![]() This class of gun may be again divided into several sub-classes : in some the cartridge case itself would move to the rear in others only a portion of the case, or a piston in the case, would do so, whilst again the cartridge case might be corrugated so that it could be elongated by the pressure of the powder gases. The energy produced may be utilised for performing all the functions of loading and firing. ![]() For instance, it may be supposed that a cartridge is allowed to move to the rearward a short distance while the high pressure is still in the barrel. ![]() In the second class the cartridge, or a portion of the cartridge, moves back in the chamber at the instant of firing. A portion of the energy may be stored in the momentum of the moving parts or in coiling certain springs which again give out the energy and perform other functions, such as removing the cartridge from the magazine, putting it in the chamber, closing the breech, and pulling the trigger. A certain number of the functions may be performed while the barrel is moving such as, for instance, the opening of the breech, the cocking of the hammer, and the extraction of the empty cartridge case. The latter may be the shoulder of the gunner or the carriage or mounting of the gun. In guns of this type the moving parts, which are set in motion by the discharge and participate in the recoil, are actuated by coming in contact with some stationary point of resistance. In the first the whole of the arm, or the barrel and mechanism, recoil at the instant of firing, the energy of this recoil being utilised for performing the functions of loading and firing. Maxim divides automatic guns into three classes. This ground we need not go over again in dealing with our present illustrations. How the kick of an ordinary rifle first impressed him with the idea of wasted power an idea that was further worked out when he found himself, a year or two later, in Paris, with not enough occupation to fill up his time and how the first successful automatic gun was produced in Hatton Garden at a still later date. Maxim to turn his attention to the production of an automatic gun. We have already given in these columns an account of the steps which led Mr. ![]() The engravings on pages 166 and 167 show some of the early forms of Maxim gun, and well illustrate the familiar process of invention and rejection which new mechanical devices nearly always go through. Maxim belongs the credit of having produced the first practical automatic gun. A good many personal motives of a not altogether creditable sort appear to have been involved in the dispute but whatever may have been the vague suggestions of previous speculations on the possibility of an automatic-firing gun, we believe there can be no doubt but that to Mr. Into that question we do not propose to enter for, like most controversies of a similar nature, it is altogether profitless. There has been a good deal of argument as to whom should belong the credit of having first suggested an automatic gun. #Hattip maxim pistol fullAs we purpose giving a somewhat full description of the Maxim gun as it now exists, it will be interesting and convenient if we describe all the steps by which this most remarkable gun has been brought to its present state of development. ![]()
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