The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Why no inventor built a simple automatic weapon during the War Between the States?

Bob Wright · July 30, 2012, 05:16 PM

I haven't seen mention of one important aspect: ammunition supply.

Supply was not what it is today, wagon trains of ammunition were slow, and getting it through channels even slower. One of the major objections as repeating weapons came into vogue was the "waste of ammunition" by the individual soldier.

Railroads were still fairly new, and the iron rails short-lived with accidents frequent, with de-railings and track damage. Then, at some point, the ammunition had to be transferred from train to wagon. Roads were poor, often unpassable in rainy weather.

Simply put, rapid firing weapons could eat up ammunition faster than the supply chain could deliver.

Bob Wright

July 30, 2012, 05:16 PM	#41
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	I haven't seen mention of one important aspect: ammunition supply. Supply was not what it is today, wagon trains of ammunition were slow, and getting it through channels even slower. One of the major objections as repeating weapons came into vogue was the "waste of ammunition" by the individual soldier. Railroads were still fairly new, and the iron rails short-lived with accidents frequent, with de-railings and track damage. Then, at some point, the ammunition had to be transferred from train to wagon. Roads were poor, often unpassable in rainy weather. Simply put, rapid firing weapons could eat up ammunition faster than the supply chain could deliver. Bob Wright Last edited by Bob Wright; July 30, 2012 at 05:52 PM.