Chapter 457: Duckbill Shotgun
Charles picked up a piece of paper and a pen, drawing as he spoke to Dominique: "Perhaps, we could design the muzzle like this, with openings on both sides in the shape of a duckbill."
Dominique stared at the sketch Charles had made. "I've never seen such a strange muzzle before. What use could it possibly have?"
Charles set the pen down and raised his eyebrows.
Suddenly, Dominique seemed to understand. "It wouldn't be... changing the spread pattern, would it?"
"Exactly," Charles confirmed. "The side openings would cause the pellets to spread more horizontally instead of in a 3D pattern."
Charles then picked up the shotgun, aiming the muzzle at a row of chairs in the meeting room.
"Think about it, Dominique," Charles continued. "In battle, we're often facing a line of people standing in front of us."
"After firing, pellets that go up or down are ineffective—they either fly into the sky or hit the ground."
"Only horizontally shot pellets can effectively damage the target."
Dominique gasped. "The side openings—would cause the pellets to come out not like a cotton ball, but... like a fan!"
"Good analogy," Charles praised. "Yes, exactly like a fan. It will definitely increase the hit rate because the pellets will be more concentrated and aimed at the target."
Dominique marveled, "Such a small modification can make such a big difference. All we need to do is cut the muzzle..."
"No," Charles interrupted, "I'd prefer it to be an accessory, something like a bayonet that can be added or removed as needed."
Dominique nodded repeatedly. "Sometimes, we still need the cotton ball, not the fan."
"Exactly. For instance, when firing through windows or doorways in close-quarters combat."
"Then, what about the range?" Dominique asked eagerly, looking at Charles with anticipation. He was eager to learn how they could extend the range.
"That's simple," Charles said, holding up a shotgun shell in front of Dominique. "The reason the range is only 40 meters is because it fires pellets."
Dominique nodded in understanding.
Once the pellets leave the barrel, they continue to roll through the air, losing a lot of kinetic energy during the roll. Additionally, the surface area of the pellets contributes to this issue.
"We can't change that," Dominique frowned. "Unless we make them spin like a bullet. Only then could we hope to stabilize their flight in the air."
This was the reason rifles have rifled barrels, and why rifled barrels differ from smoothbore barrels.
But Charles shook his head. He set down the gun and picked up the pencil again, continuing to sketch as he said, "There's more than one way to achieve stable flight, Dominique. Open your mind, let your imagination flow, and you'll see... this!"
With that, Charles pushed a drawing of a dart-like projectile in front of Dominique.
Dominique's eyes widened instantly, and he stared at the drawing in shock before exclaiming, "A dart! We could modify the pellets into small darts! You're a genius, General. I can't believe it—this is such an amazing idea! It's so simple, but no one, no one else could have thought of it! No one!"
"Can it be done?" Charles asked, though it was clear he already knew the answer.
"Of course it can," Dominique replied, nodding vigorously.
"Good," Charles said. "Next month, I'll need two hundred of them, including the shells."
Without hesitation, Dominique agreed, "No problem, General. I promise."
These modifications were simple, with no technical barriers. They just needed to buy the base model of the shotgun from FN, make a few alterations, and then produce these dart-like pellets in-house.
Despite how easy it sounded, the impact it could have was unimaginable. The range could increase by several times.
Thinking about it, Dominique became excited. He couldn't wait to start production on this shotgun.
Paris, 16th Arrondissement, Steed Manor.
It was the season for grape harvesting, and the grapes in the estate were perfectly ripe by the end of July. In previous years, Steed would personally oversee the workers picking the grapes and making wine, ensuring that every step was done to perfection under his strict supervision.
Steed didn't trust outside help. It wasn't just about the quality; it was also about ensuring his own safety.
But this year, Steed had no interest in winemaking. He let the servants handle the harvest while he paced nervously around his study, using a cane for support, casting anxious glances at the phone.
Ding-ling-ling...
As soon as the phone rang, Steed rushed to answer it, but the disappointment was immediate. It wasn't Dominique calling.
"Yes, Mr. Committee Member."
"Add two thousand more light machine guns—'Saint-Étienne 2'!"
"I guarantee delivery on time!"
...
After hanging up the phone, Steed sighed lightly. Compared to business, he would have preferred to know what Charles was thinking.
Where was Dominique? It had been two days with no news from him. It was as if he had disappeared. He had been told to fly, but instead, he insisted on taking the train!
Suddenly, there was a hurried knock at the door. Dominique burst in, carrying a gun case, his face drenched in sweat.
"Father, I'm back! I've brought Charles's new design. You're going to be amazed!"
Steed stared at Dominique in disbelief.
That fool. He knew Steed was eager to know Charles's intentions, but not a single phone call! Even if the phone didn't go through, sending a telegram wouldn't have been hard!
What Steed didn't know was that after his discussion with Charles, Dominique was so absorbed in the series of incredible improvements to the shotgun that he had completely forgotten about calling or sending a telegram.
Steed was about to speak when Dominique, more eager than Steed, swiftly opened the gun case and placed it on the desk.
Inside were two shotguns.
Dominique looked at Steed with excitement, "Charles asked us to combine the strengths of both guns for modifications."
"And what's even more incredible is this."
He unfurled the sketch he had drawn on the train and showed it to Steed.
"Charles's design—just a simple modification, but it can increase the power and range."
"I'm not sure it'll work yet; we'll need to produce it and test it. But Charles is always right. This time will be no different."
Steed looked at the sketch, feeling a sense of lightness wash over him. He let out a long sigh of relief, his eyes filled with joy.
"Yes, Charles is always right."
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