Muzzleloading Weapons in Our History



Posted: Monday, March 31, 2008

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When I think of muzzleloading weapons, it brings to mind the founding of our Country; the struggle with the British for our independence; the dark days of the Civil War; the pioneer who opened up the country by crossing unknown and unexplored territory with his muzzleloader on his shoulder; American folk hero Davey Crockett with his coon skin cap and long rifle; and, yes, Jed Clampert discovering "black gold" on his property while hunting with his muzzleloader.

It also brings to mind a time when "citizen soldiers" were the backbone of a militia that defended this country and for which the Second Amendment to the Constitution was written, which states, "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."  The muzzleloading firearm has become synonymous with the freedom of the American people.
 
The muzzleloader has, however, been around much longer than the US has been a country. For over six hundred years, muzzleloading weapons have played an important part to people around the world.  Wilderness has been tamed, wars have been won, and life has been sustained with the integral part the muzzleloader has played in human history.

By definition, a muzzleloader is any firearm which is loaded from the muzzle of the gun (from the open end of the guns barrel).  Muzzleloading is the term used to describe the sport, or pastime of firing muzzleloading weapons.     

To load the muzzleloader, gunpowder, in the form of loose powder, a pre-measured bag or paper packet is put in first.  The gunpowder used is mostly blackpowder.
Next wadding, made from felt, cloth, or card is placed in the barrel.  In rifles firing round ball, a lubricated patch of fabric is wrapped around the ball which promotes spin on the ball.  Last to be loaded is the projectile (bullet), most often a solid lead ball.  A ramrod is used to push the wadding and ball down to make sure they are firmly next to the powder so that ignition will occur.

Muzzleloading guns, both antique and reproduction, are used for target shooting, hunting, historical re-enactment, and to research the history of the muzzleloader.  The sport began in the US in the 1930's just as the original users and manufacturers were dying out.  There is now a thriving industry of reproduction craftsmen and thousands of enthusiasts in the United States supported by The American National Muzzle Loading Association.

Keith Grable is a sports enthusiast, outdoorsman, and owner of the outdoors sports and recreation website http://www.theoutdoorsportsshop.com. 

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