THE 4.7” RIFLE, MODEL 1906.
GUN.
Weights and Dimensions.
Weight 2,688 lb.
Caliber 4.7 in.
Total length 134.92 in.
Length of bore 129.42 in.
Length of rifling 111.9 in.
Number of grooves 42
Twist Right hand.
Weight of proj. based fuse 60 lb.
Weight of proj. point fuse 45 lb.
Weight of powder charge 95 oz.
Muzzle velocity, 60 lb. proj. 1,700 ft. per second
Muzzle velocity, 45 lb. proj. 2,050 ft. per second
Maximum range 11,000 meters
THE CARRIAGE.
Weight of carriage complete 5,320 pounds
Weight of carriage and gun complete 8,068 pounds
Maximum elevation 15 degrees
Maximum depression 5 degrees
Maximum traverse 140 mils.
=The gun= is built up and consists of a tube, jacket, locking hoop and
clip. The jacket covers the rear half of the tube and projects beyond
the tube at the rear to form the breech recess. The jacket also has a
recoil lug on the under side for connecting the recoil cylinder. The
clip is a short hoop near the muzzle and has guides formed on it
to guide the gun in the cradle on recoil. The jacket also has guides
formed on it. The length of the gun is approximately 11 feet.
[Illustration: 4.7” Rifle]
=The breechblock= is of the interrupted screw type having four threaded
and four plain sectors. It is operated by a handle which swings from
left to right turning and withdrawing the breech with one motion. An
extractor is fitted for throwing out the shell case when the breech is
opened after firing.
The firing mechanism is of the type known as a continuous pull
mechanism, that is, the mechanism is cocked and fired by the pull on
the lanyard or by downward pressure on the firing handle located at the
right side of the breech.
The recoil system is of the hydro-spring type.
The two parallel steel tubes (the spring cylinders) are fitted into a
frame surmounted by heavy steel rails which form the gun slides thus
forming the cradle. The recoil cylinder is fitted between these two.
The recoil and counter-recoil piston rods are attached to the gun lug
and recoil with the gun, while the spring cylinders and recoil cylinder
remain stationary.
The recoil is constant, being 70 inches for all elevations. The
recoil cylinder uses hydroline oil as the buffer medium. Throttling
is obtained by three throttling bars running lengthwise of the
cylinder which are of varying height to give a throttling effect with
corresponding slots in the recoil piston. A counter-recoil buffer is
fitted in the piston rod to take up the shock when the springs return
the gun into battery.
The trunnions on the cradle are mounted in bearings formed by a yoke
which swivels in a pintle bearing provided at the front of the trail.
_Traverse_ is obtained by means of a handwheel and screw mounted on the
left side of the trail which swings the yoke in traverse carrying the
gun with it. A traverse of 70 mils on each side of center is possible.
_The piece is elevated_ by a double screw type of mechanism. The upper
end is attached to the cradle and so raises and lowers it. The screw is
operated thru gearing by two handwheels one on each side of the trail
from 5° elevation dep. to 15° elevation.
_The trail_ is of the solid type made up of flasks of channel section.
It has housings for the axle and carries the pintle bearing in which
the top carriage or yoke swings. A tool box is provided in the trail.
A seat is provided on each side of the trail for the cannoneers. The
lunette transom is fitted about 27 inches from the rear of the trail
and carries a bearing that fits the limber pintle.
A trail prop is provided for supporting the trail when limbering.
The spade can be released and folded up on the trail when traveling.
A traveling lock is provided on the trail for locking the gun when
traveling. The piston rod and spring rods must be disconnected before
the gun can be drawn back far enough to lock.
_The wheels_ are 61 × 6 inch with rubber tires and band brakes. Some
older vehicles have steel tires and are fitted with tire brakes.
An armor plate _shield_ is fitted to the carriage for the protection of
the personnel.
_The instruments for sighting_ and laying the piece included a line
sight, a rear sight, a front sight, a panoramic sight and a range
quadrant.
The line sight consists of a conical point as a front sight and a V
notch as a rear sight. These are located on the Jacket of the gun, and
are useful for giving a general direction to the gun.
[Illustration: 4.7” Rifle]
The sighting is similar to the 3”, 1902.
The rear sight and front sight are used for direct aiming. The rear
sight is a peep sight mounted on a range scale quadrant by a bracket
on right side of the cradle. The front sight is a pair of cross wires
mounted in a ring attached by a bracket on the cradle about 3 ft. ahead
of the rear sight.
The range scale quadrant has a socket in which the Standard U. S.
Panoramic sight may be mounted.
For indirect fire the gunner on the left of the carriage lays for
direction only.
On the right side of the cradle is mounted the Range Quadrant which
has in combination with it the Angle of Site Mechanism. For indirect
fire the gunner on the right of the piece lays for range with this
instrument.
=Fixed ammunition= is used with this gun. Shrapnel and high explosive
shell are used. The base fuzed steel shell and the shrapnel weigh 60
lbs. The point fuzed steel shell weighs 45 lbs. Gas shell are also
issued identical with the 45 lb. steel shell.