Wubei Zhi (Vol. 53)

Wubei Zhi, Volume 122

Military Supplies: Fire

Illustrations and Descriptions of Firearms, Part 2

Each piece weighs twenty catties approximately 12 kilograms. The body of the cannon is two feet, two inches long approximately 70 centimeters. At the rear, there is an iron tail. This tail is seated within a wooden stock two feet, nine inches long, which is fashioned by splitting a piece of wood into two halves and carving a groove down the center. The iron tail at the rear of the cannon is placed inside this groove, which is then bound with fish-bladder glue original: "biao," a traditional strong adhesive and secured with iron bands at both the front and rear.

The weapon is equipped with a front sight original: "zhao xing," literally "shining star" and a rear sight original: "zhao men," literally "shining gate". For loading, use a gunpowder bag containing two taels approximately 75 grams of powder. The projectile load consists of one large lead ball weighing four taels, and thirty small lead pellets, each weighing six mace approximately 22 grams.

When firing, a support staff original: "mengun," literally "muffled staff," acting as a monopod or pivot mount is used. The bottom of the staff is fitted with an iron spike to make it easy to drive into the ground. There is a wooden crutch-handle wrapped in iron plating in the middle, used in conjunction with a large iron ring.

During engagement, the support staff is thrust diagonally into the ground. The gunner secures the wooden crutch-handle firmly under their left arm and holds the match cord in their right hand. Whenever facing the enemy, the muzzle of the cannon is passed through the iron ring. The gunner focuses entirely on the "sprout" original: "miaotou," a technical term for the line of sight or trajectory, adjusting the elevation. It is essential that the front sight is aligned directly with the enemy. The person operating the weapon likely a second crew member or "trigger-puller" uses their right hand to ignite the charge. The large lead ball—