Chapter 474 (2/2)
He could fire continuously while standing with a revolving rifle, but it was inconvenient to do so with the bolt rifle, since he had to reload the gun by hand and then raise it back up to aim at the target again after each shot. Though this process took much less time than a flintflock, it wasn’t effective in suppressing the enemy in a short time. For example, it was obviously less practical than a revolver in battles—like the ones against the noble rebels in Longsong Stronghold with close combat in the streets or indoors.
Iron Axe told Roland his honest opinion, and Carter voiced a similar view.
The prince nodded and said, “Yes, it’s not as convenient as a revolver, but it also has a great advantage. Andrea, come here and show them.” He gave the rifle to the witch and said, “Remember to shoot using your ability.”
“Uh-huh.” The blonde witch picked up the gun and skillfully reloaded it. They could tell that this was not her first time operating this new weapon. “Now, watch me!”
With three deafening shots, Iron Axe was shocked to see the three farthest wooden targets fall down in turn. Her bullets shot the targets that looked as small as fingernails at the distance, on their thin sticks below the target boards.
They were standing at least 400 meters away!
“Your Highness, it’s…” Carter stuttered in disbelief.
“Andrea’s derivative ability enables her to accurately hit the target with a gun or a bow,” the prince explained with a smile, “but her ability works on neither bullets nor arrows. It only gives her proficiency for using weapons. For example, she’ll hit a target ten meters away if she throws a stone at it, but if she throws a bird at it, her ability just won’t work.”
“You mean… ordinary people can also achieve that kind of proficiency through training?”
“Exactly. The greatest merit of this bolt rifle is its greatly improved shooting range and accuracy. Unlike the guns before, there’s no gap between the barrel and the cartridge, so there’s no air leak in this new rifle,” Roland nodded and answered. “With a telescopic sight on it, any ordinary soldier can use it to precisely shoot down enemies around 400 to 500 meters away, while a revolver can only shoot accurately within 100 meters.”
Iron Axe instantly realized why this weapon was so deadly. Most people would never be on guard against attacks from this long distance. If the shooter hid himself inside a residential area or at a higher point, he could easily kill his target. And if the shooter was Lady Nightingale, nobody could survive bullets coming from an invisible source.
“Your Highness, you agreed to give me one when it’s put into mass production.” Andrea reminded Roland, covering her mouth.
“Of course,” Roland said and put the two rifles away. He walked to the other side and removed a cloth covering something. “In fact, bolt rifles are just the beginning. This one is the focus of today’s test.”
Iron Axe took to the newly unveiled weapon as soon as he saw it. Different from rifles made of steel and wood, this new, black gun seemed to be made of pure metal. It was also bigger than all the other guns. Including the tripod beneath it, it was about half of his height. Its long barrel was half as thick as his wrist. Connected to the big gun, a long, thin piece of cloth carried shining bullets. It was obviously nothing like the guns before in both design and size.