There were two types of musket; the matchlock and the flintlock, which could be as long as five feet and had a firing range of up to 300 yards. They were both loaded in the same way; gunpowder was poured into the barrel and packed in hard with a stick. Civil war Musket Then the lead ball would be put in followed by wadding to hold the ball in place.To fire the matchlock, the most common type of musket, the soldier would empty gunpowder into a pan and cover it to protect it. He would then press a lighted piece of flax into a metal trigger called the serpent. When the gun was fired the lighted flax in the serpent would come down into the pan and light the gunpowder. The flame from this would then enter the barrel of the gun and ignite the gunpowder that had been poured into it and the lead ball would be fired.FlintlockTo fire the flintlock was slightly easier but more expensive. The pan would be filled in the same way but the serpent contained a piece of flint which, when it struck the pan, would produce a spark which would ignite the gunpowder.Both weapons were dangerous and clumsy to use. Some of the longer muskets needed a rest to balance the barrel on because they were too heavy to hold. They were impossible to reload quickly and were most effective when a group of musketeers fired a volley of shots at the enemy.
Civil War Guns
Shooting a Civil War gun can be fun with instant gratification of the smoke cloud, but requires a safe place with a good high hill as a backstop. The bullet can go a mile, or more, if it escapes over the hill. All of the safety issues that apply to all guns continue to apply, with the biggest being to never to point a gun at another person. Not even as a jest in fun. But there additional considerations for guns made as far back as the Civil War.
Black Powder requires special care as it is more flammable, much more easily ignited, and becomes an explosive in smaller quantities then more modern smokeless propellant powders. Black powder also has shipping restrictions and special storage requirements. There are modern substitutes such as Pyrodex, CleanShot, Pinnnacle, ClearShot, and 777. All of these are safer to ship and store, but they are still flammable. The smoke cloud doesn't quite look and smell the same as the original black powder.
Do not use any other smokeless powder in a firearm made for black powder has been the standard advice for many decades, and for good reason. There are too many injuries from inexperience trying to do so. While such advice isn't exactly true as black powder cartridges are loaded with smokeless powders all the time, there are differences between cartridge and non-cartridge guns that make a seriously unsafe condition whenever smokeless powder is loaded in a muzzle loading gun. Refer to loading manuals such as Lyman's before reloading any type of cartridge, which has a separate manual for reloading cartridges with black powder.
Black Powder requires special care as it is more flammable, much more easily ignited, and becomes an explosive in smaller quantities then more modern smokeless propellant powders. Black powder also has shipping restrictions and special storage requirements. There are modern substitutes such as Pyrodex, CleanShot, Pinnnacle, ClearShot, and 777. All of these are safer to ship and store, but they are still flammable. The smoke cloud doesn't quite look and smell the same as the original black powder.
Do not use any other smokeless powder in a firearm made for black powder has been the standard advice for many decades, and for good reason. There are too many injuries from inexperience trying to do so. While such advice isn't exactly true as black powder cartridges are loaded with smokeless powders all the time, there are differences between cartridge and non-cartridge guns that make a seriously unsafe condition whenever smokeless powder is loaded in a muzzle loading gun. Refer to loading manuals such as Lyman's before reloading any type of cartridge, which has a separate manual for reloading cartridges with black powder.
Civil War flags
Civil War flags was a term used for the flags carried by Civil War regiments. Both armies used flags, which they also referred to as colors, to locate their troops on the battlefield, in camp, and while on the march. Battle flags were used to guide soldiers in battle. Wherever the flags went, the soldiers followed. Flags led the charge or led the retreat. A regiment’s flag was carried by a color sergeant who was the central man in the color guard. A color guard was composed of six corporals whose job was to protect the color sergeants and the flags of the regiment. The regiment’s flag was a great source of pride in each regiment and to lose the flag in battle was a great disgrace. The capture of an opponent’s flag was, in turn, a great honor. While infantry regiments had their flags, there were also special flags made for headquarters, the artillery, cavalry, and even the quartermaster and engineers- almost every unit had one! Columns of soldiers marching toward Gettysburg were easily identified by the colorful flags that each unit carried, most having the name of the regiment painted on them.
Memorandum on black powder guns
Up to 1887 there was provision only for the proof of guns for black powder Guns ; but by that time the use of smokeless or nitro powders was commonplace. In that year a proof to cover their use, supplementary to definitive proof, was introduced. The service load of the powder intended for use, i.e. E.C. or Schultze, was then impressed on the barrel at proof. Under the 1896 Rules, proof to cover the use of nitro powders was still supplementary to the ordinary proof for black powder, but the words "Nitro Proof" were introduced as a proof mark.The NP marks were introduced in 1904 but the nitro proof test remained optional until 1925, when new Rules of Proof made it obligatory. By that time most gunmakers had been voluntarily submitting their guns to nitro proof for many years.Except on guns proved since February 1955 the NP marks were always used in conjunction with the words "Nitro Proof". The black powder proof marks remain valid, and a gun bearing them may still legally be used with black powder cartridges, provided it has not undergone any alteration taking it out of the category and state in which it was originally proved. Such alterations include conversion to ejector, rebrazing the lumps, increasing the depth of the chambers to take a longer cartridge or the enlargement of barrels beyond certain defined limits.A gun, through neglect or misuse, may become unsafe even in a short time, and a gun made over fifty years ago may be extremely dangerous.Shooters are therefore urged most strongly to buy only guns bearing the marks of nitro proof and not to permit the use of nitro or smokeless cartridges in any black powder gun already in their possession, until it has passed the nitro proof. If owners wish to use such guns with nitro powders, they should send them to their makers, other gun firm or gunmaker for advice, estimate for preparation in accordance with the Rules of Proof, the carrying out of such work, and submission for nitro proof.The charges involved must of course be paid whether or not a gun passes the proof test, but it is better that any weakness be revealed at the Proof House rather than in the field.Muzzle-loading and black powder proved guns may be reproved for black powder. It will hardly be necessary to point out to members of the gun trade that neither their own interests nor those of their customers can be served by the sale of black powder guns which may have become dangerous. For many years some firms have not sold black powder guns and, in addition, will not do any work to such weapons except preparation for and submission to proof.Such a policy may not be possible in all cases, but apart from any question of legal liability for repairs carried out, it is urged that there is a heavy moral responsibility to point out the age and condition of any of these veteran guns before accepting them for repair.Muzzle-loading arms should never be fired with nitro powders.
Civil War Uniforms
Although "the Blue and the Gray" succinctly evokes the North and the South, in actuality, the uniforms of the Civil War soldiers were anything but "uniform"-neither in color nor any other facet. Uniforms of the Civil War fully explores this fascinating branch of military history, presenting an in-depth study of the many and varied uniforms worn by Northern and Southern soldiers.While the most notable feature of the uniform of the was, in fact, its regulation dark blue color, the Confederates had much more variation, with uniforms ranging from the familiar gray to "butternut." The many styles and colors worn by the South are presented in a state-by-state survey. The North is covered in similar depth, detailing the uniforms and equipment of the regular army, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery.Uniforms of the Civil WarUniforms is an especially rich source for reenactors and all Civil War enthusiasts
The Civil war weapon
A Civil war weapon is a tool used to apply or threaten to apply force for the purpose of hunting, attack or defense in combat, subduing enemy personnel, or to destroy enemy weapons, equipment and defensive structures. A weapon is therefore a device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force.[1] In general, they can be defined as the simplest mechanisms that use mechanical advantage (also called leverage) to multiply force.In attack, weapons may be used to threaten by direct contact or by use of projectiles. Weapons can be as simple as a club, or as complex as an intercontinental ballistic missile. Metaphorically speaking, anything capable of causing damage, even psychologically, can be referred to as a weapon. More recently, non-lethal weapons have been developed for para-military, security and even combat use, designed to incapacitate personnel and reduce collateral damage to property and environment.
Black Powder and How To Make It
For over a thousand years, individuals made their own black powder, but then the technology was lost to the Industrial Revolution. This lost technology is now being brought back and made available once again.No chemical formula has had a more profound effect on the history of mankind than that of black powder. Even nuclear energy has not changed mankind to the extent that black powder has.For hundreds of years, the process of manufacturing black powder was a closely guarded secret. Black powder was a luxury item which was affordable to only the most powerful nations, and as such, has radically changed the history of governments throughout the ages. People have won their freedom from the tyranny of oppressive governments by the use of black powder in guns and cannon.The Industrial Revolution would not have happened as it did without black powder for mining coal and iron. Only black powder made possible the largest engineering projects of the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The Civil War
The Civil War split the nation. It was the most bitter conflict within the United States. The source of the conflict between the North and the South resulted from fundamentally different ways of life. Economy in the South was heavily based on agriculture and growing cotton. The North was heavily industrialized with factories and manufacturing being central to the economy.Growing and harvesting cotton required large numbers of workers. This work force was made up of about 4 million slaves. By the 1800's, the African slave trade had become illegal. But existing slaves were not freed. Men and women of the North pushed to completely abolish slavery. The South feared that losing the slaves would have a severe economic impact on cotton plantations.Abraham Lincoln was against slavery. When he was elected President in 1860, seven Southern states left, or seceded, from the United States. They formed the Confederate States of America. On April 12, 1861, southern Confederate forces captured Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Four more states seceded, and the Civil War began.The Civil War consisted of more than 50 major battles and 5000 minor battles. In less than 5 years, more than 600,000 men were killed and hundreds of thousands of others were wounded. The Union army with more soldier and resources eventually overcame the Confederate army. On April 9, 1865, General Lee surrendered his Confederate troops.
Black Powder Guns
Black Powder Guns historic replica and model guns. Now, with our new line of real Black Powder firing Guns, we are excited to offer the opportunity to truly experience a piece of history. These functional black powder firing guns are reproductions of historic firearms that saw military action in America from the French & Indian War through the Civil War. The prominent role that Black Powder firearms have played in our history has been kept alive by hunters, shooting enthusiasts, and re-actors throughout the world. Collector’s Armoury is proud to have the opportunity to support your interest in black powder shooting and collecting.We invite you to review our line of Civil War and Colonial Black Powder Firearms and accessories. Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions. As always, we appreciate your consideration and look forward to serving you.No Federal Firearms License is required. These products can be shipped to U.S. locations only. Please check your local laws prior to purchase to ensure compliance. You must be 18 years old to purchase and 21 years old to sign for these products. Basic eye and hearing protection is included with the purchase of Black Powder guns.
Civil War Weapons smoothbore musket
Infantry tactics at the time of the Civil War were based on the use of the smoothbore musket, a weapon of limited range and accuracy. Firing lines that were much more than a hundred yards apart could not inflict very much damage on each other, and so troops which were to make an attack would be massed together, elbow to elbow, and would make a run for it; if there were enough of them, and they ran fast enough, the defensive line could not hurt them seriously, and when they got to close quarters the advantage of numbers and the use of the bayonet would settle things. But the Civil War musket was rifled, which made an enormous difference. It was still a muzzle-loader, but it had much more accuracy and a far longer range than the old smoothbore, and it completely changed the conditions under which soldiers fought. An advancing line could be brought under killing fire at a distance of half a mile, now, and the massed charge of Napoleonic tradition was miserably out of date. When a defensive line occupied field entrenchments-which the soldiers learned to dig fairly early in the game-a direct frontal assault became almost impossible. The hideous casualty lists of Civil War battles owed much of their size to the fact that soldiers were fighting with rifles but were using tactics suited to smoothbores. It took the generals a long time to learn that a new approach was needed. Much the same development was taking place in the artillery, although the full effect was not yet evident. The Civil War cannon, almost without exception, was a muzzle-loader, but the rifled gun was coming into service. It could reach farther and hit harder than the smoothbore, and for counterbattery fire it was highly effective-a rifled battery could hit a battery of smoothbores without being hit in return, and the new 3-inch iron rifles, firing a 10-pound conical shot, had a flat trajectory and immense Penetrating power. But the old smoothbore-a brass gun of 4.62-inch caliber, firing a 12-pound spherical shot-remained popular to the end of the war; in the wooded, hilly country where so many Civil War battles were fought, its range of slightly less than a mile was about all that was needed, and for close-range work against infantry the smoothbore was better than the rifle. For such work the artillerist fired canisters tin can full of iron balls, with a propellant at one end and a wooden disk at the other-and the can disintegrated when the gun was fired, letting the iron balls be sprayed all over the landscape. In effect, the cannon became a huge sawed-off shotgun, and at ranges of 250 yards or less it was in the highest degree murderous.
Civil War Uniforms
The uniforms of the Civil War helped distinguish between the Union soldiers of the North, and the Confederate soldiers from the south. But early in the war, uniforms were provided by states, towns and wealthy individuals. This resulted in a confusing variety of styles and colors on both sides. Over time, blue became the official color for the North and gray for the Confederate uniforms
Civil war Clothing for Children’s
Civil war Clothing for Children’s, during the Musket Civil War, was not just the fluff and ruffles one might see in the popular fashion plates of the time. Most children's clothing served functional purposes. Boys' shirts and trousers would have buttoned to other under things, as did some of the clothing for the girls.
Black powder rifles
Black powder rifles have been around since the dawn of firearms themselves. Historically black powder cannons were the first widely used black powder firearms, until muzzle loaded firearms started to become commonly used around the thirteenth century, when Europeans began making custom firearms for hunting and war. Now the muzzle loaders are considered to be a hobbyist firearm, rather than sole option
Civil War Swords
Our Civil War swords are modeled after actual historic swords. All are crafted to the exact specifications as their historic counterpart using the only the highest quality materials. These Civil War swords make a wonderful addition to any collection and are perfect for any history buffs. To view the Civil War swords that are available
Civil War musket
Infantry tactics at the time of the Civil War were based on the use of the smoothbore musket, a weapon of limited range and accuracy. Firing lines that were much more than a hundred yards apart could not inflict very much damage on each other, and so troops which were to make an attack would be massed together, elbow to elbow, But the Civil War musket was rifled, which made an enormous difference. It was still a muzzle-loader, but it had much more accuracy
Civil War Weapons
Civil War weapons made fighting the war possible. The war would not have been much of a fight without the weapons of the Civil War. The weapons used during the war ranged from Civil War muskets to submarines.Civil War weapons played a most crucial part in the war. Without them the war would have been almost impossible to even fight let alone win. StatCounter - Free Web Tracker and Counter