Essential guide to 19th-century Gunnery and the making of better rifles and cannons
In this practical treatise, William Greener explains the science behind guns and highlights the latest improvements in fire-arms. It blends technical detail with a maker’s perspective, offering insight into both the theory and craft of gunnery in 1858.
Written for practical readers—hunters, sportsmen, and gun makers alike—the book emphasizes how safety, quality materials, and sound manufacture go hand in hand with performance. It also reflects on the state of English arms, contrasts with continental progress, and argues for honest, skilled craftsmanship in a competitive market.
- Foundations of gunnery: basic principles, projectile behavior, and the role of powder.
- Historical and modern context: how rifles, cannon, and sporting arms evolved to meet new needs.
- Manufacturing focus: iron and steel in gun-barrels, barrels, and the impact of materials on strength and reliability.
- Practical guidance for buyers and makers: evaluating quality, avoiding inferior goods, and choosing value with integrity.
Ideal for readers of historical military technology, sporting arms, and 19th-century engineering, this edition offers a clear view of the era’s debates, innovations, and practical craft.