Vasco Da Gama
Well-Known Member
I thought it worth posting a couple of pictures of a Vickers 3pdr used by the Royal Navy in WW1. I understand that this gun was introduced in around 1903 to replace the Hotchkiss version as the standard light anti-torpedo boat weapon. This weapon used a longer case 47x413, with a rim of 67mm (standard 3pdr case 376, rim 65mm). My example has been well used showing a Full Charge and 2 uses as a Reduced Charge. The bigger case coupled with a 50 calibre barrel gave increased muzzle velocity, 2587ft/sec against 1867ft/sec. These guns were also preferred for anti-aircraft work due to the higher muzzle velocity. Does anybody know anything about the projectiles? I suspect they are different as the crimping mark are deeper in to the case than the Hotchkiss 3pdr.
