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General >> Ammunition, reloading, shooting, etc >> Clips and Chargers and Cartridge Carriers, Oh My!
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Message started by butlersrangers on Feb 11th, 2019 at 4:55am

Title: Re: Clips and Chargers and Cartridge Carriers, Oh My!
Post by butlersrangers on Feb 11th, 2019 at 4:03pm
More ramble:

Chapter 2: If it kind of works ..... do we really need to fix it?

The military mindset (or perspective) was different in the late 19th Century, then in the aftermath of more modern wars and events.

Statistical analysis by ordnance departments of the British, after the Crimean War, and the U.S., after the Civil War, showed very low ratios of casualties inflicted, compared to the number of rifle shots fired.

(I suppose this continues to hold true, but, now we have concepts like 'suppressing fire').

IMHO - Developments that seemed to grow out of 'infantry rifle fire inefficiency', following these major 19th century conflicts, were: Improved sights and regulation, an increased rate of fire with breech-loading arms, National Rifle Associations (British and U.S.), and government encouragement of marksmanship competitions & training.

Tragically, there remained a continuation of massed infantry formations & movements in offensive operations, even though defensive capabilities, techniques, and armaments had become most dominant.

The British encountered mobile and superior 'rifle shots', with stripper-clip 7mm Mausers, during the Boer War. 'David' made 'Goliath' rethink training, rifle & sight configuration, charger-loading, and bullet caliber, weight, and velocity.

The U.S. probably had a more 'clouded' lesson in the War with Spain. (Criticism was easily shifted to the obsolete single-shot Springfield).

At Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, (Long Island), in 1898, a board of officers 'debriefed' brother officers, involved in the Cuba - Santiago Campaign.
The officers were largely satisfied with the Krag and its .30 cal. cartridge. The need for a windage adjustable rear-sight and an oiler was expressed. The carbine bar & ring were deemed no longer useful.
Attention was brought to cartridges falling out of woven belts and problems with bayonet-scabbard hooks.

Some officers noted the need for a more convenient means of refilling the magazine, while under fire

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