The Gatling Gun

Osprey Weapons #40

by Peter Smithurst

A unique chapter in the history of firearms, the multibarrel, hand-cranked Gatling gun was one of the first practical rapid-fire weapons ever to be used in battle. It changed warfare by introducing the capability to project deadly, high-intensity fire on the battlefield, and portended the devastation that automatic weapons would wreak in World War I. During its 50-year career, it saw widespread service with US, British, and other forces on a host of battlefields through conflicts in Zululand and the American West, to the Spanish-American War. Although it saw widespread use in the hands of industrialized nations against various groups of indigenous native warriors, tt was famously left behind by Custer at the battle of Little Bighorn, where some argue it could have made all the difference. Featuring full-colour artwork plus contemporary and close-up photographs, this engaging study investigates the origins, development, combat use, and lasting influence of the formidable Gatling gun.

Genres: Military History

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2015

Reviews

[Shrike58 · Rating 4 out of 5]

All things considered, this is an Osprey series that I should probably be collecting more numbers of, particularly as they relate to automatic weapons. In this case the author does a fine job of explaining the mechanics of this weapon, putting it into technical and operational context, and examining some of notable encounters where these weapons were used.

[Sean Chick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summation of the weapon's technical specifications and its use, but as with Smithurst's other books, his descriptions of the battles are error ridden.

[Norbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book about the gatling gun and its use in 1800