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.