gun carriage

weaponry

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June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

A gun carriage is a mechanism designed to mount a gun, facilitating its movement, firing, and transport. These carriages have evolved significantly over time, particularly with the advent of gunpowder and advancements in artillery technology.1

Early warships, for instance, began incorporating guns in the 14th century, initially as hand weapons and later as heavier pieces mounted on timber beds. By the 16th century, ships were equipped with various types of cannon, and gunports were introduced into warship design, allowing for broaderside armaments.2

Field artillery carriages saw a major innovation with the French 75-millimetre gun in 1897, which featured recoil control systems and protective shields. Later developments included split trails for wider traverse and the use of lightweight materials like titanium for helicopter-liftable howitzers. A "gun motor carriage" is a vehicle specifically designed to mount a gun. Artillery wheels themselves are heavily built, dished wheels with long axle boxes, typically featuring 14 spokes.345

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artillery
Carriages and mountings
In 1850 carriages were broadly of two types. Field pieces were mounted on two-wheeled carriages with solid trails, while fortress artillery was mounted either on the “garrison standing carriage,” a boxlike structure on four small wheels, or on the platform-and-slide mounting previously…
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In 1850 carriages were broadly of two types. Field pieces were mounted on two-wheeled carriages with solid trails, while fortress artillery was mounted either on the “garrison standing carriage,” a boxlike structure on four small wheels, or on the platform-and-slide mounting previously…
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military technology
Cast bronze muzzle-loaders
…the vertical angle of the gun. This permitted the barrel to be adjusted in elevation by sliding a wedge, or quoin, beneath the breech. At first, trunnions were supplemented by lifting lugs cast atop the barrel at the center of gravity; by the 16th century most European founders were casting…
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…the vertical angle of the gun. This permitted the barrel to be adjusted in elevation by sliding a wedge, or quoin, beneath the breech. At first, trunnions were supplemented by lifting lugs cast atop the barrel at the center of gravity; by the 16th century most European founders were casting…
Read More