US Army 8-Inch Rifles in Martinsville, Virginia
US Army 8-Inch Rifle in Martinsville, Virginia
Two US Army 8-Inch Muzzle Loading Rifles are displayed outside the Old Henry County Courthouse in Martinsville, Virginia. These two guns were originally cast as 10-Inch Rodman smoothbores during or just after the American Civil War. In 1885 they were converted to 8-Inch Rifles at West Point Foundry. The conversion significantly improved the accuracy and hitting power of the old cast iron guns by boring them out to 13.5 inches and inserting a steel rifled sleeve of 8-Inches. Shot weight went from about 125 pounds to 180 pounds. With a propellent charge of 35 pounds, the converted guns were capable of penetrating 7 inches of iron armor at 1,000 yards.
Many thanks to Rob from the YouTube Channel FirearmsAddict for these photos!
The two rifles in Martinsville are:
US Army 8-Inch Rifle (3rd Series) Number 10. Weight as converted in 1885 at West Point Foundry is 16,030 pounds.
US Army 8-Inch Rifle (3rd Series) Number 31. Weight as converted in 1885 at West Point Foundry is 15,940 pounds.
US Army 8-Inch Rifle in Martinsville, Virginia
US Army 8-Inch Rifle Number 31 in Martinsville, Virginia
US Army 8-Inch Rifle Number 10 in Martinsville, Virginia
The sight mounting point on top of the barrel above the trunnions may be seen here.
The vent for the friction primer may be seen here
