Brass Barrelled Flintlock Blunderbuss - the original shotgun

Описание: The blunderbuss is a 17th- to mid-19th-century firearm with a short, large calibre barrel which is commonly flared at the muzzle, to help aid in the loading of shot and other projectiles of relevant quantity or calibre.[clarification needed] The blunderbuss is commonly considered to be an early predecessor of the modern shotgun, with similar military usage. It was effective only at short range, lacking accuracy at long distances. A blunderbuss in handgun form was called a dragon, and it is from this that the term dragoon evolved.

Blunderbuss comes for the Dutch meaning "thunder pipe". Brass barrelled blunderbuss started to be manufactured in the 1670s. They proved quite popular both on board ship and as a weapon for home defence or while travelling. The brass was lighter than a steel barrel and withstood the corrosive sea water on board ship.

At the Battle of Culloden, a number of brass barrelled blunderbusses were used by the Jacobite Highlanders . One found on the battlefield is now on display at the historic site's museum, which was purchased for $115,000 . One Jacobite recounted how he fired his blunderbuss, then his pair of Scottish pistols at the British line. The Culloden blunderbuss was noted as being loaded with 18 ball, presumably buck or swan shot.

The use of this blunderbuss continued into the early 19th century and was used as home defence during the crime spree in London after the Napoleonic Wars.

   • Flintlock Gun Reviews  

#goldenageofpiracy #flintlock #pirates #blackpowder #history