SHOET NOTES ON PEOFESSIONAL SUBJECTS, 
1869 . 
60. Trial of improved Chassepot’s, fired in comparison with the 
Martini-Henry arm for accuracy at 500 yds. range :— 
An unofficial trial of the Chassepot, in comparison with the Martini-Henry rifle, 
has recently been made at the Proof Butt, Woolwich, by the Sub-Committee on 
Small Arms, with very satisfactory results. 
Captain Simon, of the Trench Artillery, submitted for trial three improved 
Chassepot’s, and they were fired in comparison with the Martini-Henry arm for 
accuracy at 500 yards range. 
The results of the shooting were as follows - 
Arm. 
By whom fired. 
Mean deviation 
of 20 shots. 
Martini-Henry, Ho. 3. 
Chassepot, Ho. 1. 
Martini-Henry, Ho. 3. 
Chassepot, Ho. 1. 
Martini-Henry, Ho. 1. 
Chassepot, Ho. 2. 
Martini-Henry, Ho. 1. 
Chassepot, Ho. 2. 
Serjeant Bott, B.M., kneeling position. 
Captain Simon, from shoulder rest. 
n n n 
Serjeant Bott, B.M., kneeling position. 
Edward Boss, Esq., sitting position. 
Captain Simon, from shoulder rest. 
n a a 
Captain Mackinnon, sitting position. 
ft. 
1- 03 
. 2-78 
0-97 
3-02 
0-96 
2- 78 
1-62 
2-38 
Thus the accuracy of the Martini-Henry arm far excelled the Chassepot. 
Pleights of trajectories of the two arms at 500 yards. Chassepot 10 feet at its 
highest point. Martini-Henry 8 ft. 2 in. 
In simplicity of manipulation the latter arm is also superior. 
20 rounds were fired for rapidity, with the following result:— 
Chassepot. 1 minute 42 seconds. 
Martini-Henry . « 48 n 
The manipulation of the Chassepot was found very fatiguing. In simplicity 
and strength of construction, the advantage appears to be with the Martini-Henry 
arm. 
Captain Simon informed Sub-Committee that the Trench soldier carries two 
spare spiral springs, two needles, and one India-rubber washer, to replace any 
breakages or injury of these parts. 
There were no miss-fires with the Chassepot out of the few rounds fired by the 
Sub-Committee, but after 10 rounds it became difficult to push home the cartridge, 
owing to the clogging of the chamber, the cartridges had to be forced in by blows, 
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