Information on the Culloden Blunderbuss

[JQuigley]

Hello,

I’m looking for information on the so called “Culloden Blunderbuss”, a blunderbuss that was recovered from the battle of Culloden in Scotland. Information on it is very limited but I was hoping someone knew the technical specs and dimensions of it as I’d like to replicate it sometime soon. Also if anyone has leads on blunderbuss barrels I’d gladly take them too. I apologize if this is the wrong thread but I couldn’t decide which one to post on. From what I have found, it was a brass barrel(clearly), was discovered with 18 balls in it(doesn’t specify size), is an English style Doglock so it was presumably captured by the Scot’s from the British at some point and from my guess it’s probably around a 20” barrel. Pictures of it are scarce as well. Thanks!

 

[PathfinderNC]

Strange how the dog latch is positioned hanging down like that. How is that lock resting at “Half cock” without the dog engaged? Unless the mainspring is missing or broken…

 

[JQuigley]

Strange how the dog latch is positioned hanging down like that. How is that lock resting at “Half cock” without the dog engaged? Unless the mainspring is missing or broken…

I’ve heard some of the English doglocks had a half cock notch as well as the external dog which was a manual safety of sorts so that could be why. Or knowing the way they operate over there they probably “deactivated” it

 

[BillinOregon]

Fascinating project you are taking on, Mr. Quigley.
Sure a variety of bronze stock to choose from here, if you have a lathe or access to a machinist.
https://www.atlasbronze.com/C90500-Product-Sheet-s/1905.htm

 

[JQuigley]

Fascinating project you are taking on, Mr. Quigley.
Sure a variety of bronze stock to choose from here, if you have a lathe or access to a machinist.
https://www.atlasbronze.com/C90500-Product-Sheet-s/1905.htm

Thank you sir. Regrettably I do not have access to a lathe nor do I know any machinists. I’m sure I could figure something out if it comes down to it though. Any ideas on which alloys would be ideal? Thanks again!

 

[Sam squanch]

A blunderbuss barrel is going to be lots o’ $$$$, so plan for some sticker shock!

 

[JQuigley]

A blunderbuss barrel is going to be lots o’ $$$$, so plan for some sticker shock!

I’ve heard mixed reports on prices for them. I’m not sure where to look though. I know a few people here have rice barrels but they don’t offer them on their site

 

[PathfinderNC]

As a side note- what a ridiculous way to display that gun- half the butt is hidden as is the underside of the whole forearm

 

[Sam squanch]

It’s better than DRILLING HOLES in the stock to BOLT it to a wall!!! Yes, I saw that once….

 

[JQuigley]

As a side note- what a ridiculous way to display that gun- half the butt is hidden as is the underside of the whole forearm

It’s better than DRILLING HOLES in the stock to BOLT it to a wall!!! Yes, I saw that once….

I agree, and it’s an absolute eyesore

 

[PathfinderNC]

Pecatonica River sells Blunderbuss barrels but in steel, not brass.

 

[JQuigley]

Pecatonica River sells Blunderbuss barrels but in steel, not brass.

Pecatonica slipped my mind once again. Thank you. I’ve reached out to them numerous times in the past but I’ve not once heard back from them so I thought they were defunct?

 

[PathfinderNC]

Pecatonica slipped my mind once again. Thank you. I’ve reached out to them numerous times in the past but I’ve not once heard back from them so I thought they were defunct?

Nope they are up and running. Call and ask for Doug. He’s really helpful (so is Jason)

 

[JQuigley]

Nope they are up and running. Call and ask for Doug. He’s really helpful (so is Jason)

I’ll have to give them a call. Thank you!

 

[James Dietz]

Sorry, no advice here but I am very curious about this blunderbuss. I lived in Scotland for a while and this is the first I have heard of it! Where is it located? Thanks for bringing this to my attention!

 

[FlinterNick]

Hello,

I’m looking for information on the so called “Culloden Blunderbuss”, a blunderbuss that was recovered from the battle of Culloden in Scotland. Information on it is very limited but I was hoping someone knew the technical specs and dimensions of it as I’d like to replicate it sometime soon. Also if anyone has leads on blunderbuss barrels I’d gladly take them too. I apologize if this is the wrong thread but I couldn’t decide which one to post on. From what I have found, it was a brass barrel(clearly), was discovered with 18 balls in it(doesn’t specify size), is an English style Doglock so it was presumably captured by the Scot’s from the British at some point and from my guess it’s probably around a 20” barrel. Pictures of it are scarce as well. Thanks!View attachment 331058

I would buy an original, they’re always for sale in live auction. The barrels were very heavy on originals, and probably can be shot with modest charges.

I doglock blunderbuss would be a custom made project, i would contact the rifle shoppe.

 

[JQuigley]

Sorry, no advice here but I am very curious about this blunderbuss. I lived in Scotland for a while and this is the first I have heard of it! Where is it located? Thanks for bringing this to my attention!

Last I heard it was close to the battlefield in a museum

https://cullodenbattlefield.wordpress.com/

 

[Coinneach]

Hello,

I’m looking for information on the so called “Culloden Blunderbuss”, a blunderbuss that was recovered from the battle of Culloden in Scotland. Information on it is very limited but I was hoping someone knew the technical specs and dimensions of it as I’d like to replicate it sometime soon. Also if anyone has leads on blunderbuss barrels I’d gladly take them too. I apologize if this is the wrong thread but I couldn’t decide which one to post on. From what I have found, it was a brass barrel(clearly), was discovered with 18 balls in it(doesn’t specify size), is an English style Doglock so it was presumably captured by the Scot’s from the British at some point and from my guess it’s probably around a 20” barrel. Pictures of it are scarce as well. Thanks!View attachment 331058

I'm sure that Blunderbuss features in "The Swords and the Sorrows" a large booklet published in 1996 that lists weaponry captured at the 1746 battle of Culloden on Drummossie Moor. I'll have to dig through my library storage and find my copy.

 

[Notchy Bob]

That’s a pretty cool gun. Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

There was, and hopefully still is, a barrel maker named Ben Coogle in Oglethorpe, Georgia who made all sorts of unusual barrels for the Rifle Shoppe and custom builders. His contact information is on the Rifle Shoppe website ( I just checked) but I don’t know how to post a link with this dadgum touchscreen device I’m using at the moment. Just Google “ben coogle barrel maker” and you should find his contact information.

The Rifle Shoppe also indicates Colerain makes custom barrels, which I did not know. It would not hurt to ask.

Good luck!

Notchy Bob

 

[FlinterNick]

That’s a pretty cool gun. Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

There was, and hopefully still is, a barrel maker named Ben Coogle in Oglethorpe, Georgia who made all sorts of unusual barrels for the Rifle Shoppe and custom builders. His contact information is on the Rifle Shoppe website ( I just checked) but I don’t know how to post a link with this dadgum touchscreen device I’m using at the moment. Just Google “ben coogle barrel maker” and you should find his contact information.

The Rifle Shoppe also indicates Colerain makes custom barrels, which I did not know. It would not hurt to ask.

Good luck!

Notchy Bob

Ben is retired, I would contact Ed Rayl, he has a few blunderbuss patterns.