Actually a barrel doesn't have a 'life' of whatever number of EFCs in that the barrel is still safe to use long after this. The EFC barrel 'life' actually means that this is the estimate (or experience if the barrel type has been in service for a long time so there is actual data) of when its state of wear will reach an unacceptable level in terms of consistent and accurate shooting. This point can be reached in considerably less than the EFC life if, for example, a few hundred shells are fired with dirty driving bands (rotating bands for US readers). Some guns also have other lifed components, the L17 carriage of L118 is an example. However, there are lots of area of wear than can lead to a gun being condemned, in 1966 when a regt was withdrew from active service in Borneo 17 of its 18 L5s were condemned as beyond economic repair even though there was lots of life left in the barrels.

I didnt say that the Tube got condemned at 1500 EFC's, I said that the M776 tube had a "requirement" under worst conditions to not reach condemnation criteris as determined by "PULLOVER" measurement before 1500 EFC's had been reached.

I remember way back in 92 at Ft Sill was when I first saw them. Still have a Royal Ord and VSEL coffee mugs:). I said that RO/UD would win because the cups were bigger and thicker. How does the #1 man clear a misfire without getting in the path of recoil? The breach in front of the trunions doesn't seem very safe Last time I saw them was 00-01 (?) when they were shooting them. Crusaders mock up were there. They thought the aiming problems/sight problems were from the trunnions flexing. I'm assuming that wasn't the problem, or it has been fixed? How many tubes is the breach good for? And Neutralizer, not sure where you were a FA guy at. But dirty rounds don't go in the tubes of Marine Corps cannons. At least not when I was a section chief/plt sgt/Btry Gunny.

Just so happens I have the -10 manual beside me right now, but looking at the front cover cant take you through the procedure as manual restricted. Are you still active? If so could probably get you a manual. About dirty driving band, ss a Gunny made it clear to me in no uncertain terms the Driving band covers WILL remain on the projectile until ready to load. I wsa the engineer who led the team to solve the OFC alignemnt problems the 777 had, I can tell you all about it but will have to check with management about what I can actually discuss.

Dirty driving bands never got loaded in any battery I was in either. However, is does happen in lesser trained armies and there have been trials that have showed it's something that must be prevented - ovality of the bore after a very few hundred rounds.

The Canadians want 12 M777s for 'Stan. I think this gun will be a classic in years to come.

Is the Russian 2S7 still in use?

2S7? Is that the 203mm? If so, yes it is.

Yeah 203mm, its a big gun on a tracked chassis but it isn't armoured in anyway.

Yep just recieved word today from very reliable sources that the deal is 99% done, 12 M777 by some time in november for the canadian deployment to Afghanistan. Goin to be a busy chap for the next few weeks. I can see operators being brought up to speed in time for deployment, but how maintainers will be trained in time I have no idea. If BAE have to provide field support in this area I am one of a handfull of people who can do that at the minute. Winter in Afghanistan does not sound very pleasant