Parsons Gun

—The system upon which Mr. Parsons makes his guns is similar to that of Maj. Palliser. (See Palliser Gun .) It depends upon the principle of varying elasticities, and is based upon the fact that wrought iron may be stretched three times as much as cast iron, and will offer three and a half to six times the resistance within the limit of its elasticity. These well-known gun constructions, known as converting systems , both consist in lining a cast-iron case with a wrought-iron or steel tube. In the Palliser or English method the tube is inserted from the muzzle. In the Parsons or American method, through the breech. In both nearly the whole of the longitudinal strain is transferred to the cast-iron case. Both systems were first perfected in England. Col. Crispin (U. S. Ordnance Corps) deserves the credit of introducing them into the U. S. service in constructing the new experimental rifles . The Parsons system is better adapted to constructing breech-loaders.