8-pounder long gun | |
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Type | naval gun |
Service history | |
Used by | France, Spain, Great Britain, Holland, Sweden, United States |
Specifications | |
Mass | 1120 kg 215 kg (mount) |
Barrel length | approx. 2 metres |
Shell weight | 3.6 kg |
The 8-pounder long gun was a light calibre piece of artillery mounted on French warships of the Age of Sail. It fired a projectile of eight livres in weight, equivalent to 8.633 English pounds, or 8 lb 10 oz (the French livre was 7.916% heavier than the English pound weight). They were used as chase guns or main guns on light ships of the early 19th century, and on the quarterdeck and forecastle of ships of the line. They were similar in design to the Canon de 8 Gribeauval.