452 



properly arranged, and take especial note of the result; then load 

 the piece as before, and secure it tightly, so that no rebound can 

 take place ; move the target some distance farther off, and note the 

 result of this discharge. It will be observed that the last fire will 

 be far more effective than the first, both as regards the strength 

 and range, although the distance of the target has been con- 

 siderably increased. 



In support of the time-honored hypothesis relating to the effects 

 to be apprehended from the presence of certain obstructions, in- 

 tentionally or accidentally placed up the barrels of small fire-arms, 

 we hardly know what to advance. Although we have not made 

 any experiments to establish the position, still we feel quite sure in 

 asserting that the old-received opinion is perfectly correct ; that 

 is, that there will be a greater recoil with the same amount of pow- 

 der if there be some obstruction up the barrel, than there would be 

 if the charge was properly rammed home. 



This opinion, however, is quite contrary to the results obtained 

 by Commodore Stockton ; for he asserts that the recoil, as indicated 

 by the motion of the timber to which the guns were fastened, was 

 less when the ball was at a distance from the powder than when it 

 was rammed home. This, certainly, is very much at variance with 

 the popular belief. 



If a gun be fired with an ordinary charge of powder, and be 

 perfect in its construction, there will not be any retrograde motion 

 of the piece, or in other words recoil, felt at the shoulder; or, if 

 there be any, it will be of such a trifling nature that it is not worth 

 noticing. 



There is, however, a recoil ; and this recoil, as before observed, 

 is deadened in proportion to the weight of metal in the breech, 

 the shape and build of the stock, as well as in some measure by 

 the mode of holding the weapon. 



If, however, the charge in its exit from the gun should meet 

 with any obstruction far up the barrel, where the metal is thin and 

 the gun only lightly balanced in the hand by a grasp of the stock 

 near the guard, the sudden shock given to it by the resistance of 



