What is actually defined by this term? "Musket"

[roundball]

I first used to see the term "smoothbore musket" so I assumed a musket was a smoothbore...until I then saw the term "rifled musket".

Does "musket" in fact mean smoothbore, but when rifled it's called a "rifled musket" simply to identify it as a former smoothbore that's been rifled?

Or does the term "musket" refer only to a military arm since I've only seen it in reference to military arms?

Or does the term "musket" stand for anything unique that I haven't figured out yet, like design, length, etc?

(I couldn't find a clear definition on the Internet)
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[musketman]

Webster's says:

Main Entry: mus

 

[Musketeer]

A musket traditionally is a smoothbore weapon. I believe the term "rifle" musket or "rifled" musket was probably used as a transitional term. Rifle muskets (like those used during the Civil War) had the characteristics of a musket: long barrel, large caliber, heavy construction, etc. except they were rifled. In other words I think they were thought of not as true "rifles", but simply as "muskets" that had been fitted with rifled barrels. Does that make any sense? :shocking: In fact, come to think or it, the reason muskets were favored by the military in earlier days (like the Revolutionaty War) was BECAUSE they were smoothbored. A smoothbore was quicker to reload and clean under battle conditions, and since most militaries still used volley fire at that time, long range accuracy wasn't much of a consideration. :thumbsup:

 

[roundball]

I figured "Musketman" and "Musketeer" would have to know !!
::

So,"musket" is a military-only term, referring to a soldier's smoothbore muzzleloader.

(...unless in later years it had a rifled barrel conversion, then it's called a "rifled musket"...)

But in both cases, the term "musket" refers to a military muzzleloading shoulder arm.

Got it...thanks !
:redthumb:

 

[Stumpkiller]

It also implies the service's full-size shoulder weapon bore - as opposed to a carbine or fusil (which may be or either smaller/shorter stature and reduced cailber).

 

[Claude Mathis]

I figured "Musketman" and "Musketeer" would have to know !!
::

A round of Muscatel for everyone! eace:

 

[Zonie]

A round of Muscatel for everyone!

Here! Here!!

In my little brain, I tend to think of the Musket as being a full size Military weapon used by the infantry, usually with a relatively thin walled barrel at the muzzle and with provisions for mounting a bayonet.

"Another round for us all!!" Ah says. ::

 

[Gary]

You're right about rifled muskets being muskets that were rifled. Rifle muskets on the other hand were originally rifled.

Now, to add to the confusion, even into WW I the British (and also us) refered to our marksmanship training schools as Musketry Instruction.

Old terms never die.

 

[Xtramad]

As I've heard it, the musket is a thin barreled smoothbore of 70-80 calibre.

A rifled muskett is a musket that has been rifled. I can't remember hearing about any shoulder weapon over 80 calibre that has been rifled.
Rifles are weapons under 70 calibre that have rifled barrels.
Smoothbores over 80 calibre are the blunderbus, arquebus and the hackenbuche. The hackenbuche is also called a wall gun.
Smoothbores under 70 calibre are originally just called pipes up in Scandinavia, but later they were also called muskets (they were usually between 60 and 70 calibre).
:m2c:

 

[RussB]

Rifled and Smoothbore Muskets.....Okay, Good!....... I think I've got it now.
Would it be proper to refer to either a Rifled Musket, or a Smoothbore Musket....as simply a "Musket"?
Or, should one always use Rifled, or Smoothbore when refering to any Musket?
But then we are back where we started by not knowing for sure it ain't just a plain old rifle. Was the Mississippi a rifle or a musket?
Or, as someone mention, does the hole in the end of the barrel have somehing to do with it? I've got my money on this feller, regardless of the twist or it's presence.

Let's see now....If I live halfway between Seattle, WA, and Portland,OR. Gen.Lee's march from Tappahannock to Richmond must have only taken two hours. But that doesn't seem possible. Maybe I should move closer to Portland? ....get my drift?

Sorry, but I have spent a lifetime asking this question, and the answer is dependant on who I ask, or who's talking at the time.
I do wish you guys would come up with something, so at least this crowd would know what we're saying when we say "musket".
Musketman, you should be dead on top of this! Don't use the dictionary, say it the way YOU feel it is.
Russ

 

[robinghewitt]

I think you might be chasing a precise definition where none exists. Whether you call them Muskets or Musquets it's still a very old word that has changed it's meaning over time and tells you very little

 

[Xtramad]

I'd say a rifle is always rifled.
:imo:

 

[RussB]

Roundball, have you been taking notes? I might have to get you to slip me a few answers if there's a test.

I, personally, feel Robin may have the right answer, but what do I know? Someone just may speak up and solve this little riddle.
In the mean time I choose B...and that's my final answer.
Russ

 

[roundball]

::

I thought I understood it until this post kept going on and on...so for me, it's settled:

A musket is a big ole' heavy, big bore military shoulder arm...which may or may not be rifled!

::

 

[Teleoceras]

Roundball:

This is from the 16th Century terms.

The first muskets were of Spainish origin in the mid-16th Century. These were huge guns of around 20lbs and ranging in caliber from about .84-.96. These guns required a forked rest.

Just below that in size was the Caliver. A long gun of around .62-.72 with a weight ranging from 10-14lbs.

Below that was the Arquebus which was considered to be a short barrelled, small caliber smoothbore.

Now mind you that once armor fell into disuse, the Musket did shrink in size until it became close to that of the Caliver by 1650. By that time, the term Caliver was dropped and the Musket that most are familar with would last with about the same size until the 19th Century.

The Arquebus would eventually evolve into the Carbine.

:m2c: