Handling a hot musket

[floridawar]

Re: Handling a hot musket

Howdy,

on the question of what the soldiers did with hot muskets, I reckon they did what we are loath to do with our own; viz. throw them away and pick up another laying about...
Sam Watkins, 1st TN at Kennessaw mentions his gun got so hot that "frequently the powder would flash before I could ram home the ball, and I had frequently to exchange my gun for that of a dead comrade." (Co. Aytch, p. 138)...

The other period option which I know of is to cease firing until the barrel cools; another unpopular option for reenactors....
An Iowan at Altoona GA in 64 mentions one company firing over 9,000 rounds with constant resupply of ammunition, or 293 rounds per man, "many times their rifles were so hot that they were unsafe to reload, an event which doesnt' often happen with muzzle loading guns." (annals of Iowa, p. 293).
So I think it is safe too say that when the guns were too hot to reload, they either did not reload them, or picked up another....

cheers.

[Brent Dacus]

Re: Handling a hot musket

In all the photos I have ever seen. I have never seen a leather wrap of any kind on any of the Muskets. So Photo evidence would say No to the Leather..

[Johnschut]

Re: Handling a hot musket

Would it be correct to take a huck towel and tie it around the barrel when getting hot? I typically take the sling and keep it wrapped around the rifle until I need to use it. for other purposes.

[erik]

Re: Handling a hot musket

In my opinion, use the sling, if not wrap a wet handkerchief around your left hand.
These issues only arise with rapid fire which is not often done. Few units practice independent fire on the march which is is hot.
Good drill and preparation should combat this issue. Leather never, ever!

Erik Simundson
File Fire on the March user.

[Johnschut]

Re: Handling a hot musket

I would never use the leather cone on the barrel, it just looks tacky. and it sounds like a wealth of knowledge here to be used.