Any guesses?

[musketman]

Why is the ramrod "tip" so much smaller then the "bore" dia.?????

The ramrod tip is the right diameter for the bore, about 2 inches down the belled muzzle it is a standard bore all the way to the breach, the flared muzzle gives the illusion that the ramrod is grossly undersized...

 

This is a great museum listed below. If you are ever in the Tulsa area (it is actually in Claremore)it is a must see. They have lots of longrifles and other guns. When I lived in the area in the 70s-80s I dragged my family there frequently, kicking and screaming. It used to be free. Will Rogers home and Memorial are nearby, too. It looks like they have added some features since I was there last.

Musketman found the site for me. Is there anything he can't do? :: http://www.thegunmuseum.com/ :thumbsup:

 

[jaybeach]

Great Story, Wes/Tex! I just posted a ML joke under General Interest that probably would have fit here better (especially after the story of Thomas Thymm). But if you're interested, you can check it out there.

 

[musketman]

More blunderbuss fun...

Flintlock Blunderbuss by W.Watkins with 18" steel barrel flaring to 2 1/4" dia. at the muzzle, brass furniture and original ramrod with worm, unbridled lock and frizzen. circa. 1730.

Flinlock Blunderbuss by John Brasher with 15" brass cannon barrel and top mounted spring bayonet, London proof marks, circa. 1810.

A brass cannon barrelled Blunderbuss with top spring Bayonet by Ketland & Co., London, 1802 - 1831, brass furniture and original ramrod with worm, London proof marks, circa. 1810.