QF 12-pounder 8 cwt gun

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	Weapon: QF 12-pounder 8 cwt gun Type: Heavy Cannon Country of Origin: United Kingdom Year Adopted: 1894 Caliber: 76.2 mm Action: Breech-Loading Cannon Overall Length (mm): 2540.0 Overall Length (in): 100 Weight (kg): 1270.00 Weight (pounds): 2799.87 Effective Range (km): 9.1 Effective Range (miles): 5.65

The QF 12-pounder 8 cwt gun was a British quick-firing artillery piece developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for use by the Royal Navy and later adapted for land service. Designed as a light, mobile gun, it fired 12-pound (5.4 kg) shells and was equipped with a quick-firing breech mechanism that significantly improved its rate of fire compared to earlier models. The gun featured a barrel mounted on a simple carriage for easy transport and was commonly deployed aboard warships, coastal defenses, and as a field gun in expeditionary operations.

Production of the QF 12-pounder 8 cwt gun began in the 1890s, with hundreds being manufactured for both naval and land-based applications. It played a critical role in the Royal Navy during the early 20th century, serving as a secondary armament on many warships. During World War I, the gun was also adapted for anti-aircraft use, as well as being mounted on improvised motorized platforms for mobile defense. It saw extensive use in various theaters, including the Western Front and Middle East campaigns, demonstrating its versatility and reliability in combat.

The QF 12-pounder 8 cwt gun gained notoriety for its effectiveness as both a naval and land-based artillery piece. Its ability to deliver rapid and accurate fire made it a valuable asset for British and Commonwealth forces. Although it was eventually phased out in favor of more modern artillery systems, the gun remained in limited service into World War II, particularly in coastal defense roles. Today, preserved examples can be found in military museums and historical collections, commemorating its contribution to British military history and its impact on early modern artillery development.