Blunderbus??

[bowjock]

I know lots of you will probably fall out of your chairs laughing at me, ( the newbee to lots of this), but I just have to know.....What is a blunderbus? When was it used?
How was it used? And what part of history would you use it for in today's period correct events? ::

 

[Gary]

Blunderbuss were around during the flintlock period into the percussion era. They featured a short, smoothbore barrel that flared at the muzzle. This served to help with dispersion of shot and to facilitate easy loading.

As a military weapon, they were primarily shipborne and used to repel boarders. As a land based weapon, they were useful in the defense of towns and barracks. In England, they were also used to defend the Royal Mail Coaches against highway men (robbers).

 

[musketman]

A blunderbuss was like today's sawed-off shotgun, quick to use, fast to load and deadly at close range...

The blunderbuss was used in many countries as well...

blunderbuss in German is Donnerb

 

[Stumpkiller]

They were also used for evening guard duty around camps and on coaches (including military supply wagons). About what a sub-machine gun would be used for now adays. Short range fire in conditions where aiming was secondary to clearing a swath in a general direction.

There was probably a good visual presence just showing one muzzle first to quell mutinies. :shocking:

 

[capnwilliam]

Does anyone on the list have any experience using a blunderbuss for small game hunting? Or know whether they were used for such purposes historically? Seems like they'd make an excellent trekking gun; especially with a sling attached; or "holstered" on the outside of a backpack. (?)

Capt. William

 

[olgriz]

There was an article in American Rifleman about the blunderbus. They said the the belled end of the barrel didn't spread the shot pattern even a little bit. The reason for the bell was to make it easier to load on a bouncing coach, or on a galloping horse or in the dark. I expect even if it doesn't spread the shot string, looking down it would sort of be like being painted with a laser. You'd probably say please and yes sir to whoever was doing the pointing or painting. I have no personal experience with either end of either one, just reporting what I read.

 

Well just sooooooo happens LMAO that a friend of mine down in southern Idaho has just such a weapon. he enjoyed shooting chem. lights out of it at imprompttoooo cannon shoot that seems to always happen at our vooooo each year

 

[Lancer]

A friend of mine who shoots with me has one in a left handed .78 cal. He is definitely known at the club for it and it does sound like small artillery going off ::. He's actually pretty accurate at 25 yards with RB but has not tried any shot in it yet. The guy who made it for him also has another one in right handed version for sale.