Gift Cards
OVERVIEW
This is the first standardized flintlock musket for the French infantry. Introduced in 1717, the basic design lasted until the 1840s, with various revisions along the way. The barrel was a 69-caliber smoothbore. Although rifled barrels were more accurate, they were harder to load and quickly became fouled by black powder. Since battlefields became obscured by powder smoke, speed and dependability were more important than accuracy.
Charleville muskets were not used in battle like a modern rifles. Instead, Charleville muskets were fired in mass formations. In modern warfare, bayonets are considered to be last-ditch weapons, but in the days of the Charleville musket, they played a much more significant role on the battlefield, often accounting for roughly a third of all battlefield casualties. This is a replica of the 1763 model, popular with American colonists and used throughout the American Revolution. Stamped St. Etienne on the lock plate, this impressive piece measures over 72" with the bayonet attached. Features a full-length wood stock with a brass butt. Please note: the bayonet does not lock in place.
- Overall length of stock: 55"
- Length of stock with bayonet: 72"
- Weight: 6 lbs
Cannot be shipped to NJ, NY, or RI. Cannot use Papal as a payment option.