Two Man Weapons Teams

[nkbj]

Does anyone actually know what kind of weapon, "rifles of considerable weight" these rifle teams were using?
http://www.lrml.org/historical/metford/2000yards.htm

 

[paulvallandigham]

Any 15 lb rifle is " Of considerable weight" to consider using in battle.

That being said, we now have Slug Gun rifles that weigh far more than 15 lbs. that are used in the 800,900, and 1,000 yd. matches.

The two rifles mentioned in David's article are both in museums in England, as it has its one National Rifle Association. You might be able to find more information on the action type, breech design, muzzle design, use of false muzzle, etc. by contacting the museum curators. '

David is a member here, also. You might send him a PT here to ask him your questions.

 

[Tumblernotch]

Does anyone actually know what kind of weapon, "rifles of considerable weight" these rifle teams were using?
http://www.lrml.org/historical/metford/2000yards.htm[/quote]

I have no idea unless they were bench guns. There may have been a few Confederate sharpshooters using them, but all of the examples I've seen or read of being used by them were either Whitworth, Kerr rifles or Enfield or Springfield rifle-muskets that were scope or sighting tube mounted.
When two-man teams went out, one of them was basically a spotter, much like teams today.

Northern sharpshooters did use heavy barreled bench guns on occasion. These can weigh up to 50 pounds, (looked at one yesterday that would easily go that heavy), but probably averaged between 20 and 30 pounds.

 

[Story]

Bench rifles like the Jack Morgan, or heavy barreled Kentucky look-alikes like Hinson's.

Jack Hinson's neutrality was shattered the day Union patrols moved in on his land, captured two of his sons, accused them of being bushwhackers, and executed them on the roadside. The soldiers furthered the abuse by decapitating the Hinson boys and placing their heads on the gateposts of the family estate. The Civil War, now literally on Hinson's doorstep, had become painfully personal, and he could remain dispassionate no longer. He commissioned a special rifle, a heavy-barreled .50-caliber weapon designed for long-range accuracy.
http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Hinsons-One-Man-Civil-Sniper/dp/1589806409
See also http://www.thehistorychannelclub.com/Projects/Project.aspx?id=86

 

[nkbj]

Thank you Sir.
I just snagged a copy of that book. Looks like a very good story to think about.

I should add that my brother is a muzzleloader builder, a rather awesome long range shooter with most whatever is at hand, has two sons, always liked the Jimmie Stewart movie "Shenandoah" and has a birthday coming up. This book will go very well with the 50 LRH barrel. Again, my thanks.

 

[bkovire]

thanks could not remember the name of that movie!