PROPOSED RUSSIAN FIELD GUN. 
387 
either short, medium, or accurately known; hut when fire is opened at 
incorrectly-judged distances, the probability of a hit is quite another 
thing. We can see from the table, admitting an error in estimating 
the distance of 2 per cent., that we may fire the heavy 4-pr. at 
700 sagenes (1633 yds.) and the 9-pr. at 550 sagenes (1283 yds.) 
With the like good results, as at these distances 25 per cent, of the 
shots would strike the target. With an error of 5 per cent, in the 
estimate of the distance, the probability of striking the target from 
either gun, even at short and medium ranges, is very small. If we 
compare the distances at which one-fourth of the projectiles fired would 
strike the target, we'find—admitting an error of 5 per cent, in the 
estimate of the distance as before—that for the heavy 4-pr. the range 
would be 450 sagenes (1050 yds.) and for the 9-pr. 330 sagenes 
(770 yds.) 
Although accuracy of fire and tension of trajectory constitute most 
important elements in the effect of fire, in a field gun, its projectile 
should also possess considerable and accurate explosive effect. In the 
present state of the technical arts, the only method of increasing the 
explosive effect is that of increasing the calibre and weight of the 
piece.* But therewith the difficulty of handling the piece, of the 
transport of a sufficient number of rounds, and of covering the piece 
from the enemy ; s fire, inevitably increases. It is very probable that by 
increasing the rate of firing a satisfactory increase in the explosive 
effect produced by field guns is attainable, thus avoiding the difficulties 
incident to an increase of calibre; but proof that the question can be 
solved in this manner is not forthcoming. Moreover, as the steel and 
bronze experimental 4-prs., which fire at high initial velocity, weigh 
about the same as the 9-pr., whilst the filled projectiles of the former 
weigh about one-half that of the latter, it is obvious that the 4-prs. 
must be inferior to the 9-pr. in explosive effect. For these reasons, 
the experiments with a 4-pr. of a weight equal to the 9-pr. were 
abandoned in Russia. Seeing, however, the utility of increasing the 
initial velocity of the projectile with reference to precision of fire, and 
that new field guns firing at high velocities are being introduced by 
many foreign powers, the Russian Artillery Committee proposed a 
heavy field gun weighing 30 pud (9 cwts. 2 qrs. 18 lbs.), for firing at 
high velocity. A drawing of the gun and projectile are appended. 
(See drawing). 
In order that the new experimental gun should have a clear advan¬ 
tage over the present field guns as regards accuracy of fire and tension 
of trajectory, the projectile must have an initial velocity of not less 
than 1500ft. per second; and not to sacrifice aught in explosive effect, 
the common shell must weigh not less than 14 lbs. (12*65 lbs. Fng.) With 
these data, the new field gun, riding on the service carriage, would not 
be subject to a greater strain than the service gun. In order to 
diminish the expansive force of the gas of the charge, it is proposed to 
use large-grain gunpowder, similar to that fired in the steel 4-pr.; and 
in order to increase the power of resistance of the heavy bronze gun, it 
is intended to cast it in a metal mould and to compress the metal in 
* ? watershell.— ~Eng. Tr . 
