Dixie Gunsmithing
Moderator Emeritus
For those who think bigger is better, here is a bit of trivia. The Schwerer Gustav, (31" bore), the largest rail mounted gun that Germany produced, during WWII, which was only used once, at the siege of Sevastopol, had to have the barrel changed out, after every 48 rounds, or sooner, as at 48, it was completely worn out. It was said that 48 rounds were fired, during the siege, and I doubt them having another couple of barrels handy, so it was probably around 49 to 50 total, if counting the test rounds fired in Germany. How's that for barrel life?
The gun was moved to within 18.5 miles of Leningrad, where they think it was to be used to put down the Warsaw Uprising, but it was never needed, and was then scuttled, to keep the Russians from capturing it.
It's mate, Dora, was used once, and was within 9.3 miles of Stalingrad, but was taken down, during the retreat, and found scuttled by advancing US troops in the west.
The Langer Gustav was destroyed, while being built at Krupp, by a bombing raid. It was intended for Calais, France, and was to be aimed at Britain, and most likely, London, or toward Paris.
The Nazis didn't get too many bangs for their buck, with the big guns.
While I'm thinking of it, are there any Gunners Mates on here, that happen to remember the barrel life of those 16"/50 Mark 2 guns on the Wisconsin?
The gun was moved to within 18.5 miles of Leningrad, where they think it was to be used to put down the Warsaw Uprising, but it was never needed, and was then scuttled, to keep the Russians from capturing it.
It's mate, Dora, was used once, and was within 9.3 miles of Stalingrad, but was taken down, during the retreat, and found scuttled by advancing US troops in the west.
The Langer Gustav was destroyed, while being built at Krupp, by a bombing raid. It was intended for Calais, France, and was to be aimed at Britain, and most likely, London, or toward Paris.
The Nazis didn't get too many bangs for their buck, with the big guns.
While I'm thinking of it, are there any Gunners Mates on here, that happen to remember the barrel life of those 16"/50 Mark 2 guns on the Wisconsin?