A Brown Bess question

[trent/OH]

Is there a purpose for the swell in the stock of a Bess, near where your front hand is when shooting? Is the swell found in other muskets also?

 

[Stumpkiller]

I believe it was to keep your left hand from sliding during bayonet thrust and retrieve. Same purpose as the finger grooves on WWI and II rifles.

 

[sherpadoug]

I find it makes the gun easier to trail for long periods, like back to the start of a parade to get your car. You can just cup your hand instead of having to squeeze it to hold onto it.

 

[Okwaho]

I have been told that was the reason for the swell as well as the hand rail butt architecture serving the same purpose for the right hand.
Tom Patton