134 
AUTOMATIC SIGHTING. 
In the case of the heavier B.L. guns the gain in rapidity of fire 
seems equally obvious. We are most of us pretty well acquainted 
with the ordinary delays which attend the gun group commander’s 
“ prediction/’ Added to this are delays in transmitting ranges, 
calling them out and putting them on the gun. With automatic 
sights these delays are impossible; the act of finding the range 
simultaneously lays the gun. Take the case of a 9*2-inch B.L. gun 
fitted with automatic sights, on a mounting such as the R.C.D. are 
now turning out—the gun recoiling in a cradle and returning to the 
firing position ; capable of being easily and quickly laid for elevation 
or direction by one man, the layer, who can also fire the gun with his 
eye to the sights ; quick, easy and powerful loading gear. Surely it is 
not too much to hope for two rounds a minute from such gear, with 
automatic sights; or even three, if arrangements could be made to load 
cartridge and shell simultaneously. 
There is no necessity to consider automatic sighting in connection 
with R.M.L. guns, to which it is understood there is no intention of 
applying it. It is to be hoped that all these obsolete and useless 
weapons may soon cease to cumber the ground. Their removal will 
promote not only efficiency, but economy also. 
II.—Increased accuracy of fire. 
One of the objections urged to automatic-sighting is its possible in¬ 
accuracy as compared with the ordinary systems of range-finding and 
laying. 
To deal first with its use in connection with the lighter Q.F. guns 
for defence against torpedo-boat attack. It has been clearly demon¬ 
strated by practice that for heights of twenty-five feet and upwards 
its accuracy up to 1,200 yards leaves nothing to be desired. No 
more is required of these guns. 
Taking now the case of guns other than the above. Colonel 
Watkin has pointed out two objections, but they appear to have been 
met by improvements in manufacture, and should not now present any 
real drawbacks to accuracy. 
The first is the personal error of the layer, with a sight not provided 
with a telescope, which Colonel Watkin estimates at two minutes. 
This disadvantage is now obviated by the addition of an excellent 
telescope to each set of sights, for use if required, and they are, there¬ 
fore, in this particular, on the same level as any range-finder as 
regards accuracy, since a given error with the range - finder in 
observation, or with automatic sights in laying, would cause in each 
case the same deviation in the quadrant elevation of the gun. 
The second objection urged is the difficulty of ensuring a level 
platform, owing to racers, etc., going out of level. 
Since automatic sights are not to be applied to R.M.L. carriages 
there is no need to reckon with these wobbly antiquities. In the case 
of B.L. mountings, which, owing to their being constructed on sounder 
mechanical principles, are less likely to go out of level, a means of 
