Guatemalan Contract St Chamond 70mm Mountain Gun

Published on May 2, 2026
Duration: 8:20

This video provides a detailed look at a 70mm Saint-Chamond mountain gun, a variant developed for export markets and notably purchased by Mexico and Guatemala. The presenter, Ian McCollum, highlights its design principles for portability and use in rough terrain, including its ability to be disassembled into four loads for pack animals. Key technical features discussed include the interrupted thread breech mechanism, recoil absorber, and elevation adjustment system, along with its historical context and export sales.

Quick Summary

The 70mm Saint-Chamond mountain gun is a portable artillery piece designed for rough terrain, capable of being disassembled into four loads for pack animals. It features an interrupted thread breech mechanism, a recoil absorber, and a crank-operated elevation system, with windage adjusted by moving the trail.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to the 70mm Saint-Chamond Mountain Gun
  2. 00:14Comparison to the 75mm Saint-Chamond Field Gun
  3. 00:30Manuel Mondragón's Role and Mexican Artillery Needs
  4. 00:43Saint-Chamond and Export Sales (Mexico, Guatemala, Belgium)
  5. 00:53Concept of a Mountain Gun: Light and Simple
  6. 01:06Disassembly for Pack Animals
  7. 01:23Use Cases: Counterinsurgency and Remote Warfare
  8. 01:44French Companies and Export Market Designs
  9. 02:23Breech Block Markings and Specifications
  10. 02:54Interrupted Thread Breech Mechanism
  11. 03:32Recoil Control System
  12. 03:49Characteristics of a Mountain Gun
  13. 04:15Lack of Windage Adjustment and Trail Movement
  14. 04:23Elevation Adjustment Mechanism
  15. 04:49Sighting System Mounting Point
  16. 04:59Protective Armored Splinter Shield
  17. 05:23Optic Storage in the Trail
  18. 05:41Fold-Up Elements for Packing
  19. 06:04Trunnion Disassembly
  20. 06:35Distinguishing Features of Belgian Congo Versions
  21. 06:44Semi-Automatic Breech Mechanism
  22. 07:21Belgian Congo Guns in World War I
  23. 07:42Ammunition Availability and Reloading
  24. 08:00Artillery Collecting Community
  25. 08:13Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 70mm Saint-Chamond mountain gun?

The 70mm Saint-Chamond mountain gun is a light artillery piece designed for portability in rough terrain. It can be disassembled into four loads for pack animals and features an interrupted thread breech mechanism for rapid firing.

Who requested the breech mechanism for the Saint-Chamond mountain gun?

The breech mechanism for the Saint-Chamond mountain gun was set up, described, and requested by Manuel Mondragón of Mexico. This was part of Mexico's effort to acquire artillery from foreign suppliers before World War I.

How is the Saint-Chamond mountain gun made portable?

The 70mm Saint-Chamond mountain gun is designed to be disassembled into four separate loads, making it portable by pack horses or mules. This feature is crucial for maneuvering the artillery through difficult terrain.

What are the key technical features of the 70mm Saint-Chamond mountain gun?

Key features include an interrupted thread breech for quick operation, a recoil absorber to manage firing forces, and a crank-operated elevation system that allows for high-angle fire. It lacks integrated windage adjustment, relying on trail movement.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →