AD kG 
8 The Needle Gun. 
the muzzle of the chamber, discharging by a needle; the 
muskets or rifles of the ordinary soldiers are, however, 
breech-loaders. It so happens that the needle is very suit- 
able to breech-loaders. 
“There are numerous modifications of the mechanism of 
the breech of a needle rifle. The details of the newest 
adoption it would be difficult to describe without drawings. 
The arrangement is, however, exceedingly simple, strong, 
and effective. 
“ A cylinder of about four inches long closes the breech, 
being held tight by a projection leaning against a wedge- 
like hoop at the bottom of the barrel; a lever attached to 
the cylinder assists in wedging or unloosening and with- 
drawing it. Inside this cylinder is a needle passing through 
_a fine aperture at the top. The needle is projected by a 
spiral spring (much like those in toy guns) held or released 
by an elastic steel bar, upon which the trigger acts. The~ 
whole arrangement is much more simple than that of 
percussion locks, and much less liable to get out of order. 
“The notion that the needle is a delicate affair has gained 
ground. The needle in the first place, is not a ‘sewing’ 
needle, but a stout piece of wire withan abruptly sharpened 
point ; it is entirely enclosed in the cylinder, and comes 
into contact with nothing but the soft cartridge. Certain- 
ly, if a piece of stone was put into the breech the needle 
might break against it, but a stone in a percussion breech- 
lock would have an equally damaging effect. 
“The general advantages of breech-loaders rapidity of 
fire need not be described. 
“The writer is thoroughly familiar with the needle-gun, 
and he and his friends have had considerable practice with 
needle weapons of several kinds. The manifold notions, 
opinions, and descriptions which are expressed in this 
country in reference to the needle-gun are often very wrong 
and frequently ridiculous. The objections made by the 
authoritles, by gunmakers, and the partisans of the Enfield 
(justly proud of so excellent a weapon of its kind) are 
based upon imperfect acquaintance with the principle of 
the gun. ; 
“It has been described by a West-end paper as rough, 
unfinished, unsightly, and uncouth, with indifferent ammu- 
nition, &c. The most elegantly finished guns, of any size 
or weight, fowling-pieces, revolvers, pistols, &c., are made 
in Prussia. The ammunition is compact and never failing. 
The writer has fired many shots, and never had a cartridge 
So 
