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The Morris Aiming Tube was a sub calibre barrel that could be fitted to a .45 inch Martini Henry rifle to allow training to take place on restricted indoor ranges. It was introduced in 1883 and later the tube.was adapted to other weapons such as the i inch Nordenfelt machine gun in 1885.
Morris Tube Mark I
"Cartridge Aiming Tube Morris's (Mark I)" was approved in August 1883, initially for Naval service, and shown in Lists of Changes Paragraph 4458 dated August 1883.
The case was of drawn brass, rimmed with a bottle neck and Berdan primed. There were two wads, the top one being greased and the lower one of grey cloth.
The semi-round nosed bullet was of lead and weighed 37 + - 3 grains.
The propellant charge was 3 1/4 grains of Curtis and Harvey's No.2 Diamond (black powder) or powder of equal power and quality/
Morris Tube Mark II
"Cartridge Aiming Tube (Mark II)" was approved in November 1890 and shown in Lists of Changes Paragraph 6391 dated November 1890.
The case was similar to the Mark I but the wads were increased in diameter to ensure a tight fit to the sides of the case. this was to prevent powder getting above the wads.
All other details were the same as the Mark I cartridge.
Morris Tube Inspection
A steel inspection cartridge exists which is believed to be for Armourers' use in installing the Morris Tube correctly. It is not shown in Lists of Changes.
It consists of a turned steel one piece dummy to the overall shape and dimensions of the ball round. The side of the example shown is stamped ".06".
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