Blunderbuss

[Christel]

I really fancy one of these, it will have to wait until I am rich though

Is it a myth one could load it with whatever one had to hand?

[Kungfugerbil]

I read somewhere that the purpose of the flared muzzle was purely to give the impression of greater power and damage rather than anything practical.

I still fancy one :)

[dromia]

In times of stress needs must, it wasn't only blunderbuss's that were loaded with whatever was available. Just one of the many positives of muzzle loading firearms.

The belled mouth did not help the shot spread but it did make it easier to load in poor light, on the move and such like.

[dromia]

M/L rifles and muskets also had their muzzles coned, internal belling so to speak, to aid loading as well.

[Christel]

The belled mouth did not help the shot spread but it did make it easier to load in poor light, on the move and such like.

That makes sense.

[Christel]

In times of stress needs must, it wasn't only blunderbuss's that were loaded with whatever was available. Just one of the many positives of muzzle loading firearms.

I need to look into this some more, what exactly could it be loaded with?

[Kungfugerbil]

Gravel, coins, dried seeds, buttons, nails, cheesy wotsits...

Well, probably not the wotsits.

[daman]

How would you mount one of these? Mounting the stock like a shottie or rifle would leave the barrel pointing at your foot. Do you tuck the stock under your arm?

[glevum]

It looks like it has a folding stock that is partially folded.

[Christel]

Gravel, coins, dried seeds, buttons, nails, cheesy wotsits...

Well, probably not the wotsits.

Wotsits...I'd buy that