Documented "musket" explosion

[mazo kid]

This article was in the newspaper today; just wish it hadn't happened in Wisconsin. I'm withholding judgment until I can find out more info: what kind of "musket", how was it loaded, how old, foreign manufacture, any alcoholic beverages involved, etc.? I have some friends north of me and am trying to find out if there is any more info available. When I saw the headline I immediately thought of a rendezvous or CW event, but this was on private land.

 

[Rebel]

It say 3 men "Were trying to load the musket" Be interesting to know if ANY of them had any idea what they were doing and What Kind of Powder they used. (ie: Smokeless or black)

 

[Captain outwater]

What is show of the article does not give enough information to understand what happened and why something went wrong.

 

[rafterob]

It was in Wisconsin and you're wondering if alcohol was involved :rotf: Sorry-I couldn't help it, I'm a native Minnesotan.

 

[Toomuch_36]

Article doesn't give any information at all other than the accident happened, there has got to be more to it than this.
Let's hope the authorities have all correct, reliable information .
Question #1: Why does it take three men to load one musket?!!!

Toomuch
...........
Shoot Flint

 

[Bountyhunter]

Dont suppose that Alky Hall was amongst that group do ya?


I think that you are right Ghetto.

 

[rabjr]

:hmm: The guy involved with the "How not to shoot a flintlock pistol" video wasn't involved here was he?

 

[Bountyhunter]

The word from Hayward is that the fellow who died was James Hall from Geneva, WI, 15 miles east of Hayward. AP is saying Illinios.

That is the word from Hayward. Should have more info later.

 

[tmdreb]

That's an odd story. First it says the musket exploded while one man was loading the musket, then it says three men were "trying to load and fire the musket" before finally telling readers that the deceased fired the weapon which then exploded and killed him.

How many men were loading the musket? Did it explode while being loaded or when it was fired?

 

[mazo kid]

The word from Hayward is that the fellow who died was James Hall from Geneva, WI, 15 miles east of Hayward. AP is saying Illinios.

That is the word from Hayward. Should have more info later.

I'd like more info when you get it. Ghettogun, be nice now; altho we do seem to have a reputation to maintain. And yeah, I should have added smokeless/black powder to my list also. Emery

 

[Blizzard of '93]

double loaded perhaps? may never find the cause.

 

[mazo kid]

double loaded perhaps? may never find the cause.

Yeah, it's all speculation at this point. Hopefully we can find more info soon.

 

[rebel727]

My bet goes on smokeless.

 

[Bountyhunter]

I'm bettin you are right Rebel. I have some BP friends in Hayward, and all they are getting now is street talk and cant document anything yet.

 

[Old40Rod]

Two things are certain:

1. Obviously something wasn't right or done right.

2. You cannot rely on newspaper articles to get the facts right.

 

[trent/OH]

Since shrapnel is part of the projectile from an artillery shell, I don't think he was killed by shrapnel.
Almost certainly he was killed by ignorance or stupidity. With absolutely certainty the reporter displays ignorance or stupidity.

 

[wcontratto]

This is from the Chicago Tribune. Still doesn't add much except that the musket was homemade.



Geneva man killed in Wisconsin when musket misfires
Tribune staff report
September 15, 2008
A Geneva man died Friday on a fishing trip in northwestern Wisconsin when the homemade musket he was firing exploded and a piece of shrapnel tore through the left femoral artery in his thigh, a coroner said Sunday.

James A. Fall, 40, was fishing at a lake outside Hayward, Wis., when he decided to do some target practice, said Sawyer County Coroner John Ryan. His death was ruled accidental, Ryan said.

 

[Black Hand]

.....With absolutely certainty the reporter displays ignorance or stupidity.....

Have you ever seen one who didn't?

For people who are supposed to keeping the public informed, thay are by far the most uninformed people who I have dealt with in my life. Most of it seems to be due to the fact that they can't seem to listen or don't care to...

 

[bingo1952]

Can you say "Gossip Toter"? The info my wife gets from her buddies over the backyard fence is as if not more reliable. :surrender:

 

[Blizzard of '93]

wanna bet he was useing a piece of gas (maybe water but gas pipe is lot stronger) pipe for a barrel and a cap fitting for a breech? and it blew the 'breech'?