Encyclopedia · Cannon and weapon systems

300-pounder Parrott rifle

The 300-pounder Parrott was the largest of the Parrott rifles, of 10-inch bore, a heavy seacoast and siege gun used in the war's great bombardments.

Also known as: 10-inch Parrott.

TypeHeaviest cast-iron rifled Parrott with wrought-iron band
Bore10 inches
ProjectileAbout 300 pounds
RoleHeavy siege and seacoast

The largest Parrott

The 300-pounder Parrott rifle, of 10-inch bore, was the largest of the banded Parrott guns, throwing a shell of about three hundred pounds. Guns of this size served in the heaviest siege and seacoast batteries, including the Federal works besieging Charleston.

The great charges required strained even the reinforced cast-iron design, and the heavy Parrotts were prone to bursting at the muzzle in sustained firing.

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