Pecatonica River Blunderbuss

[SR James]

A few months back someone inquired about the availability of parts sets for a blunderbuss. At the time I was building one from a Pecatonica River set. Finally got a chance to take it to the range. Load was 70gr FFg, .735 ball with a .010 patch. Range was 25 meters offhand. The two low shots were the first. I adjusted my hold for the three in the red. I also tried a buckshot load with 12 .25 cal. pellets and card wads over 70gr of FFg. Ten hit the targets. I was somewhat surprised that the pattern was as tight as it was. Fun project to build and fun to shoot.

 

[Wes/Tex]

In spite of their looks, a blunderbuss is basically the 18th century version of a sawed-off shotgun. The size of the bell seems to have very little to do with shot spread. They are relatively accurate with ball, if the bore isn't too large...as your photos well illustrate. Good looking blunderbeast! :thumbsup:

 

[Swamp Rat]

That there is PRETTY. :thumbsup:

 

[SR James]

Thanks for the comments. The bore on this barrel is not belled at all. Unlike some where the muzzle is actually funnel shaped, this barrel is cannon-turned and the flare is only on the exterior. So it's a stratight "cylinder bore" like any other smoothie. I've always understood that funneled muzzles were to aid reloading on a swaying coach or ship. I prefer the look of the cannon muzzle which is why I went with the Pecatonica parts set.

 

[Wes/Tex]

You remark is probably correct. The belled muzzle was probably an ease of reloading design or possibility intimidation rather than any attempt to spread the pattern. There was a flattened oval bore variation that was an attempt but I've never seen or heard if this was in any way effective. The Austrian cavalry even issued some out to their heavy cavalry (each carabineer squadron of every cuirassier battalion) in the latter half of the 18th century. These were charged with 12 balls, size not specified, while the flat, oval muzzles were thought to spread the pattern horizontally for better effect...and your guess is as good as mine at how well it may have worked.

 

[jamesthomas]

That's a very nice Blunderbuss! :bow: it ought to do the trick on the bad guy coming down the hallway! :grin: .

 

[Bill Knapp]

Very nice build, High fun factor, somewhat lower practical factor. Always nice to have one in the collection.

Bill

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

Love these things also, nice work!

 

[curiousgb]

It looks like you had eleven hit the target.