The Nock gun, a man-portable volley gun with seven barrels, was designed as a weapon for infantry use but was ultimately adopted by the Royal Navy. Manufactured by Henry Nock, the gun had a .50 caliber central barrel with six smaller barrels grouped around it. Although it faced issues such as brutal recoil, muzzle blast concerns, and occasional misfires, the Royal Navy purchased 500 of these guns and used them during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in 1782. However, the Nock gun was eventually phased out and removed from service by 1804.
  

Key Points: 

1. The Nock gun was a man-portable volley gun with seven barrels designed by James Wilson and manufactured by Henry Nock.
2. It was adopted by the Royal Navy and used during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in 1782.
3. The gun faced challenges such as brutal recoil, concerns about muzzle blast, and occasional misfires.
4. The Royal Navy purchased 500 of these guns, but they were later phased out and removed from service by 1804.
5. The Nock gun failed to gain popularity in the sporting market after its military use.

Source: https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/the-nock-gun-when-one-barrel-isnt-enough-and-you-need-seven/