3-inch gun M1903

The 3-inch gun M1903 and its predecessors the M1898 and M1902 were rapid fire breech-loading artillery guns with a 360-degree traverse. In some references they are called "15-pounders" due to their projectile weight. They were originally emplaced from 1899 to 1917 and served until shortly after World War II. These 3-inch guns were placed to provide fire to protect underwater mines and nets against minesweepers, and also to protect against motor torpedo boats. In some documentation they are called "mine defense guns". The 3-inch guns were mounted on pedestal mounts (or a retractable "masking parapet" mount for the M1898) that bolted into a concrete emplacement that provided cover and safety for the gun's crew.

This article is about a series of seacoast guns. For the contemporary field gun, see 3-inch M1902 field gun.
3-inch gun M1898, M1902, M1903
3-inch gun M1903
TypeRapid-fire seacoast gun
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1899–1945
Used byUnited States Army Coast Artillery Corps
WarsWorld War I and World War II
Production history
Designed
  • M1898: 1898
  • M1902: 1902
  • M1903: 1903
Manufacturer
Variants
  • M1898, M1898M1
  • M1902
  • M1903, M1903MI
Specifications
Mass
  • M1898: gun & breech 1,782 lb (808 kg)
  • M1902: gun & breech 1,950 lb (885 kg)
  • M1903: gun & breech 2,690 lb (1,220 kg)
Length
  • M1898: 155 in (394 cm)
  • M1902: 159 in (404 cm)
  • M1903: 175 in (444 cm)
Barrel length
  • M1898 & M1902: 50 calibers (150 in (381 cm))
  • M1903: 55 calibers (165 in (419 cm))
Crew
  • 15 (wartime),
  • 12 (peacetime),
  • 3 to operate the gun, remainder to handle ammunition
ShellFixed ammunition, 15 lb (6.8 kg) shell
Caliber3-inch (76.2 mm)
ActionHand operated
Breechinterrupted screw, De Bange type
Recoilhydro-spring, 45 inches (114 cm)
CarriageM1898: masking parapet (retractable)
M1902 & M1903: pedestal
Elevation-5° – +16° (+12° for M1898, +15° for M1902)
Traverse360° (limited by emplacement in most cases)
Rate of fire12 rounds/minute (up to 30 rounds/minute maximum)
Muzzle velocity2,800 ft/s (850 m/s)
Effective firing rangeM1902: 10,988 yd (10,047 m)
at 15° elevation
M1903: 11,328 yd (10,358 m)
at 16° elevation
Maximum firing range12,000 yd (11,000 m) approx.
Feed systemManual
SightsTelescopic
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