The conduct of combat operations in open order during the 18th and 19th centuries required an improved firearm with more accuracy than the standard-issue smoothbore infantry musket. Consequently, the appearance of a new type of regular light infantry soldier and an innovative military firearm, the rifle, marked a new age in the history of warfare. During the 18th century both Austria and Prussia fielded light troops armed with rifled firearms, while conflicts in North America involved the deadly long rifle and the innovative Ferguson breech-loader. Rifle-armed specialists also fought for several nations during the Napoleonic Wars. However, it was the decades after 1815 that saw the appearance of successful rifled percussion firearms, paving the way for the widespread issue of rifled weapons. This development was accelerated by the Prussian adoption of the Dreyse 'needle gun' in 1848 and in 1849, the French Minié rifle was the first successful conical ball rifle concept to be issued to regular troops in large numbers. Illustrated throughout with stunning full-colour artwork, this study charts the development, combat use, influence and legacy of rifled firearms in a host of conflicts, from the War of the Austrian Succession of 1740–48 to the Mexican–American War of 1846–48.
Firearms technology dominates the modern day battlefield, but how did the earliest guns affect battles in the Middle Ages? From their earliest incarnations in the 14th Century – which were as much a danger to their operator as they were to the enemy – to the muskets and breech-loading rifles of the 19th century, Piers Platt traces the technological advancements that revolutionized weapons, and how infantry tactics were forced to evolve as new and more lethal weapons were developed.
This volume offers an insight into the iconic Mauser family of German bolt-action rifles. Drawing on first-hand accounts of the weapons in combat and primary sources regarding their mechanical performance, this fully illustrated study charts the Mauser's origins, combat record and lasting influence. It explores the full range of Mauser rifles, beginning with the hugely successful Gew 98, which entered service in the time of the Kaiser, provided the basis for the US Springfield M1903 and equipped combatants such as the South African Boers. It also investigates the Kar 98k, which was still in front-line use with Wehrmacht troops in 1945, saw use with Mexican and Yugoslavian forces, and even played a role in the 1990s Balkan conflicts in the hands of snipers. Featuring expert analysis, specially commissioned artwork and gripping first-hand accounts, this volume is ideal for anyone seeking an understanding of these sturdy and accurate rifles' unique place in the history of small-unit tactics in the 20th century.
Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 51. Chapters: Early firearms, Muskets, Arquebus, Flintlock, Muzzleloader, Huolongjing, Antique gun, Brown Bess, Wheellock, Charleville musket, Naval artillery in the Age of Sail, Hand cannon, Matchlock, Blunderbuss, Jezail, Model 1795 Musket, Culverin, Nock gun, Snaplock, Wall gun, Fire lance, Model 1816 Musket, Howdah pistol, Springfield rifle, Springfield Model 1812 Musket, Model 1822 Musket, Springfield Model 1840 Flintlock Musket, Musketoon, Powder horn, Huochong, Petronel, Jingal. Excerpt: A musket is a muzzle-loaded, smooth bore long gun, fired from the shoulder. Muskets were designed for use by infantry. A soldier armed with a musket had the designation musketman or musketeer. The musket replaced the arquebus, and was in turn replaced by the rifle. The term "musket" is applied to a variety of weapons, including the long, heavy guns with matchlock or wheel lock and loose powder fired with the gun barrel resting on a stand, and also lighter weapons with Snaphance, flintlock or caplock and bullets using a stabilizing spin (Minie ball), affixed with a bayonet. 16th-century troops armed with a heavy version of the arquebus called a musket were specialists supporting the arquebusiers and pikemen formations. By the start of the 18th century, a lighter version of the musket had edged out the arquebus, and the addition of the bayonet edged out the pike, and almost all infantry became musketeers. In the 18th century, improvements in ammunition and firing methods allowed rifling to be practical for military use, and the term "rifled gun" gave way to "rifle." In the 19th century, rifled muskets (which were technically rifles, but were referred to as muskets) became common which combined the advantages of rifles and muskets. About the time of the introduction of cartridge, breechloading, and multiple rounds of ammunition just a few...
Numerous military flintlocks carried by the British Riflemen are described and illustrated with exceptional photographs and sharp close-ups of details. A great deal of attention is given to the famous Baker, but also included are such arms as the Ferguson, the Pattern 1776 and rifles used by German mercenaries and Loyalists in the American Revolution. Documented by decades of archival research and the inspection of countless surviving rifles. A great read for those interested in military history, marksmanship in the British Army, accoutrements and ammunition, the story of the Riflemen in the British service and antique firearms enthusiasts as a reference for identifying rifles.
A compact and authoritative guide to military rifles - Covers rifles from Britain, the USA, Germany, Russia, and elsewhere - Includes technical data and performance details The twentieth century was a true testing ground for tactics, conducting warfare, and, inevitably, weaponry. The mainstay of all armies in the two great confrontations of that century was the military rifle. This informative book presents information on more than 60 weapons, including semiautomatics and auto-loaders, including the Mauser, Lee-Enfield, and Tokarev. A detailed description of each rifle and its key features is supported by technical data and specially selected illustrations. Details of relevant ammunition and accessories complete the work.
Preparing for a disaster can be a daunting task, and it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why it's important to create a plan and break down the necessary skills and equipment into different levels of preparedness. This approach helps to make the process of disaster preparedness more manageable and less overwhelming.
All kinds of processes – those that make things or deliver services or operate companies – can be made more productive, and society's continued well-being requires it. This book is for all those with a stake in improving how companies run. It introduces the concept of 'swift, even flow' and explains how that concept stands behind popular business tools such as 'lean' principles and Six Sigma. More than that, it shows how swift, even flow can lead to deep, strategic insights and fresh ideas. The book uses many examples, both contemporary and historic, and 16 case studies from all sorts of business situations to demonstrate how swift, even flow can be applied. Services and manufacturing, supply chains and individual operations, product development and outsourcing, strategy and tactics, hourly workers and top level executives – all benefit from this fundamental re-thinking of what it takes to become productive.