Holding the Type B rifle, Sejong couldn’t stop praising it.
“I’ll say it again—truly ingenious! Particularly, I’m very pleased with its rapid-fire capability!”
At Sejong’s praise of the rapid-fire capability, the generals beside him—both army and navy—all nodded.
***
The biggest complaint from army and navy soldiers using rifles was the slow loading speed. Among soldiers who couldn’t tolerate the slow loading speed—the major drawback of muzzle-loading firearms—the more impatient ones would say things like:
I’d rather shoot with a fire cart!
Various proposals had emerged to improve this slow loading speed. However, most were rejected either because they required excessive precision that created reliability issues or posed serious safety concerns.
Finally, the firing rate issue could only be resolved with the emergence of the Eulshik rifle and first-generation ammunition.
As a side note, when that “fire cart comment” reached Hyang’s ears, he smirked and muttered.
“Carry and shoot a fire cart? That would be too much even for the Terminator.”
***
While examining the new rifle from various angles with admiration, Sejong asked Hyang again.
“Though I’m very pleased with the rapid-fire performance, accuracy is crucial. Well, how’s the accuracy?”
To Sejong’s question, Hyang immediately responded.
“At least up to 80 jang (approximately 240 meters), it’s not the gun’s problem but the shooter’s.”
At Hyang’s answer, Sejong showed a slightly disappointed expression.
“Would 100 jang be impossible?”
“I believe that’s a matter of the shooter’s skill.”
“But since not all soldiers have the same skill level, wouldn’t it be better to develop and distribute rifles with better accuracy?”
“Of course, there are ways to improve the accuracy of this Type B rifle. However, that would make the already long rifle even longer.”
“Wouldn’t a bit longer be fine?”
“If you aim it yourself, you’ll immediately understand the problem.”
At Hyang’s words, Sejong immediately shouldered the rifle and aimed at the target. Soon after, he realized the issue.
“The weight shifts forward. If it gets any longer, it would be difficult to aim properly.”
“Exactly.”
Of course, with better technology, we could reach the K31’s level—renowned for precision like a watch—without increasing length. But for now, this is the best we can do.
While forcibly suppressing the lengthy explanation that threatened to follow, Hyang concluded.
“So in the end, we must encourage soldiers to hone their marksmanship.”
“Yes. Using various rewards and penalties together would be very effective.”
And when combined with our people’s natural archery talent, it’ll be unstoppable.
As Hyang noted to himself, Joseon people’s archery skills were famous. Despite not being nomads, every village had archery ranges of various sizes, and people of all ages and genders enjoyed archery.
This characteristic persisted even when bows were replaced with guns. Add carrots and sticks to this, and the outcome was crystal clear.
After Sejong’s evaluation ended, the military generals lined up to examine the Type B rifle.
Among those carefully examining the Type B rifle, Yi Jing-ok asked Hyang.
“Though the war has ended, resentment still remains. Therefore, these rifles will be deployed to the northern territories first. The north is a very dusty region. The Type B rifle looks very precise at a glance—will it be alright?”
To Yi Jing-ok’s question, Hyang immediately answered.
“We’ve already thoroughly tested and improved that aspect.”
That’s one reason we couldn’t reduce the size further. Still a long way to go. If only we had sufficient technology for the K31…
Hyang still felt regret about the K31.
Though various other questions followed, most were similar to those asked by Sejong and Yi Jing-ok.
- Accuracy, firing rate, reliability.
These three requirements would become mandatory conditions for all firearms used by the Great Han Federal Imperial Army thereafter, and would cause developers many headaches.
Increasing firing rate decreased accuracy, and increasing precision for better accuracy created reliability issues. If they somehow managed to meet these three conditions through great effort, “portability,” which had been hiding until then, would emerge to trip them up.
“The requirements are too strict!”
Whenever such protests emerged, the military would respond:
“Our ancestors solved it all! Stop whining—have you no shame before your ancestors!”
***
“Now I’ll introduce the Type A machine gun.”
Hyang signaled to the soldiers. Seeing Hyang’s hand signal, soldiers entered the demonstration area pulling a small cart.
“This is the Type A machine gun.”
At Hyang’s introduction, the participants, including Sejong, began carefully examining the Type A machine gun.
“Does it use a dedicated gun mount?”
“Yes. The fire cart’s mount was too large.”
The generals nodded at Hyang’s words. The fire cart’s mount was almost as large as those for ordinary artillery. Consequently, horses were needed to move fire carts.
However, seeing two soldiers pulling it now, it was clear that basically two soldiers could be assigned, and in emergencies, even one person could pull it.
Just this alone will greatly increase its versatility!
“The concern is whether it will have sufficient power with just a single barrel.”
“I agree.”
As if hearing the generals’ murmuring, Hyang immediately began the demonstration.
“Now I’ll demonstrate the Type A machine gun’s firing. Please step back.”
At Hyang’s words, the participants stepped back, and soldiers carrying ammunition boxes attended to the Type A machine gun.
Rat-tat-tat-tat!
Sejong and the participants’ jaws dropped at the Type A machine gun demonstration.
After the demonstration ended with three ammunition boxes being emptied in an instant, Sejong patted Hyang’s shoulder.
“Truly remarkable! I was slightly worried because of its small size, but it’s no less capable than the fire cart—truly an amazing creation!”
“Thank you.”
“By the way, seeing it pour out bullets like rain without jamming is truly exhilarating!”
At Sejong’s words, Hyang responded internally.
Of course! When it comes to men, it’s got to be Maxim!
The Type A machine gun that Hyang had demonstrated was a modification of the Maxim gun. Or more precisely, a modification of the PM M1910, the Russian version of the Maxim.
***
While fighting the war, the Joseon army was very satisfied with the Eulshik fire cart’s firepower, but there were also considerable complaints. The biggest complaint was the fire cart’s enormous size.
It’s useful for defense, but there are many problems when attacking!
Receiving the military’s request to solve this problem, Hyang smiled.
“The answer is obvious.”
However, Hyang soon faced a problem.
“Oh dear, ammunition is the issue. And the technology too…”
The ammunition used in the newly developed rifles and machine guns was the same as that used by the elite rifle corps.
They used copper casings and smokeless powder wrapped in paper, producing power similar to typical rifle rounds during World War I and II. However, there was one problem—the cartridge bases had protruding rims (Rimmed cartridges).
Because of this, they couldn’t use the direct feed system from ammunition belts like modern machine guns that use rimless cartridges.
“Of course, we could redesign the entire cartridge structure from scratch…”
Pausing mid-sentence, Hyang looked toward the Six Ministries Street and continued.
“But then the Ministry of Finance would immediately plot treason.”
Finally, Hyang sighed and concluded.
“Whew~ No choice. Let’s go with Maxim. For men, it’s got to be Maxim!”
After thus creating concept designs for both the new machine gun and its dedicated mount, Hyang shook his head while examining the blueprints.
“I like it, but we’ll have to skip the Mosin-Nagant. Smells too much like ‘Mother Russia.’ Not my style either…”
Hyang preferred things that exuded precision engineering.
***
“The Type A machine gun, including its dedicated mount, weighs 100 geun (approximately 60kg) in total.”
“Definitely lighter than the fire cart.”
“If we assign a donkey, it could carry the ammunition boxes too, or if not, we could assign one squad (오, five-man unit). Two men could pull the mount, and the other two could carry ammunition boxes.”
“Then it would be best to assign two squads per unit. Position them on both flanks, and they’ll show maximum effectiveness in both offense and defense.”
Drawing from their battlefield experience, the generals immediately thought of suitable organization and tactics for the Type A machine gun.
Hyang clicked his tongue at this sight.
Tch! They’re saying everything I wanted to say first!
***
Thus, the demonstration concluded successfully. Most participants who saw the Type B rifle and Type A machine gun to be newly deployed to the imperial forces wore very satisfied expressions. However, Kim Jeom and those from the Ministry of Finance stared at distant mountains with enlightened expressions.
Working so hard to earn money just to spend it all at once…
His Imperial Majesty was already on board from the start, and now even the Emperor Emeritus has approved—nothing we can do.
And there’s talk of building additional assault warships… We’re doomed…
Regardless of Kim Jeom and the finance officials’ reactions, Sejong showered Hyang with praise.
“To create such excellent results in such a short time—truly, Your Majesty’s achievement is great!”
“It’s all thanks to the researchers at the institute and the craftsmen of Area 51.”
“Haha! Such modesty is truly admirable!”
“It’s not modesty but fact.”
“Hahaha! Very well! I shall make sure to express my gratitude to them as well!”
Taking Hyang’s apparent modesty at face value, Sejong promised rewards for those involved in his capacity as Emperor Emeritus.
However, Hyang had only stated facts.
After completing the concept designs, Hyang had passed the work to the institute’s researchers and Area 51’s craftsmen.
“I’ve thought of this mechanism, try designing and making prototypes accordingly.”
“Yes, understood.”
“Ah! And I’d like you to meet these conditions listed below.”
At Hyang’s words, the researchers and craftsmen checked the conditions written below and turned pale.
- New rifle must not exceed 7 geun (approximately 4.2kg) in weight.
- Accuracy must allow hits on target within 80 jang (approximately 240m) regardless of shooter’s skill.
(And so on…)
The researchers and craftsmen became enlightened after confirming the requirements for the new rifle and machine gun.
Let’s give up, giving up brings peace. Let’s just think of ourselves as His Majesty’s calculating tools.
Let’s be satisfied with whatever we get if we pass this assignment.
***
After promising rewards for the researchers and craftsmen, Sejong quietly asked Hyang.
“Your Majesty, may I ask one thing?”
“Please do.”
“About the Type B rifle—couldn’t we make it load 10 or 15 rounds at once? Wouldn’t that allow for much longer firing?”
“That would take longer to reload.”
“Then couldn’t we make detachable magazines like the fire cart’s ammunition box? Ah! Speaking of fire carts, another thought occurs—what about applying the Type A machine gun’s mechanism to the Type B rifle? If we combine the machine gun’s mechanism and magazine with the rifle, wouldn’t it make an even better…”
Reaching that point, Sejong noticed Hyang’s peculiar expression and narrowed his eyes.
“Why that look?”
“…I’ll add it to the challenge log.”
I feel this every time, but I’m just using cheat keys while this guy is completely outside specifications!
Meanwhile, Sejong continued to stare at Hyang with narrowed eyes.
That’s not the expression of someone who just had a revelation! This guy… he already knew! Then why? Hmm… this bastard! He was planning to make excuses and wiggle out of it later!