3-inch gun M1898, M1902, M1903 | |
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![]() 3-inch gun M1903 | |
Type | Rapid-fire seacoast gun |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1899–1945 |
Used by | United States Army Coast Artillery Corps |
Wars | World War I and World War II |
Production history | |
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Specifications | |
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Crew |
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Shell | Fixed ammunition, 15 lb (6.8 kg) shell |
Caliber | 3-inch (76.2 mm) |
Action | Hand operated |
Breech | interrupted screw, De Bange type |
Recoil | hydro-spring, 45 inches (114 cm) |
Carriage | M1898: masking parapet (retractable) M1902 & M1903: pedestal |
Elevation | -5° – +16° (+12° for M1898, +15° for M1902) |
Traverse | 360° (limited by emplacement in most cases) |
Rate of fire | 12 rounds/minute (up to 30 rounds/minute maximum) |
Muzzle velocity | 2,800 ft/s (850 m/s) |
Effective firing range | M1902: 10,988 yd (10,047 m) at 15° elevation M1903: 11,328 yd (10,358 m) at 16° elevation[1] |
Maximum firing range | 12,000 yd (11,000 m) approx.[2] |
Feed system | Manual |
Sights | Telescopic |
The 3-inch gun M1903 and its predecessors the M1898 and M1902 were rapid fire breech-loading artillery guns with a 360-degree traverse. In some references they are called "15-pounders" due to their projectile weight. They were originally emplaced from 1899 to 1917 and served until shortly after World War II. These 3-inch guns were placed to provide fire to protect underwater mines and nets against minesweepers, and also to protect against motor torpedo boats. In some documentation they are called "mine defense guns". The 3-inch guns were mounted on pedestal mounts (or a retractable "masking parapet" mount for the M1898) that bolted into a concrete emplacement that provided cover and safety for the gun's crew.[3]
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