Shooting the 1766 Charleville Musket

[@leekoontz7541]

Again I say thanks, after purchasing my first flintlock I found that it takes more effort and is a bigger challenge than I imagined. Being from Wyoming i had little help, most people there have little interest in a gun that wont hit at 600 yards, however I love history, I like putting myself there, and so do you Mike. Thank you again for helping the spark and fire in my musket.

[@slowpokebr549]

Too many articles and tv shows blather on about smoothbores being barely better than throwing rocks. My twelve bore is deadly at fifty yards. You just have to fiddle around with them until you find a load it likes. My smoothy likes a .690 round ball and a tight denim patch. I've shocked more than one observer who was convinced by the media that smooth bores won't hit the broad side of a barn. It's convinced the hell out of a couple of white tails as well.

[@ryan7864]

Yes but... you are at 50 yards. If you have to get that close then it proves the inaccuracy of those weapons. Why do you think they got so close?

[@Quincy_Morris]

People talk about inaccuracy when comparing them to modern rifles. Which is really unfair. Muskets were designed for damage and reduced cost and ease of use.

[@pshehan1]

As an infantry weapon the idea was to stand shoulder to shoulder with your comrades in two or three ranks and fire at the shoulder to shoulder massed opposing infantry, so accuracy in hitting a particular man was not required. Also the idea was to rapidly reload for the next volley, so the time consuming use of patches was not required. Different for hunters or specialist sharp shooters. Rifled muskets also took longer to load than dropping a ball down a smooth bore musket. In the Napoleonic wars, the British had specialist regiments such as the 95th armed with Baker rifles and clad in green for the fancy shooting.

[@samcolt1079]

@@pshehan1 You are right. So many people get this wrong. These mukets were still deadly at a 100 yards.

[@richardlahan7068]

What do you use for a powder charge? I've heard that modern black powder is so much better than period black powder so it's not necessary to load the full 18th century charge.

[@c_0w770]

Charleville muskets are my favorite

[@TexasHellcat1836]

I'm planning on getting a 1768 and 1777 Charleville

[@fireandcopper]

Muskets are so elegant

[@Pitchlock8251]

Very handsome looking musket.

[@jackguldenzopf6231]

***** Indeed

[@OutnBacker]

The most elegant ever made, IMO.

[@ggyy311]

Brown bess is better imho

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hi there, good mix of shooting and history. Thanks. I recently tried leather patching myself. Didn't see much of a difference in my initial experiment.

[@chrisdragon7956]

gotta say mate i thoroughly enjoy your videos mate God bless

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

@@chrisdragon7956 Thank you!

[@EBthere]

Your video's are second to none Mike and your passion for firearms is evident. Thank you for the time and effort that it takes to make these. We all benefit.

[@ole-mariusbergesen7818]

Nostalgia. Remember when i got in to bp shooting and spent all night watching these videos.

[@davidschaadt3460]

I had a 1766 model made in Japan ,really nice ,I traded it for something else thirty years ago and I still would like to get another one.I have a Pedersoli Brown Bess.And I had many good memories from both Nice program . I think I need to get another before I go.

[@Cosmoline]

I'm glad you're showing the loose ball method. I actually ended up using that quite a bit with several smoothbores I've had over the years. It also works great for buck and ball.

[@jamessirman6622]

I've been looking at your videos for a good while now and I have enjoyed watching them all. Although I have been shooting and building muzzleloaders since 1975 you learn and enjoy new outlooks on the sport all the time. You never have all the knowledge.

[@clintfoster1639]

That why I love black powder it really teaches what shooting is all about, patients knowledge skill history and always a challenge I love it! I still shoot modern guns but my heart is in black powder.

[@billbearback2591]

every time something spurs my interest i check you library of videos and of course you've covered it i love your work , cheers big ears from down under

[@professorpewpuew]

Great video Mike. A scientific way to disprove the inaccuracy myth. I tried in vain to get a 66 Charleville so I can write on it but I will definitely give Taylors a ring. Thanks brother.

[@andiarrohnds5163]

It doesn't prove nor disprove anything. You seem very eager to prove otherwise. You are fighting a battle you cannot win.

[@ryan7864]

He's at 40 yards! That proves it's inaccurate if you have to get that close. 50 Yards was standard for line infantry of the time

[@TheRealDill93]

I watch this video a lot. The 1766 Charleville is among my favorite weapons of all time. Along with the Mauser k98k. I want a replica Charleville so bad. There are a few for sale. But most are in accurate. The pedersoli is almost perfect. It is the one I want. It's so beautiful. Also enjoy your commentary a lot.

[@Kiddscuddi]

Fantastic ending!! 🇺🇸

[@tomslongguns443]

I used to have a charleville musket,hunted a lot squirrels with it, rabbit too. I even used it deer hunting. It was so much fun.

[@vincentrobles1848]

Didn’t you blow them to smithereens?

[@tomslongguns443]

@@vincentrobles1848 no since it's a smooth bore you can use shot in it instead of a round ball . Make a good shotgun .

[@vincentrobles1848]

@@tomslongguns443 Ooooh I never even though of that. thats super cool though

[@alexanderK2700]

​​@@tomslongguns443never noticed that musket have one advantage than no other firearm has, you can use everything as a projectile as long as it fits in the barrel😂😂

[@docwilkey]

I have one and I love mine and over the years used mine with shot for birds and rabbits and ball for deer. Mine was an older one imported by Navy Arms. Now days it hangs over my fireplace. But hunted with mine for over 25 years now.

[@desandbonville9254]

I really enjoyed the video. Very informative. I've been thinking about purchasing historic flintlock.

[@antoine08090]

That's funny to ear th world"Charleville" from you since I live in Charleville where those things where produced.

[@sebastienlaurent4920]

Magnifique collection d'armes à feu au musée de la ville !

[@roberthuck378]

This weapon was also very commonly found in the US military in 1812 and the Mexican war. Actually in the Mexican war some were converted to percussion, but a majority were still flintlock.

[@rangerstl07]

May I please make a suggestion to all the novice watchers to limit muzzle exposure while loading muzzle-loading rifles? If you are right-handed try the following: when standing the rifle vertically put the barrel on the left or at least away from you. Now, when you strip and replace the ram rod with your right hand you can avoid covering the muzzle with your hand or wrist. This is especially important when loading paper cartridges. There is always the remote possibility that smouldering paper will remain in the barrel and it could set off the next charge as you load. The way Mike does it at 8:00 is about right. More care can be taken to limit your hand exposure to the muzzle the better.

[@ryanfarrow6058]

Shut up retard

[@dio6932]

The beauty of shooting these old Matchlocks,flintlocks and percussion caps cannot be recreated by any modern firearm. It's why I value these old firearms over an AR-15 any day any time.

[@AlexanderK9519]

Too bad their only advantage over modern rifles is the damage output, if you think about it muskets are more of a hand held saker cannon rather than a rifle

[@murphysmuskets]

Great video Mike! Next time use a .648 or .662 cal ball in a paper cartridge and you will get the functionality and accuracy you desire. Cheers!

[@samcolt1079]

French troops wouldn't have the deer hide. I never heard anyone ever use a deer hide for a patch but I could be wrong. I think your right useing the right ball would be the thing.

[@johnndavis7647]

The 1717 was the first then the 1728 and 1766 then the 1777. As new models were issued to the troops the older muskets were surplused to the Indian trade or civilian market or given to allied nations by the tens of thousands. In Canada and North America the most common wadding was old wool blanket material either cut round with a punch or cut octagon with shears. A wad over the powder and another over the ball. Best accuracy is with a ball 20 thousands of bore size or less with a powder charge heavy enough to bump up the ball so it filled the bore. but often something smaller was chosen for ease of loading in a rough or fouled bore. We don't always have the right size mold or balls so have to make do with a thick patched ball until something better can be found. I am sure it was done as long as the bore could be kept clean enough. Thanks for the video.

[@fallenpatriot7917]

I've had almost zero experience with smoothbores but I've always thought they could be more accurate than what "historians" claimed if loaded with a tight fitting patched ball. You showed me I was correct. Thanks for what you do Mike, I thoroughly enjoy it.

[@redtra236]

Powder fouling would quickly make the weapon very difficult to load if an undersized ball wasn't used. They were going for fire rate not accuracy. Usually they used rifles when going for accuracy(which were slower to load but a lot more accurate).

[@Targetteer1]

Would just like to say I really enjoy your vids ESPECIALLY the black powder traditional firearms.You do a wonderful job of it and it brings back lots of great memories of when I shot them almost exclusivly.Wish I had never gotten out of it.Dont let the new range rules discourage you the shoot n see targets are pretty good and also just having a camera set up close to the paper target to see the results for each shot is really helpful.

[@neleabels]

Great historical info. Thank you very much for your videos!

[@drmaudio]

Love the Red Coat view on that one. It is somehow more fearsome to see that pan flash an instant before the shot.

[@rorymaccrea1647]

Thanks Mike, well done,

[@d.b.cooper7290]

Interesting and informative. Well done, thanks for the great video. It makes me want to buy yet another gun...

[@robiker416B]

Great videos Mike.

[@justinbrewer9924]

Nice vid Mike. I love my Charlie

[@colljo7]

Mike, I always enjoy all your vids....please keep them coming!!!!

[@marcellabutay1090]

Nice video man every other musket shooting video I see uses gunpowder from a container not from the cartridge. You did it just like the real way they did it, love it.

[@bigrickshaberdashery2759]

just picked a Chavell .68 and am excited so got some leatherwork to get ready for the new Musket. Flint roll, tool, and bullet bag.

[@bernardrednix756]

Charleville is an underrated musket

[@JaM-R2TR4]

it was rated as best musket during Napoleonic wars.. how is that underrated? :)

[@firemanjim68]

@@JaM-R2TR4 …..mostly because historians and enthusiasts blab about the Brown Bess being the best musket ever and never give the Charlesville its due credit

[@ggyy311]

@@firemanjim68 But Brown bess is surely the best and iconic musket of all time no doubt.

[@firemanjim68]

@@ggyy311 ......l dunno about best but definitely most popular.

[@keithhagler502]

@@firemanjim68 Bess most popular because the winners writing the history get to show it off as theirs, but the 1777 Charleville is a better musket, imo of course. Built as tough as a 98' Mauser, and easier to take down to clean.

[@wizbang16]

Excellent video as usual !

[@CaptainRon956]

I had a chance to shoot this same model musket and seeing it thru my 21st century eyes deep respect for the soldiers that went to war with these types of firearms.

[@petertremblay3725]

This will come in handy for my game animations for this riffle so thank you!

[@johnnottahcal5725]

I’m ashamed to not have known our first infantry musket was a purchase and then a copy of the pattern of the France musket. Thank you 🇫🇷!

[@rickgaston7118]

Have noticed your muzzleloaders are very fast firing. Little delay from panflash to charge going off. Most excellent.

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

I HAVE to buy one of these! Had my eye on a 1766 Charleville for years now.

[@samcolt1079]

BUY IT. I know you will love this flintlock. To me its way over any brown bess

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

@@samcolt1079 I noted that the Pedersoli bayonet lug is not on top of the barrel where it should be. Are there any other changes that need to be made on that replica musket?

[@angiefav1847]

Yep l agree if smooth bore muskets are loaded properly not military fashion that's only mention for quick loading, but patched with the right ball one can hit out to 80 100 yards easy. Thanks mike on your continual hard work l will try soft leather deer skin in my musket.

[@alexanderK2700]

200 maximum effective*

[@CaptAmericaUSAF]

very informative Mike!, I have a 1763 model, and miss doing re-enactments, jeez 15 yrs now...You didn't help matters with the tri-corn. lol

[@statingthe_obvious6309]

very good presentation, really liked watching this.

[@62forged]

Beautiful.

[@KB4QAA]

Beautiful musket, and one of your better productions! Thanks and happy new year!

[@chrisdragon7956]

good video mate very interesting and good shooting mate

[@62forged]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ILIKEARMYS]

why the old guns are always so beautiful and cool

[@loganpollock1689]

I shoot the .648 with paper cartridge. After 7 shots there is quite a build up of soot in the bore. I plug the touch hole and use hot water with just a little dish detergent. Fill it up and dump it out twice and its clean with no scrubbing. Cotton rag for an oversize patch to dry and oil the bore. I started using Schuetzen powder when Goex became unavailable.

[@crosisofborg5524]

As popular as the Brown Bess is I think the 1766 Charleville is the one I want. It’s beautiful.

[@jimmyggh1]

Great vid as always!

[@deanmacka4975]

Great stuff mate 👍

[@sdjb111]

Very nice Mike, Keepem coming my man.

[@lyleinmb464]

That was great!!!! Thanks. Now you tell me my Ballistol will burst into FLAME!!!!

[@robertbrunston5406]

Thank you for sharing.

[@jamesvolo7948]

Interesting as always.

[@rawpony03]

Mike , I enjoy the fact that you strive for historical accuracy . You surmise that trappers and anyone to be gone for an extended period wouldn't have had much cloth for patching , and that makes sense . Why would you carry a pound or more of cloth to be used for patching when you could use a piece of hide from a kill you made while on the go ? Thanks for another informative video .

[@Gattobuono]

Cool tactical reloads!!!

[@1717jbs]

Always interesting! Thanks.

[@jesseusgrantcanales]

1:29 Not only a loud report! But a beastly recoil!! 2:47 Sounded like stock SFX gunfire. :D

[@3ducs]

A couple years ago I was in a local gun shop when a young man walked in with a rusty old musket, he didn't want much for it, probably just drug money. The shop wasn't interested so I gave him $50. It was missing the butt plate and the hammer swung freely. I just put it aside until a couple days ago when Hickok45 said that he'd recently gotten a Harper's Ferry musket, which reminded me of that old relic. Research suggested a Harper's so I ordered some parts. But more research show's it to be a 1777/1822 Charleville. I'm hoping the parts, mainspring, sear, and buttplate, fit. The barrel is dated 1835. The rust should clean up OK, the bore is rusty but being a smoothbore it should come back fairly well.

[@davidtong2776]

you really mind your beeswax. Love your videos

[@nomadpi1]

Query. I note a strap halyard by the trigger-guard. I've seen pictures of the way these weapons were carried. The pictures all show the weapon lying flat against the shoulder, hammer/pan face up. I've never seen one carried by a strap, or even port-arms, or German hand-carry.

[@urbanrelichunter]

I found an original 1766 Charleville musket under the floorboards of a house I was renovating. The house was made somewhere between 1799 and 1820. I am debating wether I want to make it shootable again or just leave it as is.

[@KarmaFlight]

Daniel R LUCKY!

[@erlycuyler]

Bring it back to life.

[@firewaterforgeofarizona4304]

Good stuff!

[@rzr2ffe325]

Ha I could help but laugh when you spit out the paper. Awesome video.

[@davefellhoelter1343]

I'm already shopping!

[@jenssenmanaspas]

You're the best uncle !!!

[@杨鑫龙]

hello!Can you send a video of the dismantling Chalville 1777? thank you very much!

[@CaptainBogroll]

Have you ever considered trying out a Baker Rifle? I think its quite interesting especially with the fast reload (considering its a rifled musket) of holding the rifle with your knees and ramming it home etc. Not forgetting you don't have to turn the ramrod around to put it down the barrel

[@duelist1954]

I haven't, but I'd love to shoot one.

[@NormanMatchem]

Ever since discovering the Sharpe's series of novels, getting a replica Brown Bess and replica Baker Rifle have been on my bucket list. First discovered it with Trafalgar, which I think is still my favourite. Then got Tiger to begin chronologically concerning Private Sharpe's Military career, and I just finished Eagle a couple days ago which was chronologically the first Sharpe's novel that Bernard Cornwell wrote. Now I'm onto Sharpe's Gold, the 8th in the series of novels if memory serves, yet not even half way finished. Incredibly stuff, I wonder if Sharpe will ever get to see some primitive cap&ball, Minié ball, or revolver technology. Apparently the the latest of the novels is set in 1820-21, so I guess it's unlikely, but would be none the less interesting.

[@madelinekoster4583]

NormanMatchem if he lived to his 90s he would be able to see photography if he was in his twenties well his character during the first ones.

[@NormanMatchem]

madeline koster The novel based the longest time ago is Sharpe's Tiger when he was just a Private in India back in 1799. I think in Sharpe's Eagle that I just read based in 1809 if memory serves, he mentioned having been in the Army for 15 years, meaning he might have been serving since 1794. Sharpe's Eagle was the very first of the Sharpe's series that Cornwell wrote though, back in 1981, and it was somewhat rushed I think. Ever since the TV show, he stopped mentioning the colour of Sharpe's hair, which is supposed to be black, but Sean Bean's is much lighter. There may have been other aspects he changed as he became a more experienced writer, but I'm not sure. He certainly did well in keeping up with the prequels; Many of the major battles taken place in Sharpe's Eagles-Sharpe's Rifles, all of which are written well after 1981 when he started, are mentioned in that first novel. He made Sharpe out to be a very experienced soldier from the get go, mentioning his time spent in an Indian (Seringapatam?) prison where he learned to read, the Battle of Assaye, however Trafalgar wasn't mentioned in Eagle, nor was that one massive Siege at an Indian Fortress, that may have been the first time Sharpe met Lord Wellesley, but I can't recall for sure. Also the fighting in Coopenhagen, so some of Sharpe's previous ventures came to Cornwell's mind after the fact, and was made into prequel novels in the 90s/2000s. Anyways, back on topic; if Sharpe had joined as just a drummer boy or something when he was around 10-13 years old, which wasn't uncommon in the 18th century, then he'd have been born about 1781-84, which means if he lived to 90 years old he'd be still kicking around 1871-74. I recall he mentioned that Lawford was the same age as him, but it's safe to say that the famed Duke of Wellington was older than him, yet he has a Derigeotype photo of himself. I no doubt butchered the proper name of the early photography, but none the less, if Wellesley got to have his photo taken within his lifetime, then Sharpe certainly could get his done if he lived long enough. I doubt it though; such a rough and tumble living, born poor, for the most part, lived poor, and risked life and limb just to climb the ranks, while rich and privileged people like Field Marshall Wellesley and Lawford managed to buy their way up. I believe Sharpe would be lucky to make it to 60. Very lucky.

[@madelinekoster4583]

Ok but it is a myth that people back then died in their 30s, a popular one you make think exists. Almost every major officer back then died old men if not killed, only exceptions were bad disease but this may be because they were generally aristocratic and had good medical treatment compared to peasantry but still.

[@gekiryudojo]

Interesting thanks

[@cindycressler1239]

I got one in 75 unknown maker got my first deer in 77 with it using .68 dia. Ball patched But now I use chewed balls with tow a lot better and easier to load

[@davidbutler1857]

Been thinking about buying a firing replica of this weapon, just mostly for display but occasional use.

[@LovelaceCamilo]

Roberta from Black Lagoon was Badass

[@mitutoyo34]

Great video. your tricorn hat looks kind of small ...he he he.

[@juliandotcom8126]

Personally I think those are the best flintlock rifles...and I also like how you dress based on what era your talking about

[@pelnalufa]

In Poland for civilian loads very common was hemp fibres

[@TheNickathome]

When loading the round ball wadded with tow, why not pour the powder, then insert the tow, push down an inch or so, then insert the ball, then put the tow on top and ram it down the tube all at once? Seems to me that you could load with less ramrod strokes by doing it that way, versus the ramrod stroke for each component method. .

[@crosisofborg5524]

I just watched another channel deliver two headshots at 150 meters using the Charleville with paper cartridge. Inaccurate isn’t a word I’d use.

[@dylanbraamse8365]

duelist1954 can you convert a musket into a blunderbuss or a double barreled shotgun since the musket has a bayonet?

[@e.grieves2905]

Darn good video

[@TheOplele]

loved the vid and subbed, peace

[@capefear2159]

good video.

[@davidraichel6270]

Hi mike, Enjoy the videos and I wonder if u can do a segment on weapons of the fur trade..thx Dave

[@cclark8108]

great video. tyvm. I'd work on that cartridge spitting

[@dahartman88]

YESS BANG BANG HAHAHAAHA. Lovin It as always Mr. B

[@kvarnerinfoTV]

They could also use leaves/other plant material.

[@arsyesis]

Très belle arme fabriquée à Charleville (France). Dommage que la France n'ait pas perpétué sa tradition armurière. On n'a plus d'arme, on n'a pas de pétrole, et on n'a plus d'idée... pauvre France...

[@reggiec9102]

I believe it is a 1763. My research has shown that 1766 models had barrel band retainers on all three bands.

[@markriemer9211]

What is the point of adding wadding over the powder then again over the ball? If the ball is any size close to proper and the musket having been fired previously the ball will not fall out. I have shot many and various smoothbore muskets over the years , many thousands of rounds against paper and solid objects never having a problem with the projectile falling out. Thanks, I enjoy your videos.

[@projectilequestion]

Adrenaline RUINS accuracy. That's half the reasons there were so many misses back in the day. The other reason is that gunpowder was expensive so troops tended not to get much training. I mean look, this guy got a decent grouping against a SINGLE target, imagine if they have lined up shoulder to shoulder! The musket was ideal for this. Standing shoulder to should was excellent defense against cavalry, and since you didn't need to sight a musket much- it was ideal for hitting thin enemy lines. In battle at 100 yards troops were getting about 1-10 to 1-30 hit rates, at 70 yards this ratio shot up to 1-3- we don't know why. None the less the smooth bore musket was a reliable weapon.

[@OutnBacker]

There might be a couple good reasons the hit ratio climbed to 1:3 at 70 yds. #1 - round balls are fairly stable out to 80yds in most applications. After that they fly like bumble bees. #2 - fear of the bayonet made soldiers shoot straighter. If the enemy line is still fairly intact, and they are within 50yds, the timing of a final repulse volley may not be effective enough to thwart a bayonet charge. Men were killed and wounded by musket fire, but few survived a bayonet attack that was driven home. Most units broke and ran, trying to gain time to reload to ward off a charge. The farther they ran - maybe another 75yds back, the more the oncoming charge might break up and the attacking line would not be so cohesive.

[@miketaylorID1]

That sure is a beauty! and pretty dern accurate. Does Pedersoli (sp?) or any other manufacturer sell an unfinished Charleville kit that you would recommend? I am putting the final touches on a 1779 EIC Brown Bess restoration - only the stock is not original - and knowing full well that this Brown Bess was on the opposite side of the globe at the time, I would love to build/restore it's primary foe during our American Revolution. Thanks - yours are always a great watch

[@duelist1954]

Sorry, I don't know about anyone selling kits

[@Marc-zn7ok]

I’m surprised you don’t have an antique rifle from that era.

[@austinrogers6597]

This is actually a 1763 Charleville, the 1766 had the third barrel band held by a spring and had a button top ramrod, not the flared ramrod. The 1777 would have also have the same except with a tilted brass pan.

[@zarkoon3155]

Its not an accurate replica of either the 1763 or 1766 Charleville musket; the 1763 was large and awkward, the butt comb height was up toward the breech. The front barrel band had a long ramrod guide that fit into the middle band, like a spring. The Lock on the 1763 was around 7 inches too, the Pedersoli is only 6 1/2 inches long, however ts a fine reproduction, I own one. The older miruko 1763 Charleville is actually a 1766, and much nicer and better quality. The most over looked pattern is the 1774, it was used widely by American troops and was favored because the stock was more slender in the butt

[@DFlannery2]

Can you post a video on how you clean your flintlock musket? Thank you.

[@slayer04031974]

I'm surprised no one in New England in Tobacco valley did use a mini cigar load to save time on loading.

[@eduardotomic2758]

Good i have this model 1728 . Eduardo. buenos aires argentima

[@G-man45444]

Yet another informative and enjoyable video. I love your flinter videos and use them as tutorials a lot. Can I use wadded up bee hive and get the same results as with tow ? Harley

[@duelist1954]

I've not personally used it, but I've heard of people who have...Give it a try.

[@MegaJ2e]

hey Dave was woundering if you have or are you going to be doing thing with Kentucky rifles . new to shooting black powder rifles an I love the old ones best . great videos can't wait to see what your going to do with your new range .

[@duelist1954]

I have several long rifle videos on the channel. Here are a few: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6HUmn15pdh2idU kzbin.info/www/bejne/jajYlmqMmb-co7s kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXOTfWhjn7yigrs