Matchlock Musket

Introducing Firearm Friday!

Featuring a unique piece of history from our very own museum at Owen guns every week.

350 years ago this matchlock musket was the latest firearm for the hunter putting meat on the family plate or, to defend his home. The smooth bore barrel would be loaded with homemade black powder, followed by a cloth wad and a lead ball wrapped with a lubed patch that was rammed on top. Some of the black powder would be splashed into the flash pan, and the piece of string hanging out of the hammer (a slow-burning match) would be lit. When the trigger is pulled the hammer dunks the burning match into the flash pan. This puts a small hot flame into the main powder charge, inside the chamber. The Patch, as well as sealing the barrel, also helps to clean the barrel once as its rammed home into the barrel and then again when it's fired. The patch stops the hot, almost melting lead from smearing up the inside of the barrel.

Likely coming from Europe, this rifle would have been used to dispatch anything from rabbits to deer. Even the ducks weren't safe when it was loaded with shot!

Come visit our museum at Owen guns, 24 McMahon Rd, Monkland to see it in the flesh!