The Need For Speed…

11 Saturday Oct 2014

Posted by Twistification in 1777 Charleville, Black Powder, Black Powder Firearms, Musket, Strategy & Tactics, Weapons of the Revolution

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1777 charleville, black powder, Musket, rapid fire

“Rapid Fire” and “Musket” are words that you do not normally see together. For the sake of a challenge, I’ve been working into my Saturday shoots a “speed round”, where I see how many shots I can get off in a minute. So far only two I am sad to say, but I am creeping closer to three the more I practice.

The rate of fire for muskets is generally believed to be two to maybe four shots a minute. The best rapid fire I’ve seen to date is this guy:

One primary thing to point out here. He does NOT have bullets in the cartridge. My experience its that you can’t throw a ball in the cartridge THAT fast down the barrel. The ramrod is called a ramrod because there is ramming involved. It takes a little more than just gravity to work to get a ball down the barrel.

I’m the tall guy here…

Keeping this in mind, I’ve reduced the ball size so I can more rapidly seat the bullet in the barrel. This means that I can leave the bullet in the cartridge without fear of jamming. I’ve moved from my standard .69 cal to my pistol cal of .57. This reduces my accuracy but increases my rate of fire.

Now back to the video. I am IMPRESSED with his ability to rapidly return the ramrod back into the musket. This by far is my most challenging aspect of rapid fire. The hole is small, and if you rush it, you just burn seconds. Why return the ramrod you ask? If you leave it behind during a battle, then all you are left with is a fancy Pike. 18th Century soldiers were trained to return the ramrod.

Tomorrow I will try my hand at rapid fire once again.

Some other notes:

I start with an unloaded musket. I am not sure if the first shot of a pre-loaded musket would count toward the rate of fire. Please comment below if you know.
I am leaving the bayonet off for this exercise. I have left it on in the past. The blade actually does help guide my loading, but inevitably I end up cutting my hand. Its just not worth it. I use a mouse for a living–I know, First World Problems.
I’ll try to get some video tomorrow.

Improving my rate of fire will take time. Like any sport, it is really all about muscle memory and focus. Eventually I want to be able to make a video with proof of three shots a minute. Maybe I’ll actually hit the target, but lets just focus on one thing at a time shall we?

Update

Here is a clip of me fidgeting around a bit. Obviously still work to be done here:

Shot four times. Hit paper twice at 50 yards. Again, this was with a smaller calibre, so accuracy was not the goal.

This was my grouping at 50 yards after taking my time and using .69 calibre bullets.

TURN

09 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by Twistification in 1777 Charleville, George Washington, Musket, Revolutionary War, Weapons of the Revolution

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AMC, Turn

This will be the first in a series of observations and opinions on AMC’s spy thriller TURN. I will touch on some plot elements, but will avoid putting much effort into rehashing the plot of every episode. You will just need to watch it yourself!

AMC’s new Spy drama is based on the exploits of the Culper Ring, a spy organization built on the orders of George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The series revolves around Abraham Woodhull, an unassuming cabbage farmer who through hard luck and fate, ends up siding with the Americans to become America’s original James Bond.

On first impression, AMC did not cut corners with production design. The series premier had a very finished, authentic feel that looks to be on par with the standard bearer of Revolutionary War television, HBO’s John Adams.

An early scene of downed American Dragoons being ‘mopped up’ by a Queen’s Ranger was both visually arresting and emotional. The Ranger bayoneting wounded men with his musket really gives one a sense of the deadliness of this 18th century tool of war. The deadliness was perhaps taken a bit too far when Robert Rogers hit a running Ben Tallmadge at what looked to be over a hundred yards (this nitpick from one who readily retorts naysayers that say muskets were woefully inaccurate. Perhaps Rogers was firing a rifle?)

TURN is crafted around the conflict between America and Britain, however the real tension in the series comes a layer deeper when one realizes there are really two wars going on here. One between a formal enemy and the other between one’s own countrymen. The dirty underbelly if the Revolution is where you will find the real danger, deceit and atrocity. No one is beyond suspicion at this point until the series can really be felt out.

Is there so delightful a villain as the British? This imperial foe is so full of arrogance and aristocracy that it must be tempting AMC’s writers to coast along with the stereotype. Yet the jury is still out on this (Patriot anyone?). The British are crafty, brutish, charming, and polite. Most of all, you get a sense of their power and influence. But If you are looking for a traditional ogre, Samuel Roukin’s ‘Simcoe’ is an especially well cast antagonist that looks to be fun to hate.

Jamie Bell as Abraham Woddhull

As with most spy dramas, it was difficult at times to interpret the hushed voices and follow a string of unfamiliar names. I worry that the storyline may be TOO subtle and difficult to pick up mid stream (as may be required for a cable series to build viewing momentum). Also, our antagonist Woodhull comes across as a bit flaky and mousy on first impression, but one assumes events will force him out of this phase.

Finally, I am curious as to how much the writers can pull in historically specific elements that really give us a sense of the drama behind the American Revolution. One thing to ask ourselves as the series progresses is will this be just another spy thriller fitted into the shell America’s war for independence, or will this be something unique that helps us shape our understanding of this critical period of American history?

http://www.amctv.com/shows/turn

Sundays at 9pm

Return to the Hook Part 3: Battle of the Hook

19 Tuesday Nov 2013

Posted by Twistification in 1777 Charleville, Musket, The Battle of the Hook

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I had a few questions heading into my first reenactment. Probably my number one question was how does one “die” during a battle? I imagined all sorts of possibilities. Perhaps before the battle you drew from a deck of cards that accurately represented the casualties of the battle? If you drew the “die a glorious death” card you would do just that. Or maybe you would draw the crippling “take a flesh wound that hobbles your walk” card. Or much less fun yet more historically accurate would be the “died from consumption in camp before the battle” card.

As I soon discovered, taking a fall during a reenactment is much more a matter of a personal decision. Sometimes you may be encouraged to take a fall by your superior, or other times you might choose to be a casualty if your musket stopped operating correctly (a much more common occurrence). Or maybe you were a pro at reenactment like these French soldiers and took a fall for dramatic effect:

Well done monsieur. Well done.

The First Battle of the Hook

The 2nd South Carolina took the field early on a drizzly Saturday afternoon. We were officially representing hand picked Grenadiers that saw the heaviest fighting during the Battle. As we took the field, we immediately encountered British skirmishers. It was the first time anyone ever pointed a firearm at me and fired. As I watched the skirmishers take aim and fire at my line and I thought to myself “this is it!” Orders to take aim and fire were given. I leveled my trusty Charleville and fired. We only had powder in the barrel, but still it was a unique experience. I had never purposely discharged a firearm at anyone before.

Skirmishers

But it was all part of the game and quite fun. That is, until the fun stopped. I should of known better. After only three fires, my flint stopped sparking. Knowing my weapon’s propensity to chew up flint, I should of carried a spare, yet inexplicably I did not. After a few more misfires, I did what any good reenactor would do–I took the fall.

Appropriate? Perhaps. Wise? Maybe not. I had no idea how long the battle would last. I spent the next hour in a prone position, occasionaly peaking up to catch a glimpse of the action. At one point I even dared to think I could catch a quick catnap, but that idea went out the window once the cannons were pulled up fifty yards from me. The cannon blasts shook the ground and kept me bright and alert as any “dead” soldier could be.

The battle finally came to a close and afterwards I was informed of the glorious maneuver in which the 2nd South Carolina surprised the British by suddenly appearing on their right flank from a corn field.

Yes, it was quite an exhilarating afternoon for those with sharp flints. However it was hard to avoid a feeling of disappointment for not participating in a larger portion of the battle. I obviously had missed out, but not all was lost. There would be another battle of the Hook on Sunday. And better yet, there would be a night battle later that evening that involved taking a redoubt from the British. I would not miss this chance to take the field again with sharp flint at the ready. As it turned out, the night assault would be the highlight of the weekend.

Up next, night warfare and the storming of the redoubt.

Taking the Plunge…

15 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by Twistification in 1777 Charleville, Banastre Tarleton, Cavalry, Infantry, Musket, Revolutionary War, The Battle of the Hook, Weapons of the Revolution

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Battle of the Hook, reenactment

As just about anyone who has checked out my blog would see coming from a mile away, I have finally taken the plunge and will participate in my first reenactment at the Battle of the Hook. I will be joining Patrick O’Kelley’s 2nd North Carolina Regiment this coming weekend. The regiment will be depicting “Mercer’s Select Grenadier Battalion” that saw most of the infantry action during the battle. If predictions hold out, this event may even see the largest contingent of cavalry for a Revolutionary War reenactment ever.

The American victory at ‘The Hook’ shut Cornwallis in Yorktown and threw away the key, effectively ending the British general’s hopes for escape or reinforcements (thanks should also be given to the French fleet). The dreaded Banastre Tarleton partook in the battle and was injured as Mercer’s Select rushed in to support French cavalry.

So there is much to the world of reenactment that I am learning. Random thoughts:

The 2nd North Carolina regiment will feed, cloth, arm and shelter both Wesley and I.
Patrick O’Kelly will train us upon arrival. With any luck, I’m hoping he won’t break into spats of cursing in German like Von Steuben did.
My musket will pass muster this time, although technically the 1777 Charleville was not issued to Continentals. If asked, I’ll stick with the story that I ‘borrowed it’ from the generous French contingent. Or maybe won it in a bet. Not sure yet.
The regiment will provide the cartridges. No bullets will be used of course. This statement was made particularly to ease my wife who is concerned about the next bullet point…
A period correct Tavern will be present at this event. I will be sure to practice period correct consumption, hopefully not leading to a case of period correct ‘the consumption’.
The reenactments will include redoubts and two buildings that will be burnt down during the battle. The 11 year old in me just jumped with joy upon discovering this.
Shaved the beard. Sad faces from my wife and 11 year old daughter upon discovering my cleanhsaveness this morning. But worth it to see the confused look on my one and two year old boy’s faces.
Must keep out of view my sleeping bag and anything that is not period correct. Once the public is gone however, I plan on taking plenty of pics. Vids too.
Gloucester Virginia. 9 hr drive. Ouch.

Sleeping accommodations free of charge thanks to the 2nd North Carolina Regiment:

Myths of the Revolution: Rifles

26 Thursday Sep 2013

Posted by Twistification in Cowpens, Infantry, Musket, Spontoon, The battle of Cowpens, Weapons of the Revolution

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Rifle

Reenactors aim. Real soldiers didn’t?

Allthingsliberty.com recently posted a compelling article dispelling a myth surrounding British infantry training and tactics. Did British soldiers aim their muskets? (spoiler alert! Yes. Yes they did. They practiced firing them too).

Revolutionary War myths pass down through generations of Americans and stubbornly clung to life despite the lack of historical evidence. None perhaps more so than myth that Americans won the war by using American long rifles, guerrilla tactics and training derived solely from hunting and wilderness living. These tactics, technologies and acquired skills had an impact to be sure, but they were not the primary factors that led to victory for the Americans.

What part did Rifles play in the American Victory?

The grooved bore of a rifle improved distance and accuracy to be sure, but this advantage was counterbalanced by an increased loading time. During any battle involving firearms, reloading time is essential to combat effectiveness.

Rifleman

Militiaman armed with rifles often found themselves desperately reloading while a disciplined line of bayonet wielding soldiers rapidly approached. The militiaman were forced to make a decision— flee, or face cold sharp steel.

Since the American long rifle was primarily a hunting weapon and not a military one, it was not built to fit a bayonet. This unfortunate reality placed the rifleman at a distinct disadvantage during melee combat. Few militiamen were outfitted with spontoon or other melee weapon that could match a charging infantryman holding what was essentially a long pole.

Added to this disadvantage was the somewhat brittle construction of the rifle, which had a tendency to break apart if its user was forced to wield it as a club.

As the Revolution progressed, rifles took a back seat to formally trained American Continentals and their standard issue French Charleville smoothbore musket or British Brown Bess.

1777 Charleville with bayonette

Yet like many myths, wipe away the grime and you will find a kernel of truth. The range and accuracy of the American long rifle gave the militiaman the ability to snipe British officers during battles. It could be argued that this practice of singling out officers (thought to be a war crime by the British) played a significant role in victories at the battles of Saratoga, Kings Mountain and other partisan battles in the South. In battles so closely contested, rifles could quite possibly tilt the scales.

Conclusion

The American Revolution was essentially an 18th century war. Victory during this period depended upon technology and tactics that had gradually evolved over multiple decades of military innovation. This fact cannot be understated as we look back at the war through the lens of our own period of rapid technological, societal and martial change. Rifles did not suddenly appear and tilt the scales toward the Americans.

Throughout the ages, achieving military victory requires taking the field from the enemy. Armies armed almost exclusively with rifles could not hope to hold a field of battle for long against infantry armed with muskets and bayonets. But why hold territory you say? Why not just exclusively use guerrilla tactics? Part two of ‘Myths of The Revolution’ will cover this topic.

Charleville Update V3

25 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by Twistification in 1777 Charleville, Black Powder Firearms, Musket, Weapons of the Revolution

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Update Sept 14 2013

Best day of shooting I have had so far.

50 Yards

Taget Back Side

19 Shots. All hit the target. Good times!

Charleville Update V2

Today I stepped up to the big boy table and shot the 50 yard range for the first time. Very happy with the results. Started off hot. Below is the result of four shots–one missed the paper all together, and the other three were good enough to drop a lobsterback at 50 yards.

50 Yards. 2 shots dead center, one bottom right.

As the day continued, things went downhill a bit. One would assume that as the fouling builds up, a tighter fitting ball would increase accuracy, but no. I struggled with my flints most of the afternoon and as a result, my accuracy suffered after a number of misfires. Next time I will be sure to hit the range with at least a couple of new sharp flints. Here I am firing above the target:

Thanks to Greg Clark for the colorful commentary here (I would write something snarky about him if he wasn’t 6’5″ and quite the marksmen)

As usual, Saturday evenings I listen to the Braves on the radio while cleaning my Charleville. All clean and ready to go.

Black Powder Gun Room

Charleville Update

18 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by Twistification in 1777 Charleville, Black Powder Firearms, Musket, Weapons of the Revolution

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Out shooting today. I’ve made some strives with my 1777 Charleville! First off, thanks to the power of YouTube, I’ve discovered the best way to make a cartridge. I created a template using the recommended paper (Walmart packing paper actually). Now the same amount of powder and paper will be loaded every time. This technique is so nice that it makes for ‘rapid’ reload and allows the paper to remain wrapped around the ball as it is loaded in the barrel. A tighter fit means tighter groupings!

My French Grenadier Cartridge Box

Secondly, I’ve added more powder to the charge. I was using 80 Grains of FF Black powder, however Matt Murphey informed me that military charges (at least for the Brown Bess) were 120 Grains. Since the Charleville is a slightly smaller caliber than the Brown Bess, I bumped it up to 110 Grains. This took some adjustment. I basically needed to accommodate less for bullet drop.

The First Six Shots

Target (the larger holes are mine)

This is from 25 yards. For those of you who ever shot a smoothbore musket, you know that aiming is a relative term. I was aiming for the center of the target, which I have a pretty good grouping of 5 here. However I feel obligated to explain the top right shot.

Misfiring is somewhat common for a flintlock (however not as common as you would expect). From my experience, the primary cause for a misfire is the flint failing to adequately spark the frizzen and ignite the powder in the pan. So during an hour or so of shooting I will pause to readjust, clean or replace my flint at least once or twice.

Not a big deal, however there is one drawback to misfires–they REALLY mess with my head. When you expect a large BOOM and get a quiet ‘click’, it throws things off. On top of this, adjusting the flint after a misfire can be a bit um…delicate to say the least. Tweaking a fully loaded firearm with a pan full of powder can test my nerves. As a result, I’ve discovered that if I misfire more than once, it affects my aim proportionally.

So that top hole in the target? Yea, that is a shot after 3 misfires in a row. Three ‘clicks’ when I expected a BOOM…Thats my story and I’m sticking to it.

VERY exited about my shoot today. Now that my methods are becoming more systematic and consistent, I expect my accuracy to eventually improve. I want to move to the 50 yard range soon, but I still need to try and figure out a way around the range rule that states you must be sitting when shooting from the 50 yard range (this rule is the sad result of irresponsible/inexperienced gun owners not respecting their firearms. If anything, the attention that the Charleville demands has taught me a respect for firearms– but thats a post for another day).

The barrel can get very hot after only a few shots.

Questions for a Black Powder Marksman

05 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by Twistification in 1777 Charleville, 4th of July, Black Powder Firearms, Musket, Weapons of the Revolution

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Since purchasing a 1777 Charleville in November of last year, I’ve scoured the intertubes for any and all information on the function and maintenance of my firearm. YouTube has turned out to be a reliable source for both knowledge and inspiration. One channel I continually return to is Matthew Murphey over at Murphey’s Muskets. The self proclaimed “King of Black Powder” makes a pretty serious case for royal lineage with a whole catalog of excellent videos.

Matt’s enthusiasm is contagious and his knowledge is extensive. On top of this, the King is a dang good shot. A really good shot.

Muskets not accurate you say? Watch some of his videos:

80 yards? You kiddin’ me? I’m still struggling at 25 ugh.

Matt generously taken the time to answer a few questions for Twistification

What got you into black powder rifles and muskets?

I can’t remember the first time I saw a musket, but I can tell you it had an effect on me. When I was barely 8 years old I would spray WD-40 down the barrel of my Red Rider BB-gun so I could pretend that it would smoke like a musket. So, I’ve been hooked for a long time.

What are the most common misconceptions about muskets?

That they are inaccurate. Are they capable of 1 MOA at 100 yards? No. However, hitting a man at 80-100 yards with a smoothbore is no problem if you are using a period cartridge and use proper trigger pull and resist the impulse to twitch. Rifled muskets have an effective accuracy of up to 300 yards.

What are some basic guidelines you have for people interested in taking up black powder firearms as a hobby?

Don’t go cheap. If you do you will just pay for it later down the line. Any flintlock worth having is going to be expensive; accept it and save and get a quality piece. You will be much happier. Period BP guns and accoutrements are expensive, but after you have acquired those items it’s cheap shooting and a lot of fun! Oh, and huge gun/ammo scares do not affect your supply. 🙂

In your opinion what was the most effective 18th/early 19th century musket/rifle?

During the 18th Century the Brown Bess* was undisputedly the most effective musket the world over. Its quality and effectiveness were put to the test in different climates and battlefield conditions world-wide, creating the British Empire. Even if you don’t like the Brown Bess its effectiveness cannot be denied.

What was the finest made 18th/ early 19th century black powder firearm?

Here again the Brown Bess was the finest musket available from 1730 to about 1800. By that point U.S. weapons started catching up with the Tower of London in quality of arms. By the time the M1812 came around, British and US muskets were neck and neck.

What is the most frustrating rifle/musket you’ve ever shot?

Reproduction muskets from India are by far and away the most frustrating pieces available to the black powder community today.

What is the finest rifle/musket you’ve ever shot?

I would say that it’s an even tie between the Brown Bess* and the M1812

What is the most shocking thing you have discovered about weapons of this era?

How effective they can be when married together with 18th century tactics!

What is the hardest thing about black powder weapons?

Cleaning them when you get home.

In your opinion, is there a notable historical event that proved the effectiveness of black powder weapons or were examples of effective deployments of this type of weaponry?

I would say that both the American Revolution and the Civil War are testaments to these weapons and how effective they can be employed. The Civil War especially shows us how devastating these arms can be. At Gettysburg, Union ordnance workers reported that 4.5 million rounds of rifle musket and smoothbore ammunition were issued and not returned. Chamberlain’s official count for the 20th Maine at Gettysburg was 16,000 rounds.

What is the strangest question you ever got about black powder?

I don’t know that I’ve ever gotten a really strange question. Most people ask pretty legitimate questions.

Do you have a ‘prized possession’?

I’d say my wife, but she’s not a possession.

What is your proudest accomplishment as a marksmen?

I can’t say I have a proudest moment! Ringing a 12″X12″ steel plate at 1,000 meters with a rifle is a real rush! However, ringing a 12″X12″ steel plate at 100 yards standing up with a smoothbore musket is quite a rush as well!

Matt would of been a good sniper choice for Daniel Morgan at Saratoga. I wonder how adept he is at tree climbing…and time travel.

In hindsight, what is the dumbest thing you tried to do with a black powder firearm? (come on, we’ve all done something!)

I don’t know about “tried” since I did it successfully, but the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done is tap-loading. Don’t try that one at home.

*Note From Matt: Just as an FYI, I would like people to know that the Brown Bess is just a nickname for the King’s Pattern Musket. At the time they were used, they would have been referred to as “[year] pattern musket” or “pattern [year] long land/short land.”