Existing comment:
3.2-inch Breechloading Rifle (converted):
At the start of the 20th century, salute firing became hazardous. The advent of breechloaders decreased the opportunity of gun crews to practic serving muzzle-loading guns. With a large number of wrote iron, Model 1861 Ordnance Rifles still on hand, although obsolescent, a decision was made to convert a number of these to breech loading salute guns. About 200 were brought to Watervliet Arsenal where the breeches were re-machined to accept sliding, Hotchkiss type breech blocks and the bore was modified to accept hardened chamber liners. The modified guns could now fire a shortened cartridge case originally intended for 2.24" (6 pounder) Driggs Schroeder MK III rifles, Models 1898 and 1900. |