Chapter 7, Establishing the Bird Gun Team
Three hundred soldiers shouted in unison, their expressions solemn
However, the tremendous power of firearms is beyond doubt. Whether in our Huaxia or in the Western countries, the use of firearms in warfare has a history of several hundred years. The significant effects of firearms need not be elaborated upon. Excluding the majority of flashy yet impractical firearms, the remaining ones, such as the General's cannon, the flintlock musket, and this bird gun, are indeed effective in actual combat. Even though the effectiveness of firearms is limited in open field battles, in the siege and defense of cities, their role is not inferior to that of bows and crossbows. This bird gun can shoot up to a hundred paces; although beyond eighty paces, it is uncertain where the shot will land, and beyond fifty paces, if the enemy is fully armored, the impact is nearly the same as not hitting at all. However, in the siege and defense of cities, this bird gun can exert tremendous effectiveness. Within the range of the bird gun, around fifty paces, if one engages the enemy simultaneously with bows and firearms, using bows and crossbows, if the arrows are not poisoned and do not hit vital points, the enemy may not die. But if one uses the bird gun against the enemy, even if they do not die immediately, the wound will surely fester, and without proper treatment, they will undoubtedly die in the future. Gunpowder is toxic, lead is poisonous, and firearms themselves are instruments of poison, excellent tools for killing enemies, making it impossible for them to escape death.
This type of bird gun was developed during the Jiajing period, based on technology seized from the Japanese pirates along the southeastern coast during the campaigns against them. Prior to this, the Japanese had manufactured the "iron cannon" based on Portuguese designs, which had slightly better performance than the Portuguese matchlock guns. The Ming bird gun was built upon the foundation of the Japanese iron cannon, with slight improvements over the original Portuguese matchlock and Japanese iron cannon. At that time, it was among the best individual firearms in the Ming army, as the superior imitation of the Turkish Rumy gun had yet to be developed. It would take several more years before Zhao Shizhen could successfully replicate the Rumy gun.
The design of this bird gun is quite similar to that of modern firearms, featuring a wooden stock that facilitates grip for the shooter, thereby enhancing accuracy. The gun body is equipped with a rear sight, and the muzzle has a front sight. Compared to the matchlock guns used by the Ming army in earlier times, it is significantly more advanced. However, it remains quite cumbersome to use. Before firing, one must load the ammunition, pour the priming powder into the touch hole, pack the lead and gunpowder tightly into the barrel, ignite the match cord, aim, and then pull the trigger to shoot. Compared to the matchlock guns used by the Ming army in earlier times, it is significantly more advanced. However, it remains quite cumbersome to use. Before firing, one must load the ammunition, pour the priming powder into the touch hole, pack the lead and gunpowder tightly into the barrel, ignite the match cord, aim, and then pull the trigger to shoot
Bring me a bird gun to see
Xiao Ruxun took a bird gun and raised it high: "Although the bird gun has many defects, in times of battle, its ability to kill the enemy is indeed a rare and valuable weapon. The bandit army may return at any moment, and when that time comes, it will be your opportunity to ascend the city and achieve merit in battle. Although our army awards merit based on the number of enemy heads taken, it is impossible to determine in the chaos of battle whether a kill was made by firearms. However, I assure all of you, any enemy struck by lead, their head shall be severed, and you shall share half the credit!"
Xiao Ruxun understood in her heart and nodded, saying: "Indeed, urine, whether human or horse, when used to soak the fuses and then dried, can slow down the burning speed of the fuses. On the battlefield, if the fuses burn out, it would be disastrous. I have observed the gunner struggling with the fuses for a long time, hence this method. I am still unsure whether the craftsmen in the capital soak and dry the fuses with urine during their production process. Since you all are unaware, let us soak them once more."
Xiao Ruxun looked at the three to four meter long fuses tied to the gunmen and asked Wang Hui: "Have these fuses been soaked in urine?"
Wang Hui took a bird gun from a soldier beside him and handed it to Xiao Ruxun. Xiao Ruxun received it, weighed it in her hands, and estimated it to be around six or seven pounds, which was not light. This was normal; if it were lighter, it would likely mean that it was not made of quality iron or that there had been some cost-cutting measures, posing a risk of bursting the barrel.
Xiao Ruxun cast a stern glance over the three hundred gunners: "You are all individuals who have recently trained with firearms, and you must understand that, aside from these rewards, your contributions in taking down enemy leaders also account for half of your merit, which is considered a generous reward. You need not be on the front lines engaging in combat with the enemy. Since you are afforded such treatment, you must possess the qualifications that match this treatment! Those who do not possess such qualifications will be immediately expelled! I hereby declare that those who show disrespect will be dealt with according to military law!"
Xiao Ruxun commanded in a stern voice, and Wang Hui immediately complied. The other soldiers put away their joy and assumed serious expressions
The disadvantage of the matchlock gun lies in its vulnerability to water, as damp gunpowder renders it unusable. During the Battle of Salhu, when the Ming army encountered the Later Jin army, it was precisely at a time when the heavy rain had just stopped and the fog was thick. The air was humid, and the gunpowder of the Ming army became damp, making it impossible to use without drying it over a fire. Consequently, they were easily defeated by the bows and crossbows of the Later Jin army
The three hundred musketeers are all soldiers proficient in the use of bird guns, but they have not been trained in battle formations, are unfamiliar with the three-stage shooting method of King Mu, and do not know what instructions the general has to offer
I hereby decide to establish a Bird Gun Corps in the military, which will be directly commanded by me! At the same time, due to limited gunpowder and lead, you are not allowed to waste national resources by firing recklessly. There must be guarantees in place before the corps can be formed and engage in battle. Therefore, military regulations are hereby established! Wang Hui, summon the military law officer!
Upon entering the military camp, Wang Hui came to greet him, stating that three hundred soldiers proficient with bird guns had been selected for Xiao Ruxun to review. Xiao Ruxun nodded and proceeded to the parade ground, where he saw three hundred soldiers, each holding a bird gun, standing in ten rows and thirty columns, exuding a commanding presence and a strong sense of combat readiness. It seemed that the previous victory had instilled considerable confidence in the troops, and under Xiao Ruxun's capable leadership, the military discipline was strict and the operations were smooth, significantly reducing various troubles, which made him quite satisfied. The ten rows and thirty columns stood firm, exuding a commanding presence and a strong sense of combat readiness, indicating that the previous victory had instilled considerable confidence in the troops, and under Xiao Ruxun's capable leadership, the military discipline was strict and the operations were smooth, significantly reducing various troubles, which made him quite satisfied.
Upon opening her eyes, Xiao Ruxun discovered that her aim was quite good, approximately fifty meters, or thirty paces, hitting the scarecrow squarely in the head, blowing half of its head apart with a single shot. Only then did Wang Hui look at Xiao Ruxun with great enthusiasm and shout: "General, you are magnificent!"
Wang Hui's expression became quite remarkable, as if he had heard an incredible tale, and he incredulously asked: "Urine? Is what the general said urine? Did I hear incorrectly?"
In terms of firing rate, the earliest matchlock soldiers, due to efficiency issues, considered it efficient to fire twice in three minutes. However, as military strategists throughout history continuously sought ways to improve firing rates, skilled shooters could fire approximately three times per minute. The matchlocks that made their way to Japan underwent refinement during the Warring States period, leading to the emergence of techniques such as "sōgō," which could further increase the firing rate to seven times per minute. Nevertheless, this proved to be of little practical use. Skilled shooters could fire approximately three times per minute, and the matchlocks that reached Japan were refined during the Warring States period, resulting in techniques like "sōgō," which could increase the firing rate to seven times per minute, yet this was of little practical use.
When a matchlock gun is fired, it requires gunpowder to ignite, and the combustion of traditional gunpowder produces a significant amount of smoke. Each shot creates a cloud of smoke, and if the firing rate increases within a minute, it is possible for the surroundings to be enveloped in gun smoke, making visibility extremely poor. During battles between the Ming army and the Later Jin army, there were instances where a sudden change in wind direction caused gun smoke to fill the Ming army's position, obscuring their view of the front and leading to direct assaults by the Later Jin army, resulting in their defeat.
The three hundred musketeers were instantly overjoyed beyond their expectations
The pawns exchanged glances, their hearts filled with apprehension
Wang Hui followed behind Xiao Ruxun and inquired
Although Wang Hui's complexion was splendid, he still resolutely carried out Xiao Ruxun's orders. However, he remained somewhat puzzled as to why Xiao Ruxun suddenly placed such great importance on firearms, having fought alongside him for two years without realizing his profound knowledge of weaponry.
Xiao Ruxun smiled, shook her head, returned the gun to Wang Hui, extinguished the match and handed it back to the gunner, and then spoke: "Firearms are easy to handle, requiring no arduous practice like bows, horses, sabers, and swords. Their power is also considerable, which is why the current dynasty has developed firearms for the border troops. However, in my view, the firearms of the current dynasty are often more showy than practical, with grand names and loud noises, yet in the end, they cannot even kill a single enemy soldier. When it rains or when they get damp, they are truly less useful than a hoe!"
To this end, military strategists have made various attempts to improve the matchlock gun, but with little success, until the early 18th century when the flintlock gun completely replaced the matchlock gun
After inspecting the city walls, Xiao Ruxun set off for the military camp, calculating that with 1,800 soldiers stationed at the four corners of the walls to guard against the rebel forces attacking from all sides, only about 700 troops remained as mobile forces. Excluding 300 gunmen, there were still 400 reserve troops left, making the situation urgent and time pressing. With this thought, a sense of urgency arose in Xiao Ruxun's heart. It was around three o'clock in the afternoon, and if all went well, they would be able to drill the gunmen today to assess their proficiency with firearms.
Before long, the military judge arrived, prepared with paper and pen. Xiao Ruxun announced sternly: "The bird gun team shall conduct daily drills at a distance of eighty steps, setting up a wooden sign five feet high and two feet wide. Hitting seven out of ten shots is considered excellent, qualifying one for the position of officer in the bird gun team. If one hits one out of three shots, it is deemed average; hitting two earns a reward of one cent; hitting three results in an extra reward of five cents. If one fails to hit any shots once, they will receive three strokes; failing twice results in six strokes; failing three times results in nine strokes; failing five times results in forty strokes, leading to dismissal! Those unwilling to participate will be fined five cents for the first offense, one cent for the second, and one and a half cents for the third offense!"
No!
The soldiers burst into laughter
Xiao Ruxun weighed the bird gun in her hand, reminiscing about the time when she led a group of soldiers to execute a zombie army. Suddenly, she felt an impulse to fire a shot, so she asked the gunner for lead and gunpowder. She loaded the priming powder into the pan, closed the pan cover, and then filled the barrel with the firing powder and lead. Using the ramrod attached to the barrel, she compressed the load, then ignited the slow match with a fire stick, blowing a few times to secure the slow match in the match holder. Aiming at a scarecrow on the right side of the training ground, she pulled the trigger, immediately closed her eyes, and felt a wave of heat rush towards her with a loud bang. She closed the pan cover, then filled the barrel with the firing powder and lead, compressed the load with the ramrod, ignited the slow match with a fire stick, blew a few times to secure the slow match in the match holder, aimed at a scarecrow on the right side of the training ground, pulled the trigger, immediately closed her eyes, and felt a wave of heat rush towards her with a loud bang.
The matchlock gun is still affected by the wind; when the wind is too strong, it not only impacts the shooting direction but also accelerates the burning rate of the match. Before the battle is finished, the match may burn out, turning the gun into a mere fire stick. Such occurrences have been common throughout the several hundred years of matchlock gun warfare.
Three hundred soldiers shouted in unison: "General, you are mighty!"
After speaking, Xiao Ruxun looked up at the sky. In a world without weather forecasts, understanding the weather is a matter of life and death. Through years of diligent study of ancient texts, Xiao Ruxun mastered the skill of observing celestial phenomena. She then said: "From my observation of the sky, there will be no rain in the coming days, and the wind is not weak. If left in the sun, it will dry in about three to four hours. The enemy has not yet appeared, time is of the essence. Ziheng, make arrangements immediately!"