Encyclopedia · Cannon and weapon systems

4-pounder gun

The 4-pounder gun was a light field gun of European pattern firing a 4-pound shot. Some served in the Civil War, especially in Confederate and irregular use.

Also known as: 4-pounder.

TypeLight field gun
PatternEuropean
ProjectileAbout 4 pounds

A European light gun

The 4-pounder gun was a light field piece of European pattern, firing a shot of about four pounds. It fell between the very light 3-pounder and the standard 6-pounder in size.

Guns of this class appeared in Civil War service, particularly among the varied and improvised artillery of the Confederacy, which used many imported and older patterns to fill out its batteries.

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