The 9-Pdr Muzzle Loading Rifle - Historical Arms Series No. 9

32 Pages. Developments in breech loading guns made the 9-Pdr. RML obsolete by 1890, however the exorbitant cost of the North West Rebellion led to a lack of Defense spending for the next few years and it was not until 1895 that steps were taken to re-equip the field batteries with 12 pounder breech loaders. This step did not mean the immediate end of the 9-Pdr. and as late as 1905 the gun was used in Dominion Artillery Association competitions to expend existing stocks of ammunition. The then new 12-Pdr., although replaced almost completely by 1912 was itself used as late as 1938 for the same reason. During its service the 9-Pdr. proved a simple, robust gun, admirably suited to the rough handling of a half trained but enthusiastic force in a rugged, little-developed country. Much of the success achieved by Canadian "Gunners" in South Africa and in World War I can be attributed to training received and the esprit developed during the period of the 9-Pdr Rifled Muzzle Loader.