About firearms to be specific.
The range on the various pistols produced normally sat about ten yards when smoothbore; the length of the barrel and the amount of powder played an obvious factor in this, some reaching further while others under. There was then the additional factor on if the barrel had been rifled – those that were had an increase in accuracy, and by consequence an increase in the effective range in comparison.
Which was what got Gale thinking.
What would happen if the barrel length was significantly increased beyond normal pistol lengths?
The brass rod was withdrawn, carefully being glided out from the cooling metal and smoothing down the interior in the process. Satisfied, the end was pinched within the tongs and quenched within the brine water. Hissing as it cooled, the smith withdrew and inspected the length with interest. Perfectly straight, it was held in both hands as the weight was tested.
The first issue would be the additional weight of the firearm. It would have to be held in both hands just to support and stabilise it. The second would be working out the additional amount of powder to get a shot out the end, and then the limits of how much could be put in without it being a risk to the user. There were other factors; should the barrel be rifled, would it be flintlock or the still being developed ‘Drum’ caps.
Fingers tapped the end of the pipe. A smooth finish was needed, but that would be later. Moving over to one of the work benches, the pipe was placed down alongside several others of similar shape and size. A small tally was ticked off next to them, before she settled upon the stool. The pipes themselves were for a client, a specific set of sizes needed of particular lengths and diameters that most steel mills were unable to provide. The fact that Gale decided to take this opportunity to make additional pipes of this particularly narrow size for other reasons was simply drafted up as them being spares. Or, unfortunate failed attempts at heating the steel right.
Even good metalworkers made mistakes at time. Reality was Gale knew what they were doing; it was all a small ploy to prepare barrels for firearms.
Taking up one of the large files, the long and dull process of proving a smooth surface at either end. A simple and time consuming exercise that allowed her mind to wander through ideas.
The firing mechanism will be similar to the Liberator. Simple hammer, pull back and press. But single shot. A bridge between the flintlock and the revolving chamber. Sure, it would not rely on the spark produced by the flint and wear, but the reload time would be the same.
Which was a good point. Chewing at their lip, the file continued to scrape across steel. The Liberator had one obvious flaw, it was slow to reload. While good at firing off multiple rounds, the speed was something to be desired. No, the thoughts needed to take a step back. What could be done to make firing quicker? Something quick, burnable, but transportable. Light weight and premeasured out.
Separate packages? Each with premeasured gunpowder, ball and cap?
She snorted at that idea. It just meant the amounts didn’t have to be measured. It still did not solve the loading speed problem. Lowering down the pipe, fingers flexing around the file in consideration. The gaze shifted only briefly to the paper, watching the corner of it curl in the heat. Outside she heard the moving of one of the vendors, tugging a cart along while hawking their goods. Food to go, warm and ready for lunch, a greasy meal, boxed and wrapped in a flimsy sheet of paper. The complaint of a hungry stomach forced the smith away from their work, and keeping the conversation light the smith was back within the safety of the forge.
Idly playing with the grease covered paper, the occasional slurp of noise escaped as they chewed through the noodles. A strip of it ripped, coiling it around a digit in idle contemplation. Another mouthful, a small spit when something gristle became caught.
Quick loading. Faster. Package. Premeasured. Whoever said they could never go into the firearm contained? A cartridge premade with the percussion cap at the back. Surrounded by paper and with a shot within it. The paper would have to be prepared to burn up quickly. Along with a way to affix it to the cap. An adhesive suitable for metal. Or perhaps just a covered in some wax stiffened, or perhaps a tallow to allow movement through the barrel. The ball will have to be shaped to fire forward and stay in place. A cone with a flat base perhaps? Lead. Additional velocity would be obtained.
Returning to the pipe, a scroll of paper was coiled and measured up to the pipe. It slid in with enough ease – and with a cap at the end it would stick in place until fired. It took effort to stop the curious mind from taking over. Forcibly the paper was slipped out, neatly put aside before returning to the filing.
The moment some element of evening came however the smith wound down quickly. The pipes were put away neatly, tools stored and packed. The metal smith however was quickly away, coat around their form, toolbox clattering at their side. Tallow was chosen as the product of the current experiment, a small tin of it jammed into the pocket before being away. The fact that the Liberator was hidden along her back, the terrifying mask of Gunner locked within the toolbox was merely a side thought. She had all she needed for this particular experiment.