Nock Volley Gun

**packin9** · 10-01-2009, 10:26 PM

I know this is not WW1 or 2 related but still, pretty interesting. A British .52 cal. 7 shot (at once) Volley Gun. 18th Century. It was supposed to be used in the high rigging in sea battles. It wasn't a popular gun for anyone who shot it which would be quite evident.

**RH1941** · 10-02-2009, 12:02 AM

Cool gun. I think it was less popular with the guy who got hit by it.

Gary

**jimpy** · 10-02-2009, 02:38 AM

by packin9

I know this is not WW1 or 2 related but still, pretty interesting. A British .52 cal. 7 shot (at once) Volley Gun. 18th Century. It was supposed to be used in the high rigging in sea battles. It wasn't a popular gun for anyone who shot it which would be quite evident.

As used by Sgt Harper in the Sharpe series!!!

**Bill Grist** · 10-02-2009, 01:53 PM

It also looks like the Volley gun used by Jim Bowie (Richard Widmark) in the movie (Alamo)....BILL

**big ned** · 10-02-2009, 03:40 PM

Hi Guys,

All answers are correct.

The Nock volley gun was produced in low numbers (635) in the 1780's-90's for the Royal Navy.

The six outer barrels were plugged at the breach end and had holes drilled through the sides that aligned with the central barrel which was fixed on a central spigot. When the flintlock mechanism was fired, it set off the central barrel charge which initiated the other barrels so that all seven discharged more or less together. The weapons calibre was .54, and as such would have a devastating effect on any ships boarding party!

There were inherant problems with the gun however. It was very heavy for men of that time to wield effectively due to their smaller stature, indeed, it was not uncommon for the users shoulder to be smashed whilst firing the piece. Furthermore, it was also unpopular with officers as it would often set fire to sails and rigging. For these reasons and others, the Nock volley gun was quietly retired from the service by 1804.

Today, these weapons are very rare, i think there's one in York museum, but i was lucky enough to see one at an antique firearms dealership in Hereford last year, a snip at 35,000 pounds!!!

Regards, Ned.

**packin9** · 10-02-2009, 10:01 PM

Good info there Big Ned. And Bill, It flashed through my mind when I read your post about 'The Alamo'!

**lugerfan** · 10-23-2009, 08:34 PM

I was lucky enough to hold Harper's Volley gun used in the original Sharpe TV series a couple of years ago. very heavy, but a fantastic piece of kit.
wouldnt like to have to fire one whilst hanging onto the rigging of a ship though.......