Theblunderbuss is a 17th- to mid-19th-centuryfirearm with a short, largecaliberbarrel. It is commonly flared at themuzzle to help aid in the loading ofshot and other projectiles of relevant quantity or caliber.[clarification needed] The blunderbuss is commonly considered to be an early predecessor of the modernshotgun, with similar military usage.[2] It was effective only at short range, lacking accuracy at long distances. A blunderbuss inhandgun form was called adragon, and it is from this that the termdragoon evolved.[3][4]
The term "blunderbuss" is ofDutch origin, from the Dutch worddonderbus, which is a combination ofdonder, meaning "thunder", andbus, meaning "container, tin" (Middle Dutch:busse, box, jar, fromLatinbuxus, box tree).[2]
The transition fromdonder toblunder is thought by some to be deliberate; the termblunder was originally used in atransitive sense, synonymous withto confuse, and this is thought to describe the stunningly loud report of the large-bore, short-barreled blunderbuss.[3][failed verification] The termdragon is taken from the fact that early versions were decorated with a carving in the form of a mythicdragon's head around the muzzle; themuzzle blast would then give the impression of a fire-breathing dragon.[4]
The flared muzzle is the defining feature of the blunderbuss, differentiating it from large calibercarbines; the distinction between the blunderbuss and themusketoon is less distinct, as musketoons were also used to fire shot, and some had flared barrels.[5][6][7] The muzzle (and often the bore) was flared perhaps with the intent not only to possibly increase the spread of the shot, but moreso to funnel powder and shot into the weapon, making it easier to reload on horseback or on a moving carriage; modern experiments corroborated the dramatic improvement in shot spread, going from a 530-millimetre-spread (21-inch) diameter from a straight barrel to an average of 970 mm (38 in) spread at 9 metres (10 yards).[8] Although, some[who?] have suggested that these tests could have been flawed[citation needed].
Blunderbusses were typically short, with barrels under 60 centimetres (2 ft) in length, at a time when a typical musket barrel was over 90 cm (3 ft) long.[9][10] One source, describing arms from the early to middle 17th century, lists the barrel length of awheel lock dragon at around 28 cm (11 in), compared to a 41 cm (16 in) length for a blunderbuss.[3]
The blunderbuss could be considered an early type ofshotgun and served in many similar roles. Though some old accounts may list the blunderbuss as being loaded with various scrap iron, rocks, or wood, which might well result in damage to thebore of the gun, it was typically loaded with a number oflead balls smaller than the bore diameter. Barrels were made ofsteel orbrass.
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The blunderbuss, and especially the dragon, was typically issued to troops such ascavalry, who needed a lightweight, easily handled firearm.[10] The dragon became so associated with cavalry andmounted infantry that the termdragoon became synonymous with mounted infantry. In addition to the cavalry, the blunderbuss found a use for other duties in which the shotgun-like qualities were desirable, such as for guarding prisoners or defending amail coach, and its use forurban combat was also recognized.[4][11] Blunderbusses were also commonly carried by officers on naval warships, byprivateers and bypirates for use in close-quartersboarding actions.[12] ThePortuguese Marines used it widely in the 17th century. Many types of ammunition, including gravel and sand, could be shot in a pinch, but most of the time they were shot using traditional lead balls.
The blunderbuss used by theBritishRoyal Mail during the period of 1788–1816 was aflintlock with a 36 cm (14 in) long flaredbrass barrel, brass trigger guard, and an iron trigger and lock. A typical British mail coach would have a single postal employee on board, armed with a blunderbuss and a pair ofpistols to guard the mail fromhighwaymen.[13] One 18th centurycoaching blunderbuss in another British collection had a brass barrel 43 cm (17 in) long, flaring to 51 mm (2 in) at the muzzle; it was also provided with a spring-loadedbayonet, which was held along the barrel by a catch and would spring forward into place when released.[7] Spring-loaded bayonet blunderbusses were also used by theNottingham City Police after its formation around 1840.[14]
While the blunderbuss is often associated with thePlymouth Colony Pilgrims of 1620,[15] evidence suggests that the blunderbuss was relatively scarce in the American colonies. After theBattle of Lexington in 1775, British GeneralThomas Gage occupiedBoston,Massachusetts, and upon negotiating with the town committee, Gage agreed to let the inhabitants of Boston leave town with their families and effects if they surrendered all arms. While most of the residents of Boston stayed, those who left under the agreement surrendered 1,778 long arms, 634 pistols, 273 bayonets, and only 38 blunderbusses.[16] The blunderbuss did still have its civilian applications, however; theLewis and Clark Expedition carried a number of blunderbusses, some of which were mounted and used as smallswivel guns on thepirogues.[6]
TheAmerican Navy issued their first standardized blunderbuss during theWar of 1812.[17] The M1814 Blunderbuss was manufactured atHarpers Ferry,Springfield Armory and also inCanton, Massachusetts.[18] During the 1830s these were converted fromflintlock tocap and ball. American inventor and naval officerJohn A. Dahlgren designed a brassswivel gun blunderbuss during the 1840s for thefighting top ofships of the line such asUSS Constitution.[19] Although considered obsolete by the 1860s, M1814 blunderbusses were used by the USN during the Civil War to destroy Confederatenaval mines.[20]
Crudetripwire activated blunderbusses, known as alarm guns, spring guns andcemetery guns,[21] were set up in graveyards and country estates to scare awaypoachers andresurrection men, and to alert the gamekeeper or sexton to their presence.[22][23]
By the middle of the 19th century, the blunderbuss was replaced for military use by thecarbine, but still found use by civilians as a defensive firearm.[24][25]
Blunderbusses were used by rebels during theWar of Canudos. After modern rifles were captured they remained in use in some roles. Blunderbuss shots were used by the rebels to signal commands at long distances where whistles could not be heard.[26][27]
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Early 17th century: The blunderbuss emerges in Europe, likely originating from the Netherlands. Its name derives from the Dutch "donderbus", meaning "thunder gun".
Mid 17th century: The blunderbuss becomes more widely used in Europe, particularly in England. It is adopted by both military forces and civilians for its effectiveness in close-quarters combat and self-defense.
Late 17th century: The blunderbuss is increasingly used by naval forces, including the British Royal Navy, for boarding actions and ship defense.
Early 18th century: The blunderbuss reaches peak popularity. Its intimidating appearance and powerful shot make it a preferred weapon for stagecoach drivers, travelers, and home defense.
Early 19th century: The decline of the blunderbuss begins. Advances in firearm technology, such as the development of rifled barrels and more accurate long guns, reduce its prevalence.
