2 pdr breech mechanism

[kevin powles]

Gents,

I've been to bovington tank museum and measured a 2pdr barrel in a Valentine tank. Ive attached a drawing here, the muzzle outside diameter at the tip is 2 7/8". The 53 1/32" dimension comes from a later stepped barrel.

I've read on the internet there are two lengths of barrel, one with an overall length of 81.89" designated L/52 and an L/50 with an overall length of 79" although I've not read this in any official war office publication.

Does anyone know or has a MkIX or X barrel to confirm its actual length when removed from the breech ring?

Thanks Kevin.

[Ron Pier]

Kev did you check out any measurements of the 2 pounder barrel with little John attachment displayed at Bovy? Ron

[kevin powles]

Ron, yes looked at that but it's a later style and difficult to measure with the adaptor and ring on, but only found out about the L/52 and L/50 when I got back. Do any of the two total length measurements correspond with yours?

Here is the one in the rack at bovy

[Ron Pier]

Kev mine is a MK X. I can only measure up to the breech which as you can see is 75.25".....If it helps? Ron

[kevin powles]

Thanks Ron, I would say your overall length is 79", I'm pretty sure the barrel will be correct when finished as the 97mm barrel diameter part starts to taper as it leaves the final band on the saddle.

Thanks kevin

[kevin powles]

Not seen this before, is it a one off?.