Page "William Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong" Paragraph 10

However, just when it looked as if the new gun was about to become a great success, a great deal of opposition to the gun arose, both inside the army and from rival arms manufacturers, particularly Joseph Whitworth of Manchester.

Stories were publicised that the new gun was too difficult to use, that it was too expensive, that it was dangerous to use, that it frequently needed repair and so on.

All of this smacked of a concerted campaign against Armstrong.

Armstrong was able to refute all of these claims in front of various government committees, but he found the constant criticism very wearying and depressing.

In 1862 the government decided to stop ordering the new gun and return to muzzle loaders.

Also, because of a drop in demand, future orders for guns would be supplied from Woolwich, leaving Elswick without new business.

Compensation was eventually agreed with the government for the loss of business to the company.

Unfortunately, the government would not release the company from its agreement not to sell armaments abroad, so that avenue was closed to it.

Eventually, the restriction was relaxed, and the company was able to sell guns to both sides in the American Civil War.