17th-century New England arms

[BillinOregon]

Getting the bug to do this period, as my "people" are in Plymouth County by 1635 (and Virginia by 1657). According to Russell, matchlocks were actually outlawed about 1650 in Massachusetts, so I am thinking snaphaunce or dog-lock flint fishtail smoothie might be a reasonable choice. Of course, Middlesex and Loyalist have some Indian offerings that fit here, but I know this is a controversial subject. I may get in touch with John Buck or Leonard Day at some point, but budget is an issue. Any thoughts?

 

[Teleoceras]

Bill:

Getting the bug to do this period, as my "people" are in Plymouth County by 1635 (and Virginia by 1657). According to Russell, matchlocks were actually outlawed about 1650 in Massachusetts, so I am thinking snaphaunce or dog-lock flint fishtail smoothie might be a reasonable choice. Of course, Middlesex and Loyalist have some Indian offerings that fit here, but I know this is a controversial subject. I may get in touch with John Buck or Leonard Day at some point, but budget is an issue. Any thoughts?

While Matchlocks fell by the wayside by the mid 17th Century, they are common enough for use if you want one from the beginning's of the colony.

Just an option to consider!

Slowmatch Forever!
Teleoceras

 

[ChrisPer]

Why would they be banned?

 

[Teleoceras]

ChrisPer:

Why would they be banned?

There were a few reasons.

The natives had quickly figured out that if they put out the slowmatch, the gun became a club. So during a raid, they would toss a bucket of water at the fellows holding the slowmatch.

Also Matchlocks were slower to load due to making sure that the slowmatch was nowhere near the powder during the loading sequence.

Since the slowmatch was burning (and being consumed) at all times, large amounts of matchcord were needed.

At night, the glowing match made it easy to spot the sentries.

Slowmatch Forever!
Teleoceras

 

[JV Puleo]

They were banned for purposes of militia service. But, since "gun collecting" hadn't been invented and, while all male citizens 16 and older* had to be armed, this was effectively the same thing. Very few people had or could afford or had any use for a 2nd gun. Likely the old matchlocks were relegated to shooting "sitting ducks" on local ponds and salt marshes.

*This is the RI age requirement. I haven't been able to check the Massachusetts age but they were generally the same.

 

[ChrisPer]

Well that makes sense at least. I wouldn't turn up for Reserves duty these days armed with a Hawken, much as I like the old stuff.

 

[jsn]

Same here id prefer pretty much any muzzleloading firearm over a new cartrige piece.