Practical Shooting and a Brief History of the 1777 Charleville Flintlock Musket | America's 1st

[@hickok45]

Nice video!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you Mr. Hickok!

[@Matt85ism]

Nice video! I want to reinforce a statement only made once in the video. The 1777 model was NOT used by Americans during the revolution! The US rebels were primarily given the 1766 model (with some of its variations).

[@shanedebarra4986]

I've shot a Pedersoli 1777 for about 20 years ... I use it for everything. It's my go to gun. Excellent accuracy out of the box. The only mod I've done is to taper the touchhole for a faster ignition. It's super reliable. My favourite load is buck and ball. I've taken big game up to 200 yards. I'm a crappy shot but 200 yards is no difficulty. The lack of choke means she's a decent shotgun up to 60 yards depending on the load. She'll shoot ANY grade black powder. My only gripes are: She's heavy on a long trek(she's huge😂). Hard to hit fast moving game on a close it transverse run (barrel length) Yes, a smaller fowling piece would be just as good, but the Charley is just a beast. I thoroughly recommend 👍

[@bencarlos2555]

I have to chime in. As a reenactor, the biggest thing is the drill. Whether as a regular, continental, or militia, you drilled! I have a "backdated" Charleville. The gunsmith used a Kit, and made the lock, etc. . .look like the 1754 model. We based it on one in the armory at Ft. Ticonderoga. The only thing we couldn't duplicate was the extra 3-4" of barrel length. The other thing to keep in mind is though a "military" piece, it is no different than any other smoothbore fowler, ever so popular/common in the Northeast. I have hunted with mine. I use felt wads to help with compression. I use a .67 roundball with a ticking patch. On a side note, there is nothing more thrilling/terrifying as having Regulars firing at you, and then setting bayonet! Thanks for all that you do!

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

The 1777 charleville musket. Its one of my all time favorites. Great video

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Me too Snapper! Thanks for watching!

[@sharonrigs7999]

I love the Frog Log too!

[@rc6147]

Most of the Continental line were using the 1763 model Charleville's. The '77's were used by the French. In October of '78 the French delivered 25,000 (Approx) model 1763 Charleville's to Washington along with the French contract coats (Lottery Coats) and small clothes. This was the predecessor of the 1795 Springfield. Nice video. Thank you.

[@madmat86]

I was a napoleonic reenactor, french side. I have a Pedersoli’s replica, Charleville 1777 corrigée An IX. I can assurde you that if you change loading method, you’ll be faster. In french 1791 regulation, it’s ordered to “amorcez” (put the Black powder in The bassinet) BEFORE loading The barrell. Strip The cartridge, put a little quantity of powder in The bassinet, just to cover The firing hole, then put The rest of the charge in The barrel. Ramming? Two Times, no more. You’ll be able to shoot Two Times per minute. 🤓

[@blackpowdermaniacshooter]

Fun shooting...I LOVE it!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks Mark!!

[@Real11BangBang]

I'm going to be doing a video on this gun here before too long of course mine is a replica. In my opinion this is probably the greatest flintlock musket ever designed for a military

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I can't wait!

[@denisdegamon8224]

I don't have a Charleville musket, but I do have a short barreled Navy version Brown Bess. Instead of a 42" barrel it has a 36" barrel....much lighter and easier to carry. I also cast my own round balls and make paper cartridges.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

That sounds like a great version to have. This is one chunker of a musket for sure. Big difference compared to my longrifles. Thank you for sharing Denis.

[@revere0311]

As a fellow flintlock collector this is such a great video!

[@raymondhindle7861]

Nicely done, Ian! Love the “stage” style of the shooting. Well done! Of course, your video was also well done, and entertaining!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you so much Raymond!

[@raymondhindle7861]

Have a 1766 model, it’s a ball to shoot!

[@donaldself16]

My son has a Pedersoli Brown Bess reproduction, and we have found, by closing the pan cover before loading, the flash hole in the barrel on this particular rifle was just large enough to allow powder to be forced out of the flash hole and into the pan by the air pressure of the ball and wad being pushed down the barrel, thus eliminating the extra step of priming the pan. We came to this conclusion one cold snowy day (after multiple shots) when we saw fresh powder on top of the snow all around us.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks for sharing Donald! That's very interesting.

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

That's not a bug, it's a feature.

[@ducktapepilot]

Very cool rifle and video! It would be interesting to have an accuracy test with one of these smoothbores. Maybe have targets at different ranges and see how far a smoothbore can hit the target.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you! I'll add that to the list!

[@Quincy_Morris]

Smoothbores aren’t rifles

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

You certainly took those red coats out of commission Ethan! Good Job Brother! I have a 1829 N. Starr that was converted to cap lock in the 1840s. Wish it was still flint lock but shooting this 69 cal. Is a joy. I always say it’s like shooting history. Kind Thanks, Many Blessings and Keep Your Powder Muzzled! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania 😊

[@MittenJim]

Great video Ethan! Like how you mixed it up. Some education plus a little action!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks Jim! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@uriah-s97]

Beautiful Musket Ethan, had me laughing pretty hard at your little exercise through the woods! Cannot beat the smell of the powder and a good day of shooting.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you Uriah! It's always fun getting out!

[@ericpennington6530]

Hey Ethan, I was wondering where ya got the red coat targets.

[@micwell2247]

I know everyone that come over to my house and sees the Charleville hanging with my other flintlocks, the Charleville always ends up the piece that is talked about the most... rock on...

[@celticfury7328]

1 minute 31 seconds for three acceptably accurate center mass shots from a smoothbore musket? Not too shabby if I do say so myself, my good man! Factor in that soldiers of the day became VERY efficient through relatively constant use of their firearm, and the time between discharges (even under the absurd pressures of war) were quite a bit faster. Fascinating video about an indispensable piece of American history!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you for the kind words! I hope to improve!

[@charliejones5430]

We sure enjoyed your presentation at the Park. Thanks for helping keep history alive.

[@franciswashack89]

I have a replica 1795 Springfield and it is an identical copy of a 1777 charliville. I love shooting this gun and plan on hunting wit it. Good video, keep them coming.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

That's awesome Francis! Love to hear about them being used!

[@andrewvu1752]

The 1795 Springfield is actually a copy of the 1766, not the 1777 🤓

[@franciswashack89]

@@andrewvu1752 I do not believe the 1766 charliville had a spring on the last barrel band.

[@andrewvu1752]

@@franciswashack89 thanks for responding! Quoted from Wikipedia, "The Model 1795 was the first musket to be produced in the United States by Eli Whitney at both the Springfield and Harpers Ferry U.S. armories. It was based heavily on the Charleville Model 1763/66". To address the spring for the barrel band, the 1766 did actually have it! There's also a video here on KZbin addressing that debate, you can find it by typing in "A Brief History of The Charleville And Other French Muskets" by 11BangBang on KZbin, or you can watch the video from this KZbin link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnfSqZVnbdeIaLc Sorry if I sound like a nerd😂 Also, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get your 1795? Im thinking of getting one myself

[@franciswashack89]

@@andrewvu1752 I purchased my 1795 Springfield from Military heritage.

[@Texican-1836]

I have been considering a Charleville. Really good stuff. Now I need you to write a strongly worded letter to hopefully bring down these powder prices! Hahaha

[@davefellhoelter1343]

In my area BP is UnAbtainium! at any PRICE. so I make my own. if you can bake cookies and/or do a brake job you can too! Keep your Smoke Poles SMOKING!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I hope you can save up and get some Scott! I find ordering by the 5lb case helps a lot because you don't have to pay multiple haz mat fees.

[@mrdinme.4768]

Oh, that was neat, looked like a fun exercise! Nice piece of hardware. Hope Mr. B catches the shout out. Learned something from the video also! Great, thanks!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Glad it was informative! Thanks Mr D!!

[@markperrault5678]

Hey great video. Love anything that tells how tough Americans went toe to toe against English except Robert Roger's he's the exception

[@Everythingblackpowder]

Excuse me, sir. Everyone knows you can’t hit the broadside of a barn with a smoothbore. The interweb told me so.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I'm just a dweeb in his woods, so those guys are probably right.

[@Everythingblackpowder]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading probably??? Everyone knows you can believe everything you read on the interweb.

[@stevenjohnson2273]

We weren't fighting barns or jousting at wind mills.

[@Real11BangBang]

It's true I've seen it myself on the history channel you can't hit the broadside of a barn with a smooth bore from the inside of the barn!!! That's why they fought from a maximum range of 20 inches in the revolutionary war. And even then they would turn their faces away so that they wouldn't be accused of wasting their time aiming.

[@JohnDoeSmith08]

Hmmm....my sarcasim alarm is going crazy!

[@alanparadis5061]

Great video! Thank you for sharing some great history and good shooting too!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks Alan! I really appreciate it.

[@TheMusketMan98]

I really enjoyed the video man very educational. I’ve got an 1757 Spanish Musket that is very similar to the 1777 and I’ve obtained great accuracy at 85 yards on a man size target.👌🏼

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

That's awesome! I'm excited to stretch this out!

[@TheMusketMan98]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading Yes sir I can’t wait to see more.👍🏻

[@rocklicker639]

Just found your channel, love it! Keep it up.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dturner2089]

Nice video! The common soldier of that time was expected to fire 3-4 rounds per minute. The precision was less important than the sheer volume of lead down range.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Absolutely!

[@manyman9890]

You should do a video on paper cartridges alone, not many people have made videos about them and the ones that have are lacking in my opinion. Btw I love your easy method of your own paper cartridges, great job! I’m planning to buy a kit to build and soon do this crazy sport along with you guys lol.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you, with some more reasearch I'd be happy to. Enjoy your kit! You'll love it!

[@ROE1300]

👍 Very nice overview and practical application of the Charleville musket. I have had fun with mine. For hunting applications I prefer a .62 cal. Indian Trade Gun. I enjoy your videos very much.

[@ramanujbhattacharyya809]

One of the supreme ,speedy reloading and strong musket than brown bess musket.

[@Chris-SS]

Great video, looked a lot of fun, you are very lucky to do this.

[@YeshuaT-bm6ss]

Can't wait to get one but I'm looking at the 66 great video thank you

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Hey thanks!

[@CinntSaile]

Although relating to a slightly early model of Charleville, you may be interested in some evidence concerning accuracy. At the Battle of Culloden in 1746, between the Hanoverian, London government army and that of the exiled Stewart royal family which was seeking restoration and independence for the Scottish state, pre-1707, there were a number of French regular units fighting for the Jacobites. They famously fought a spectacular rearguard action following the Jacobite defeat, holding back the Hanoverian cavalry and advance foot units from causing further Jacobite casualties. Some of the Hanoverian dead's skulls were discovered as part of battlefield excavations and many had bullet holes in the middle of their foreheads. This would suggest a high degree of skill and accuracy on the part of the French regulars and their Charlevilles. One factor which likely affected accuracy was the steel banding which held the barrels more rigidly than the Brown Bess wood stock with pinning alone. Good video.

[@jacknelson8601]

This was an excellent video! Thanks.

[@joemolf3894]

Ian where can the redcoat targets be purchased? Great video! Thanky!

[@Jonwick6713]

I have a 1777 charleville musket and I love it

[@mikesimmons7539]

That was fun , enjoyed very much . Thanks for sharing .

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you Mike!

[@james_lessick892]

What great fun! Thanks again.

[@maxdemp9889]

I just got mine last week. Can't wait to try it out. But need a sling this thing is heavy. Oh and it does not have a rear sight..

[@ericpennington6530]

Hey Ethan, i was wondering where ya got the red coat targets. Take care bud.

[@keithkatschke8036]

Good watch Ethan, thank you.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks Keith!

[@Hazeltonpeakroad]

As always your video is excellent. Great information. A good way for people to learn something. My question is. Where can I get the British soldier targets? Have searched forever to find some like yours. Keep up the good work.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you! These targets come from "Kenockee Trading Post" in Michigan. If you call them I think they will mail them out.

[@straightpipec6099]

Rewatched this and it’s really a damn good and interesting video.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you

[@jason60chev]

I have a 1766 Charleville, which is cut down to a carbine length. Also a 1777 Chalreville pistol.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

That sounds cool!

[@ericbrabham3640]

Very good presentation, I enjoyed.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you Eric!

[@TyrusPerises]

Loved the video and the time trial shooting. Did the Charleville use the same bayonette style as the Brown Bess?

[@Engie_Boi]

I don’t think so, as the Charleville is french, and the Land Pattern is bristish, plus the fact that they’re in different calibers, therefore making the diameter of the barrel too big or too small for a british bayonet on a Charleville or a french one on a Land Pattern

[@frontierpatriot]

Good video, great info! Im a bess guy😎

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Oh no, we got a Bess guy over here!

[@frontierpatriot]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading 🤣🤣

[@jamesvatter5729]

Well done, Ethan.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks James! It's always fun to be in the woods.

[@PNWOUTDOORS7923]

Got my buck about 2-3 weeks ago with the hawken it’s great accuracy I shoot a lot I underestimated how much powder costs Gee wiz what did you get me into I’m addicted now

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

You are addicted to FUN!

[@Bayan1905]

Love the Charleville, I have a Pedersoli IX-D Cavallerie carbine, the later version used by Napoleon's cavalry troops, very handy version of the gun. I love those targets, who makes them?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

These targets come from "Kenockee Trading Post" in Michigan. If you call them I think they will mail them out.

[@kirkantonson1992]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks Kirk, glad you enjoyed it.

[@scottmccormick12]

Great video. Nice targets. You posted where you got them. But I tried to buy some and they told me the were not for sale. I would love to have a few for our club shoots. Can you scare up a few??

[@jackblackpowderprepper4940]

Good video Ethan. I'm going to say mind set won the revolution. The English arrogance of coming to the New World and crushing a peasant revolt was a great military blunder. Supply chain was a major factor also. But the will of the people was our strength. God bless the 3%ers.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Agreed, willpower and mental fortitude is incredibly important Jack! Thanks for watching!

[@danellis548]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading You wouldn't have won that war without the French. Just wouldn't have happened.

[@jackblackpowderprepper4940]

@@danellis548 True. And seldom are wars won without allies.

[@danellis548]

@@jackblackpowderprepper4940 Agreed.

[@epichistorymaker1888]

I’m curious, are there legitimate historians who back the 3% ‘theory’? Citations please. No sarcasm btw. Genuinely curious. Ty.

[@job38four10]

For sure if musket was the only firearm of choice I would want one and I do have one, they were great at getting food back then. But back then in early America if the two legged enemy had bow and arrows, at 50 yards I'm not sure muskets are better, arrows can be quite deadly at twice the firing speed...... So what was the military's BP load, 120gr?

[@davefellhoelter1343]

just took out my stoners Yesterday! first time I put a decent load in my Charleville pistol WOW! that was a thrill and went perfectly Fast! First time! I capped up two .50's for a 1st time, and a really Loaded a 63 riffled musket! came home like a coal miner. Yeap prick your vent! my Bro had good times when took my 1st shot and flashed my pan! Was cleaned and OILED very well. Still learning! my paper .45 cartridges are a little long, BUT? my DIY caps worked Well, just some fell off under recoil sometimes, need to tune my process, but it's the Journey? Most guns I ever cleaned in one day.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Dave, I'm so glad to hear your DIY components are working well for you. That's a wonderful thing to have! Thanks for sharing your fun!

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

The rooster making its music in the background. Was very much like a "cheerleader" cheering.. GO quicker..!! Fine shooting on your part young Sir.

[@harrisonlewis6853]

What do you think about the Military Heritage firearms produced by Indian craftmans. Thinking about buying one and leaning towards a "Charleville".

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I hesitate on the Indian muzzleloaders, but from what I’ve seen as long as you are careful and use a reasonable powder charge they look to be okay.

[@markmorse9445]

Appreciate the video Ethy

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you Mark.

[@galenhisler396]

Nice, great stuff I love flintlocks

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you Galen!

[@Ostenjager]

People tend to think in terms of accuracy, because of today's paradigm of shooting. What many people seem to not appreciate so much is how much more emphasis had to be placed on reloading and drilling over marksmanship. The discipline and training required to be able to march in close order drill and deliver fires en masse (accuracy through volume) under fire were what kept soldiers alive and defeated the enemy. This held true right through the American Civil War. Once repeating arms and smokeless powder came to the fore, this fundamentally changed the battlefield and individual soldier accuracy gradually became more important. This is not to say that American riflemen during the American Revolution didn't make a difference: they often did. However, due to the significantly lower rates of fire associated with reloading rifles, their use and advantages were much more situational than the use of muskets. My $0.02 for what it might be worth.

[@ToreDL87]

Keeping in mind also that the American's equipped with muskets would have also been experienced enough to deliver accurate fire. Accurate (consistent) shooting was important on the American continent due to BP, flints & lead being harder to come by, they were literally more experienced than some British criminal who maybe knifed someone and was thrown into a uniform and taught how to look cool with literally zero firearms experience (a lot of red coats mostly only fired a few shots in their entire training period). Americans didn't win at the time just by blasting away, Predator "Contact" style, they also won because, at the very least, they were able to rest that bayonet lug at the top of a British formation before squeezing the trigger, a good bunch of British soldiers would have gotten whacked that way, at least enough to wrestle a continent from them, they didn't just collogially go "righto here you go" because they ran out of tea 😊

[@alexbardoux7297]

I did'nt know that americans received models 77 for the war of independance, i believed they had the "66" model . The 77 is the model of all napoléonic wars too. They were made in many manufactures, but as Charleville had the best manufacturers, the production was affected for the imperial guard. I suppose it's a good gun !

[@BR549-2]

Thanks for another great video.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisv9524]

Great video, where do you get those paper targets from?

[@briangibbs5703]

How FUN! Thank You!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mistermatt9056]

Is there any documentation explaining what the soldiers might have done with their ramrod between shots when firing volleys? Did they replace them after every shot, or maybe just hold it in their off hand while shooting? Just curious. I enjoyed your video.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thankfully, a lot of military practice survives in written documentation. In all the documents I’ve seen, the rod is replaced after each shot. Now, if I’m being shot at, I bet I drop the darn thing while messing my pants. I can’t imagine keeping track of it during a batttle

[@section8motorpool466]

The recorded complaints of inaccuracy of muskets, at the ranges used, is mostly because of the doctrine of use at the time. When the order to ‘fire!’ was given the troops were taught to close their eyes and turn from the flash, because of all the flash pans going off. No one ever seems to mention that part of the equasion. The lone hunter with a hungry family makes a world of difference in accuracy, when aiming with eyes open is involved.

[@NW_Ranger]

Nice shooting “Indi”!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks!

[@hawkeyeshawkeyes7468]

Great video as usual. I have been wanting a smoothbore for a while. I was just wondering what you would purchase if you could get a new pendersoli. Would it be the 1776 or 1777 and why.I think the bands make a difference. Thanks again and good shooting.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks Hawkeye! I like having the bands myself, it's a nice touch. I'd go with the 77 again if I were buying. I don't have many muzzleloaders with bands so it's a nice change up in the collection.

[@bigrickshaberdashery2759]

awesome

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks Big Rick!

[@gianpierocrucianelli8092]

Hi! Nice video! What is the maximum distance you can get the target by the Charleville? Thank you very much.

[@randiegadberry5448]

Very enjoyable video!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@orchids5678]

Enjoyed the video!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks Gil!

[@benpower3458]

Excellent video!! Where do you get those redcoat targets!?!?

[@PNWOUTDOORS7923]

Check the description of the video

[@jessealvarado4319]

Breathing in the gun-smoke 🔥🔥🔥

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Can't beat it!

[@ToreDL87]

I remember Discovery channel had a documentary on the battle of Austerlitz. Dan Snow, a British presenter, made the Charleville's out to be completely useless, I believe his wording was (while holding the Charleville up) "this musket was terrible and Napoleon knew it". Dan Snow is the same presenter guy that's currently doing historic battle YT content nowadays and he is good at it, so dgmw, but that one goofup probably hurt Pedersoli's sales a bit. IMO at .69 cal and undersized it would have saved more lead & powder, which would have been vital in the colonies & frontiers. As for power, we're talking 400 grains at 1000fps (worst case scenario), which probably would have been just as unpleasant an experience to the shotee as a Brown Bess. And the 3 barrel bands, as you pointed out, means it's more sturdy, also comes in handy on the frontier. Realistically you were at 2 rounds a minute there, if we assume you primed from the cartridge. Brown Bess = Ease of maintenance, you don't have to take the barrel bands off to get to the barrel underneath them with a brush. Charleville = Those same barrel bands makes it sturdier for rough use during arduous campaigns. IMO the Charleville looks cooler.

[@chodvanbut1552]

Awesome content!!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Appreciate it!

[@haroldconner2645]

Superb video. I like the colonial style glasses. Keep up the good work!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks so much Harold!

[@haroldconner2645]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading you’re welcome

[@jacobstolley2849]

Where do you get your red coat targets?

[@theaffiliate4208]

Watching your timed experiment, I see you could have shaved off 20 to 25 seconds if you had used the cartridge powder to prime the lock.

[@christophersummerfield9922]

Would the charleville musket we used in the war of independence be ballisticly faster . Being a smaller ball compared to the English brown bess .

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

It could have been, but my gut reaction is that the differences were minimal. To the miltary leaders of the time on all sides, the arms used were effective and could be supported, that was the primary goal, I think.

[@usnchief1339]

Funny, i was also picking my vent!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Maybe we need a vent pickers anonymous, hah!

[@kengunnett2017]

I got one today. found it in a pawn shop for $1250.00 :)

[@laneh1968]

This video makes me want a smooth bore. Dang it. Great videos!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Every home should have one, or several!

[@rc6147]

Ethan , How is the 2F in the pan? I usually use 3F or 4F in the pan but I'm thinking 2F is just as fast. Don't see much diffence in flash time. BTW...Where can I get those redcoat targets?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I have used 2F in the pan and it works fine. Larry Pletcher did some testing in the early 00s on high speed cameras and concluded that the coaser powder on occasion would ignite faster due to the size of the granuals. In his tests there were instances when 4f was so fine, the sparks from the flint bounced off the powder instead of settling and burning.

[@rc6147]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading interesting... I think I'll stick with 2F for pan and bore

[@legoium6022]

Where did you get your ammunition from?

[@kennethrose3509]

Very Nice!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@briansherrillruralliving9708]

I wonder if the Charleville is as heavy as the Brown Bess? I have a Bess and it's a heavy gun to tote. I'd hate to March 20 miles with it LOL

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I think they are pretty comparable. I agree, I'd much rather have my longrifle. This thing is a workout.

[@ashotastory1365]

Well done Sir!!! ;

[@jeffreyrobinson3555]

Only in minor details… unless one is a real nerd ( like me) you can’t tell the ‘77 from the earlier or the Springfield ‘97 I recall when reinactors all grabbed the 77, then dyed in the wool hard core wanted the 68, guess what…. Nobody could see a difference and even less cared. Good vid on a good gun👍

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I have a lot of respect for folks like you Jeffrey! My interests are so scattered sometimes it's hard for me to focus on those tiny details.

[@jimf1964]

Most of the time, older military guns end up with civilians, so being more into the civilian side is military. So we don’t have much in the way of flint in N America. What did they use? Was it imported, or did they mine a substitute?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Great insight! To my knowledge much like today much of the flint was imported. Because of the longstanding colonial history and trade route before the American War for independence, there must have been plenty of flint even during the trade disruptions during the war.

[@johnndavis7647]

English and French flints were the best.

[@jimf1964]

@@johnndavis7647 English and French flints, as I understand it, are pretty much the only actual flints. No?

[@johnndavis7647]

@@jimf1964 what we have is chert It works on flint and steel fire starting kits so it might be that a skilled flint knapper could shape a flint that would work Reports from traders were that even native Americans bought flints. The idea that in a pinch that you could just find a piece of rock and keep a flintlock going is a myth. You could convert a flintlock back to matchlock though. I have some old broken arrow heads, Maybe I could try and see if I can make it work.

[@jimf1964]

@@johnndavis7647 I saw a video recently of someone who made a “flint” by cutting some sort of crystal and the gun worked, so it’s definitely possible without real flint, but flint you can just chip off a piece and you’re good. This needed a wet saw to cut stone. I’m still trying to figure out exactly what chert is, and what it looks like

[@Lucas-nh2mk]

What the velocity and grains of the round bal?

[@johnhildenbrand2642]

"If they'd had muskets...thankfully we don't have to worry about that!" Now thank them again, kiss the very ground they trod, because those men, their families and a nation that has completely forgotten what it means to be humble and appreciative, pulled off what literally equates to picking a fight with the US these days, and not only winning, but dominating thr global scene afterwards

[@chrisv9524]

Where do you get those paper targets from?

[@MGAC1701]

I have a question I have always wondered about. I am a new muzzleloader but a long-time history buff. My question is how does one ensure that ALL the powder is expended between shots? That is, after the first shot, when reloading, is there a real danger of smoldering paper or wadding igniting the new powder being poured down the barrel? Thank you!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Great question and one that comes up a lot. I've personally not experienced a 'reignition' of left over powder. I've heard of them on some forums but it's not something we see a lot. If we did, we'd hear about it at the big muzzleloading events around the country where there are thousands of people shooting day after day. Historically, we'd see it or read about it on occassion as well and while I'm sure there are instances, it's not very common. That being said, it's important to always keep your muzzle pointed away from your body, your head, and limit the time your hand is over the muzzle while loading just in case. Just because it's not common doesn't mean it can't happen. I hope this helps, and I hope you keep working your way into the hobby!

[@MGAC1701]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading Thank you for the reply. I truly appreciate the guidance.

[@Wilderness_Tv]

Looks like the pedersoli 1777 corrigé an IX.

[@smittysmith4891]

the old folks knew that to get your musket on target was by bending the barrels ...the Indians also ....includes CW muskets also ....modern repros (no matter the mfg) if they don't hit where you aim ...ya gotta bend the barrels ..v trees work best the banded French muskets are easiest to take bbls out

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

interesting!

[@geegaw14]

It’s true. I know one fellow black powder shooter who has the skill to do this. Takes the barrel off then whacks it against a handy tree - not too hard, but just enough - to bend the barrel. Scary to watch if it’s your smoothbore but the results speak for them self.

[@squawk3120]

Soldiers made their own paper cartridges? Makes me wonder how many pages from Thomas Paine were thrown down range at the Redcoats! 💪🏻🇺🇸

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I imagine quite a few!

[@robertlittle7407]

Cool man cool

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks man thanks