Post by Bella on Nov 14, 2009 14:35:51 GMT -5
Musket - Muzzle-loading long arm. The flintlock mechanism used a piece of flint held in a hammer. When the trigger was pulled, the hammer came down, striking the flint against a cap of steel and creating sparks. The sparking in turn ignited a small quantity of powder held in the pan of the flintlock mechanism, causing a small explosion. The fire from that small explosion would pass through a small hole in the side of the musket barrel, igniting the black powder catridge inside, firing the ball.
The musket was a long range rifle. It was more accurate then the other types of rifles of the time. During an attack, the musket shooters took position in the rigging and at a distance were able to pick off the helmsmen or officers. The movement of the sea and the rocking of the ship proved a challenge for the marksmen.
Blunderbuss - Shorter long-arm with trumpet-like flared barrel. These were less accurate than muskets. They were usually loaded with grapeshot or similar ammo which the flared barrel caused to disperse in a wide pattern like a shot gun. They were many used against groups of people - a deck sweeper.
Flintlock or Matchlock Pistol - The flintlock pistol was the staple of piracy firearms. The small size and ease of carrying made this weapon an essential piece of personal weaponry. The pistol was a single shot, muzzle loading weapon that was time consuming to reload. Often times the butt of the gun would be reinforced with iron to be used as a club when the shot was spent. Some pirates even carried several pistols all loaded and ready on themselves as they prepared to board an enemy ship, or raid a town.
Blunderbuss - The blunderbuss was a muzzle loading weapon that fired like a modern shotgun. It was known as the personal cannon. The muzzle of the gun opened to a wide end, resembling a funnel. It was common to see this weapon fired from the hip of the holder due to its heavy recoil action. It was used during boarding parties as its shotgun like spread could take out large numbers of closely standing opponents.
Musketoon- The musketoon was similar to a musket. The difference being it had a shorter barrel and could be used as a boarding weapon.
Swivel Guns - A swivel gun was a portable cannon that could be carried around the deck and placed in a holder. It would swivel and be easier to both fire and aim.
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Cutlass - The cutlass is the most common weapon found on a pirate, and is what we modern day pirate enthusiasts think of when we think of pirate weapons. The cutlass was generally shorter then a regular sword or saber. This made it easier to swing in closer quarters during a ship battle. The blade was a sharp on a single side and had a curved blade. The handle on the cutlass varied for the taste of the pirate wielding the weapon. Most times it would offer some type of protection for the hand that held the weapon.
Dagger - A dagger was also a common weapon as it was easy to carry and could come in handy in many situations. A dagger was a smaller weapon then the cutlass and varied in size and functionality. They were used as a secondary weapon in a cutlass fight, or used in stealth attacks. They also came in handy for cutting down rigging, or in everyday life on a ship.
Dirk - The dirk was a smaller knife then the dagger. Commonly used as a thrown weapon.
Boarding Hooks - The boarding hooks were metal clawed shaped devices hooked to a strong line. They were used in boarding parties and were tossed aboard the enemy vessel. The crew would pull the enemy closer so they could more easily board.
Boarding Axes - A boarding axe was an axe on one end, and a hammer on the other. They often had a 2 or 3 foot handle and could be easily wielded as a deadly weapon. They were swung around on the ship after the boarding to cut the lines, sails or the enemy combatants. The heavy end of the axe could be used to knock down doors or break through windows. The boarding axe also used in fighting fires aboard ship, and in general cutting and wood working.
Make Shift Weapons - Often times a weapon could be made from any part of the ship. A belaying pin could be used as a club for instance. During a fight on a ship, any thing is fair game. Much like the cannons being loaded with whatever was around, anything that could swing, bludgeon, or cut was used in a fight.
www.pirates-life.com/weapons.html
www.thepirateking.com/historical/ship_roles.htm
piratemaster.wetpaint.com/page/Weapons
The musket was a long range rifle. It was more accurate then the other types of rifles of the time. During an attack, the musket shooters took position in the rigging and at a distance were able to pick off the helmsmen or officers. The movement of the sea and the rocking of the ship proved a challenge for the marksmen.
Blunderbuss - Shorter long-arm with trumpet-like flared barrel. These were less accurate than muskets. They were usually loaded with grapeshot or similar ammo which the flared barrel caused to disperse in a wide pattern like a shot gun. They were many used against groups of people - a deck sweeper.
Flintlock or Matchlock Pistol - The flintlock pistol was the staple of piracy firearms. The small size and ease of carrying made this weapon an essential piece of personal weaponry. The pistol was a single shot, muzzle loading weapon that was time consuming to reload. Often times the butt of the gun would be reinforced with iron to be used as a club when the shot was spent. Some pirates even carried several pistols all loaded and ready on themselves as they prepared to board an enemy ship, or raid a town.
Blunderbuss - The blunderbuss was a muzzle loading weapon that fired like a modern shotgun. It was known as the personal cannon. The muzzle of the gun opened to a wide end, resembling a funnel. It was common to see this weapon fired from the hip of the holder due to its heavy recoil action. It was used during boarding parties as its shotgun like spread could take out large numbers of closely standing opponents.
Musketoon- The musketoon was similar to a musket. The difference being it had a shorter barrel and could be used as a boarding weapon.
Swivel Guns - A swivel gun was a portable cannon that could be carried around the deck and placed in a holder. It would swivel and be easier to both fire and aim.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Cutlass - The cutlass is the most common weapon found on a pirate, and is what we modern day pirate enthusiasts think of when we think of pirate weapons. The cutlass was generally shorter then a regular sword or saber. This made it easier to swing in closer quarters during a ship battle. The blade was a sharp on a single side and had a curved blade. The handle on the cutlass varied for the taste of the pirate wielding the weapon. Most times it would offer some type of protection for the hand that held the weapon.
Dagger - A dagger was also a common weapon as it was easy to carry and could come in handy in many situations. A dagger was a smaller weapon then the cutlass and varied in size and functionality. They were used as a secondary weapon in a cutlass fight, or used in stealth attacks. They also came in handy for cutting down rigging, or in everyday life on a ship.
Dirk - The dirk was a smaller knife then the dagger. Commonly used as a thrown weapon.
Boarding Hooks - The boarding hooks were metal clawed shaped devices hooked to a strong line. They were used in boarding parties and were tossed aboard the enemy vessel. The crew would pull the enemy closer so they could more easily board.
Boarding Axes - A boarding axe was an axe on one end, and a hammer on the other. They often had a 2 or 3 foot handle and could be easily wielded as a deadly weapon. They were swung around on the ship after the boarding to cut the lines, sails or the enemy combatants. The heavy end of the axe could be used to knock down doors or break through windows. The boarding axe also used in fighting fires aboard ship, and in general cutting and wood working.
Make Shift Weapons - Often times a weapon could be made from any part of the ship. A belaying pin could be used as a club for instance. During a fight on a ship, any thing is fair game. Much like the cannons being loaded with whatever was around, anything that could swing, bludgeon, or cut was used in a fight.
www.pirates-life.com/weapons.html
www.thepirateking.com/historical/ship_roles.htm
piratemaster.wetpaint.com/page/Weapons