Chapter 535: A Weapon to Revolutionize the Battlefield
Compared to the Minie rifle, the Tige Model rifle requires a few extra hammer strikes during loading, making it slightly slower. However, the difference is negligible.
Moreover, given the current level of technology and logistics, the Tige rifle is better suited to existing systems. Minie bullets, with their irregular shape, require precision manufacturing that can only be achieved in rear-line factories before being shipped to the front. This would place a significant burden on supply chains.
In contrast, the Tige's cylindrical lead bullets can be cast by soldiers at the front lines. This method aligns with the current musket ammunition production model, which supplies gunpowder but not pre-made bullets.
As for long-term goals, Joseph planned to bypass the Minie rifle entirely.
His eyes flicked to a Ferguson 1776 breech-loading rifle hanging on the wall.
This weapon, widely mocked in Britain and ignored for half a century, was one Joseph knew to be the future of infantry firearms.
The Ferguson rifle was revolutionary, allowing ammunition to be loaded from the breech and using a rotating iron block to seal the chamber. It was the world's first breech-loading rifle used in combat, achieving an astounding firing rate of six rounds per minute.
In comparison, the best flintlock riflemen could manage four rounds per minute, while the average soldier managed three.
But the greatest advantage of breech-loading wasn't just its speed—it allowed soldiers to reload while lying prone.
Flintlock rifles required the soldier to stand and hold the gun upright to pour powder and ram the bullet down the barrel, making them easy targets. With a breech-loading rifle, soldiers could remain flat on the ground, drastically reducing their exposure to enemy fire.
The Ferguson rifle had even been used during the American Revolutionary War, equipping British troops under Major Patrick Ferguson. His unit achieved notable success, but after Ferguson's death in battle, the weapon faded into obscurity.
The main issue was technological: its rudimentary breech mechanism and subpar craftsmanship caused severe gas leakage in the chamber. With Ferguson gone, no one continued to improve the design.
It wasn't until 1819 that an American, Hall, developed the first reliable breech-loading rifle. Even so, it relied on flintlock ignition, which limited its practical use.
Then, in 1841, Prussian Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse invented the Dreyse Needle Gun, a breech-loading rifle with a percussion cap system. The weapon helped Austria decisively win the Austro-Prussian War in just a week, proving the superiority of breech-loading technology.
From then on, muzzle-loading rifles gradually faded into history, with breech-loaders taking center stage.
Joseph's plan was to use the Tige rifle to establish a mature production system for rifled firearms in France. Meanwhile, he would encourage his father to develop breech-loading technology.
Once successful, equipping the army with these rifles would make it possible for 10,000 French soldiers to dominate 50,000 troops from any European nation—a dream within reach.
Joseph was also confident in the direction of breech-loading firearm development: rotary breech mechanisms, durable firing pins, paper cartridge ammunition, and the percussion cap ignition system already adopted by the French Army.
With the guidance of France's "First Craftsman," a process that historically took decades could potentially be completed in ten years—or even less.
As Joseph reflected, Louis XVI's assistant, Emmerich, approached with a tray holding several freshly cast cylindrical bullets.
Louis XVI eagerly picked up the bullets and, without waiting, shouldered the newly crafted rifled gun. He pulled his son along toward the nearby Royal Armory.
At the armory's shooting range, Joseph loaded one of the cylindrical bullets into the Auguste Model 1790, tamping it down firmly with a metal ramrod. Pulling back the hammer and attaching a copper percussion cap, he finished the loading process.
The time taken was almost identical to loading a standard musket.
After a few test firings on a secured mount to ensure the weapon wouldn't explode, Louis XVI—ignoring the protests of his guards—personally aimed the rifle at a distant wooden target.
With a deafening crack, the shot rang out. The range attendants cheered as they rushed to retrieve the target, holding it up for all to see.
The bullet had struck dead center at a distance of 100 paces—an achievement unthinkable for a flintlock musket, which relied more on faith than precision beyond 40 paces.
Subsequent shots demonstrated the rifle's terrifying accuracy, with one bullet hitting a target at 140 paces. The Auguste Model 1790 was proving the incredible potential of rifled firearms.
An elated Louis XVI clapped Joseph on the back, exclaiming, "My dear son, once again, we have ascended to the pinnacle of firearm innovation in all of Europe!
"I can't wait for the day our enemies tremble before the might of France's warriors, asking, 'What incredible weapon are you using?'"
"They'll have their answer: the Auguste Model 1790, personally designed by our great King!" Joseph replied, grinning as he joined his father in laughter.
As the excitement settled, Joseph leaned closer to his father and murmured conspiratorially, "Father, would you like to create a weapon that could completely revolutionize European warfare?"
"Good heavens! How many ingenious ideas are locked inside that head of yours?!" Louis XVI stared at his son in awe. "What kind of weapon?"
Joseph smiled. "A brand-new breech-loading rifle."
...
After finalizing production plans for the Auguste Model 1790 at the Royal Armory, Joseph returned to the royal workshop and outlined his ideas for breech-loading rifles to his father.
By the time a royal attendant reminded them it was past bedtime, it was already 11 p.m.
Setting down his sketches with a yawn, Joseph promised to continue their discussion the next morning. He returned to his quarters, where his maid, Camelia, had been waiting by the door.
"Your Highness," she curtsied, "would you prefer to rest immediately, or shall I prepare some supper? I've made nut mille-feuille and fruit tea for you."
"Oh, I'll have a bite, thank you," Joseph replied.
As he looked at her, he froze for a moment.
Camelia was wearing a black-and-white maid's outfit with puffed sleeves, lace trim, a high-collared neckline, a ribboned waist, and a skirt that flared with a lace petticoat. Paired with her violet eyes, soft lips, fair complexion, and ample figure, she looked like a character from a dream brought to life.
"You... What is this?"
Camelia bit her lip, her voice soft as she explained, "Your Highness, I had this uniform made by Candice as you suggested last month. Do you find it suitable?"
"Yes... It suits you very well."
Joseph thought to himself, I was only joking at the time, but you really had it made? Wait, Candice is the Queen's lead fashion designer—how much did this cost?!
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