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The 1-pounder
semiautomatic gun and carriage was primarily intended for landing
purposes, but it has been used
in trench warfare and to accompany infantry troops. This
equipment is well adapted to the latter uses, due to the fact that
its weight is such, as to permit it to be readily transported from
place to place by man power.
The gun is
made of nickel steel, with the gun body and breech end being forged
in one piece. The breech mechanism is of the Bethlehem
semiautomatic type in which the breech is opened, the case ejected,
and the firing pin cocked on the counter recoil. The block is
closed by a spring which is compressed during counter recoil and
held in that position by the extractor until tripped by the
insertion of another round.
The carriage
is of the long recoil type and consists essentially of a cradle,
pivot yoke, trail, wheels, and axel. The cradle supports the
gun, forms a housing for the recoil mechanism, and is itself
supported by trunnions bearing on the pivot yoke. The recoil
mechanism is located above the gun and consists of a hydraulic
cylinder and counter recoil springs. No elevating and
traversing mechanisms are provided as the laying can be readily
accomplished by means of a shoulder guard and grip.
Open sights are
furnished and a bullet proof armor plate shield affords protection
for the cannonners.
Fixed ammunition
is used, and is packed for transportation in the steel boxes
containing 60 rounds each. A hand cart for carrying four
boxes, 240 rounds, is issued, the front and the lid of this cart,
being bullet proof.
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