GUN-CRUTCHES. 



425 



crutches, as well as plan for shifting the former fore 

 and aft to suit the trunnions and balance of the gun, 

 should such be necessary, together with a Double- 

 balance Crutch. The latter is of the greatest ser- 

 vice, as it enables the gun to run backwards or 

 forwards freely when fired, and yet meet nothing to 

 injure. This crutch is specially useful should the 

 balance of a gun be too near the trunnions, and at 

 all times it keeps the barrel very steady. 



DOUBLE-BALANCE CRUTCH FOR SWIVEL-GUN. 



Though not in this instance necessary, this gun is here shown fitted 

 with a back recoil check-rope, the loose end of which is brought taut 

 to eyebolt in punt's floor, or, if used as an extra safety-rope, it can be 

 secured to an eyebolt in gunbeam to the left side of the gun. 



SHIFTING GUN-CRUTCH. 



All gun-crutches to have fork covered with thick leather very firmly 



sewn on. 



