Demonstration of a 1611 Matchlock Musket

Historical Interpreter John Pagano presents a detailed presentation and demonstration of DeGeyn's Manual of Arms for the early 17th century Matchlock Musket.

**DISCLAIMER** This video is not intended to be used as a training video, but instead as an educational resource and demonstration. The interpreters at Henricus Historical Park are trained professionals with years of black powder experience. Please DO NOT attempt to fire a black powder musket without the direct supervision of a trained and experienced black powder specialist.

http://www.henricus.org

Henricus Historical Park
251 Henricus Park Rd.
Chester, VA

Category:

Education

Tags:

• 1611
• 17th century
• matchlock musket
• musketeer
• Henricus Historical Park
• manual of arms educational
• Virginia
• colonial
• soldier
• black powder

[k1lkenny]

@asmrbear

No, Wheel locks does not use flint, cause flint would shatter against the spinning wheel. A wheel lock mechanism uses pyrite.

[thestarsandbars]

@asmrbear Yes, I made mistake about that. thank you ^.^ ! Wheel locks are crazy! Having to be made by a master clock maker!

[asmrbear]

@thestarsandbars wheellocks followed matchlocks. They used flint in their mechanism.

By the mid C17, wheellock pistols were seen alongside matchlock muskets, but were very rare as they were crazy expensive and a bit of a pain to make and maintain in combat (effectively like having a very sensitive watch mechanism on the side of your pistol). By the time wheel locks had been perfected,the dogjaw style flint lock was in use :)

[lordalastor99]

@Metaldude1945: They probably fired in turns with one group firing while another reloaded.

[oldstock1607]

@Metaldude1945 Most of the killing was done with swords, daggers, pikes and crossbows.. The Matchlock, when it did reliably fire, was devastating, but the boom it made truly scared the natives shitless.

[MrQuantaK]

@Metaldude1945 Why would you need to outnumber anything when you have such superior weaponry?

[JFuzzman]

@Metaldude1945 Well they did have canons back then, next you have to realize that they had great dragoons even then, .. so most of the time it would be enough to scare the native tribals.

[Metaldude1945]

Must of been nervewrecking to fight with such slow loading weapons against Native American tribes. I always wondered how they managed to actually win. Did they have certain tactics? Outnumbering?

[theend1011]

sorry, but 200 yards my A**. A P1853 Rifle Musket (w/ Mine ball) a trained soldier could only hit up to 300 yards. Most matchlocks could only hit up to 60 yards

[Thrawn6211]

@AlexPrestage Ah, thanks, I've heard the 18th century cavalry armor called a cuirass, as well as Alexandrian-era breastplates, so I'm sure people use it in a more broadened spectrum than was intended.