20-pdr. Parrott

20-Pounder Parrott Rifle

The Parrott rifles were developed by Robert P. Parrott, and patented in 1861. They were easy to manufacture, inexpensive, and accurate. Parrott rifles are most readily identified by the wrought iron, reinforcing band that was shrink-fitted around the breech. The 20-pounder Parrott used shell, spherical case, and cannister. While throwing a heavier shell, the 20-pounder's range was not significantly different from the 10-pounder version.

Bore Diameter 3.67 in (9.32 cm)

Tube Material Cast and Wrought Iron

Tube Length 89 in (226 cm)

Tube Weight 1,750 lb (794 kg)

Powder Charge 2 lb (0.91 kg)

Range (5° Elevation) 2,100 yd (1,920 m)

At Gettysburg 60 (USA); 42 (CSA)

Thomas, Dean S., CANNONS: An Introduction to Civil War Artillery. Thomas Publications, Gettysburg, PA, 1985.
Coco, Gregory A., A Concise Guide to the Artillery at Gettysburg. Thomas Publications, Gettysburg, PA, 1998.

Loading Table for a 20-pdr. Parrott from Thomas, loc.cit.

Back to the Gettysburg Artillery Park

Photograph by Peter Schwartz
Created 17 OCT 1999; Modified 22 DEC 1999

http://einstein.human.cornell.edu/ACW/arty/20parrott.html

Bore Diameter	3.67 in (9.32 cm)
Tube Material	Cast and Wrought Iron
Tube Length	89 in (226 cm)
Tube Weight	1,750 lb (794 kg)
Powder Charge	2 lb (0.91 kg)
Range (5° Elevation)	2,100 yd (1,920 m)
At Gettysburg	60 (USA); 42 (CSA)