"Seeking help with 3" Ordnance Rifle range in 28mm" Topic

The ACW rules I'm looking at provide the following maximum ranges for these artillery pieces(28mm):

12 lb. Napoleon: 48"

20 lb. Parrot: 54"

12 lb. Whitworh: 82"

Question: What max. range in inches would the vets on this board give the 3" ordnance rifle in proportion to the above?

Many Thanks in Advance-

At least according to Lt. Colonel Wilson's work while at the
War College, deployment of the 12 lb Napoleon was between 1200 and 1400 yards while for the 10 lb Parrot it was 3200 yards and the 20 lb Parrot 4400 years. He lists the 3"ordnance rifle as being deployed at 2600 to 2800 yards. I think these might be a touch optimistic as to accuracy – I would suggest if you given the Napoleon 48 inches you should give the 3" rifle 50 or 52 inches

PDF link

Agreed. A 10 pound Parrot and a 3" Ordnance Rifle would be in the 52" range based on the ranges given in your rules for the 12 pound Napoleon and the 20 pound Parrot.

The 'effective range' was often more limited by the ability of the gunners to see the fall of their shot and make corrections rather than the theoretical maximum range of the gun. The Whiteworth, for example, could throw a shell so far the gunners couldn't tell what they were hitting at extreme ranges.

Thanks VERY much Gents!

Yes, consider the CEP of the weapon. this is the circle where 50% of the rounds are expected to fall in. Also consider that the longest ranges are only going to prove useful if the artillery is at a significant elevation. Example, the guns on Little Round Top could see quite a distance. For the most part, the best range you engage at is 400-800 yards.

The Whitworth is an unusual gun. Slow rate of fire, but extremely accurate. It's potential range is incredible. considering the actual ranges, its limitation are eyesight and range estimation device accuracy. The Whitworth is the perfect, for the period, anti-material weapon.

As to your original question, 60" isn't out of the question. The Napoleon has the benefit of better canister rounds, and is less effected at medium range by cover. The rifles should take less time to get "registration" on target.