Musket?

[dennis john]

Hi I would like to know what makes a musket a musket? Is it just the cap or is there more to it? Thanx. Dennis

 

[Stumpkiller]

Military usage.

 

[Tumblernotch]

There are also some common variations on "musket". The word musket itself describes a smoothbore military shoulder fired long barreled weapon. Then there is "rifled-musket". This describes a smoothbore musket which has been rifled at a later date, usually by either a government armory or a contractor. This happened extensively in the US in the late 1840's and early 1850's. Also was done in Europe. And in almost all cases, if a flintlock smoothbore was rifled, it was also altered to percussion. There were a few cases where the lock was not changed. And most, but not all had rear sights added.

Next is the "rifle-musket". This term basically (in the US anyway) describes a rifle of musket caliber (.54 or greater) and length (40" barrel or greater). This was used in describing the US Model 1855 rifle and it's successors the M1861 and M1863 Types I and II. These were all percussion weapons.

You will find quite a few discussions about the different muskets as you work your way around the Forum, so maybe this will help you navigate the different threads. :wink: