Williams Gun
Tredegar Iron Works · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1861
Also known as: Williams Rapid Fire Gun, Williams 1-pounder, Williams rapid-fire cannon
Overview
The Williams Gun is a Confederate breech-loading, hand-cranked rapid-fire machine gun of the American Civil War, widely regarded as the first machine gun to be used in combat. Designed by Captain David R. Williams of Covington, Kentucky, it fired a one-pound, 1.57-inch projectile from a four-foot iron barrel mounted on a light artillery carriage. Turning the hand crank opened the sliding breech for the crew to load a round and cap the primer, then closed the breech and automatically released the hammer, allowing a sustained rate of up to 40 rounds per minute. A battery of Williams Guns saw its first action at the Battle of Seven Pines in May 1862.
Specifications
| Overall Length | 1219 mm (47.99") |
| Barrel Length | 1219 mm (47.99") |
| Action Type | Breech Loading |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 730 m (798 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1830 m (2001 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 40 rpm |
| Frame Material | Iron |
| Barrel Material | Iron |
Calibers
- 1.57 inch (1-pounder) · primary — also known as 1-pounder, 1.57 in, 40mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Manual Single Round
- Features: Hand Crank Operation, Sliding Breech Block, Carriage Mounted, Self Cocking Hammer
Service history
Operators
- Confederate States Army · adopted 1862
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Estimated total produced: 42 · Production years: 1861-1864
Around 40-42 guns built across three foundries to supply seven Confederate batteries; about four survive today.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: David R. Williams
Discontinued: 1865
Notes
Approximately 40 to 42 were produced to equip seven Confederate batteries, manufactured at Tredegar Iron Works (Richmond, VA), F. B. Deane Jr. & Son (Lynchburg, VA), and Skates & Co (Mobile, AL). Roughly four examples are known to survive. The iron barrel was prone to overheating and expansion during sustained crank firing, which could jam the breech.
Background
First fielded by Captain David R. Williams' own battery at the Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks) in May 1862, the Williams Gun is frequently cited as the first machine gun ever used in battle, predating the Gatling gun's combat debut.