THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
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with coiled iron barrels, as steel was not then finally adopted as the material 
for inner barrels. Any of them however (except 64-prs.), which have since 
been re-tubed, have solid-ended steel barrels, as indicated on the face of the 
muzzle. 
It was not thought necessary to alter the marking on guns made previous 
to the above date, so the letters F, F I., B, D &c., as above, will be found on 
the left trunnion instead of the numerals. 
It will be observed that Mark III. indicates the same construction for 
7-inch, 8-inch, and 9-inch guns. There however it ends; 10-inch guns 
of the same construction, being the first of that nature introduced, are 
Mark I., whilst the 12-inch are Mark II. 
(7) The extra fittings or appurtenances of M.L. guns are very few and 
simple when compared with those for B.L. ordnance. They are limited to 
gun-metal elevating plates for guns for both services, guide-plates and 
friction tube pins for sea service, and muzzle studs and shot bearers for 
land service. 
The position of the gun-metal plates for the elevating racks being measured 
from the “ lines” already marked on the gun, and the holes being drilled 
and tapped by hand, the plates are firmly attached to the gun by means of 
a screw at each corner. They are also marked with the number of gun 
to which they have been adjusted. The friction tube pin is screwed in 
1*3 inch to the left front of the vent, and a spare hole is made adjoining 
it, lest the pin should be broken off and leave its stump in the first hole. 
The leather loop of the S.S. quill friction tube is placed over this pin, to 
prevent the tube coming out when the lanyard is pulled, whilst to ensure 
direct action, the lanyard is passed through the guide-platej which is screwed 
into the gun in rear. 
A pulley arrangement is used for loading heavy guns in the naval service; 
so shot bearers , and studs to rest them on, are only required for L.S. guns. 
There are, however, preserving screws for both services, as every gun is 
drilled for all the fittings, both L.S. and S.S., in order that it may be avail¬ 
able for either service should occasion require. Thus a L.S. gun is drilled 
and tapped for the guide-plate and friction tube pin, and then the holes are 
stopped with preserving screws ;* similarly, a S.S. gun is prepared for 
muzzle studs, although the holes are immediately afterwards stopped up 
again. 
To bring the cascable to the approved shape, its sides are sloped towards 
the rear. 
To prevent the handspikes slipping when working the gun, the breech is 
scored underneath at each side. 
(8) The exterior of the gun being well cleaned, receives one coat of 
“ Pulford's magnetic paint f which is now used for all iron guns instead 
of anti-corrosion, to which it is superior in point of cheapness and durability. 
The bore receives one coat of the usual lacquer . 
* The preserving screws in the friction tube pin holes answer the purpose also of indicating the 
position of the vent by the touch, during night firing. 
