Database: Whitworth Rifle: Difference between revisions
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The first long-range sniper rifle, the [[Whitworth | The first long-range sniper rifle, the [[Whitworth Rifle|Whitworth]] was designed by [[United Kingdom|British]] inventor Sir [[Joseph Whitworth]] in 1854. | ||
Sir Joseph set about designing a rifle barrel that would both instill greater spin on a bullet (in order to improve accuracy), and reduce friction (to improve range). His innovative solution was to manufacture a twisted, hexagonal barrel with a matching hexagonal bullet. The twist in the barrel provided the spin, while the hexagonal shape reduced the friction. The result was an amazingly accurate weapon. | Sir Joseph set about designing a rifle barrel that would both instill greater spin on a bullet (in order to improve accuracy), and reduce friction (to improve range). His innovative solution was to manufacture a twisted, hexagonal barrel with a matching hexagonal bullet. The twist in the barrel provided the spin, while the hexagonal shape reduced the friction. The result was an amazingly accurate weapon. | ||
Revision as of 17:05, 28 February 2022
The first long-range sniper rifle, the Whitworth was designed by British inventor Sir Joseph Whitworth in 1854.
Sir Joseph set about designing a rifle barrel that would both instill greater spin on a bullet (in order to improve accuracy), and reduce friction (to improve range). His innovative solution was to manufacture a twisted, hexagonal barrel with a matching hexagonal bullet. The twist in the barrel provided the spin, while the hexagonal shape reduced the friction. The result was an amazingly accurate weapon.
Queen Victoria fired a Whitworth (using a string at a distance) at the first meeting of the British National Rifle Association in 1860.
The Whitworth was used primarily by the Confederacy in the American Civil War and by the French Army.