THE SMALL-ARMS OF THE TWO POWERS.

Evening Star, Issue 12094, 15 January 1904, Page 2

THE SMALL-ARMS OF THE TWO POWERS.

Considerable cariosity lias been evinced (says the 'Argus') as to the rifles whkh will ba vsed by Japan and Russia in the event of the present threatening aspect of affairs in the Far East developing into actual hostilities.. Japan in 1900 adopted a weapon of the .856 calibre, having the Mauser action and Lee magazine, with a movable bottom, loading from a charger. Its velocity at SQft is 2,286 ft per second. The bullet, which weighs 163gr, is sheathed in copper, and has " stopping " qualities superior to our own service weapon. Trials have shown that 150 rounds concentrated on the same spot at 200 yds will penetrate a 9in brick wall. Russian troops bear the three-line (JNagant) Manser of 1691 pattern, which is of .000 calibre, and discharges a 2L4gr bullet at a ,90ft velocity af 1,927 ft per second. The projectile is covered with cupro-nickel, the magazine, when folly charged, carrying five rounds. The explosive is nitro-cellnlose. The Japanese rifle, being of longer range, is regarded as the. superior weapon.