with an oil stone if they become
For larger bores than a forty- Tour, the tools may
duU The sizes must correspond with tho sizo of
be advantageously made a little different, as shown
the breech tape, or a little less than this Bize, aa
the dies used in cutting generally " raise n a thread
a little larger than the work. The length of these
tools may be about throe-fourths of an inch or au
inch, as may be best to make them. In use they can
be held in a lathe chuck and the pin presented to Fiqdue 40.
them while running, or the operation may be re- in Fig. 40. The shank of the tool may be made of
versed, the pin being rotated and the cutter held a cheaper grade of steel and the extension much
stationary. If to be used by hand, hold them in a smaller than the bore of the gun. At a, is shown a
vise or clamp, or make a fixture to hold the pin, thimble that
eteel turned to the proper sice and
is
using a bit-stock for turning them for cutting. has teeth cut on the end. This is tempered and is
The advantage of these tools is that the work is
done quick, tho body of the pin is of the same diam-
put on uw the extension and held by a wire or pin
passing through both thimble aud extension. At b
eter, and the shoulder where it abuts against the
is another thimble, made preferably of brass, that
barrel is true with the body; using a file for tho
fits the bore. It can then be worked in the barrel
POOR MAN S JAMES BOKD Vol.
1
3 363 GUNSMITHS MANUAL
with less fear of scratching
the barrel, as might be firmly and file away the longer side so as to match
the case if it were of steel or iron. The space left the narrow one. The clamps can he made of two
between the brass thimble and the teeth forms a re- pieces of wood placed on each side of the part to bo
cess to receive the cuttings. The diameter of a filed,holding them and the rib with wood screws, the
twelve gauge chambering tool will be about, forty rib being moved along as a portion is riled.
nine sixty-fourths, and the diameter of the cham- How to Fit a Rib to tin Octagon Barrel.—-To fit a
bering tool will be about twenty-seven thirty -sec- rib to an octagon barrel, file the portion where it
onds. The length of the cutting thimbles can be comes in corttact, square .cross so as to have all the
about one inch. The brass thimbles about three- surface possible to touc h the barrel. To fit it to a
quarters of an inch. The cutting thimbles should round barrel, tile lengthwise with a half-round file,
rest against a shoulder, as at c. These thimbles and So file that the outer edges will tit close, leaving
should be fastened, a finish turned on the shanks on the inner edges a little open, or not quite touching
which they are to remain, after the shanks are the barrel A
half-round file for fitting ribs to round
turned. The brass thimbles are held by being barrels hhoulil have the tang bent toward the flat
driven on the extension, and should be turned up side so that when the file handle is put on, it will
true after being driven in place. not interfere with filing
When making these form the cutter for the
tools,
chamber about one-hundredth of an inch larger How to Solder on a Hib. —The inner edges of the
than the bore of the cartridge to allow for easy ex-
rib must be filed bright and smooth, so must that
portion where it touches tho barrel Bear in mind
traction. The brass thimbles ought to be of tho size
that s 'dei will not adhere, unless the surface is made
of the interior of the cartridge, which is suppos.d to
bright. This being done wet a short length of the
be exactly the same as the bore. The tool for recess-
lib with soldering acid, warm it to a proper heat in
ing the head may be a trifle larger, say about a thir-
Lhe forge fire, and with a common soldering copper,
ty second, than the diameter of the cartridge head.
uiso properly heated, tin or cover the melted surface
If it be made one-sixteenth larger it will not matter.
with solder Willi the arid wet another distance, say
Eight cutting teeth are enough for these tools.
about three inches, boat and tin this, and so repeat
cnAPTtR XIX.
until the entire length of the rib has been gone over.
Oh Gnu Rna
How to Btrdghlen a Rib Be careful to have plonty of solder adhering to the
How to Fit *ltlb inner sides. Also be very caroful not to heat the rib
How io Fit a Hib to on Ocugon 0*ml
How to Bolder on * Rib so as to blue or blacken it, for when co done no
How to Rttoldci Rib* solder will adhere, and the surface so made must
HaisbtolRtt- .
the binding wires and wash with warm water to re- but exaggerated to show more clearly their char-
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol, 3 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
acter. In the Kentucky rifle this law is followed, the end of this catch engaged one of tho divisions it
except that for convenience in rifling, the grooves would firmly hold the barrel in place. When this
are made of the same width at the bottom and top, plate was turned the barrel also turned. Inside of
as shown in Fig. 42, which is, for the grooves of the this barrel was placed a rod of iron, around which
depth of which they are generally made, practically was cast some soft metal, as babbit metal or old
the same, the depth in the cut being two or three type metal, or even lead. This was done by putting
times that generally used. the rod in the barrel and then pouring in the metal
U. 8, Rifling Machines.—'The rifling machines when melted. A
handle, similar to an auger
in use by the U. S. Government at the Springfield handle was fixed transversely to one end, but in
Armory for cutting their grooved rifles may :hus be such a manner as to turn around freely on the rod.
described: The barrel is placed in a horizontal posi- As the rod was pushed back, and forth the soft metal
tion in an iron frame, and held there very firmly. followed the rifling grooves, and this caused a turn,
The grooves are made by three short steel cutters first in one direction and then in another. By the
placed within three mortices, made to receive rod being loose on the handle the hands were" held
them, near the end of a steel which is
tube in the same position.
moved through the bo™ of the barrel by slow The rod was attached to the opposite end
rifling
rotary and progressive motion. The cutters are of tho rod in the old barrel and carried a cutter let
narrow pieces of having upon one side three
steel into a narrow groove made in the extrpme end of
angular shaped teeth about one-sixteenth of an inch the rifling rod. Very often these rods were made
of wood like a 6trai^nt ramrod. evident if a
It 13
barrel bo placed in the clamps and the rifling rod
bearing a suitable cutter be entered in the bore of
the barrel and the rod thurst forward by pushing
it with the handle, that a faint spiral like cut will
be
the result. When the cutter had done its work, or
done all that it would cut, the plate was turned
one division, rotating the old barrel with the rifling
rod just that amount, the barrel to be rifled, of
course, not being turned at all. Another cutting
in height, and of the width of the groove, ground to was done like the first one, then another, and so on
a very sharp edge at the lop. It is these which pro- until the complete circle of the divisions had been
duce the rifling. The three cutters, when inserted made, and a certain number of faint rinY b made in
in the tube, form upon their inner surface a small the fixed barrel. The cutter was then removed
opening which decreases toward the inner end. Into from its slot, a slip of writing paper placed in the
this is inserted a tapered steel rod, and is so con- bottom of the slot and the cutter put in place and
trolled by a connecting cog wheel that this rod is a repetition of the same operation gone over again,
pushed, at every revolution, a little further into the and then repeated until the ruling was of the de-
tapered opening formed by the inner edges of the sired depth. Oil was supplied to the centres while
three cutters. The effect of this is to increase the going back and forth in their work.
pressure of the cutters upon the inner surface of the
barrel, and thus gradually, at. each stroke of the Gain Twist Rifling jtfocAine.-What is called
machine, deepen the cuts as produced by the rifling. a gain twist was made with a slightly different
The rod makes about twelve revolutions in a minute apparatus. What termed a "lead" was fixed
is
and it occupies about thirty minutes to riflea barrel. so as to revolve in standards, and at the same
time be capable of being thrust forward and
Old-Fashioned Rifling Machine.— But the gun- pulled back to its starting place. This lead car
maker who builds rifles to order, and perhaps then ried at one end the rifling rod. At the opposite end
but a single one at a time, uses quite a different ap- the handle for operating it, was fixed. The lead was
paratus for rifling, although the principle involved several inches in diameter and the holes in the
is the very same. Many of the old gunsmiths made standards that supported it of like diameter. One
their own rifling machines. The simplest form was make of lead had a groove cut spiralling in its sur-
a common joist, two inches thick and six inches face and exactly the same as the rifling to be made.
wide. Thy length about twico that of any barrel to In one of the standards a stud was fixed that entered
be rifled. At one end, on the narrow side, was the groove and compelled it to turn according aa the
fixed in two bearings, one at each end so as to turn groove was made. The barrel to be rifled was fixed
freely, an old rifle barrel. At the other end of the so as to turn as needed to make the different rifles
timber, in a line with the barrel was fixed two or grooves. Another make of lead had a rib made
standards in which to firmly fasten the barrel to be of a strip of hard wood that was bent around the
rifled. At the end of the old rifle barrel, and on rod and was held in place by screws. This rib was
the end nearest to the end of the timber was fixed the counterpart of the rifling and was received in a
a circular plate of iron, like a wheel which was mortice cut for ft in one of the standards, the
made with divisions on its circumference, and had management of the rifling rod being the same in all
a catch which was fastened to the wood, and when
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 367 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
Bt-rijling,—One method of re -rifling is to make be that sharp, clear click that the admirer of a good
a rod with a mortice in one end to receive a rifling lock likes to hear.
cutter or 11 saw " as some term them, and fix at the On the hanging of the swivel or stirrup depends
other end a handle like an auger handle, bat so the smoothness of play of tho mainspring. On the
fixed that the rod will turn around freely no matter placing of the hole for the soar pin depends the
how the handle may be held. This rod is inserted sweetness of the sear operating on the tumbler.
in the barrel to be re- rifled and the cutter forced On the pitching of the sear depends the outting of
through one of the rifles, which must be deep enough the notches of the tumbler, and on tho formation
to force it to follow its direction when pushed for- of the first notch depends the liability of the lock
ward and pulled back until it would cut no more, it catching at half -cock when the trigger is made to be
would be placed in another rifle and so continued easily pulled from the full cock notch. Ou the for-
until the circuit of the rifling is made. A slip of mation of tho half-cock notch depends tho safety of
paper is then put under the cutter aud a repetition carrying ilio arm at half-cock.
of the process made and continued until the rifles —
The Ji-irJc Action Lock. There are various forms
are cut as deep as desired. of gun locks, and each form has its admirers, The
If it be feared that the rifles, opposite to those back action shown in Fig. 43 admits of the arm
where the cutter is at work, will he injured by its being put together more strongly and securely than
bearing upon them, a dove-tailed groove is mads any other plan. Other advantages claimed tor it
across the rod opposite where the cutter is placed,
and in this is fitted a Blip of wood that is cut to fit
the curvature of the base of the barrel. If a bit of
half-round file or a cutter be made to be inserted in
place of the Blip of wood, the lands can be finished
at the same time that the grooves are being cut
deeper.
When barrels are so worn thai Lhe rifles have not
depth enough to hold the tool described for re-rifling,
another process must be resorted to. Hake a rod
of hard wood about six or seven inches long and so
as to elide easily through the barrel. In one end of
this fix the cutter. Around the other end cast lead
are that the mainspring can l>e made longer and
or other soft metal ho as to fill the rifles. It is evi-
will thoreforo be le^s liable to break, and by bucIi
dent if this short rod he forced through the barrel
length has a smoother working motion to the ham-
by means of a longer one, that it must turn with the
mer. As tho lock plate id almost entirely surrounded
rifling, being so forced to do by the soft metal en-
by Iho wood of the stock, there is loss liability of wet
gaging the several rifles. Tho operation of working
getting into the interior, and this may especially be
being the same as previously described.
tho case as tho hand, in carrying the gun, covers
CHAPTER XXII. some portion of tho \wk.
On Oum Loan The Bar Tjtck. This lock, Fig. 44, is so called
Quality of Locks
The Back Actloo Loch from a bar formed ixl Uiu biooch end of the barrel,
Tba Bar Lock.
6M« Action Loch. -
and to this bar the lock is fitted. The great advantage
The Vfmtey Bar Lock of this lock is that it admits of the stock to be so
TbeCrairaJ Lock
CI emine Lock* etc shaped that the grasp of the band naturally tight-
How to Tike Down Lock ens as the gun is raised to the shoulder The objec-
To Clean and Oi) the Lock
How to Put up a Lock .•• tion raised by some to this lock is that it is more
pervious to wet than the back action lock.
CHAPTER ^yTT This lock possesses the advantage of having an
on otm LOCKS.
arm of the tumbler so made that by the swivel or
able half round recess is cut in this shoulder to considerable to do. And, in most kind of guns, it
is the most complicated part, and, consequently, the
receive the ping.
The Wesley Bar.—The Wesley bar shown in fig. most part to manage.
difficult Not a few gun-own-
ers look upon it as a kind of mystery without the
46 differs from the common bar lock by being of dif-
ferent shape at the fore end, and this end does not range of ordinary comprehension, hence they carry
it to the shop, not only at the slightest indication of
fit up to the barrel like the bar lock. By the wood
"something wrong," but so often —
as it would seem to need thorough —
deaning and oiling. This is all
well enough, tor the gun as much ^
[
X ^^^J
#
as anything comes dearly within J
1
the application of tho rulo which / ^k
admonishes that "a stitch in f \
time saves nine." All of which L O rl
being the case, one of the earliest
things that the gunsmith will be
A\k J
called upon to study will be V
FlQUM 43.
How to Take Down a Lock.— 1 \
Having removed the lock from ml
almost surrounding the plate, the interior is pretty
the gun, set the hammer at full-
well protected from wet. It has the same merit of
cock. Apply the hand-vise, or Tlwym
the stock being so shaped as to tighten in the hand mainspring clamp, if ho has one, to the main-
when raised to take sight. This lock has one objec- spring, having first placed a bit of chamois skin
tion, the wood between the lock-plate and barrel has
or felt between tho jaws of the viso and tho
to be cut so thin that the recoil of the gun is very spring to prevent bruising or scratching the
apt to break and splinter it.
iralished surface of the latter. Turn up the viso
The Central Lock. -There is a grade of guns made gently until the hammer feels loose. Now press
with locks enclosed in the breech, or a continuation upon the scar-spring and let down tho hammer.
of the breech, in the same manner as common The mainspring is now entirely loose, and may be
revolvers and other pistol locks are made. A view lifted out with the vise. This ends the complication
of this lock given in Fig. 17. The principle is
is
of the lock it is now only a plain machine, with
;
much the same as the back action lock when the parts held into position by screws, which may bo
hammer is placed on one side as in the back action removed one at a time until every piece has been
lock. One side of the frame has the same office as taken from tho plate.
the lock plate, and the other side supports the
In taking down a lock the beginner should work
tumbler and other parte the same as tho bridle. The
slowly and cautiously, thinking in every case before
formation of the tumbler 16 such that no sear is
acting. His screwdriver should be pressed well-
necessary, the trigger bearing directly against it;
down in the notch of every screw to prevent dam-
age to the head, and if he apprehends the slightest
1
danger of getting ''things mixed,' he should lay
each screw and its piece in different places upon his
bench. Of course, there will be no such necessity
after a few locks have been taken down, but such a
necessity might exist at the very beginning; at least
there is no harm to grow out of taking what is
known to be the safe Bide in every case.
Tho directions given for taking down, refer to the
common lock, while locks of some of the modern
guns will be made on plana quite different. But the
the point of the trigger having the same office as principle will be the same, and hence there is no
the nose of the tumbler, a small spring keeping it to reasonable demand for going into further detaiL
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 369 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
The first object will be to get control of the consideration if one desires to be ranked among the
spring bo that it can be lifted out with ease. This cry bent and most careful of workmen; as handling
attained, and all the rest of the work is with the naked fingers is apt to leave the
parts in
such a condition as will cause them to eventually
To Chan and Oil the Lock. —Botches usually wipe rust, slightly at least.
the old oil and dirt from the parts with a rag, put
CHAPTER XXm.
on fresh oil, and then put the lock together again. °* "^T^JL0™ H *»™- w-
i? 0fJ fa2w m * TuB,bler
•
This is a poor way, for a portion of the old gummy T 1
» •
A
Tool for Fitting Hammers to Gun Locks.— The The part, C, can be made of two pieces of the
usual practice in fitting hammers to gun locks is to same thickness as the other parts. Finish them
measure with the dividers the distance from the separately, except the square hole, and then solder
centre of the tumbler, whf r« it projects beyond the or riret them together. The square hole is best fin-
lock-plate, to the centre of the tube or cone, and so ished up when the two parts are fastened together.
b, the
is same width, and embraces about one- made of a low grade i>£ steel, of caramon iron, and
fourth of a circle. The nose-piece, B, is shaped even malleable iron has been used, and case-hardened
like the top portion of a hammer, and is held to render them fit for use.
to
the body. A, by a screw, c, and to insure its mov- Forms of Nipples.— There are as many forms of
ing in a line, and being held properly in the slot, a, nipples as there are qualities, and they may be di-
;
the armory operatives), the American, freed from the cartridge and placed uncovered in
"cone" by
the gun breech.
It has been claimed by some that gunpowder can
be glazed too smooth to readily take fire, and this is
§
FlOUHE \J
S
KlGLKK 51 FlGUHB S9.
a source of miss-fixes. Also that the flame from the
detonating powder will form a mass of condensed
air around iiself preventing contact with the pow-
,
cap. The small portion that passes down the tube nipptes can be drawn to a better temper by holding
may be so impeded, if the nipple be foul or rusty, as exposing the
the top portion in a pair of pliers in
to cause the gun to hang fire, and even to miss fire. bottom part to the flame of an alcohol lamp. If
Should the mainspring be too weak, the cap will they be too enclose in a short piece of gas pipe,
soft,
come in contact with the broad surface of the nipple, the ends
pack them well with bone-dust, atop close
forcing the priming of the cap from its position, and letting them remain
of the pipe, and heat to a red,
leaving it unexploded Often the cap is made to bo for fifteen or twenty minutes and
then open the
bear the blame, when the fault is due entirely to the end of the pipe to let tho contents fall into water.
formation of the top of the nipple. They can be drawn to temper to suiL They may
American Musket Nipple.—The American
77ic also be heated hot, rolled in piussiate of potash or
musket nipple has a thin edge and a wide opening cyanide of potassium, again heated, and thrown into
at the top, so as to allow the flame to readily en- water. Ascvanide of potassium is a deadly poison,
ter, the thin edge enabling the cap to be very readily be very careful how it is used and where it is kept.
exploded, oven with the blow from a weak main Do not breathe the flames when pot on hot iron, and
spring. In this form of nipple the detonating pow do not let it come in contact with sores or raw places
der is ignited at the edge, and being forced to ente* on the hands.
the wide opening, is compelled to pass down the Remedy for Bad NippUs.—ln case guns come in
to be repaired because they will "not snap a
vent to the powder. If there be any little dirt or cap,"
obstruction, it is generally forced along with the see if a weak mainspring bo not one cause,
and a
Are, and the ignition of the powder is certain, and nipple with broad top, another. For the latter evil,
miss-fires are few. ream or counter amk it so as to have a thin cup like
When nipples are made with the small opening of edge. See also if the cup of the hammer strikes prop-
the vent at the bottom, coarse-grain gunpowder can erly on the nipple, and that it be not too
much cup-
the
be used, as it is not necessary that the grains need ped by long usage in striking. In this case,
to be admitted to the nipple. This is the case as re- cup may be filled by drilling in and inserting a bit
gards military arms fitted with nipptes. The pow- of iron or steel to fill it and then re-harden.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOKD Vol. 3 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
Pistol .VqyJej.— Pistol nipples, Colt'a fur instance, the half-inch rod gives a one-sixteenth shoulder,
hare a different thread from gun nipple*. The thread which must fit tight to the barrel If not fitted
used in Colt's revolver nipples 40 to the inch.
ia tight, the gas from the powder when the gun is
But one sise is employed— nipples art sometimes pro- fired will soon cause a leak which is difficult to
vided with & thin, round washer of copper, which is remedy. In some localities the name plug is dia
put on st the shoulder where the thread terminates. carded and the term "cylinder" adopted.
This shields that part of the seat where it is placed
from rust, and some claim that it acts as a sort of
Ov BnuKOi.
cushion to deaden the blow of the hammer, thus i I
use common lard or even tallow. If hard, melt be- upright in the vise and confine the wire by clamp-
fore using. ingit to the bolt, then wind the wire, letting it fol-
To temper the spring, remove from the oil, and low the thread of the bolt. When enough is wound,
fire un-
bold it all dripping with the oil over a clear remove and release the spring by "screwing the
It is best to dip bolt out of ft," the same as if holding a nut fast in
til the oil takes fire and
blazes off
it in the oil and blaie off
the second time the hand and turning the bolt out of it. Springs of
If there are a number of springs enclose
them in almost any coil, but not of "almost any diameter,"
a piece of gas pipe to heat them, and when hot, turn can be made in this way.
them into the oil. To temper, remove them, put In the absence of a lathe a wire winding tool may
be made by bending a rod into the form of a crank
and insert the long end through a piece of hard
wood, *6 shown in Fig. 61. This can be held in the
viae to use, or fastened by two or three screwB to
thin steal may be fastened by one or two screws at turned into shape. The other woods used are ebony,
or near the bottom of the piece of wood, and * hole redwood, snakewood, rosewood, etc. Rifle rods are
is made near the top of the winding rod to pass
generally made of sizes from three-sixteenths inch
through. A space is cut out, ae shown in the cut, to half inch diameter. Shot gun rods from one-half
to admit of the wire being removed. In winding inch to three-quarters inch in diameter. The meas-
the upper end the steel strip is held away from the urement of the shot gun rods is at the largest
wood by its spring, or by a wooden wedge, and the diameter.
wire must be held close to the wood by the hand or One way of rods for rifles is very similar
making
by a piece of wire formed as a sort of staple. To to that in which screws are made. A
hollow tool is
wind a very long spring, or a spring longer than the used with cutting lips, three are enough, and the rod
rod, a clamp may confine the wire to the rod, and is passed through this tool, the tool being turned
when the spring has been wound to its length, re- very rapidly during the cutting The operation may
move the clamp, draw back tbo winding rod, fix the be reversed and the wood being rotated while the
clamp dose to the outer end and begin to wind again tool is held in the hand and is passed along as it
without cutting the coil, push it off the end of the cuts.
rod as H is filled each lime. As all wire, like A better kind of tool is wheel about
mado like a
hard drawn brass or steel wire, will "spring open" two inches in diameter, and three -quarters of an inch
after being coiled, the rod must be mado much thick. A hole of the sice of the rod is made through
smaller than the spring to be formed. Different sised the diametrical centre, *nd one side of the circumfer-
holes may be made in the same block of wood to re- ence is cut away so that a tool part&kiDg of the
ceive different sued winding rods over. nature of the gouge and finishing chisel is so held by
Hooks or eyes on the ends of the rods can be read- a screw, that the gouge portion advances and roughs
fly made in like manner. When the rod is too large out the rod, while the chisel shaped part Showing
to admit of ready bending to form the crank to tarn it shaves the roughness and leaves the work smooth
it with, a crank of cast-iron can be riveted upon it. and nice. The hole through the tool must be of the
the mechanic wishes to make a tool of this
If »•» the rod » to be made, and the cutting tool set
kind, that will be more serviceable and at the same so as to allow the work to pass through the hole
time look like something," he can procure a cast-
1
'
easily. Oolyone size rod can be made with this tool,
ing similar to the movable head of a lathe, and put and different sues must be made for different sized
in the hole where the spindle is placed a similar rods except the cutter which must be of steel, it
;
spindle, but with the end where the wire is to be can be made of cast iron.
wound large enough to form a shoulder to keep it in To make rods by hand, the wood is split out as
place, and on the other end put a wheel eight oc ten straight as can be and then rough shaved into form
inches in diameter, with a handle to turn it with. with a drawing knife. It is then planod square with
The end where the shoulder is may be made with a a carpenter's plane and then the square corner? are
screw to fit the lathe chuck or with a hole to receive taken off, leaving the rod of octagon form. A few
the lathe tools, and they can be held there the aame strokes of the plane will then remove these corners
ae holding them in the lathe chuck. The spindles and it will be nearly round. A new file and sand-
to wind the wire may be inserted in the hole and
paper wfll finish it trie and even. After the rod has
held in place by the set screw. The tool may be been planed square, the best way to hold it for re-
fastened to the bench by a rod screwed into the base, moving the corners and make it octagon form is to
or heldby a nut under the bench. have a V groore made in a piece of hard wood of the
This tool will be found to be a very ready one with length of the rod in which to lay it. Otherwise, it
will be very difficult to bold while using the
which to work out bullet moulds. The cherry being
held the same as a rod. It can also be used to free plane.
the muzzle or breech of barrels, using the wooden Round straight rods can be finished with a tool
rods covered with emery, as described in Chapter like a moulding plane, and if this tool be of the
XVI. It is also useful for reaming boles and can proper form, and the work be turned around two or
be used for drilling in case of an emergency. As a three times during the operation, a good rod can be
tool for holding taps to Up
the thread in holes it has made very expeditiously.
no equal—the work being held in the left hand and When wood cross-grained H cannot he planed
is
the wheel turned with the right hand. very well and must be finished with a file and rasp
To hold the rod while being worked, get a piece of
OwBoc* hard wood about three -quarters of an inch thick and
Hoy lo H*fcc Ru Rodt . .
about four inches wide in one edge have a groove
How to Msh Wlptac Ro*. ;
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 3 75 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
made a quarter inch wide and three-eighths deep. the joint of bullet moulds, unless produced by the
Rest the rod in this groove, holding it at one end manufacturer, who has ample tools at his com-
with a hand vise so aa to turn it while filing, and mand, is not often well done. The want of the
reduce first with the rasp and then finish with a file. proper knowledge how "to lay out" such a joint
To finish easily with sand- paper, wrap the sand-pa per may be the excuse for ill-fitting work. Yet it is
around a piece of wood shaped hke a file, and use as easy enough, only 41 know how."
if filing. By reference to the cut, Fig. 63, the joint and one
Pieces of broken window glass may also be used side of the body of a bullet mould, it will be ob-
to advantage in reducing rods, and then finish with
fine sand paper.
How to makt a Wiping Rod.— Take any straight
rod, a ramrod for instance, but be sure that the
A wiping rod may be made of an iron rod having in the lathe, and turn one end— say an incn or so—
a slot or mortice cut through one end, and through
this a rag is drawn. It may be used in breech-load-
ing guns whero it can bo pushed in at one end and
drawn out at the other, but in a muzzle loading gun
it cannot well be withdrawn on account of the rag
and a half iuches in diameter and half an inch reamer is the hole is made perfectly round, and at
thick. Cut teeth in the sides as well as on the cir- the same time the taper of the reamer gives a bevel
cumference. Fit it in a spindle so it will revolve. to the hole that forms a Kocd, strong and effective
After the joint is drilled fit it so as to turn oa a pin cutting edge. W
ith a file cut out a portion of the tool
fixed in apiece of iron that it held at one side of the of a V shape.bevelling the edges the same as the hole
cutter. By feeding the mould up to the cutter the as shown in Fig 6T. This V may be either cut
surface or shoulder is cut where the two portions of on the end, a side of the tool, as shown, but in
the joint come in contact when opened. By taming use it is preferred to be cut on the side, as then, if
necessary, the hand can find a hold on that end to
the mould slowly around a portion of the circle is
cut, say about one-half. Kemovo the mould from the
assist it in operating. When done, temper for use.
pin, invert it, and the remainder of the circle can
For the cherry, turn a piece of *teel in the lathe to
fit a chuck. Half-inch octagon is perhapa the best
be cut; the whole 'round" and the abutting sur-
size of steel from which to make cherries of less
diameter than half -inch, and the length about six
inches. The end on which the cherry is to bo made
is roughly fashioned into a ball, leaving the end
where the centra supports it to be removed by the
lathe tool or by filing.
When fitted so that the rough blank will he held
firmly in the chuck, run the lathe at moderate speed.
PlOCU flb-
faces being produced at two cuts; a little smoothing set the so that the steel die can be held on it
T rest
up with a file being necessary to finish it. This about level with the under aide of the rotating
operation and the cutting is shown in Fig. 66. blank. On the rest lay the die, and press the open-
Hovo to Mak* a Ball Chary. —The terra cherry,"
'
' ing so as to receive the rough sphere, applying oil
as applied to Um tool used to make the mould for and not pressing too hard. Let it gradually scrape
spherical hall* or bullets, was no doubt borrowed its way through the circular aperture, the V-shaped
from the fruit of the same name—in fact the fruit opening in the side receiving the stem to which
and tool arc very similar in form and size. To any the cherry is attached In Fig. 68 is shown the fin-
one not conversant with the process of producing a ished blank after being passed through the die. If
sphere in metal it seems a very difficult operation, it be preferred the die may be held in the hands
and
bub nevertheless tb is wry simple, and only requires not supported on the T rest. Take care to supply
a little knowledge and experience to makeacherry plenty of oil to the work, as this will prevent
to fit any bore of gun. This is the rule governing scratching or tearing the cherry while being formed
the operation: K
rotating body is passed through a It iswell to make two of those holes, one at each
properly shaped circular aperture in a flat steel die end of the piece of steel, roughing the Wank with
that in held with its upper or cutting in the aamu the first, which is a little larger than the one used
plane as the axial line of the body rotating. That's to finish the cherry of the exact size. When this
all. tool get* dull grind on the upper or cutting edge, but
Now, to make application of the rule. Suppose not too much, as it will enlarge the hole, and the re-
we have a rifle of a certain bore to which is to be sult will be to make a larger cherry.
fitteda round ball. First, take a piece of steel, we these blanks into cutting tools, a copy
To form
will say about one-quarter of an inch thick, about can bo taken from the cherries as sold to Uie trade.
one inch wide and about six or eight inches long. Bear in mind to leave the grooves deep enough to
An old file of good quality, with the temper drawn receive the metal cut from the blank mould when in
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 377 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
the cherries ia some conspicuous place on the shank,
with their size in hundredths of an inch, the same
numbered, and also mark them
as cartridges are
with the number of round balls to the pound, as
was formerly in vogue among gunsmiths The
It will be observed that the cherries .13 purchased finished cherries, as purchased from dealers, are so
<Fig. 69} do not have their cutting edges terminate
numbered.
in that portion of the mould, but usually on one
Cherries, as purchased, have shanks fitted to be
side. This is done to insure a perfectly spherical used with a bit-stock, but if the gunsmith fits these
form by having; a cutting aide operating at the bot- tools to be used in a lathe chuck that has a round
tom of the hole while it is being formed. It is hole, necessitating a round shank, and also wishes
somewhat difficult to make this form of cutting to use them in a bit-stock, he can fill up the square
edge, and some patience and care must be exercised hole in the hit-stock by brazing therein a piece of
or the blank may be spoiled. iron, and then drilling a round hole to fit the tool.
Every mechanic knows how nice and rapidly a
well-made drill will cut. Suppose this form of cut- CHAPTKB XXVTIL
ting edge be applied to the bullet cherry. It is no Baonr Mazda Toooj.
Bow to Mtko Bocw Took
matter if this cherry be round or of conical form.
Kill two cutting edges like a drill on opposite sides
of the blank from the dhaiik to the end of the
cherry. It is evident that here the two rounded
portions that are left on each side of the cutting CHAPTER XXVIII.
edges to be removed that the tool is nothing more
SOEEW-MAKINO TOOLS.
Tot took used by the "old time" gunsmith for
screw making were few and simple, and are now
seldom found except in the shop of some "old vet«
FlOtTBB TO.
eran" of the trade. Twenty-five or thirty years ago
nor leas than a peculiar shaped drill or reamer that modifications of these tools were used in some of
might form an internal sphere. But as this form
could not well be applied between the sides of blank
bullet moulds, and as the full rounded sides would
nut permit of these edges cutting, then form (he
munded surfaces into similar cutting c:'igcs like thu
two first made, only not bo large, making three or
rounded or blunt edge as usually made ou this form it is then rotated by a bit stock until by the pressure
of file. By grinding thus, two acute cutting angles applied the teeth cut away the metal and so forms the
can be had from one file. If they get a little dull body of the screw. To form the head of the screw
on the sharp cutting corner, a littlo grinding will another tool, shown in Fig. 73 having a counter-
restore the edge and make it sharp again.
sunk hole made in the centre of the diameter of
—
Tempering Brdht Cherries. In tempering the the bead but a little deeper, is used. The unenlarged
cherry do nut leave it too hard, and be careful not to
temper too hard above the spherical portion Leave
the shank softer, as it will be less liable to break.
It is not necessary to shape the shank so as to ex-
actly conform to the shape of the V
opening in the
forming tool, for, as the edges of this opening have
been bevelled the same as the opening that shapes
the cherry, they will act as cutters, and will reduce
the shank to conform to the V. It is well to mark portion of th#» hole in the tool corresponding to the
,
—
Making Small Taps. The best manner of mak- ; c, the head ;
d, the bump ;
e, the comb f. \
Fraun 74
C, mainspring Dt the bridle ;
of: a, the body; 6, the nose; the arm; d
E, the tumbler Ft the sear Q,
c, t
; ;
Object* of Browning
PwpMMotj Ptocm.
the bolster; 6, mainspring-catch; c, hole for main- The PnxeM of Browning
Browning D»m«*cui Bwwls.
spring-pivot; d, hole for side-screw; e, hole for arbor Browning Be lgian Psmncui Bnrrela ,
Browning Inferior BjutbU _
Btmla Made to Resemble Twlft
I
CHAPTER XXX.
OH BB0WKIKO.
Tiara 88. Fioou Si.
to show whether the metal be free from flaws. It which is slightly heated, and is then exposed to the
does not prevent barrels from rusting, but rust will air until the required degree of browning is arrived
not attack so readily as if left in a bright condition. at. The operation of the antimony is quickened by
The browning is very certain to make all defects ap- rubbing on after a little aquafortis.
it,
pear, except those designedly hidden, and not only —
Browning Damascus Barrels. Damascus barrels
defects of materials bat the fflnaj and fln fohing of are browned by first burnishing the barrels very
the barrel, if not well done, will appear in .marks in nicely, then cover with bone oil ; pound, or drop,
certain lights. A thoroughly well-filed barrel pre- or strew wood ashes all over, then heat in a wire
sents, what may be called, a deep liquid appearance. cage tilled with charcoal, until the first dark blue is
Preparatory Process.— The process of browning obtained. After the barrels are cold, mix a small
ia simple and cheap, and at the same time serves to quantity of sulphuric acid in water, and with ahard
protect a gun, in some measure, from mat, and also brush apply to the barrel. The acid will remove the
adds to its appearance. The operation consists in color from the steel portion of the barrel, leaving
producing a very thin uniform film of rust, or ox- the iron, on account of its greater adhesion, still re-
ide, upon the iron and giving a gloss to ita surface taining its blue color. Take care to keep a good
by rubhing wax over it,or by coating it with some color and not extract too much.
kind of varnish, as shellac varnish. Browning Belgian Damascus Barrel. —The char-
Preparatory to browning, the barrel having been acteristic, bright, wavy appearance of Belgian Da-
ftled and polished bright, iB rubbed with lime to re- mascus barrels is generally "eat up," and the pro-
move all grease. Some gun makers use wet lime or cess is termed " pickling.*' The process results in
lime water and then rub in dry powdered lime. eating away the softer inetals from the hauler, used
The vent holes are to be stopped with wax or m forming the banel. The preparation used is one
wooden plugs, and both breech and muzzle are to pound of blue vitriol dissolved in a gallon of soft
be plugged with wooden rods which serve as han- water, at the boiling point, and the boiling contin-
dles to hold the barrel during the operation. The ued until the quantity is reduced about one-fourth;
object of plugging is to prevent the mixture from then let it cool, and pour out into a lead trough. Plug
finding its way into the interior of the barrel and the barrels securely at both breech and muzzle, bo
the breech and muzzle plugs also serving aa handles, that the liquid cannot get into the interior. When
prevent the hands from coming in contact with the the barrels are immersed in the solution, it will act
barrel, which would prevent the stain from "tak- upon the metal in fifteen to twenty minutes. Re-
ing," and consequently cause a spot of different move and wash with water, and if not satisfactory,
color from that on other portions of the work. The immerse again, until the operation is complete.
solution is generally applied with a sponge or cloth, Pour boiling water over them, and scratch well with
sponge being preferable, until the surface ia equally a steel brush or card, which will eventually give the
moistened, and after standing in a warm place, gen- beautiful, bright, wavy appearance. laminated
erally about twenty-four hours, it is rubbed off with steel barrels may be subjected to this same opera-
a stiff brush or a wire card. The state of the atmos- tion.
phere win have much to do with the action of the Browning inferior Barrels.— Inferior quality of
browning mixture. It can be easily ascertained Birmingham barrels are browned as follows; Dis-
when the barrels are dry enough to work, as by ap- solve as much muriate of mercury as can be taken
plying the card, if dry, the rust will fly off quickly, up in a glassfull of alcohol. Mix this solution in
but if not dry, the rust will adhere firmly and the one pint or more of water. A small quantity of
surface of the barrel will look streaky. Some mix- this mixture is poured on a little whitening and laid
tures will dry in twelve hours or even leas, but on the barrel with a sponge, rather lightly. As soon
twenty-four hours will insure their being perfectly as dry, brush oft* and lay on a fresh coating. So
dry. The process of wetting and brushing, or proceed until the barrel is dark enough, which is
"carding," is repeated until the barrel has acquired generally about two or three days. The effect is to
the desired color. When this stage is reached the make the softer portions of the metal a beautiful
barrel is freely washed with hot water, in which a brown, while the harder portions remain quite Light.
little potash may be mixed. Then wash with dean The lusting process U by washing in hot
killed
water and dry thoroughly. A
little lime water may water, after which the barrels are suddenly im-
be used as a wash to destroy any free acid that may mersed in cold water. This has the effect of height-
remain in the pores of the metal. ening the brightness of both colors.
The Processes of Browning.— A browning or rust Plain Welded Barrels made to Resemble Twist.—
may be obtained very speedily and well by enclosing Plain welded barrels are made to resemble twist
the barrels in a chamber and subjecting them to liie barrels by wetting a thread or fine cord with dilute
vapor of muriatic acid. The same end may be acid, and winding it around the barrel so as to make
ob-
tained by moistening the surface with dilute spiral lines, running all along its surface. Wherever
muri-
atic or nitric arid. There is another material some- the thread touches a slight coating of rust will be
times used, which is butter or chlorideof antimony. formed. The barrel may be treated in this way two
It is sometimes called 'bronzing or browning salt.*' or three times, and the spiral windings of the thread
POOR MAN'S BOKO Vol. 3 3S1 GUNSMITH* S MANUAL
will exhibit fine dark lines closely resembling
of nitre, three-quarter ounce; tincture of steel, three-
barrels. To wind the
thread the barrel may be put quarter ounce; black brimstone, one-quarter ounce;
between the centres of a lathe, and so turned while blue vitriol, one-half ounce; corrosive sublimate,
it winds the thread upon it, being guided by the
one-quarter ounce; nitric acid, one drachm, and
hand, or the barrel may be supported between cen-
copperas, one-quarter ounce. Mir with one and
tres or put on a rod of wood, which may be turned
one-half pints of rain water, and bottle for use.
by a crank or handle. Clean the barrel till entirely bright, rubbing it over
Barrels may be colored by exposing them to a de- with finest emery paper, then apply the solution
gree of heat sufficient to produce a blue tinge, and with a clean white cloth. Set away for twenty-four
is done to color pistol barrels, but when double gun
hours. At the end of this time a rust will have
barrels are soft-soldered together this cannot be done
formed over the barrel. Go over it with a steel
on account of danger of melting the solder. The scratch -brush, then rub of! all the rust with a
inner Burfaco of the barrel, which is also so colo red, woolen cloth. If you find the brown not dark
must be polished after the operation enough, cover again with the solution and set away
Smoke Staining. —This method of coloring barrels twenty-fourhours longer. Remove the rust exactly
ie as follows The barrels are washed with a little
:
as in the first instance, then, the color suiting, wash
sulphuric acid, to cause the metal to receive the off with a wet cloth, rub to thorough dryness, and
effects of the gas more readily; it is then washed off, finish by rubbing with linseed oil, to prevent further
and the barrels rubbed dry. A fire is built with coal rusting.
possessing as much hydrogen gas and as little sul- This application browns the barrel beautifully,
phur as Burn the coals until thev give a
possible. and in case of twist leaves the markings promi-
clear, white flams, with no black smoke. Pass the nently plain.
barrels through that flame, backward and forward, The tincture of steel issometimes not to be ob-
until the whole are covered with a black, sooty coat- tained at a small drug store, in which case the un
ing. Place them in a damp, cool cellar and let then) medicated tincture of iron may be made to answer
stand about twenty four hours, and if the placebo reasonably well
sufficiently dump, the iron pails will bo covered
|
color to be obtained is a flue purple-black color on 5. Tincture of muriate of iron, one ounce; nitric
the iron the steel inclining to a copper color.
; ether, one ounce; sulphate of copper, four scruples J
The principle of this stain is simply the hydrogen rain water, one pint.
gas contained in the coal acting on the iron, iron 6. Alcohol, one and a half ounce; tincture of steel,
being of a softer nature than the steel, which it does one and a half ounce; corrosive sublimate, one and
not affect, the flame also possessing a quantity of a half ounce; sweet spirits of nitro, ono and a half
tar. it is imperceptibly embodied by the iron during ounce; blue vitriol, one ounce; nitric acid, three-
the action of the oxide, and. when finished, by fill- quarters of an ounce. Mix and dissolve in one quart
ing up the spaces created, it becomes decidedly more of warm water. Keep in glass bottles.
impervious to damp or wet than any other stain or 1. Xitric ether, six ounces; alcohol, one ounce;
browning which is composed entirely of oxide of sulphate of copper (blue vitriol), one and a half
iron. ounce; m
una ted tincture of iron, one and a half
CHAPTER 1 11 Ml,
ounce; tincture of gum benzoin, one and a half
ounce. Dissolve the sulpha to of copper in water,
voaBxrmnjie .....
TUrtnn Rtcipci for PWa Barrak add the other ingredients, previously mined, and
than add three pints of boiling water.
rE^.^::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tint foe Iroa or BImI 8. Spirits of nitre, one pound; alcohol, one pound;
mot BhM for Iron or Bw*i. .
corrosive sublhnate, one ounce. Mix in a bottle
.
f of-
fer and keep corked ifo^r use.
9. Soft water, pno quart; dissolve in it blue vitriol,
two ounces; corrosive sublimate, one ounce; and one
CHAPTER XXXI
ounce of spirits of nitre. Put on one coating, and
RECIPES FOR BROWTTOG GTS BA8MM in about an hout a second one, then let the work
stand twelve hours. Oil and rub with cloth.
Solution for Browning Gun Barrels. Make a — 10. One ounce nitric acid; ono ounce blue vitriol;
solution by putting together in a glass vessel, spirits dissolve in four ounces rain water, and mix all
;
Barrels — I. Sweet spirit* of nitre, one-half ounce; 3. Another formula consists of shellac, one ounce;
tincture of steel, one-quarter ounce; corrosive subli- dragon's blood, one-quarter of an ounce; alcohol, one
mate, i>ne-haJf ounce; aqua fortis, sixty drops; quart. A little less dragon's blood may be used if
nitrate of silver, four grains; a email lump of chalk the color be too groat.
and one pint of rain water. Finish for Browned Barrels. There are many —
2. Tincture of sesqui-chloride of iron, one-half ways of finishing barrels after browning. Some
ounce; corrosive sublimate, one drachm; sulphate gunsmiths warm the barrels and rub them while
of copper, one-half drachm; nitric acid, one drachm quite warm with a flannel cloth and finish with a
to one and a half drachms; alcohol, six drachms; Tittle bees- wax and turpentine. Some polish with a
water, eight ounces. Dissolve the corrosive subli- steel burnisher or rub with white wax; others use a
mate in the alcohol, then add the solution to the wash of thin shellac varnish laid on carefully and
other ingredients and let the whole stand for a evenly with a camel's hair brush. Some finish off
month or six weeks, when it will be reedy for use. with a solution of two ounces of shellac and three
8. Sweet spirits of nitre, one ounce; tincture of drachma of dragon's blood dissolved in two quarts of
steel, one-half ounce; blue one-quarter ounce;
vitriol, good alcohol.
nitric acid, six drops; corrosive sublimate, fourteen To Remove Old Browning. To remove old brown- —
grains; water, one pint. When the barrels are dark ing, plug the vent and muzzle of the barrels; im-
enough, drop a few drops of muriatic acid In water merse the browned parts, for about one hour, in hot
and wash the barrel slightly to brighten the twists. lime water, or strong lye, to remove the varnish or
4. Muriatic tincture of steel, one ounce; alcohol, grease; wipe them and put them in vinegar, in a
one ounce; muriate of mercury, one-quarter ounce; wooden trough, for an hour or less, when the brown-
strong nitric acid, one-quarter ounce; hhie vitriol, ing may be wiped off with a rag.
one-eighth ounce; water, one quart. Thoroughly
mix the ingredients. Let them stand about thirty
days before using. Wet the barrels with the mix
hi
ture, applied with a sponge, about once every two How to Mike BhelUc Vvnli
.
hours. Scratch off with wire card every morning How to CoccemJ Bad Place*
urf
until the barrels aredark enough. Cloth
To Blue Qun Barrels.— A very pretty bluish color of Um Alcohol Unp.
Haw to Make Banal] Spring*.
may be imparted to gun barrels by dressing them off Bow to Make Small Drill*.
to brightness with fine emery paper, and then rub- of Um Alcohol Lup.
bing thorn over quickly with nitric acid. When the
desired color has appeared, wash them off with clean to Tin tho Copper
To Present Gua Barrel* from I
water, rub dry with a soft cloth, and then rub with Shot C hugu*.
Unseed oil to prevent any further action of the acid. How to Remove Boated Screw*, Nippiee, etc .
lie somewhat compact in the receptacle; if too thick of the lamp, aud. with a pair of pliers, bend to
when made it can bo thinned with alcohol, While the required shape. It is not always necessary to
the gum is dissolving keep it covered from dust and temper these springs, but if it be necessary to
let it stand in a warm place, as in the sun during do so, heat until red in lamp, using a blow-pipe if
the summer, or near a warm stove in tho winter. the heat be insufficient, harden in oil, and then
Too much warmth will tend to evaporate the alcohol; draw the temper to suit. The whole operation
and for this reason it ought to be somewhat sealed can be done without moving from the bench,
from the air. It may take two or three days to and much quicker, and certainly bettor, than could
thoroughly dissolve the gum for varnish, aox>rding be done at the forge.
to tho tomporaturc in which it is placed, eta How to make Small Drills.—Then, again, to make
Whun tho gum is dissolved, thin with alcohol to Bmall drills of Bteel wire, use the lamp for heating
the proper consistency for easy application with the and tempering. If a small drill bo broken, draw
brnsh. If it bo dirty, or it bo desired to have it the temper in the lamp preparatory to forming it
clear and nice, filter it through good blotting paper. anew. Drills of larger size may be hardenod in the
When not using the varnish, keep close covered to forgo fire, brightened by grinding or rubbing on a
prevent evaporation. piece of fine emery cloth, and the temper readily
How to conceal Bad Places in Wood work. If — drawn in the lamp. The same process may be
there bo cracks in a stock or a bad cut made in applied to tempering small screw taps. Small screws
stocking, as will sometimes happen where locks and can be readily blued in the same manner.
strap? are let in, apply a piece of the gum to the Advantages of the AlcoJiol Lamp. The lamp has —
place and with a warm iron melt it into the place, this advantage over the forge fire it draws the
;
so that it will be well filled; also warm tho wood in temper very evenly, and the temper color can be
close proximity to he sure of good ahesion. Let it readily seen, as tho flame of alcohol makes no
remain until cold and solid, and then finish down smoke to obscure it. Even for Bmall tempering,
the same as the stock is finished down. when once employed, no gunsmith will think of
—
Another Method. Another method of filling bad discontinuing its use.
places in wood-work is to get fin dust, as made Tits Soldering Copper.—Tho soldering copper for
with a rasp or tile, and mix this dust with thin
tine ihe use of the gunsmith should be about one and a
glue, and rub it into the interstices, letting it re- half pounds in weight. The length of the copper
main until hard and solid, and then finish same as should be about four or five inches, of octagon
the adjoining wood. Neither this nor shellac will form, with a square pyramidal shaped point. It is
adhere where there is oil, or where the surface to fixed to an iron rod about eight inches long, on the
adhere has been oiled. end of which is a wooden handle.
Emery Cloth and Emery Paper. — Emery paper is —
How to Heat the Copper. When heating the
the cheaper, but not so durable as the cloth. The
is copper for use, the best way to ascertain the proper
paper is soon worn out and is torn ki using, but the heat is to ho-d it near the face, and if a bright warm
cloth is seldom destroyed, and can be used so long glow is felt, it is hut enough for use. If heated too
as nny abrasive material remains upon it. hot the tinning will he burned off. and it will not
There are about bix grades, say Nos. 00, 0, 1, 1^, work satisfactorily. To replace the tinning, heat it
2 and 3. which may
bo selected. To use on plain warm enough to just melt the solder, and rile the
surfaces cut the sheet up in 3mall. convenient pieces, surface to be tinned bright and smooth, then place a
£otd a piece around a file and use as if using the little solder and a bit of resin on a piece of gheet-
file. In using a finer number, be careful to remove Un, aud in this rub the heated copper until the
all the marks left by using the previous number. brightened surface has received a coating of the sol-
If moistened with oil, a fine, soft-appearine, dead der, the resin acting as a flux during the operation.
finish is obtained. To use in a lathe, run the work —
How to Tin the Copper. Another method to tin
with fast speed and hold the cloth to place with the a copper is to put the solder and the resin on a brick,
POOR MAN *S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 384 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
beat the copper and rub until it receives the tin hand to repair the damage, a substitute may be
coating. The common soldering acid may be used found in a common gun nipple by filing away a por-
instead of the resin for a flux. During the opera-
tion of the cone where the cap is placed. It is
tion the point of the copper may be dipped in the
worth while to save broken nipples, as they are
acid to facilitate the tinning. It will be found that
taken from guns with this end in view for their use.
a too free use of the acid, if used as a flux, for gen-
They can be annealed or the temper drawn, and they
eral work, will soon destroy the point of the
copper. can be kept ready for drilling for the strikers and
When this is the case file off the roughness and heat cutting over to fit the gun in which they are to be
the copper quite warm, and draw it out to shape on
inserted. nipple used in military arm 8 makes
The
the anvil, the same as if working a piece of iron.
a good substitute for a broken plunger nipple, as the
When bo shaped, file smooth and re-tin as directed. thread is nearly the same as that of some pluuger
To Prevent Gun Barrels from Glimmering.^-lt nipples.
sometimes happens that gun-barrels are disposed to How Remove Rusted Screws, Broken Nipples,
to
throw off a kind of glimmer without any apparent etc. —Sometimes it so happens that a screw is so
cause, thus seriously interfering with the hunter or
rusted in a lock or other part of a gun, or a rusted
sportsman in getting a correct sight. Of course, the nipple refuses to start from its seat, and by repeated
gunsmith would remedy the evil by browning the trials the sides of the screw-head adjoining the slot
barrel, but the sportsman in the woods could not do are worn away or the squares of the nipple are
this. Had his friend, the gunsmith, known that forced off, and the removal of either screw or nipple
such a thing was going to happen he would have an almost impossibility with the hand screw driver
told him to get a green hazel-nut pod, crush it, and or nipple wrench. In such cases have a screw-
rub the juice over the barrel, which would produce driver or the nipple wrench fitted to the lathe chuck,
a beautiful Don-glimmering brown. If a green and, holding the screw or nipple in place to be thus
hazel-nut pod could not be had, a green wild plum turned out, move the dead spindlo of the lathe so
or a green wild crab-apple or a bunch of green wild that the work be firmly held in place, with do
grapes would answer the same purpose reasonably chance to "give back," then turn the lathe by mov.
well. In the absence of these an unripe black-wal- ing the fly-wheel with the hand, or hold the wheel
nut crushed and rubbed over the barrel would stop fast and turn the work, and, as there is no chance
the glimmering; and early in spring, when no kind for the tool to slip from its place, the screw and
of fruits had yet appeared, a young sprout of wild nipple is almost sure to 6e started. If so, it may be
grape-vine crushed and rubbed over the barrel readily turned from its place by hand.
would make a very good substitute. These were Converting Muskets to Sporting Quns.—Vvry
the means resorted to by the "hunters of Ken- often old muskets are brought to the gunsmith to
tucky " in the long-gouB days of backwoods life, have the rifling bored out and changed so as to pre-
when "Old Kentuck " was young. sent more of the appearance of a sporting gun. If
Repairing Shoi- Charger s.— Very often the stud properly worked over they make a gun not very
that holds the lever of a shot-charger will become bad-looking, but very serviceable, as they will stand
loose or be forced from its position. The beet a great amount of abuse and will bear large charges.
method to repair it is to remove the lever with ha For shooling hawka and keeping corn-fields clear of
spring and the cutters, put the stud back in place, depredators they are "just the thing."
wet the joint on the inside the charger with solder- After the rifling is removed, cut off the barrel to
ing acid, and, holding it with the stud downwards, 30 or 33 inches in length. Take off the bands and
put a bit of soft solder upon the joint, and hold it throw them away. Cut off tho stock where the top
over an alcohol lamp until the solder melts. If well of the lower band comes, solder a rib on under side
done it will "stay put." of the barrel and attach two thimbles to receive a
Sometimes the lever spring will not remain in wooden ramrod. Bore out the stock to receive the
place, but will slip out. To remedy the evil, take a wooden rod, using the thimbles on the rib as guides
common Berdan cartridge primer, or any other kind in so doing. Fit the rod as in sporting guns. Cast
will do. only take one that has been used or has had a tip on fore end of stock where the lowerband was,
the priming removed, put inside it a drop of solder- using the lower shoulder where the band rested for
ing acid and a bit of solder, enough to fill it wh«n the shoulder of the tip. Remove the elevating sight
melted. Hold it over the lamp until the solder by heating, if it be soldered on, and fix muzzle sight
fuses. When it has cooled, wet the charger with a by soldering on a bit of brass, or by drilling a hole
touch of the acid just where the bend of the spring
and putting in a pin and filing to shape.
comes, and there place the primer with the solder
In boring for the rod the bit may strike the for-
next the wet place. Hold it in position with a bent
ward lock-screw, and when
be the case float the
this
piece of wire or a strip of steel bent like a loop.
stock so that the rod will go above the screw.
Hold over the lamp, with the primer downward,
Dont attempt to change the shape of the stock by
until the solder is melted. Replace the spring, and removing any portion of it, otherwise than stated,
it will be found that it will remain firmly in its
for by so doing the shape and symmetry will be
place.
lost, and it will show to be 3 botch job.
Broken Plunger Nipples.— When plunger nipples To hold the barrel in place a loop for either wire
are broken or are lost from the gun, and uone are at or bolt must be attached to the barrel a little dis-
.
In place of the -wire or bolt a very good plan is to pieces held carefnlly as they were before being
put a short stud on the barrel, and from the under broken. If Lhe pieces be somewhat small and
aide of the fore end put in a screw with a large head, difficult to hold pioperly, warm them over a spirit
like a tumbler-screw. In this case it is necessary to lamp and smear the Bides to be put against the
drill a hole through the stud to let the ramrod pass blank, lightly with beeswax, and this will tend to
through. hold them better in piace and prevent their slipping.
Patent Brtech, Bursted.— As the right-hand barrel To obtain a more permanent line and one that
of double muzzle-loading guns is fired mora than will show very distinctly in all its tracings, coat the
the other, it sometimes happens that the patent surface on which the line is to be made with a film
breech of this barrel is destroyed or becomes defect- of copper. To do this take a lump of sulphate of
ive. It can be replaced by taking a piece of good copper, sometimes called blue vitriol or blue stone,
sound iron, cut down one end of it. and cut a thread wet it with water and rub over the bright surface of
the same as if making a breech-pin. After being the work. The moisture will dry in a few minutes,
fitted to the barrel cup it for powder-chamber like leaving a surface or film oP pure copper. Put the
the one removed, and cut the hook end off to length. pattern in place and describe the outline. Upon
Mako the nipple scat as given in the article on that removing the pattern the line will be found to be
ubject. File the hook so as to fit the break-off, re- clear and showing very distinctly through the cop-
move from the gun, and case-harden. A somewhat pery surface. Three or four light rubs with the
formidable-looking job to the one who never made sulphate are sufficient to produce this surface, which
one, but very easy and simple when once accom- is so very thin that it may bo easily removed when
plished. the work is done with a fine file, or by rubbing with
Broken Tumblers.— It often happens that the a bit of emery paper or emery cloth.
tumbler in a lock is broken off where the hammer
goes on, and no tumbler is at hand to replace it. A CHAPTER XXXHL
repair may be made by filing away the broken
OoapmHn 8tw* of Bhot
square and filing a groove or Blot down the round Soft Shot Pellets to Ounce
part where it went through the lock plate. Fit a Chilled Shot Ptltou io Ouoca
Ooapantfre Bam
of BaUi ,
piece of square iron or steel, of the size of the Colt'i PUtoi ffiua
broken square, or a round piece that will make the Comp«a»» 9am
of O-umpowdflr. ..
To tWcct Buck Shot.
square, to the tumbler by filing away one end to fit Wrtgfctn* BultoU, Powder, tic
sides of which are both flat (in fact the hammers of Powder is bought and sold by Avoirdupois weight,
many breech -loading rifles are made in this manner), which has 16 ounces to the pound. The table is:
be required to be made on a piece of iron or steel 16 drachms, 1 ounce;
that has been faced down, the method is to drill a 16 ounces, 1 pound.
hole for the screw or pin on which it turns, then The standard unit of weight of tho U. S., is the
fasten the pattern to the work by driving a piece of pound, Troy weight, the table of which is:
wire into the hole, and, with a sharp scriber, mark 84 grains, 1 pennyweight;
around the pattern, which is then removed and the SO pennyweights, 1 ounce;
. . .. ..
136
147
136
MM
Buck 5 136
L Buck 128
Buck 4 127
O.O 120 120
Buck 4 113
*• ft
118
oo 112 113
R 4 100
o.o.o 100
Buck 3 100
•< 2
07
0.0.0
L.O 88
o.o.o 85 85'
Balls 88 85
N P 85
Buck 1 84
" » 70
58 58
As
R8 , 65
A.P 63
Balls 44 50 48
Buck 1 50
R 1
• • a • 82
32
M 18 18
M. 16 16 16
Colt 81
£ 8
o cc Q O n
Ameri-
c Falcon
Fig. . . No. 1... * • » * * No. 1... * * * m m m
* Wild, DI'monJ Light- hold them in place with binding wire. Take a piece
FowL 1
Grain. Elcciric.
of iron, say j inch thick and 2 inches or more in
No. 4... No. ft. No. 5. . No. 4 . - X* 4 .
- l... « 9. -
11
a... p fell * t m " 1... 4
Dia- ways, and pack up the lug bo as to lie level, if
n>ond
FFFg... Graia necessary, also taking care that it is on straight.
Pure copper is excellent for all kinds of brazing,
Dupont'i Eagle Rifle powderutoc one< grain of •prrtiug powder when the color of the copper is not objectionable.
m*dc Oriental Falcon Sporting, Xo, S grala, U iho noan* to ll fa
|
Hard Soldering. -See "To Solder Brass," in
Chapter XO., which about covers the whole thing,
chapter xxxrv. varying only in the composition of the solder for
different metals. The biuss solder there described
Sort Bolderiig....
acts equally well for soldering copper, hut for silver
flood Soft Solder
Soldering Fluid.. a solder is made composed of two parts silver and
Braatng
To Brine Lu« on » one part brass.
Hard ^Meriog.
Hard Soldenx Thra
Hard Solders. — \. A hard solder that is yellow
Alloy for Adhering la Iron or Steel. and easily fusible is made of copper, ; . parts, and
zinc, 5 f parts.
2. To hard solder iron use good tough brass or
CHATTER sheet copper, with borax as a flux.
3. Pure copper, cut in thin strips, with borax as a
MISCELLANEOUS RECIPES.
flux, is excellent for brazing iron or steel.
Soft Soldering. —Soft polder, so called, is a com- Alloy for Adhering to Iron or Steel.— Melt to-
position made by molting together two parts tin
gether, tin 3 parts, zinc 7 t parts, and copper S8±
and ouo part load. If tlio gunsmith over has occa-
parts. Clean the iron or steel, file to brightness
sion to U33 it, he will need a soldering fluid, which
and cast the alloy upon it. The iron or steel should
w made by dropping clippings of zinc iuto muriatic be heated up to about the melting temperature of
acid until ebullition then adding :o Uie ..
'
the alloy.
acid its equal in bulk of pure wator, although some
other metal, and as its rate of expansion is about
mechanics do not consider the addition of water as
the same as tho iron or steel, under all circum-
necessary. up
stances, it will never come loose. It finishes
Clean thoroughly the parts to .be soldered to- nicely and presents a very neat, light yellow ap-
gether, then wot thom with the soldering fluid. Some gunsmiths use it for brazing pur-
Next place in tho joint a thin bit of the soft bolder, on account of its adhesive properties and its
and ex\ <•-' to heat., the heating agent
; be clear of a of fusion. It does not make so strong a joint
oil. The pieces should be held, pressed between the M brass or copper, and therefore would uot give so
blades of large tweezers, so that when the bolder -honeat" a job.
melta the two parts will come directly together. So Outi Oil.- A good quality of sperm oil is undoubt-
soon as the solder melts, the work must betaken edly the best oil to apply to gun work, especially
from the fire, as the soldering will be complete. A the locks. Anyanimal oil may be used as a
fine
little longer exposure would burn the solder and substitute. The oil from the fat of the woodchuck
spoil the work. or ground-hog is admired by many. Fine quality of
Good Soft Solder, -Good soft solder is composed sewing-machine oil is very good. It must not be
of equal parts of pure tin and good soft lead. The thinned or "cut" with kerosene or benzine, as this
lead from old tea chests is excellent. Plumbers* reduces its wearing quality. It must not thicken
solder is often made of lead three parts and tin one with exposure to the cold.
part. Vegetable oils are unfit for the locks of guns.
Soldering Fluid.— soldering A fluid for jewelers' Castor oil will gum up aud becomo filthy in the ex-
use is made by adding to alcohol all the chloride of treme. Olive oil or "sweet oil" has very often
zinc it will dissolve. been agitated, with common salt, nitric ether, sul-
—
Brazing. This consists in uniting iron and other phuric acid or hydrochloric acid to keep it from be
hard -melting metals with a brass solder. Put the roming rancid. Application of such oil, in addition
parts together as for soft soldering, lay the brass be- to its bad lubricating quality, will rust and spoil
tween the pieces or along the upper edge of the work where applied.
joint, if it can be held vertically, and add a goodly If desired to clarify oil, put
a bottle, say a
in
supply of pulverized borax to act as a flux. Heat quart of oil, and add about half a pound of fine lead
over a charcoal fire till the brass melts and runs shavings. In a short time the impurities will col-
down into the joint, then take from the fire and lect on the lead, when the clarified portion may be
—
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
poured Let the bottle stand in the sun for two
off. have to be the main reliance of the jrunBmith in
or three weeks during the process, and then filter judging of quality. The barrel of a first-quality
through fine white blotting-paper If some portion gun of this character is wrought iron, made eight-
be found to congeal by cold, separate the clear por- square, and finely finished. The lock is steel, well
tion from the other, reserving the un congealed for put up, and provided with double or set triggers.
use during exposure of the gun to cold weather. Tne stock is either black-walnut or maple highly
Gunsmith's Glue.— Dissolve four ounces of good polished and ou-flnisbed. The bore is given as per-
glue in sixteen ounces of strong acetic acid by ex- feet a degree of finish as iron is capable of
taking,
posure to gpntle heat. This is not exactly a liquid and the rifles an? deeply-cut and entirely regular all
glue preparation— it is only semi-liquid. It may be way through.
the The sights are made with
great
kept for any length of time desired, and. when care, some of the finest guns having an elevating
wanted for use, a slight warming up is all the prep- hind-sight to be changed for long or short range
aration necessary. The gunsmith finds it not only
say, for 500 or 50 yards. In some of the older made
very convenient, in case he should have occasion to
guns the foresights are silver, though as a general
use glue about his woodwork, but also very good. rule they are made of some kind of white metal
CHAPTER XX TV. compound not so liable to glimmer as silver. The
O* Junonre mQcamtt or Gum.
Tba Muuk Loadluf fibot Qua
tube-cylinder has a vent screw in the end of it, which
may be taken out for the purpose of working in
The Minsk Loftdiof fob
Tb« Broach Lotdtng Boot Gwi powder in case a should have been accidentia
ball
Ths Brno* Loading Rife pot down without powder, which accident, without
CHAPTER XXXV. this provision, would h* Apt to necessitate an un
ON JUDOtNQ THB QUALITY OK DITTO. bre**ching of the gun. The barrels are of different
lengiho, ranging from 96 to 40 inches, and the size
Tkt Muzzle- Loading Shot-Chm.—In thedayB when of bore is equally varied. It is usually estimated by
the gun ut this character was at Its zenith, its quality the uuniber of round bullets a pound of lead will
coulilbe approximately decided upon by a glance at cast to fit it, as 200 (smallest bore), 175, 100, and so
the manufacturer's brand which it bore, but at on down to 50, which is considered the largest bore
present that rule cannot be so safely trusted. Many in common use. The weight of the gun complete
of the houses which built for themselves a fine usually ranges at from six to twelve pounds.
reputation by the manufacture of fine guns of the A steel-barrel rifle made on the Kentucky plan
muzzle-loading order, have either ceased to exist, or may be met with occasionally, though not often.
have gone exclusively into the manufacture of The steel barrel generally adds about five dollars in
breech-loaders, consequently the old brands, though cost over that of the iron barrel finished in the same
they may still be met with, are not reliable. In way, and is supposed to be at least that much better
truth they are more often dangerous signs than on account of leas liability to wear and roughen
otherwiae, in consequence of the fact that uriscrupu in the boro.
Ions manufacturers not unfrequently apply them The muzzle-loading rifle of more modern style
surreptitiously as an agent to aid in working off differs very materially from the old Kentucky rifle
their bogus goods. It is, therefore, best to give in many respects. Mr. Barber, in his " Crack Shot,"
brands bnt little consideration in judging the quality say. of it that so many changes are constantly tak-
of new muzzle-loaders, trusting mainly on personal ing place, and opinions are so diversified, that H is
knowledge as to what a good gun should be, backed really difficult to state what is the prevailing style;
up by thorough teat in all case* where such a thing hut he is of opinion that a barrel of from thirty to
is necessary. thirty-four inches in length, with a bore from thirty,
The man capable of becoming a good gunsmith eight hnndreLhs inch to forty- four hundreths inch
will require no special rules for his government in will be found to answer beat for general purposes.
this maltar. He will know that & steel gun is pre- If for sporting purposes exclusively the
barrel ought
ferable to an iron gun, and he will be able to readily to be a little shorter, perhaps, though h* brieves
the
distinguish between steel and iron. He will also great hunters of the plaina use rifles with barrels of
know that a (run finely finished in awry particular, from thirty five to forty inches in length, and of a
is, undoubtedly, a better gun
than one put together calibre so small as to enable them to make sixty
in the rongh, and his own eyes will quickly tell round
him bollo out of one pound of lead.
as to the finish. Prompted by these considerations, But, adopting Barber, it is very difficult to-
still
the jnuanle loading shot-gun is turned over to the lay down particular rules as to what a muzzle-load-
good sense of the gunsmith for adjudgement as to ing rifle of modern style should be, as marksmen and
superior or inferior qualities, leaving him to decide gun makers are both whimsical, and each has his set
upon it, unbiased by any rules that could be given, ideas and notions concerning the matter. Some ad-
which is the most rational course to pursue, since, vocate a long barrel, while others maintain that any-
under existing cirumstances it would be impossible thing beyond thirty-three inches militates against
to make rules that would be entirely reliable. good shooting.
The MuxsU-loading RtjU.—ln the case of the old- There are many prominent establishments en-
fashioned Kentucky rifle, still on the market in gaged in the manufa cture of modern muzzle-loading
limited numbers, eyesight and test, if necessary, will rifles, some of them carrying splendid reputations,
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 389 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
hence in this case a good deal of reliance can be to which it was to be applied.
placed upon brands. For instance, should a rifle be TfieBreech loading Skid Chut. Gloan tells us —
seen marked to Wesson, it is a guarantee of a good that, in judging the quality of ;i bn -ecu-loader,
gun, for the reputation of the manufacturer is worth there are other things to be taken into consideration
too much to admit of risking its tarnish by putting l«si(ie> the mere shooting of the gun. First among
upon the market goods bearing his brand that are these is its safety relative to tho person using it.
not fully up to all that is claimed for there There is more machinery and complication about it
And now that reference has been made incidentally than there is about the muzzle-loader, and to that
to Wesson, a description may as well be made of extent, if not made upon sound piinciples, and per-
some of the peculiarities of his muzzle-loading rifle fectly well made, it is more dangerous, to say noth-
as presenting a fair sample of a first-class gun of this ing of being less durable.
order. And Hub under the beat of authority,
to do But the principle must be a prime consideration,
reference iB made to Mr. Chapman's book on the for, if a gun, no matter how well made, is con-
Rifle, which is generally accepted as a standard btructed with a working movement which presents
work. great strain and great friction, it must speedily wear
Referring to the Wesson muzzle loading rifle, Mr. out. Even the best breech-loader, with the soundest
Chapman says that the barrel is made of cast steel, known action, must wear out sooucr than would an
not highly carbonized, but thoroughly annealed in arm of less complication, because some peculiar
an air-tight oven. The length of the barrel is two strain and friction cannot possibly be avoided; hence
feet eight inches when the loading muzzle is off. the great importance of passing judgment entirely
Outside, the barrel tapers a little from breech to favorable upon only the l>est.
muzzle, the difference in diameter being one fourth The first thing to decide upon, then, is the princi-
of an inch. The barrel is not furnished with a rib, ple upon which the gun works. No special rules
except it be that the short tube at the breech can be can be given to govern in the formation of this deci-
called a rib, the peculiarity of stocking doing away sion other than that simplicity is always worthy of
with the necessity for a regular rib. The gun has a —
favorable consideration the greater the simplicity
patent breech, which is made of iron case-hardened. the better, provided it works to the full accomplish-
It is joined to the break-orT by the old-fashioned ment of ail the ends desired. Next to simplicity
hook, with the addition of a half-lap joint, secured may be ranked durability, and next to this may
by a square headed screw. Such a mode of fasten- come good shooting and safety. These last two
in
ing the barrel destroys the necessity for wood for- considerations are put as third and fourth, when
ward of the breech, and gives a peculiarly elegant many persons would bo inclined to rank them as
and striking appearance to the arm. The loading- second and first. Why this is done is because many
muzzle is put on by means of four steel wire pins of the most common guns are safe enough, so far
about one-eighth of an inch in diameter and three- as that is concerned, while not a few of them shoot
eighths long, and the holes for these pins are located very well for a while.
as near the outside as possible. Some most excellent shooting has been done with
The grooves of this are cut with a twist,
rifle extremely common guns, working upon a principle
which turns the bullet once in three feet six inches. so complicated and ho imperfect as to render it im-
There are six grooves, and the spaces between them possible for them to remain in order beyond a com-
are left entirely square to the interior surface, pre- paratively short length of time.
senting a kind of dove- tail appearance. The grooves The English manufacturers, of good reputation,
are not quite so wide as the spaces between them. take great paina with their breech-loading shot-
The breech is furnished with a vent or breathing guns; hence, until within a very few years, English
hippie, about the diameter of a common pin, and guns were considered entirely superior to those of
bushed with platinum. The lock has back-action, American make, but now it is acknowledged, even
by the English people, that in America we put up,
furnished with a single set. The stock is of black
at least, some guns that have no superiors. This
walnut, made as straight as possible. It is fur-
last named fact has somewhat destroyed the weight
nished with a patch box. and also ;i small box to
of English brands with persons who are looking for
contain a wiper, which can be attached to the end
a gun of the very liost quality. But the advance
of the ramrod. A
globe sight is fixed into the stock,
on the part of American gun makers is not the only
just behind the break-off, while a bead sight holds
The thing that has worked against tho reputation of
position at the muzzle -end of the barrel.
English guns for being eminently the best. The
weight of the gun complete is ten pounds.
gun-making business of Belgium has seriously in-
Of course it will bo clearly understood that this
jured the general good name of English guns, just
description isnot offered as of the best muzzle-
as the watchmaking business of Switzerland has
loading rifle made, but simply because it happened
injured the good name of English watches. For
to be convenient to make. Tliere are, doubtless,
instance, Liege, in Belgium, is almost literally a city
other guns equally a* good, and a preference of one
ofgun make ff. It is estimated that there are now
over the other, in all probability, would have to be
Ixim of circumstances, as something peculiar in the
more small fire-arms made in Liege than iu all the
rest of the world put together, though Leige gets
tastes or requirements of the person by whom the
credit for comparatively few of them. The differ-
gun was to be used, or in the particular line of use
POOR MAN'S JAMES BONO Vol. 3 39C GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
ent parts are manufactured there, and shipped to is let down, exerting its greatest power immediately
other countries as gun makers materials, where they on reaching the nipple or firing-pin But this in-
are put t i-geth^r and branded with the name of a crease and decrease of power should be extremely
maker who really playud no part whatever in the gradual, and not great. Throughout the movement
making. In Liegu each inantacturing house is de- there should be a steadiness and freeness, or, as
vi. ted to the manufacture of but a single j>art,
(Hoan says, an oitinesa, which when once realized,
knowing nothing whatever of the other parts man- can never afterwards be mistaken. And when by a
ufactured at other establishments. As a result the regular pressure upon the trigger the hammer is ex-
gun made of Liege materials is & imply a patchwork, pertly raised and lowered in rapid succession, the
and hence could not possibly be so reliable as a gun locks should emit a clear ringing sound at the whole
whose every part is made in the same establishment, and half-cock with the resonance and regularity of
and under the eye of the same general superintend- beats in musk. When once beard, this, too, can
ent. England has gone largely into the putting up never afterwards be mistaken. The locks which
of these patchwork guns, simply for the reason perform to perfection under the tests mentioned
that she can buy the Lietce materials much are technically said to 'Speak well."
cheaper than she can make them at home. This Turning from the lock to the lever, the latter
cheapness is doe to the inferior materials used by should close with such ease as not to require any
the Liege manufacturers, and to the extremely low particular exertion of the wrist, and when closed it
rate of wages in Belgium. It is asserted, upon should hold with such a degree of firmness as to
good authority, that the English "manufacturer" place safety, while discharging Lhe gun, entirely be-
cau get his finished materials from liege, paying yond question. The wedges of the action should
regular Government duty, and put together what be fully and squarely set in the lump.
v. nild appoar be a fair quality of double-barrel
to If a pin gun the pin should tit in the hole with
breech-loading shot-guu, at the cost of about seven nicety. If too tight, the barrels might not close, or
dollars. And he does it, giving the gun to the mar- the pin might be held back to such an extent that
ket under his own brand, or surreptitiously under the cap would not he exploded. If too loose an un-
that of some other house known to be more reliable necessary escape of gas at the discharge would be
than bis own. As a consequence, English reputa- unavoidable, to the discomfort of the gunner and
tion is sadly injured as regards the business of the weakening of the shot.
making the best guns, and gunsmiths can no longer If a central fire the plungers should strike the
trust to English brands aa a sure guarantee of centre of the cap unvaringly. The hammer should
first class quality. Of course there are some Eng- come upon the plunger with a blow— not a inero
lish manufacturers whom it will always do to trust, push.
provided one knows to a certainty that the gun is The countersink of the chambers, and the length
really genuine. and breadth of the action bed, should be closely ob-
If that patchwork game played in this country
is served. The countersink should be cut clean and
at all it is on a small scale as yet, and is confined to deep enough to take the rim of the cartridge with-
the cheapest gunfl. A gun from any of our promi- out leaving the slightest projection— else the gun
nent houses is quite sure to be as represented,, and. will not shut perfectly. But if, on the contrary, the
until the gunsmith becomes so familiar with all the countersink be too deep the cartridge comae back on
requirements of a good gun, the maker's price may the breech before the charge makes its exit, which
be taken as a pretty safe rule by which to judge of increases the recoil and renders accuracy less oer-
quality. Each manufacturing house is apt to have
Its guns graded, and priced accordingly—the higher The central fire strikers should not be too short, an
the price asked tho better the gun in every case, for imperfection which might cause the discharge of
it is as much the desire of the prominent manufac- the gun while closing it On the other band, they
turer to make a good name as it is to make a good
should not be too long, as that wonld interfere with
gun. the free motion of the gun. In the case of a pin gun
Of course can only be considered entirely
this rule the pin should invariably stand in exact line with
safe in case where the scale of prices has been ob- the hammer, otherwise the blow would be apt to
tained directly from headquarters. Passing through bend it. and the chances for exploding the cap would
half a dozen or so of middle houses might work be less certain.
important changes from the original price list There should be no crevices between the wood and
Where none of these rata can be brought to bear iron. If any such crevice exists between the stock
it is but natural that the inexperienced gunsmith and the false breech it is likely that the wood was
should turn to hia llAKUaL for aid in forming judg- green when put up, which would settle it that the
ment upon the quality of the gun. A few general gun was not the work of a responsible maker, for
ideas may not be out of place. no such person would work imperfectly-seasoned
All the movements of the action should be smooth, wood.
and all the joints should fit to perfection. The locks The extractor of the central fire should never be
should have due consideration. When the hammer permitted to escape the closest scrutiny. It should
is drawn back it should come with less and tab re- work without the slightest hitch, and its arms
sistance aa it rises, and vise versa when the hammer should enclose about one -half of the cartridge rim
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 39: CTJKSKITH'S MANUAL
The countersink should fit the rim precisely, in order When a man buys a good rifle he does it in the ex-
that there may be no slipping. pectation of becoming the owner of a gun qualified
The Breech- Loading Rifle. —Most of the rules sug- to shoot well, and, no matter how perfect it might
gested as aids in forming judgment upon the qual- be in all ether respects, the slightest deficiency in
ity of the breech-loading shot gun, can be trusted as this particular would be sure to rouse a high degree
bearing with equal force in case of the breech-load- of uncompromising dissatisfaction.
ing rifle. The makers of breech-loading rifles in the
United States have won for themselves a noble rep- CHAPTER XXXVL
utation throughout the world; and, to be perfectly Or Dma to Rxru
Tfc* OW Kentucky Rifle
plain, there are very few unreliable manufacturers General Direction*
As a consequence, Off-H*nd 6noc*inC
to be met with among them.
there not much risk to run in passing judgment
is
upon a breech-loading rifle of American make. The CHAPTER XXXVI.
first thing to decide upon is the principle, if there
ON USING THE RIFLE.
is a preference in this direction. Such decision
brings up the gun of some particular maker, after The Old Kentucky RifU. —The old backwoods
which the road is easy enough —the price set upon hunters who used long Kentucky rifle, had
the
the grade of gun by the maker, may always be ac- really hut a very imperfect idea of its capabilities.
cepted as a clear indication of its quality. The gun was provided with a hind and a fore sight,
In referring thus to American rifles the idea is not the latter a "bead " located near the muzzle and ris-
advanced that good guns aro not made in other coun- ing but little above the common level of the surface
tries —
such a position would be going wide of the of the barrel, and the former a small vertical plate
truth. are some gunmakers in England
There set in the barrel a short distance inadvance of the
who turn out th« finest nflen that the world has yet lock, and containing in the centre of its upper edge
seen, and the most costly. They are models of per- a fine slit through which to look at the "bead * in
fection in every particular, but when the beat shoot- the act of taking aim. The hind-sight Btood fur-
ing is ascertained it ia discovered that they have not ther above the barrel than the fore-sight, but why it
proven themselves superior in that respect, to the so stood was something about which the owner sel-
more substantia] (generally speaking], but less finely dom concerned himself. Of course the gunsmith
finished and less expensive gunB of the American knew it was for the purpose of setting the " aim"
makers. It is thia matter of a really good rifle at below the starting line of the bullet, in order that
comparatively low figures that has given the Ameri- tho natural curve in ita flight might bo accommo-
can product such an enviable reputation throughout dated, but this was usually a secret of the gun-
the world. smiths which nobody caied to possess The sight
Then there another reason for favorable men-
ia was immovable, could neither be raised nor low-
tion of American rifles in casee where the quality of ered, consequently the gun could not be adapted to
the gun ie to be judged there are fewer chances for circumstances of long or shoit range. The eleva-
meeting with counterfeits on American guns than tion cf tho sight usually crossed The line of vision
there are on guns of foreign make. Here the gun- and that of the flight of the bullet at about one
maker is so deeply concerned in his own good name hundred yards distance, hence tho shooting at
that it would be very unsafe to attempt running a shorter range was apt to bo a little too high and too
" bogus " upon him— he would trace it to the " last low at longer range. At two hundred yaids it was
ditch." Not so in case of the English maker - merely accidental, though the bullet struck with a
having no direct interests thrown all over this coun- degree of force apparently unabatnd at thatdistance.
try like a network, as have the American makers, If tho hunter killed his^anic ft two hundred yards,
he would, in all probability, never hear of the bogus he did by aiming a few (eel Loo high for a "sight"
it
gun branded to him and sold on his good reputation at one hundred yards, consequently he never shot
for many times more than it was really worth. at lliat distance jo long as there was a prospect of
In case where there are no means of getting at the being able to creep nearer. And yet, with the right
quality of a rifle from the grade affixed and te?ts kind of elevated sight tho gun would have been
mad o by a responsible manufacturer, the gunsmith equally ad effectual ut two hundred yards as at one
wilt of course he forced to fall back upon his own hundred ; in truth it would have been good for four
resources. What these are we need not state. The and perhaps six hundred yards, but the old hunter
gun must be subjected to a most critical examina- had not so much as a dream of any such thing, but
tion in every part, in obedience to rules laid down went creeping about through the woods endeavoring
for examining breech-loading shot guns, after which to steal upon his game, unconsciously carrying upon
its shooting qualities must be thoroughly tested. To his shoulder an instrument that with so simple a
no botch at the business can be trusted the shooting contrivance as an elevated sight of proper grade
test, if it be wished to decidu whether or not a cer- might have brought it dowu almost as far as the
tain rifle can berecommended as being of first-class eye could have seen it. And the game well knew
quality — the work must be performed at the hands the limited capacity of his gun, particularly tho
of an expert, and it must be> continued until is se- deer, which would frisk off to the distance of about
cured unmistakable proof as to how the gun shoots. three hundred yards and there stop, turn around,
POOR MAN'S JAKES BOND Vol. 3 392 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
stamp and " whistle " at him in apparent
their feet linen with sperm oil such as is used for sewing ma-
derision. Ah that he had understood the real chines, and cutting out with a
! "patch-cutter,"
capabilities of his gun, and had suddenly invented always to be had with a new gun. Place this
patch
and applied an elevated or long-range sight made over the muzzle, oiled side downward, and then
set
after some oF the approved modern plans, how he the bullet perfectly straight and true in the muzzle,
would have astonished them and with the starter" press it downward two
!
or
In those days of pioneer life in the States now no t hree inches, using the ramrod
. , to force it home.
Avoid the common error of " ramming" home the
longer on the frontier, " match shooting " (it was
bullet, for two reasons: firstly, because
not called target shooting, then) was always con- the bullet
fined to a certain distance, sixty yards off-band or being jammed on the powder meals and grinds it,
one hundred yards with a rest. The marksman was thereby depriving it of a portion of its strength, and,
permitted to take his own choice of modes. 11 Shoot- secondly, because injury la done to the face of the
ing matches" were very common in those earlier ball, which works against
taking a perfectly true
its
and accurate night. The old plan of making the ram-
times, usually for beef. A
fat or was put up to be
shot for at so much per shot, something on the plan rod rebound to prove that the ball was home, as men-
tioned in another chapter, was wrong. Nothing
of the modern raffle. When the amount asked
for the animal had been made up, the shooting more than a moderate pressure is necessary, and if
commenced. The boat Bhot took first choice, which you are not willing to trust to this a mark on your
was one of the bind quarters of the ox, the second ramrod, to come exactly to the muzzle when
the
ball is entirely down, will always tell the
best took second choice, which was the other hind tale. Now
quarter the third best took third choice, which was place a cap on the tube or nipple, which is,
, doubt-
leas, full of powder, and the « shootist" is ready
one of the fore quarters, and so on to the fifth for
choice, which consisted of the hide and tallow. operations.
Happy occasions, indeed, were those old *' shooting There are two modes of shooting with a rifle: off-
hand, and with a rest, aa has already been inti-
matches," and splendid, indeed, was some of the
mated. Choose the mode that suitg best, and begin
shooting. A regular attendance upon numerous practice.
target matches of more modern times, with all the
Off hand Shooting,- Barber says the position
modern appliances, in the hands of marksmen with
which should be chosen for off-hand shooting is one
national reputations, has never shown as better
that admits of a good deal of discussion. There ia
shooting at sixty yards, off-hand, or one hundred
great difference of opinion on the subject, some good
yards with a rest.
shots contending that they never could see any dif-
General Directions -Ut. Edward C. Barber, au-
ference in their shooting, whether they were iu one
thor of the "Crack Shot," says the greatest care
position or the other while others maintain that it
and nicety is required in loading any kind of rifle, ;
use of a " starter," to be had at any gun store. about twelve inches, the right arm raised well up,
Supposing that a young man
has just possessed the left hand advanced so as to take a firm yet easy
himself of a rifle, but who knows nothing of it3 use grip of the rifle, the butt of which is to be pressed
save such information as he has been able to gather firmly again* the right shoulder, the right hand
from mere theorists. Ho makes choice of a suitable grasping firmly the small of the stock. Captain
place for taking his first practical lesson, where Henton describes the second method, or Swiss posi-
there is no danger of inflicting harm upon disinter- tion, by stating that no particular
manner of placing
ested persons. He puts up and steps off
his target the feet is required. The whole body is kept per-
fifty yards,or it might bo better to measure it more fectly rigid, the chest expanded aa much aa possible,
accurately than by stepping. againat which the left elbow is allowed to rest, the
Suppose the gun to be a first-class modern muzzle- rifle being held with the left hand aa near the
trig-
loader. Thetarget is now arranged ; proceed to ger guard as it can be placed. The Swiss rifles hare
load. Grasp the barrel of the gun n<:ar the muzzle; a kind of handle provided for this purpose. The
turn it round so that the lock is outward, then pour upper part of the body is thrown back. Before
from the flask the proper charge of powder, using firing the Swiss marksman invariably takes a long,
the charger which the gunnuiker has furnished. Be deep inspiration, which he holds until the bullet has
sure that the charger is exactly full— no more nor left Mb rifle, when he breaks the suspension with a
less. Pour the powder gently down the barrel, loud grunt of satisfaction if the shot happens to
holding the latter upright so that none of the powder please him. In the American position, to draw
will lodge in the grooves or rifles. Get ready a agaiu from Barber, the legs are kept wide apart,
"patch," which has been previously prepaxed'by body slightly bent backward, the left Bhouldar a
oiling on one side a piece of fine but substantia] little back; with the left hand he grasps the
rifle
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 393 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
well out, bringing the arm nearly under the barrel, itsmuzzle resting upon a small log or block of wood.
bo a* to form a support the right arm is thrown out
; These plans are still more or less in vogue in all
square, similar to the style adopted in the English regions where the old-Btyle Kentucky rifle remains
position. The butt of the rifle is not pressed against in common use.
the shoulder, but in the hollow between the biceps The most popular modern rest, according to Bar-
muscle and the shoulder. Cleveland prefers tMsl ber, is tohave a bench made about three and a half
method to that of the English, but Barber does not, feet long und ten incnes wide, with four stout legs
as he considers more constrained than the other.
it standing out at considerable angle. The height
But, of course, great men must differ ; the world should be about level with the breast when pitting
could not get along all right were it otherwise. The down. At one end place a stout piece of wood
matter of method had best be left to stand as a mat about five or six inches high, crosswise, with
ter of taste, or of feeling as to convenience to the notches cut in it to lay the barrel in. It should re
marksman, as very good shooting has been done well covered with cloth or some other soft material,
through all of them. and should be securely fastened to the bench. The
Having settled this point, bring the rifle up care- end of the bench nearest the shooter may be hol-
fully into position, the eye being steadily fixed upon lowed out a little for the breast to fit in. This is a
the object to be flred at; Blowly raise the barrel until rest for target shooting— it would not be well suited
the sights and the object are in direct line. 3nd the for the hunter to carry around in the woods with
instant that this condition is fully apparent press him, of course.
upon the trigger, still keeping the eye steadily on The same authority tells bow to make a cheaper
the mark. rest, by tying three moderately a tout sticks together
It is always best to hold the breath at the instant near the top, and then throwing out the other ends
of firing ;and in pressing the trigger the forearm upon the ground after the raanuer of the feet of a
alone should act. the arm and wrist being station- tripod. Place your coat in the crotch formed at the
ary. No other movement of the body or any mem- top to rest your rifle upon— that is all there fa
ber thereof should take place between the time of of it.
securing aim and discharging the gun. The aim Having decided upon the kind of rest to be used,
should be quickly taken—a long dwell, with wab- the question of rest-shooting is settled, as everything
b Lings on and wabblings off the mark is apt to do else is performed the same aa in shooting off-hand.
more harm thin good. On this point Frank For- Most modern sportsmen object to rest-shooting to
rester says: "Though it is necessary to get a sure tjuch an extent that no artificial rent is admitted at
aim before firing, it is not necessary to dwell on it their target matches. Their reasons for such objec-
before doing so. Every second between having tions are that a rest is an inconvenient arrangement
taken true sight aud the giving fire is a second lost, that could not be employed either in war or field-
or worse than lost; for the longer the rifle is held to Bporte, and hence, people ought to learn to shoot
the face, the greater the tension of the muscles and well without it. And they do, but in many in-
nerves, and the likelier are both to shako and give stances they shoot with a rest at last, making one
way. The first true sight is always, with all fire- of themselves by lying upon the ground and shoot-
arms, the best Bight, and a quick <hot has as much ing off the knee or some other part of the person,
or more ativantago over a slow phot, with tht- rill*; or by setting the elbows upon the ground so as to
as with any other weapon." Barber says h« con- brace with the gun as permanently as any artificial
siders " the pull of the trigger a very importantcon- rest could possible be. The methods employed by
Fideration; should not be too slight, so as to go
it the noted marksmen, Messrs. Fulton and Bodine,
off almost involuntarily, nor so hard as to require were of this character.
force, but so that, by a gentle pressure, commenced
fTH^ pTKR TTY VII
at the moment of taking aim, the slightest extra
O* Usd» to Baot Ooi
squeeze will cause the hammer to fall at the very
instant when the aim is perfected. ; ' How io8boot.^V/.^V//////.V/.'.V/////.V///.".'.V.*.V.V.V.
Bmreter od Uk
it* of Two tfym
Rest Shooting.— It the old-fashioned backwoods Doufftlri P nn
i ing
hunters shot with a rest at all that rest had nothing ^Ho^b oft ^fctjm Aj si
-
t
eye, we see with the right eye the back of it and the then bring the gun right in front of the face and, ;
right side. The picture of the book, therefore, which the head being erect, and both eyes fixed intently on
we see with both eyes, consists of two dissimilar the object, the line of motion is commanded, and
pictures united, namely, a picture of the back and the aim taken The
instinctively. central pellets
left side of the book as seen by the left eye, and a have thus an allowance given them to compensate
picture of the back and right side of the book as for distance and the motion of the object. You look
seem by the right eye." along the imaginary line, higher at the breech ac
This argues that the sportsman who closes one cording to distance, and a*- this elevation the gun is
eye at the time of taking aim at an away-going fired, exactly as a rifle Urgot-shooter sets his breech
bird, really has a very imperfect view of it— but sights to a given distance.
half a picture, as it were— hence the aim could not ,:
How does a man drive a nail? Certainly not by
possibly he bo perfect as in case where the picture closing one eye and looking along the hammer; but
was rendered more by the use of both eyes,
distinct with both eyes open, he mechanically balances the
in accordance with the clear explanation of Sir hammer and strikes instinctively, never, if accus
David, who goes on to state: tomed to the use of the tool, missing his aim. It is
" But though we see with one eye the direction the same in shooting."
in which any object or point of an object is situated, Coming directly to the subject of employing binoc-
we do not see its position or the distance from the ular vision in taking aim to shoot, Mr. Dougall
eye at which it is placed. In monocular vision we quotes from a paper in Once a-W&k to the effect
learn from experience to estimate all distances, but that monocular vision, while much employed for
particularly great ones, by various testa, which are this purpose, cannot at all be depended upon, To
called the criteria of distance, but it is only with prove this position, place upon a table an empty
both eyes that we can estimate with anything like small-mouthed vial, and taking another similar vial
accuracy the distance of objects not far from us full of water in one hand, shut an eye and approach
" Tl>e most important advantage which we derive the vial upon the table; when apparently near
from the use of two eyes is to enable us to see dis- enough, stretch out your arm quickly and endeavor
tance, or a third dimension in space. That this to pour the water from Uie full vial into the other,
vision ia not the result of experience as monocular still keeping the eye closed. You will be very apt
vision 19, is obvious from the fact that distance is to find, as the water comes down, that it is missing
seen at perfectly by children as by adults; and it has the mouth of the empty vial on account of a miscal
been proved by naturalists that animals newly-born culation, due to monocular vision. Now repeat the
appreciate distance with the greatest correctness." operation with both eyes open, and if care is exer-
• DougalVs Reasoning.— Mr. DougaU say*, in his cised success will be the invariable result. A similar
"Shooting Simplified," that "A thorough good gun miscalculation will be shown to the person who en-
will knock over a hare running broadside, with four deavors to approach and snuff a candle with one eye
or five shots at seventy yards distance, but full ele shut.
valion must be taken, and the gun fired with the Mr. Dougall thinks there can bo no reasonable
head well raised and the eyes kept steady on the question as to the advantages of learning to use the
aim, not taking sight along the rib, with the eye shot-gun with both eyes opon. Thia has been
well down behind the breech, as has been erro- proven time and again by the most rigid tests. It is
neously recommended. even a settled fact that the nearer the eyes of an
" Distance requires elevation in proportion. A individual set together in the head the less he is
rifle is fitted with graduated sights to meet this, but likely to shoot well. " And yet," says Mr. Dougall,
the elevation of the rib of a fowling-piece is fixed "how strange it is to find sportsmen who would
and immovable. But by a simple taw of perspec- still further narrow this fine provision of nature
tive, when you look at a hare (or any other object} into the diameterof one retina only. Throwing the
seventy yards away, bringing mechanically the sight fowling-piece into a line with the object of aim by
to bear upon it, you have the breech of the gun. an instinctive effort, keeping both eyes firmly fixed
lower than if it were only forty yards off; whereas, on and following the flight of the object, is the first
if you adopt the one-eye system, you fire at exactly great principle in shooting well."
;
grip the cane beyond the " grip " of the pistol. The may be slipped within the barrel of a breech loading
aim of the pistol should range a little to the right of shot-gun, thus at once converting the shot-gun into
the direction pointed by the cane, which it will very a rifle. The rifle-barrel, charged with its cartridge,
naturally do. may be placed in the shot gun in a moment and at
This plan steadies the pistol and affords as fine an pleasure.
opportunity of taking perfect sight as one could Back-action Lock.— A lock that is located entirely
have with a rifle. A little practice with it, to en- back of the barrel, being bedded in the stock alone
able one to arrivn at a certain conclusion as to the
Bar-action Lock.— When the lock is bedded partly
rise or fall of the bullet, will soon pave the way for
back of the barrel and partly along side of it.
pretty fair snooting. A
kind of clasp with which to Barrel —
The iron or steel tube of the gun through
fasten the pistol to the cane is now on the market, which the charge passes in the act of firing.
and may be made to work very well, though some Barrel loop —
A metallic loop under the barrel,
wuuld always prefer holding the pistol with the through which a small bolt passes to hoM the barrel
hands, in the manner just described. into tbe stock.
The Best Pistols Use.— It is not advisable lo say
to
notches in tbe tumbler of a gun-
a recommendatory word about any particular make
—how could it be done, under the above heading, Blaok-Walmd.— A tree, native to North America,
when there are twenty or thirty really good pistols whose wood ib extensively used in the manufacture
now before the the public under the brand of the of fine gun stocks; tbe Juglans nigra of botanisto.
same number of different manufacturera I The best Binocular Vision.—Seeing with two eyes.
pistol for any person to use is any good pistol that
Boll. —The part which, in a breech-loader, passes
this person happens to like, and no other kind. All into the lump of the barrel and holds it into tbe ac-
pistols do not shoot alike, and, hence, when anyone tion when the gun is closed.
has practiced with a certain kind until accustomed Bore.—The interior of the barrel along which the
to its peculiarities they had better stick to it, as a
change would be apt to throw at least some derange- of the following forms: True
ment in the shooting calculations, putting them cylinders; cylinders enlarged at the breech; cylinders
under the necessity of a repeated practice. All the enlarged or freed at the muzzle; tapered to narrow
beat shots invariably stick to some particular make at tbe muzzle; narrowed to close at the muzzle;
of pistol, and usually to some particular 3ize. cylindrical, with ring cut oat near muzzle; narrow-
In making choice of a size it is best to be gov- ing the muzzle with depth cut out, modified, etc.
erned by the character of work the pistol is desired Bores are also made elliptical, hexogonal, poly-
to perform. The
large pistols 6hoo6 stronger, and, gonal, etc.
as a general rule, with greater accuracy than the Brazing. —Soldering iron with brass or copper as
small ones ;
still, comparatively small pistols a solder.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 398 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
Breech. —In earlier days that portion of the
all
cherry, close the mould upon
and then turn it
it
gun back of the lock: was considered the breech, but
round and round until the interior of the mould is
now a gun is regarded as having two breeches: the
cat out to the required sue and shape.
breech of the barrel, the place where the cartridge is
inserted, as in the case of the breech-loaders, and the
—
Cherry Tree. A North American tree, growing
to about medium size and furnishing a hard, reddish
breech of the stock, being that part which conies
and most beautiful wood, highly prised for fine gun
against the shoulder.
stocks. It 1b now getting to be quite
Breech- bolt —A small iron bar used in some
make of guns to assist in holding the barrel secure
Choke-bore.— A gun-bore slightly larger at iKe
to the action.
breech than at the muzzle.
Bridle.—That piece in the lock connected with the
Choke-drtsstng. —Dressing out the bore of a gun
tumbler as a kind of cap.
so as to make it slightly larger at the breech than at
Browning.— A rust produced on the surface of
the muzzle.
gun-barrels by means of acids.
Bump.—The corner of the stock at the top of the
Clamp\ Mainspring. —A
mainspring clamp is a
kind of vise used by gunsmiths for clamping the
heel-plate.
mainspring preparatory to taking it from the lock.
—
Burnisher. A piece of smooth and hardened steel
Cock.— In flint-lock guns, that part of the lock
used in polishing the surface of motals.
which holds the flint. The name is also often ap-
Calibre— The diametrical measurement of the
plied to the hammerof percussion and other locks
bore of a gun barrel. Breech loaders are niadoof 10,
of more modem make. When the hammer has
12, and 20 calibre.
14, lti Muzzle loader of every been pulled hack to its last catch, we say the gun is
variety of measurement.
cocked, or at full-cock ; when pulled back to the
Cap. —The metal covering placed on the end of a
catch next preceding the last, we say the gun is
pistol handle. Also the small cup-like contrivance
half-cocked, or at half-cock.
put on the nipple upon which the hammer strikes to
Comb.— That portion of the stock upon which the
fire the gun.
cheek rests at the time of firing.
Carbine.—A short form of rifle; so made to be
Cone.— See Nipple.
easily carried by persons who used them mounted on
horses.
Counter sink —
The reccess in the chamber in
which the rim of the cartridge fits.
Cartridge*.— The ammunition for a gun, contained
in metal or paper cases.
Cross -Fire. —Wosay a riflo " crosses flw" when
They are sized to regular it plays the balls on the same level without varying
numbers, as gauge 10 or 12. eta, and are of two
upward or downward.
kinds, central-fire and rim-fire.
Curled Maple. — This is not a species of growth,
—
Case-harden ing. A hardened., steel like ex- but an unexplained condition bo be met with in the
terior given to iron by heating it in connection with
wood of the maple, most commonly in that of the
animal charcoal, and thou plunging while hot in
6Ugar or hard maple (the Acer saccharinum of bota
cold water.
nists), though occasionally in Acer rubrum, or red
Central-fire. —Setting offthe cartridge by striking maple. The grain of the wood lies in regular waves,
it in the centre, where the fulminate is placed.
presenting a most beautiful appearance when nicely
Chamber —The
enlarged space in the breech of dressed up. .It is very popular for fine gun
the barrel wherein the cartridge is placed, or where stocks.
the charge rests in the case of a muzzle-loader. The Cylinder. —That part of a
revolver in which the
bores intended to receive the charge in the cylinder charges are placed. In the older make of percus-
of a revolver. In loading a gun with coarse shot, if sion Jock gun* a short plug screwed into the side of
they rest in the barrel side by side in regular layers the barrel at the breech, in which was placed the
or strata, we say they chamber; but if they are cap-tube or nipple, and through which the fire from
a
tittle too large for this, so that
soma of the shots the cap was communicated to the charge.
must lie above the common level for want of space —
Damascus. The variegated appearance on gun
between other shots and the side of the bora to barrels, produced by welding together metals ,
dis-
admit of their going down, we say the gun will not similar, as steel and iron, and then, while heated,
chamber shot of that particular size. twisting these metals into various tortuous forms
A
gun is not
supposed to shoot shot to perfection which she can- and re- welding. The colors of the dissimilar metals
not chamber. are brought out by browing mixtures.
Charger.—A small measure employed for measur- Direct Fire. —That arrangement in a breech-loader
ing powder in loading a gun or cartridge-shell by which the plunger lies and strikes the ignition
Chequer work. -The chequered carving as made horizontally.
on the stock of a jrun. Dog.— That part of the gun-lock acted upon, by
Cherry-movid.—A small spherical cutting-tool, the trigger to release the tightened mainspring and
used for enlarging the interior of bullet moulds. It set the hammer in motion. Earlier gunsmiths
may be bought of houses dealing in gunsmith's ma- called it bv this name, but it is now usually called
terials, or it may be made by dressing a piece of soft the sear.
steel down to proper shape, cutting file-teeth upon Double Triggers.—Often called set-triggers. A
it and then hardening in the usual way. To use the pair of triggers arranged to a rifle, occasionally, to
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 399 GUNSMITH" S MANUAL
admit of setting ic with but alight pressure. The
off for setting off the ignition are contained inside the
triggers are located one in advance of the other un- breech mechanism, and not visible when the arm is
der the guard. To ofcieraU pull upon the rear one ready for use.
until it "clicks" and is "set, » after which cock the Handle.— See grip.
gun. The slightest pressure upon the front trigger Hazel yut.—A small shrub growing abundantly
springs the "set," which acta suddenly upon the in many portions of the United States. The Cory
sear, releasing ths mamspring. tus of botanists, divided into two species, Americana
Drop,— Distance measured from the top of the and Bostrata.
butt of a gun stock to a line drawn rear-ward from Head.—Jn a gun stock, the pan where the breech
the top of the barrels, usually from S to3J inches. end of the barrel rests against.
Elevated Rib.—The raised rib on top of and be- Heel Plate.— The metal piece terminating the
tween the barrels of a shot gun. breech end of a gun stock.
Escutcheons. —Fie<xs of metal, through which the —
Hind Sight. The sight upon the barrel, nearest
bolt to hold the barrel to the stock, is passed. the hreerh.
Extractor.— An automatic working rod in central Hinge Pin.— A pin fixed in the action on which
Are guns, by which the empty cartridge is partly the barrel plays.
withdrawn from the chamber. Ignition.— Any chemical combination which can
False Breech. —A
piece of iron permanently be caused Lo explode and fire the charge, as in a cap
screwed to the stock to fit squarely against the or cartridge, for instance.
breech of the barrel. In the modern muzzle-loader —
Kentucky Hifle. A form of rifle, once very popu-
the barrel is secured against it by hooks. It is also lar with Western hunters, and now used to some ex-
called a patent breech, also a standing breech. tent. It is muzzle loading, and the great length of
Fastenings.— Mechanism for holding the barrel of the barrel was one great peculiarity.
breech- loaders securely to the frame or action when Kick.— When a gun rebounds at firing the term
the barrel is in position for firing. is used it kirks.' 1
Flash, —In the days of the old flint-lock a gun was Land Space.— The space in the bore of a rifle be-
said to " flash M when the priming ignited in the tween the grooves.
pan but failed to fire the charge. Lever.— The bar or rod the working of which
—
Flux. A substance or mixture used to facilitate locks or unlocks the action of a breech-loader, enab-
the melting of metals or minerals, as glass, borax, ling the operator to open or close the gun. As top-
lever, side-lever, under-lever, etc.
and the like.
Fore Piece.—That portion of the stock lying under fjKk Plate.—The the inside of which
flat plate to
all the other parts of the gun lock are secured.
the barrel, forward of the lock, called also fore-end
and fore-arm. Loop.— The projection under the barrel to which
the fore end is fastened. See barrel loop. They
Fore Sight— The sight located nearest the muzzle
are of two kinds, wire and bolt loop.
end of the barrel.
Forge.—A furnace with its accompaniment*
—
Long Fire. When a noticeable space of time in-
tervenes between the striking of the hammer and
where iron or other metals are wrought by heating
the explosion of the charge, hence the term, the
and hammering. When a piece of metal b ham-
gun has made "long-fire."
mered into some required shape, the operation is
Lower Rib. —The rib underneath and between the
termed "to forge it."
barrels of a shotgun.
Fowling Piece.— A smooth bored gun, used foe
hunting small game, shooting shot or small
Lump. —The iron piece soldered to the barrel of a
pellets.
breech-loader, which descends into the action and is
there secured preparatory to firing.
Freeing—Slightly enlarging the bore of a gun at
the muzzle. A
Magazine Ripe.— rifle provided with an interior
Frizzen. -In the old flintlock the steel plats that magazine for containing cartridges, and 50 made
covers the pan and stood up in front of the flint, that they are passed automatically into a chamber
against which the flint struck to produce fire to ig- ready for firing.
nite the priming. —
Mainspring. Tho large spring in the gun-lock
A
Grip.— name usually applied to the round part which imparts action and power to the hammer.
of a gun stock just back of the locks. It is also ap- Monocular Vision.—Seeing with only one eye.
plied to the handle of a pistol. When one eye is closed, aa some do in taking sight
Guard.—The which curves around
piece of metal with a gun, it ia a case of monocular vision.
the triggers and protects them. Mould.— An implement for moulding bullets. The
Half Stock.— A gun stock that does not extend plural form is generally given to it, aa bullet moulds.
the length of the barrel.
full Musket. —Aform of gun, smooth bored and for-
Hammer.—That part of the gun-lock that strikes merly used for military purposes. When grooves are
the plunger or cap, or other form of ignition. See cut in the interior of tho barrel, it is called a rifle.
cock. —
Nipple. In a percussion-lock gun, the tube upon
Hammer- Own.—A gun whose lock works with a which the cap ia placed In the central-fire breech
.
-
turn down like the handle of a pistol, is said to have tion with soft leather, either in the form of a buff or
a pistol grip. otherwise.
Play. —A rifle which does not shoot with regular- Saturated Solution.— A liquid holding in solution
ity is said to play its ball6. aa much of some particular soluble chemical as it
Plungers. —
The pins which are struck by the will dissolve. For instance, if salt be put in water
hammers, in breech-loaders, and which in turn until a portion remains undissolved at the bottom of
strike and explode the ignition. the vessel, there is in the liquid a saturated solution
Powder Bed.— The chamber, in a muzzle-loader, because it holds in suspension all the salt that it can
where the powder lies when the gun is charged. dissolve.
Priming.— The powder in the pan of a flint-lock
gun.
Scatter. —When a shot gun throws the pellets
over a range of space unusually wide, it Is said that
—
Proof Marks. Impressions of stamps made in it scatters.
gun barrels to indicate that they hnve been proved. Scroll Guard,— An extension downward from the
Proving — Firing gun barrels with very heavy trigger guard, to steady the hand. It is designed to
charges of powder and bails bo ascertain if they are answer the same as pistol grip.
of proper strength. iSsor.—Sometimes called dog. which see.
Ramrod. — A rod with which the tightly fitting Sear-Spring. —The small spring in a gun-lock
portions of the charge are pushed home in loading a which presses the sear into the notches of the
muzzle-loader. tumbler.
Rebounding Lock.— A lock which has the top of Set- Triggers.—See double -triggers.
the mainspring and crank of the tumbler lengthened
to such an extent that when the trigger is pulled
Side-Lever. —
A lever which works at the side of a
breech-loader.
the hammer delivers its blow and immediately re- Side-Screw—The long screw holding the lock to
bounds to the half -cock. the stock.
fli6.—The metallic strip lying between and con- Slack-Tub.—A vessel containing cold water, to be
necting the barrels of a shot-gun. See lower rib used in suddenly cooling hot metals, as in harden-
and upper rib. ing steel, for instance.
Rife.— A gun having grooves cut parallel with Smooth Sore.— A gun for throwing single bullets,
each other along the interior of the barrel. They made on the plan of a rifle, but having no grooves
usually take a more or less spiral course for the pur- in the bore. It is sometimes called a " smooth-bore
pose of imparting to the bullet thrown a whirling or
rifle.
twisting motion on its flight through the air. The
grooves thus cut are sometimes called rifles.
—
Standing Breech. See false breech.
8teady-pin.~-The small projection on the main-
Rifle.— Agun with grooves cut in a twisted or spring which fita into the lock-plate.
spiral-like manner on the interior of the barrel, fnr —
Strap. The metal 6trip in a breech-loader which
the purpose of giving the projectile a rotary motion runs from the breech-works down the stock, ia
on its axis during its flight. The design being to place of the tail, or the old fashioned breech-pin.
give greater accuracy to the course of the bullet. Strikers. —See plungers.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 4C1 GUNSMITH'S MANUAL
Sugar Map'*. —A tree indigenous to the United —
Acul, <ja Uio. Acid produced in yellowish eolored
States, whose wood extensively used In the
is man- crystals, derived from nut-galls or oak-apples. Sol-
ufacture of gun-stocks. See curled maple. uble in water and alcohol. Nut galls are an import
Swivel. — The email piece in a lock connecting the ingredient in the manufacture of good black ink.
tumbler and the mainspring. —
Acid, Muriatic. Called also Hydrochloric Acid
2 ear. —
When a buUet makes a hole larger than and sometimes spirit of salt. Made by the action
its diameter, particularly in the flesh of an
own of sulphuric acid on common salt (chloride of sod-
animal, the gun from which it was shot is said to ium). Mingled with half its volume of Nitric Acid
tear. it forms Aqua Regia.
Tenons.—Iron projections on the lump of a breech- Acid, Nitric—Sometimes called Aqua Fortis.
loader, to fit into corresponding spaces in the Made by the decomposition of Nitre, or saltpetre by
action. strong sulphuric acid.
Thimbles.—The metallic loops on the under side Acid. Sulphuric— Called oil of vitriol, made from
of a muzzle-loader, made to hold the ramrod when sulphur and nitre or saltpetre.
not in use. Acid, Hydrochloric —Called Muriatic Acid, which
Tot.—The extremity of the breech which rests see.
nearest the armpit when in the act of taking off- Alcohol.—The product of the fermentation of
hand aim. sugar, and is contained in all fermented liquors. It is
Top Lew.—The lever of a breech-loader, which a colorless fluid, boiia at 178° K. and burns without
works on the upper Bide of the gun, just back of the smoke. The volatile oils and resins are dissolved by
hammers. it, as well as many acids and salts, the caustic al-
Trigger.—The small lever under the gun, upon kalies, eto. The resulting compounds of the acids
which is pressed with the ringer to release the con- upon alcohol are called ethers.
fined mainspring and allow the hammer to descend.
Trioger-PloU—ThB iron plate in which the trigger Alkanet Root.—Tho root of a species of Buglosa.
works. It affords a fine red color to alcohol and oils, but a
Trigger Spring.-*, small spring to keep the dirty red to water. The spirituous tincture gives to
trigger pressed close to the sear. white marble a beautiful deep Btain.
.
Tube.—The modem ganmaker calls the gun-bar- Annalio.— Also spelled Anotta and Anotto. A
rel a tube ; in old times the only tube known to the red coloring substance obtained from the pulp of the
gunsmith was that projection upon which the per- seed-vessel of the plant Dixa orellana. it dissolves
cussion cap was exploded. See nipple. better and more readily in alcohol than in water.
Tube. —See nipple. Antimony, Chloride o/.— Called also Butter of
Tumbler.— That part of the lock directly connected Antimony and Sesquichloride of Antimony. Made
with the hammer, and in which are the two set by distilling the residue of the solution of enlphuret
notches. of antimony in strong hydrochloric acid, or by dis-
Tumbler -Screw. —The screw on the outside of the tilling a mixture of corrosive sublimate and anti-
lock, passing through the hammer and holding it mony. It is highly corrosive. In medicine, used as
securely in its connection with the tumbler. a caurtic.
Upper Rib.—The rib above and between the bar- Antimony, Butter of. See Antimony, Chloride of.
rels of a double-barrel shot-gun. Aqua Fortis.—Called also Nitric Acid, which
Vent— A a mall hole in side of the gun breech com- see.
municating with the interior or powder chamber. Aqua Regia.— Made by mixing one part nitric
—
Vise, An implement for clamping or holding. acid in two muriatic acid, by measure ; keep the
White Maple—The Acer dasycarpum of botanists mixture in a bottle in a cool, dark place.
—a near relative of the sugar maple. Common in —
Asphalt um. Native bitumen, will dissolve in tur-
many parts of the United States. Called soft pentine with gentle heat.
maple in some localities. Benzoin, Own or Oum Benjamin—A. gum ex-
Whole-Stock.— X gun-stock extending U»b Bntire tracted from the tree, Styrax benzoin, which grows
length of the barrel. in the East Indies. It fuses at a gentle heat, can be
Wiper. —A
long ramrod used only in wiping out dissolved in alcohol and imperfectly dissolved in
and cleaning the bore of a muzzle loader. Also a ether. It is employed as a varnish for toilet and
small spiral implement made to screw on the end of other articles, which give out an agreeable smell
a ramrod for the purpose of boring into and draw- when warmed by the heat of the hand.
ing a wad from a gun, or for holding material for Blue Vitriol—Sulphate of copper. A
salt formed
Iron, Sesqui- Chloride of—Perchloride of iron or SheUac.— Lac is a resinous substance produced
permuriate of iron. Made by dissolving rust of mamly from the banyan tree of the East Indies. It
iron in muriatic acid and then crystaliaing It is the product of an insect. Stick lac is the resin
forms red crystals. Soluble in water, alcohol and its natural state seed lac when broken up, cleaned
;
Vitriol, Green. —Sulphate of iron. See Copperas. one turn in 5 feet, land? and grooves equal width ;
deeper at breech than at the muzzle; rifling one bu n Springfield, U. 8. Rifle, Breech Loader, Cal. 45.
in 6 feet 6 inches. Rifling 3 plain concentric grooves. Lands and
The Purdy Rifle, Muzzle Loader; Cal. C50; 4 grooves equal width. Uniform twist, one turn in
grooves; increasing twist, commencing at one turn 22 inches, depth .005.
in 6 feet and ending at one turn iu 4 feet 9 inches. Frank Wesson's Rifle, Breech Loader. Long and
The Wilkinson Rifle, Muzzle Loader, Cal. 530 5 ;
mid- range guns using long slugs, even twist, one
grooves with a regular twist of one turn in C feet 6 turn in 18 inches, grooves 0, lands and grooves equal
inches. width. Short range guns, using slugs having short
The Lancaster Muzzle Loader. Bore smooth
Rifle, bearing, increase twist commencing on 6 feet, and
and elliptical diameter at muzzle greater axis.. 550:
;
ending on 2 feet, 5 and 6 grooves, lands and grooves
leaser axis, 540 ;greater axis at breech, 557 ; je3ser of equal width.
axis, 543. The twist is one quarter turn in whole Wesson's Muzzle Loading Rifle. Barrel 2' S" long.
length of barrel. Length of barrel, 30 inches. Rifling one turn in 3' 6". 6 grooves; space bet ween
;
The Whitney Arms Co. 'a Guns, Breech Loading, poeeible and take the cover out 3d. take out the
;
comprising the Whitney, Kennedy, and Phoenix screws, there being one on each aide of the
systems. Rifling 0 grooves, ono turn in S3 inches. rear portion of the receiver, and the stop
Lands and grooves of equal width. on the upper front left hand side of the re-
Marston's Rifle (Toronto, Canada), Muzzle Loader, ceiver, then the lever, breech-block, extractor and
number of grooves 0, lands and grooves equal carrier can be taken out through the top.
width; regular twist, one turn in 30 inches- depth of To Disengage the Lever from the Brtech Block —
groove 15-tbousandthsinch, slightly freed at breech. Take out, 1st, the firing pin screw 2d, the firing
;
Pistols.-Colt's Army Pistol, Breech Loading Re- pin ; 3d, the ejector from the aide of the breech-
volver, Cal. 45. Rifling * grooves, twist uniform, block 4th, the large pin from either aide. In as-
,
one turn in 1 a inches; depth .006. sembling, replace the pin in exactly the same posi-
Schofleld, Smith & Wesson Revolver for Army tion it was when taken out
Use, Breech Loader. Bore, .435. Number of To Assembie.-lsz, place the lever, b-eech block,
grooves 6, uniform twist, one turn in 30 inches. extractor and carrier in their proper position, rela-
Depth of rifling .0075. tively to one another, as they were when taken out.
with the projection on the breech-block inside, and
i rem TAxnto Arm utd Ahimium Gun. under the front part of the carrier. 3d. Replace the
AN I. PlWPLi above parte taken together in the receiver, passing
RiflM .,
Tbt BtlUri MBs the handle of the lever first through tlie top, put in
Tht Burrwi Sin the carrier side screws and the stop screw. Sd.
Bttwrtrtrt
The KvhiM
Rm
Kifle. cock the hammer, slide the top cover into place, the
Hc*chkl« RjjmMi breech being left half way open, then put in the
Honid'i "Thusd
Tss Ktoaedr Macular screw ; 4th, close the breach and screw the bottom
Mutla Ssp£uu1l5l plate to place.
TU Mijn.nl Rifle
P»bnd»*iirtiQt KlBe Burnsidt'a Brtech Loading Rifle. To clean the —
TU PWlx gun, unlatch the guard and drop the chamber press
TU n«UlBfftOB H)IUB ;
Remlnjpoc M»|pulTie Out (Kwae'a FMnfl clown the small spring bolt at the guard joint with
Knnlnfton No a (Hepburn's Pataat}.
the finger nail, while the lever of the joint-bolt is
teffSSS? ;i
turned out of place and taken from the joint. To
MMMd Breecfc-LesiHni Rifls...
Whltwj Breech-Losdiin detach the movable breech pin from th* chamber,
Otin
WWimy K«w S,*t«m Bntcb Lo^lh..
Wmcli«wr IQcui.. Out ™ press it back with the thumb and forefinger of the
left hand ; hold the bolt in this position with the
BIB lap" Breec* Lotdir^hlwl Gun
Koi Brtteh U*/)lojj Shot Que thumb nail of the ight hand inserted In the notch
i
L«f«Tni HunEt>*r[«M Gun
Park*? Dojbk-B*mlrrl HnmtvU*dlBf Sb<* Oh- of the bolt, while with the fore finger of the same
OousW-Bftmtad Bmcb-Loadift* SkcM Ova. .
rear end and bear down gently, slightly support- breech-block and lever together through the the top
ing the front end against the pressure with the of the receiver.
fingers of the left hand. To remove the breech- To disengage the breech-block: 1. Take out the
bolts press on the trigger and at the same time un- firing-pin screw. 2. The firing pin. S. The ejector
lock the bolt and withdraw it N. B. -The bolt can from the side of the breech-block. 4. The large pin
be removed in the following manner: unlock and from either side.
draw back the bolt until the cocking piece jast To assemble, put the parts together in reverse
clears the receiver; then, letting go the handle, take order from which they were taken out.
hold of the cocking piece and turn it down to the Martin's Magazine Rifle —{Made by Martin Arms
right until the projection on the bolt-head leaves the Co., New Haven, Conn.)— Figure No. 1 shows the
groove under the front end of the locking-tube. The arm in a closed position. A, represents the Lever;
latter may then bo drawn out at the rear, and the B. the Bolt; C, Extractor; D, the Carrier Block; E,
head at the front of the receiver. To return the the Ejector; F, the Carrier Block Spring; G, the
bolt, the head must be inserted from the front and Hammer; H, the Trigger; I, the Firing Pin.
the part from the rear, unless the cutoff be removed To take the action apart: L Take out the lever
pin screw, and drive out the lever pin, allowing the
To remove the magazine-spring and cartridge-fol-
lever to be removed. 2. Take out the tang screw
lower, insert the point of a screw-driver in the hole
(this allows the stock to be removed;, hammer
at the rear of the magazine tube, and draw oat the
screw, and front pin that goes through trigger strap;
tube. The barrel cannot be remuvod until the mag- now remove the trigger strap with lock work at-
azine has been taken out. Remove then the trig-
tached. 8. The bolt can now be slipped out.
ger spring screw and spring, the cartridge stop pin
To assemble the put the parts into the re-
action,
and Ptop, the trigger pin and trigger using a punch ceiver in reverse order from that in which they were
to drive out the pin. Remover the trigger catch
taken out
pin and catch, using the point of a screw-driver in
Maynard Rifle, Self- Priming Model—! Made by
the notched end of the pm to draw it out.
Mass. Arms Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass.)—To detach
To dismount the breech-bolt, remove the bolt- the barrel: Loosen the lever at its rear end and
head, which can be done by holding the cocking-
move It forward. There is a button that keeps
piece firmly in the left hand, and with the right the magazine closed; turn this button downward
turn down the handles as in the act of locking the
and forward as far as it will go; then pull it out
bolt; the head will then slip off. Turn out the fir- as far as it will come; this will detach the lever
ing-pin screw; slip the bolt-head partly on the pro-
from the breech-piece, so that it will come partly out
jecting end of Urn firing-pin, and use it as a wrench
of it; unhook the barrel, and the lever will pass quite
to unscrew the pin; the main-spring may then be
out of the breech-piece. To attach the barrel reverse
removed. Remove the extractor by tapping gently the operation.
on its projecting end with a piece of wood. To remove the nipple: On the left side, opposite
To assemble, proceed in the reverse order. the nipple, is the screw which fastens it; take out
Howard's Sporting Rijle, " The Thunderbolt"— this screw; put a stick of hard wood in the screw-
To clean the lock, take out the screw that attaches hole; strike the stick a little and the nipple will be
the back end of the yoke to the breech pi**; unscrew driven out.
the barrel; then take the nut from tha back end of To dissect the rifle for a thorough cleaning: There
the sliding breech pin, which with the mainspring are four screws ou the under side of the gun, behind
and hammer, constitute the lock. the hole where tlie lever is pivoted. Take out the
In using, if the operator does not wish to have two farthest back, and the stock may then be drawn
the piece cocked, he -has only to hold the trigger back so as to separate it from the breech-piece.
back while closing the guard, and it will not be To adjust the joint between the end of the barrel
cocked. To cock it from this position, he has only and the breech piece: There are two screws visible
to open the guard a short distance, and close it. U on the under side of the breech piece, forward of
he wishes to load and fire rapidly, it will cock itself. ths lever. They are to adjust the joint to the
If in no haste, or docs not wish it cocked, he has thickness of the flange of the cartridge. To do this:
only to bold back the trigger, while closing its Firsts turn the screw nearest the lever once round to
guard. ths left; now raise the butt-end of the barrel, put in
The Kennedy Magazine Gun.—{Made by Whitney a cartridge, and observe as you bring the butt end
Arms Co., New Haven, Conn.)— Directions for tak- down again whether the joint is too close, so as to
ing apart pinch the flange, or not close enough to hold it firm-
X. Take out the two side screws, on tha left side ly. The exact degree of tightness allows the lertr
of the receiver, that are nearest together. 3. Re- to work easily, but holds the barrel perfectly firm.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BCMD Vol. 3 406 GUNSMTTH»S MANUAL
This degree will be found by taming the forward the Phoenix system. The breech block is taken
•crew to the right or toft Having found this de- out by loosening the screw that holds the pin, and
gree, turn the rear screw to the right, tightly, and then taking out the pin. After the hrencH-block
the joint is adjusted. has been removed let the hammer down as far as it
The Peabody Martini Rifle.—{Mad* hy Providence will go, which relieves H from
the pressure of (ha
Tool Co., Providence, R. /.}— 1. Butt Stock. main spring, and it can then be easily removed by
9.
Stock Bolt 10. Receiver, or Body. taking out the a-rew which holds it.
11. Trigger
Spring. 1 2. Screw for Locking Bolt Spring and Trig- The Remington Breech Loading Rifle.—(Made by
ger Spring. 14. Stop Nut. 15. Block Axis Pin. 1C E. Remington rf- Sons, Jhon, N. F.)— Explanation
Striker, or Firing Pin. l». Block. 25. Tumbler of parts aud technical names: A Receiver. B.
A..
36. Indicator. 27. Block Lover. Breech Piece. C. Hammer. D. Locking Lever,
3ft. Extractor.
86. Tumbler Rest. 30. Tumbler Reat Axia Screw. a Main Spring, bb. Pins. <x Trigger, d. I*v«>r
SI. Extractor Axib Screw. 33. Guard. 83. Trigger. Spring, s. Trigger Spring, f. Firing Pin. g. Ex-
34. Trigger Axis Screw. 85. Swivpl 3«. Swivel tractor.
Axie Screw. 46. Barrel. 4T. Pore, or Tip-Stock. To remove the breech and hammer: Loosen
piece
43. Cleaning Rod. the button screw until the button cau bu removed
To dismount body or receiver Turn keeper screw
:
from the beads of the brooch aud hammer pins.
«o the groove in hood will allow block axfe pin
to
Cock Uw hammer, push out the breech pin, take out
drop out; open the breech, and with (he thumb press the breech piece , let down the hammer as far as it
with force ou front end of block, and, at the same will go (which leaves the main epring resting upon
time, raise the lever; turn the keeper-screw bo an to a stationary pin, and obviate* the necessity of using
allow the tumbler axis to be pushed out. This also a main spring vise in readjusting the parts). Re-
relieves the tumbler. Take out extractor axis screw. move the hammer pin and take out the hammer.
To assemble body: Put lever back to its place in To replace the hammer and breech piece: Lay the
assembled guard and insert both in the body. Drop arm down on the ri^ht side, press upon the trigger
jn extractor and turn in extractor axis screw. Put at the same tim** replacing tho hammer with the
tumbler in place and put in tumbler axis, point up- thumb piece forward and downward, untfl the hole
right and secure keeper screw. WHb the right hand in the hammer and n-cuiver correspond. Replace
raise the lerer so a* to touch the lovoroafcch, theu, the hammer pin, cock the hummer, replare the
with the first Anger, pull the trigger back, and with breech piece, insert breech pin in receiver, and by
the thumb push the trigger axis forward, and drop pressing on the pin at tho same time pressing down
in the assembled block, the front end entering first. the breech piece and working back and forth
it
The Remington Magazine Gun; Keene*3 patent. — of the screw-driver to start the lock From its bed,
(Made by E. Remington A
Sons, Ilion, N. V. )
the Bide screws can then he taken out and the lock
To remove the breech, turn the large screw at the removed. To replace the lock, press it finnty into
right hand Bide of the stock below the hammer to its bed, before entering the screws and then turn
the right until the carrier (which should be in ita them up close.
lower position at the time) drops free of the bolt and Sharp's {BorchardVs Patent model of 1878;
Rifle,
allows it to be withdrawn. N. B. The screw refer- made by Sharp's Rifle Co., Bridgeport, Conn.) —
red to is cat with a left hand thread. To separate Plate S— AAA, receiver BB, elido OC, sear P, ; ; ;
the rear end of the bolt and firing pin from the firing bolt ; E, cam
extractor 0, connection
; F, ;
front end, bend back the hammer and twist it H. trigger; K, safety catch L, safety lever; MM, lever;
;
around to the right until the shoulder on front end NN, mainspring: 0, lever spring ; P, barrel stud ;
;
of rear cap slides back in the groove in breech bolt. R. ramrod stop, military ; S. ramrod/ military ; T,
To reassemble it reverse the operation described. swivel, military UTJ, barrel ; VV, forearm ; W,
:
To take out the extractor, press back the extractor link; X, butt-stock bolt; 1, lever pin; 2, lever
bolt, using the hooked end of the screw-driver for screw.
this purpose, thus releasing the rear end of the ex- To take the arm apart : Loosen the rear screw
tractor, which may then be lifted out of its seat. under the barrel, and thi6 will relieve the pressure
Care should be taken not to let the extractor be of the lever spring. Cock the gun by opening and
thrown out by the spring when released. To re closing. Bring down the guard levor half way.
move the stock, take off the bands take out the ;
Take out the lever pin on which the lever rotates.
screw at the and of the metal tip, and remove the This pin is held in place by a small screw directly
tip-stock by slipping it forward over the magazine above it. Turn this screw to the left until the cir
tube. Unscrew the majrasine tube, take out the cular cut in its side is on a line with the lever pin,
tang screw, remove the guard bow, and take off the and the latter can then be removed. Pull lever out
butt stock. The barrel should never be unscrewed of the joint. Replace lever pin so as to hold ox-
except with proper appliances to avoid injuring the tractor in place. Remov« screw which connect*
To a»emble the parts, reverse the operations de- Take out lever. Push slide up and out, and then
scribed, taking care in screwing in the magazine take out extractor.
tube that the follower does not catch against the cut- To strip the slide, uncock it and push out sear pin
off and interfere with replacing the lube.
and remove scar. Take out pin at rear end of
Remington No. 3 Rifle,— {Hepburn** Patent, made slide. Take out slide plug and mainspring. Drive
cross pin out of firing bolt and remove same. Re
by E. Remington and Sons, Ilion, N. r.)— Remove
tho upper screw on the left hand side, aud the move link by taking last screw out of alids. To re-
hammer, remove the upper screw and slip the ham ger pin and safety pin above it. Pull back safety
mer forward into the breech block hole. To take Catch -and pull out trigger. Push forward safety
catch as far as it will go, and it will drop out, to
out the extractor, remove the forward screw on left
The which operates the breech gether with the safety lever above it.
hand side. lever
To assemble, replace safety catch, safety lever
block passes through the rockersleevo with a square
and trigger. Assemble and cock it. Push slide
Btud and is held in place by a set screw directly un-
3afoty catch into notch of triggur. Put in extractor
der the fore stock, winch must be removed if it is
and lever pin. Insert elide and push it down, keep-
ever desired to take off the lever. If necessary to
ing extractor close to its place, in base of barrel.
remove the guard it can be done by taking off the
Attach lever. Take out lever pin, bring lever into
butt stock and taking out the side screws in the
the joint, replace the pin, and secure it by giving
usual way. barrel should not be unscrewed
The
9mall screw above it half a turn to the right.
from the frame except with proper appliances.
Tighten the screw which wag loosened under the
When necessary to unscrew the frame, the ex
barrel.
tractor should be taken out and the breech block
place, before putting on the Never use a hammer
or other force either in tak
and guard put back in
injj apart or assembling this system. If the parts
wrench.
wing paper or linen are in proper position, everything will go into place
Sharp's Rifle, {old model
easily.
cartridge, alsomodelof 187 fusingmetallic cartridge;
made by Sfiarp's Rifle Co., Bridgeport. Conn.)— The U. S. Muzzle Loading Rifle and Musket.—To
To take the arm apart Relieve the lever key from
:
Draw the ramrod turn out the tang
take apait : ;
pressure of 3pring by throwing down the lever screw put the hammer at half cock partially un-
; ;
guard, the key can then be taken out and the slide screw the side screw, and with a light tap on the
with lever guard attached, removed. head of each screw with the handle of the 6crew-
;
its bed in the stock, then turn out the 6ide screwB or receiver (that holds the two fulcrum pins) a
and remove the lock uith the left hand. Remove few turns to release the flanges or heads of the
the side screws and take off the bands. Take out two pins, then turn (hum away from the
the barrel by turning the gun horizontally, barrel a little. 8. Place tfau hammer on the
downward, holding the barrel loosely with the left open the breech half way, and press the locking
hand below the rear Bight, the right hand grasping shoulder back with the screw driver until it is held
the stock by the small if it does not leave the stock,
; by the catch on the locking lever made fur the
tap the muzzle on the top side against the work purpose 3. Knockout the piu that holds the breech
bench which will effect loosening it at the breech block, and take out the breech block, lever and cart-
To assemble, put together in the inverse order of ridge extractorai the same time. 4. Bring the ham-
taking apart. Squeeze the barrel in place with the mer to full cock, so as to release the locking should vr,
hand ; give the butt of the stock a gentle tap on the and then uncock it, pressing it forward so as to re-
floor to settle the breech end of the barrel against lieve the tension of the springs knock out the
;
the head of the stock. Urge pin, and take out the hammer and locking
Springfield Breech Loading Rifle [made at Spring- shoulder together.
fi'id, Mass. by V. 3. Government; adopted by U. S. To assemble 1. Draw back the trigger to its
:
Government)— A, Bottom of Receiver ; B, Barrel; usual place and insert th? hammer and locking
C, Breech Screw ; Hinge Pin F, Oam Lock
E, j
shoulder (placed together, as when token out) into
;
Billings d> Spencer, Hartford, Conn.)—Thia arm is remove lever ; turn out lock plate screw and drive
provided with a backward and upward moving ofT right hand lock by tapping on head of lock plate
breech block in the rear of the cartridge, the screw ; take out the screw and insert in sear hole,
breech block turning backward upon the hinge, and drive off left hand plate.
which is a more natural motion than a forward turn. To take out the ham mere, turn in the screws in
To open the breech for loading, half rock the bottom of the frame until the mainspring will allow
piece draw the locking bolt with small handle on
; the hammer to drop back far enough to allow its
right aide, and pull towards you this retracts the
; being lifted out of the frame. In putting back, be
firing pin, also extracts the shell automatically at careful to press the projection on the lever on top of
the same time. the Bpring that holds it, up to place, before putting
The Fox Breech Loading Shot Gun.—{Made by the lever-screw in.
American Arms Co., Boston. Mass. ) To tak e apart — Porter Doubb-barrded Brtech-loading Shot Gun.
To detach the barrels, first open the gun as if for {Made by Parker Brothers, Meriden, Cbaft.)-1.
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 410 GUNSMITH S MANUAL 1
shoulder P will allow it to move. This shoulder screw; X, front sight; Y, center pin catch screw
P is formed on one side of a little dog, in the other To take apart: To dismount the pistol, half-
side of which is a corresponding shoulder, cook the hammer, loosen the centre pin catch screw;
rest-
ing against the wire 0. draw oat the centre pin, open the gate, and the cyl-
So long es the
tip-stock
isin place this dog cannot yield or permit inder can then be withdrawn. To remove the
the lock,
ejector, turn out the ejector tube screw, then push
ing-bolt to be drawn far enough to allow
the joint-
check to come out of the mortfee in the frame; the front end away from the barrel and pull it to-
but wards the muzzle. The stock can be removed by
when the tip-stock is removed, the wire O can slip
part way out, as in Kg. 4, allowing the turning out the two screws just behind the ham-
shoulder P
to move back, so that the locking-bolt mer, and that at the bottom of the strap. Remove
can be drawn
back clear of the joint-check—thus releasing the main spring and trigger guard; the parts of the
the lock can then be readily separated. The cylinder
barrels.
bushing should then be pushed out for cleaning.
The toper Four shooting Shot-gun and Rifle. To remove the gate, turn out a screw in the lower
{MadebytheBiUingsiS: Spencer Co^Hariford.Oonn.) side of the frame (hidden by the trigger guard), then
—A, frame; B, receiver; B\
hinged lid of receiver; the gate spring and catch can be withdrawn, and
O, hammer; J>, plunger; n>, head of plunger; E, the gate can be pushed out
plunger link; F, cartridges; G, carrier in which
To assemble the pistol, follow the directions for
shells are placed; H, lever to revolve carrier; F,
dismounting in reverse order. The mainspring is
mainspring; J, sear; a, ratchet; b, stirrup; c, link
most conveniently mounted by turning in the screw
connecting hammer with mainspring; a\ pin of
part way, then swinging around the front end of
lever H
e, pivot of carrier Gj
;
/, firing pin; h t elastic the main spring until it bears against the under side
tail ot lever H. of the friction roll. The cylinder bushing should be
POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 3 411 GUNSMITH" S MANUAL
frequently removed for Gleaning. To take the arm
apart for cleaning: Remove the
North's Patent Revolving PistoL—To take the cylinder then take out the two screws for holding
;
piatol apart, take out the screw in the forward end the guard to the frame. When the guard is taken
of the lock and barrel frame, which runs through the off. all the lock work is accessible for cleaning.
base-pin, then draw back the operating lever so as In order to keep a revolver in good condition, the
to bring the hammer to the half-cock, turn the cylinder should be taken out and oiled before putting
cylinder round by hand until the mortise in the back itaway after firing. The centre pin should be re-
end of the cylinder ie found, which mortiae connects moved and cleaned to prevent it from rusting and
the cylinder with the recoil shield; then unlock the impeding the rotation of the cylinder.
rammer and draw it andthe base-pin out; the cylin- The Remington. Magazine Pistol—[Rider's Patent.
der is then left free to be taken out, When the Made by E. Remington & Sons, /ton, N. K.)-To
cylinder is taken out be careful not to leave the load: Draw the tube from the magazine; hold the
spiral spring which lays in a recess made in the front pistol barrel upright; drop the cartridge, rim down-
end of the cylinder, and in putting together be care- wards, into the magazine; when full, insert the feed-
ful to replace this spring. ing tube in the magazine and lock in place by turn-
To take the lock apart, first take out the main and ing the caps and engaging catch in the notch under
lever springs which are both held by one screw; then the barrel.
take out the hammer, next the small screw connect- To fire: Grasp the pistol in the usual manner,
ing the lever with the Link of the toggle-joint (this press the thumb upon the breech-bl(«;k, carrying the
screw is in the lever on the outside of the pistol just block downward until released from the recoil
back of the trvgger). Next bend up the toggle-joint shoulder; then draw the block and hammer hack-
and take out the lever and trigger, which are bbth ward until the hammer engages in the cock
notch |
held by one screw; then take out the toggle-joint then let the block forward by an easy motion and
and revolving lever, which are connected together the cartridge will be carried into the chamberj the
by two screws. pistol will remain at full cock and is discharged by
To put the lock together, first pnt in the toggle- pulling the trigger. In case the pistol should be
joint,, then the main and lever springs, next the loaded, and cocked, and not needed for use, the
hammer, then the lever and trigger; next screw the cartridge in the chamber may be returned to the
revolving lever to the toggle-joint. magazine by simply drawing back the breech and
To put the cylinder in it* place, first put the recoil pressing the carrier downward until the cartridge IB
shield (the piece with ratchets made for turning the in position to enter the magazine, then letting the
breech) into its place and draw back the operating block forward. This is to insure safety in carrying.
lever so that the hammer wfll come to full cock, at The principle of this arm
such that the same mo
is
the same time pressing back the recoil shield as far tion cocks the hammer and carries the charge from
as ic will go, still holding back the operating lever; tho magazino to the chamber.
see that the spiral spring is in place in front of the Smith d: Weston Revolver, oal. tf-—
Schofctld,
cylinder, put the cylinder in place, let the projecting (Made by Smith d: Wesson, SpnuyjkUl, Mass.)—
pin on the recoil shield come into the mortise in To dismount the pistol: The only part of the
back end of cylinder; then put base-pin and rammer pistol which will oidinarily require removal is the
to place and turn In the screw which holds it. cylinder, which can be taken out as follows; Turn
The Remington Revolver (SmooCs Patent, mode thecyUnder catch just 180 deg., as indicated by the
byE. Remington & Sons, Won, y. Y.)-To load: notch on its head; open the pistol; press up the
Half-cock the hammer then turn the cylinder
;
head of the catch until it clears the cylinder; draw
around so as to bring the chambers in line with the out the cylinder; replace it in inverse order.
opening in the recoil shield, in which position the To remove the cylinder and ejector of the pocket
cartridges can be inserted, or the empty shells ex- pistols, open the pistol until the piston protrudes
tracted by means of the rammer on the side of the half way, raise the barrel catch and turn the
barrel. cylinder two turns to the left.
To remove the cylinder: Half-cock the hammer, To replace the cylinder and ejector, open the
then slide forward the Btud in front of the cylinder pistol to its foil capacity, raise the barrel catch,
through which the extractor rammer operates. The press the cylinder forward upon the base pin and
cylinder is replaced in the same way, but it is gen- give it tuo turns to the right.
erally necessary to turn it in its seat to get the pawl 7\e Automatic (Merwin, Bulbert <fc Co.) is so
out of the way before the centre pin will enter the simple in He arrangements as to need no directions
hole in the cylinder. (or assembling or taking apart.
The Poor Man's VOL- 3
JAMES BOND p
KurtSaxon
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The Poor Man's
JAMES BOND
VOL 3
Kurt Saxon
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE WEAPONEER - THIRD EDITION 1
Ifyour local book store doesn't stock Atlan's books, order direct from
Atlan Formularies, above. Dealers' rates on request.
WEAPONEER INDEX
Armor, Imitation 4 Gunpowder, White 43
Armor of Old Japan 67 Guns, Best 49
Arrows, How To Make 89 Harrassaent As 'A Weapon 54
Arrows, How Indians Made 56 Hypodermic Needle, Versatile 40
Arrows, Making Visible 91 Igniter, Potassium Permanganate. . 29
Barbarian Menace • 93 Jequirity Bean 23
Big Brother Is Watching Lawrence. 34 Klll-A-Watt 51
Blasting By Electricity 43 Knife Throwing 36
Blowgun 31 Knives, Ozark Bear Claws 46
Bolas, Fighting 83 Machinegun, Electric 73
Bombs, Potassium Chlorate 33 Mayan Throwing Sticks 74
Booby trap Cyanide 48 Mines
,
ll
Boobytraps, And Mines 11
Muskets, Rifled 42
Bow, Making 67 Nasal Sprayer Weapon 4, 80
Bow Sights 91 Ozark Bear Claws 46
Bows, How Indians Made 56 Percussion Caps, How Made 62
Bullets, Explosive 76 Pistol, Air, To Make 52
Bullets, Ricin 27 Pistol, Smoking Pipe 38
Cannon, Brass Model 53 Pistol, Wallet 39
Cannon, Chinese Breech Loading... 79 Potassium Chlorate, Making 30
Cannon, Electric • 73 Projectile, Sawyer *s .61
Cannon, New Mode Of Construction. 46 Pyrotechnics, History 23
Cannon, Spiking 72
Rations For Troops 79
Cannon, Vent .Stopper 86 Ricin, Manufacture 23
Castor Bean 23 Ricin, Press For 26
Citizen Menace 94 Ricin, U.S. Government Process... 28
Citizens* Army, Independent 104 Rifle, The Henry 77
Crossbows, Making .62 Rifleman's Beit Rest 66
Darts, Killer 32 Road Block* •*••••••••••••••••. .92
Don't Bite The Cartridges 66 Sharpshooting 42
Fang, Saxon's 84
Shooting, Survival 3
Fantasy Of Survival Through Shot, Making Lead 81
Deadly Force 60
Smudge Pot, Cyanide
50 42
Garotte, The Steam Battery 1
Grenade, Cyanide 48 Stenches For All
Grenades, Potassium Chlorate 33
63
Tylenol Interview 40
Gun, Kickless 73 Under Fire, How A Man Feels 76
Gun Lock, Improved 110 Volunteers, Council To 22
Gunpowder, Experiments 45 Warfare, Science In Modern 78
Gunpowder, Exploding By Weaponry, Art Of 1
Electricity 55 Wonder Compound For The Warr'~
Gunpowder, Manufacture 22