291 
QUICK-FIRING GUNS IN HARBOUR DEFENCE. 
BY 
LIEUTENANT A. S. BUCKLE, R.A. 
An attempt is made in this paper to show how important a part quick- 
firing guns (and especially the newer and heavier patterns) seem 
likely to take in the defence of coast fortresses ; with a few remarks 
on the general method of employing these guns, should they be 
supplied for Harbour Defence purposes in the large proportion that 
seems necessary. 
It may appear in the following pages that the words “ likely,” 
“ probable,” “ seem,” &c., are very often used; so often that the 
whole paper appears to be a mass of theory. But so faint is the light 
hitherto thrown by practical experience, under present conditions, on 
the question of ships v. forts, that no absolutely certain answer can be 
given as regards any of its aspects. What little is known from actual 
experience, however, encourages the Coast Artilleryman to hope that 
the ideas he at present holds (on which this paper is founded) may be 
borne out when put to the practical test of real fighting. 
A short description of the guns of this nature that have at present 
been made, and their capabilities, may be of use before proceeding to 
discuss their advantages. 
Of the lighter patterns we have the 6-pr. and 3-pr. Hotchkiss and 
Nordenfelt guns : of these a good many have already been issued to 
coast fortresses—the 6-prs. as auxiliary armament, the 3-prs. for the 
defence of mine-fields chiefly. All quick-firing guns fire common 
shell of two kinds; steel, pointed, practically armour-piercing ; and 
cast-iron. They also have case shot. The 4* 7-inch gun fires shrapnel 
in addition : while the 6-inch ammunition has not yet been decided, 
but will probably follow the same lines. The 6-prs. have a muzzle 
velocity of about 1830 f.s., with black powder, and will pierce two 
inches of steel at 1000 yards, while the 3-prs. at the same range, 
muzzle velocity 1870 f.s., will pierce 1*8 inches. They range effec¬ 
tively up to about 1700 yards, and 10 aimed rounds per minute can 
readily be fired with these smaller natures. 
The 4'7-inch quick-firing gun fires a 451b. projectile with muzzle 
velocity 1786 (black powder). With this velocity it will penetrate 
5'4 inches of steel at 1000 yards, but the muzzle velocity when using 
6. YOL. XIX 39 
Introduc¬ 
tion. 
Description 
of Materiel. 
