Pronunciation: [ɡˈatlɪŋ ɡˈʌnz] (IPA) 
The word "Gatling guns" refers to a type of rapid-fire machine gun invented by Richard Gatling in the 1860s. The spelling of "Gatling" is pronounced /ˈɡætlɪŋ/ with stress on the first syllable. The word "guns" is pronounced /ɡʌnz/ and is unaccented. The combined word "Gatling guns" is pronounced /ˈɡætlɪŋ ɡʌnz/ with stress on the first syllable of "Gatling" and an unaccented second syllable in "guns."
Gatling guns refer to a type of early rapid-fire, manually-operated, multiple-barrel weapon designed for long-range usage. Invented by Richard Gatling in the mid-19th century, these guns historically featured up to six to ten rotating barrels mounted on a central axis. It was characterized by its ability to deliver a continuous and sustained stream of gunfire through the rotation of the barrels, making it distinct from single-shot firearms. Gatling guns were widely recognized for their high rate of fire, capable of exceeding several hundred rounds per minute, which significantly distinguished them from other contemporary firearms.
The operation of a Gatling gun involved manually cranking a handle, which rotated the barrels against a firing mechanism. As the barrels rotated, each chamber was sequentially loaded, fired, and then ejected through the action of gas pressure or mechanical mechanisms. This cycling process allowed for uninterrupted fire and sustained shooting, often providing a crucial advantage during warfare.
Gatling guns have been used in various military contexts, such as the American Civil War and the Spanish-American War. They were typically employed for defense and offense purposes, serving as a potent tool against infantry formations and light vehicles, as well as for suppressing enemy positions. However, despite their military significance, Gatling guns gradually became obsolete with the advent of more modern automatic weapons in the early 20th century.
The word "Gatling gun" derives from the name of the American inventor Richard Jordan Gatling, who invented this type of firearm in 1861. Gatling guns were early rapid-fire, multiple-barrel weapons that revolutionized warfare at the time. The name of the inventor became associated with this type of weapon, and over time, "Gatling gun" became the common term used to refer to this type of weapon.
