BREECH-LOADERS V. MUZZLE-LOADERS. 303 



The position in the table of each gun indicates the nature 

 of its performances in the three qualities of pattern, penetra- 

 tion, and recoil. It is easy, therefore, without any further 

 explanation, to see at a glance how each gun stands. It is 

 necessary, however, to explain that where the amount of 

 recoil is above the average, the number of pounds which is 

 shown in the proper column is deducted from the total of 

 shots, while on the contrary, where its recoil is below the 

 average, a corresponding addition is made. 



BREECH-LOADERS V. MUZZLE-LOADERS. 



Having examined into tfe relative merits of the two kinds 

 of guns, it may be well to sum up their advantages and dis- 

 advantages in a tabular form. 



MUZZLE-LOADERS. BREECH-LOADERS. 



PATTERN. 



Little difference between the two kinds. 



PENETRATION. 



Slightly superior. Xearly equal, but not quite ; 



requiring at least a quarter of a 

 drachm extra charge of powder. 



ABSENCE FROM RECOIL. 



Little difference between them With equal charges recoil less 



with the proper charge to make the than the muzzle-loader, but with 

 performance equal. the allowance of extra powder 



which is required by the breech- 

 loader the recoil is about equal. 



IIANDINESS IN THE FIELD. 



The muzzle-loader can be made Breech-loaders are all somewhat 



lighter than any other gun of equal heavier than muz/de-loaders of the 

 bore and length of barrel. same bore and length of barrel. 



Mr. Needham's is the lightest of 

 the breech-loaders, but requires an 

 extra length to allow for loading. 



SAFETY FROM BURSTING. 



The muzzle-loader is the safest Inferior to the muzzle-loader, 



in this respect. 



