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How to Fire a Blunderbuss

The blunderbuss takes its name from the Dutch words for "thunder" (donner) and "gun" (bus). Its name likely corrupted to the form "blunderbuss" because the flared musket was as likely to shoot wide of a target as to hit it. In essence, the blunderbuss is to the musket what the sawed-off shotgun is to the rifle, a weapon designed to hunt waterfowl and to be used at close range.

Things You'll Need

  • Blunderbuss
  • Gunpowder
  • Wadding
  • Lead shot (may substitute gravel or nails)
  • Ramrod
  • Tripod (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Loading the Blunderbuss

    • 1

      Pour a measured quantity of gunpowder down the barrel of the blunderbuss. The amount of gunpowder used will determine how much force with which the shot will be expelled when the blunderbuss is fired; however, too much powder will cause the gun to recoil dangerously and may rupture its barrel.

    • 2

      Follow the gunpowder with a piece of cotton wadding.

    • 3

      Add the shot. Lead shot works best, but in its absence, nails, rocks, pebbles or birdseed may be substituted. In J.R.R. Tolkien's "Farmer Giles of Ham," blunderbussier (blunderbuss shooter) Farmer Giles uses potsherds as ammunition.

    • 4

      Tamp everything down by using the ramrod to pack it together at the end of the barrel next to the flash pan. Remove the ramrod.

    Firing the Blunderbuss

    • 5

      Prime the blunderbuss by pouring a small amount of gunpowder into its flash pan.

    • 6

      Grip the weapon firmly, adopting a comfortable stance for shooting.

    • 7

      Raise the gun to either shoulder or hip height, depending on the length of the stock. Some blunderbusses were designed to be fired from the shoulder like muskets; others were meant to be shot like pistols.

    • 8

      Brace the blunderbuss with a tripod or other support if you are firing a particularly powerful load.

    • 9

      Pull the trigger. Most blunderbusses were flintlocks, although some used wheel or percussion locks.


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