How is this shot bag[s] used ?

[bgfco]

I am not sure if this two separate items, or one pair that is used together. Can you tell me how it would be used ? Thanks, Daryl

 

[Sam squanch]

One for powder , one for shot. Unless the user liked to use different size shot in each barrel. Make a probe out of a length of wire, gently scrape the inside of the bags. If there is black powder residue, it will fall out.

 

[Rifleman1776]

That is a separate pouring dispenser. Fill it, remove it and dump into barrel. Some like shot in that one (my preference), powder in other.

 

[Felix the Cat]

That is an "Irish" shot pouch.. it is designed to be hung round your neck. It can be used either with the same or different size shot in each side. The idea of the double bag is to balance the weight across your shoulders.. and it should be used in this fashion taking care to draw shot evenly from each bag.

Irish shot bags are characterised by the removable scoop and come in single "bandolier" form as well as the "round the neck" style. They were really meant to be used by a loader rather than the shooter as trying to shoot with that slung around your neck would be a bit of a challenge.

These were NEVER designed for use with powder. The "valve" is not flash proof and even if there is evidence of someone trying to use these with powder, this should not be attempted. Powder will simply not flow evenly from a flexible container and needs to be dispensed from a rigid flask. Also, do you really want to wear a gunpowder filled scarf that close to a flint or percussion lock?

 

[bgfco]

Both seem to have a shot dispenser Brass tip. I see no way to change the shot charge amount, so possible the bags were bought with the desired shot charge in mind. Felix , your thought about an explosive collar gave me a chuckle, and of course chills, too. What vintage might these be ? I notice they are similar to Sykes patent items. Also, I noticed that pictures of several John and Joe Manton cases contained powder flasks of copper or similar and shot bags, but I could not tell if any of them had two shot bags.

 

[Felix the Cat]

I would think around 1850s, maybe later...

Some designs have a screw stop to allow different charges, but this looks like a fixed volume scoop. I would think these would have been custom made.. if you afford a loader, then cost was probably not your prime concern...!

 

[bgfco]

My gun is a very late flintlock from about 1831, What type of shot and powder flasks would they have had then? I don‘t know of the Irish designation. Did they use those in England ?

 

[Felix the Cat]

My gun is a very late flintlock from about 1831, What type of shot and powder flasks would they have had then? I don‘t know of the Irish designation. Did they use those in England ?

Yes..

If you look in old Dixon catalogues from the 1900s they are quite common..

Petersoli still make them..

https://www.henrykrank.com/pedersoli-irish-shot-flask-top-1233b/

 

[BackDraft]

Also, do you really want to wear a gunpowder filled scarf that close to a flint or percussion lock?

Like that poor schmuck from many years ago that had the bike lock bomb put around his neck.

 

[Coldfingers]

You can decrease the shot charge by the right thickness of fiber wad, or other appropriate thing. When the right amount is dispensed, a bit of hot glue will keep it there.
Stuck in the base of the measure of course.
Wool wad, to my thumbnail.

 

[Coldfingers]

I bought one a bit worse than yours, stitched up a new pouch, about half the volume of the original. Very comfortable, and grouse shot in the upper, and bunny shot in the bottom.

 

[bgfco]

Am I correct in thinking that when hunting , only one bag might be used, slung over the shoulder ? Then, a loader might use two bags in neckless fashion.

 

[Coldfingers]

I wear it on the left, just like a bag. Bag and horn on the right. Need shot? It's right there, every time.

 

[bgfco]

Thanks for the information and pictures. That seems like the best set up. I appreciate it. Daryl