Naval Small Arms and Gunnery

[HistoryBuff]

I would like to suggest this as a separate forum category for discussion of maritime muzzleloading arms and accoutrements. It could cover the time period between, say, 1560-1880. There appear to many people, including myself, interested in the North American Frontier experience. But I am also curious to know if there are enough people here to keep a forum topic on naval gunnery fairly active. For example, preferred firearms of ship crews, reenactment groups, etc. Just a suggestion.

HistoryBuff

 

[Musketeer]

I would definitely support such a section. We cover the occasional naval piece in the existing sections, though it would be nice to have them consolidated into one area. I have always loved anything having to do with old sailing ships, and the weapons they carried. In fact, I would have to list Master and Commander as one of my all time favorite movies. I dug the footage of the cannons being fired via the flintlock actions and pull cords. I believe that naval guns were different enough to warrant their own section. Cannons were often bronze or brass, as were many blunderbuss and pistol barrels (I just posted something earlier today with regard to the brass-barreled 'buss), in order to avoid corrosion. Carriages had to be specifically designed for sea service, etc. I don't know what kind of interest you'll get from other members, but I for one think it sounds like a great idea! :thumbsup:

 

[tna]

i'm all for it.

 

[Gary]

Don't forget swivel guns played an important role in littoral warfare. Once the ships closed the distance, it was small arms, boarding pikes, cutlasses and guts.