The present invention relates to a blocking device for a wedge-type breechblock in a gun, and more particularly to a blocking device of the type which is arranged parallel to the bore axis of the gun and which includes a detector. A recess is provided in a base ring at the base of the gun barrel to accommodate an obturating ring, and the detector engages the recess under the force of a spring if the obturating ring is absent from the recess.
Such a blocking device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,420,139. In such a blocking device, if the obturating ring is missing, the detector drops into the recess for the obturating ring and interrupts the locking process of the breechblock.
The kinetic energy of the closing breechblock, which must be decelerated at once, may cause damage to the sealing system of the base ring, particularly at the contact faces of the obturating ring. Repair of such damages consumes time and causes a considerable amount of installation and adjustment expenditures.