1:14 I love the report of the Bess, so much power and punch in that shot! I can only imagine a regiment of them firing at once, wonderful sound of a historic piece. Also awesome when you hear the flint strike.
I've always wished a single side of a reenactment would take place where we could see an accurate number of men and cannon firing full power and shotted muskets. I have a feeling the sound of a true battle would have a much greater effect than part charged blanks. Obviously the focus is one showing the proximity of men across the field and safety regulations for a range are very strict so it's unlikely a reenactment group of sufficient size and professionalism will ever gather on a live range and try it. And there are also too few replica cannon being fired with shot and full powder at events too. The logistics of making it happen would make an event like this rare and difficult but I really do think it would be fascinating to see a full power and drama reenactment under strict circumstances. Having two sides and the long story of battles is also very interesting so hopefully this doesn't get taken as a suggestion for replacement, just addition.
Rob, it's great to see you are still making outstanding videos from the muzzleloading era after your evolutions to the Lee Enfield and Martini-Henry series. Thank you!
These muskets could fire a 0.745" projectile (or so), but in combat, they used 0.69". When you want to shoot a lot of lead down range, a smaller projectile is better because of all the powder residue that builds up inside the barrel after firing a few rounds.
A fascinating insight in to the Brown Bess. I was a black powder shooter in my younger years, percussion cap and flintlock. Sadly I now only have an inert Brown Bess carbine display piece which I treasure. Many thanks for a great video.
"A wall of stout hearts and bristling steel". Those words from that historical account are perhaps the most awesome thing I have ever heard. I'm not even British (American here) but it makes me want to pick up a beer and make a toast to those guys.
I'm a military modeller and this channel should come in very handy as a reference guide. I also have a RU-vid channel dedicated to military modelling. Great video sir!
Thanks! A good flint will last dozens of rounds in my experience. Yes, they did carry extras in the bottom of their pouches. You never know when your flint will shatter or be of lesser quality... Rounds per man?.... 60.
As usual, a simply brilliant , informative vide! I do not have an original Brown Bess, but I do have a Pedersoli replica of one. I was astounded that they used 165 - 178 grains of powder. I shot a 55 gallon steel drum that was full of ash from 25 yards. I hid behind a tree when I shot it fearing the ball would bounce back. I was shooting prb , .735 ball over 80 grains of 2 f Goes black powder.The ball penetrated the side of the barrel, sent a plume of ash upward, and punched out the other side. About 6 feet behind the barrel, the ball nicked a tree, cutting a 1/2 inch rip in the truck about 2 inches above the soil. At that point I have no idea where the ball went. That was 80 grains - I can't imagine the service load! Very best regards, JA
I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would as it's a little outside my area of interest. It was interesting and highly informative and with lighter moments. Thanks Rob.
When i was younger i bought from a kilt maker a military weight 9 yard Stewart Hunting kilt made for a member of the Royal Scots. Hand sewn, highest quality it is a beauty to behold. I got it cheap because of a small mistake in the position of a leather strap. It was very large on me but it held up on the tightest buckle and a good belt. I wore it when I got married almost 10 years ago. I had a very official function to attend recently, dug it out and tried it on. Couldn't even get the first hole on the top buckle. Needless to say i was quite upset.
This is an absolutely outstanding video my friend. been a fan for years, keep it up! there are alot of us frontstuffer and military history guys out there
A sound tribute to the old boys back in the day who had bigger balls and suffered more hardships than we can ever understand British or French , perhaps one day someone will make a movie to do justice to the great battles of that age .
@@britishmuzzleloaders read Jackets of Green by arthur bryant its the history of the rifle brigade from founding to WW2 one of the finest military books ever written IMO .
I'd love to see some videos on even earlier firearms, though with their general lack of standardisation I suppose it would be difficult to trace their origins and developments. Brilliant video too, by the way.
I think the Bess was the first firearm globally ever built to a standard pattern instead of a bespoke production for a specific regimental contract. There could be earlier examples
If you’re wondering, the uniform he is wearing is the 78th Regiment of Foot “the Ross-shire Buffs” which was stationed in India during the Napoleonic Wars.
If you're wondering, there is an historical note that explains all that, and the 2nd Bns service in the Low Countries during the 100 Days Campaign, at the end of the video... 😀
What a perfect specimen of a barrel chested mustache man to learn from. God bless you sir, the effort you have out into your work is of the absolute highest caliber possible. And what a rifle and kit!
I restored a first pattern “India” model musket, tower marked and dated 1804, for a collector friend back in the 1990s. It had seen use on the continent during the Napoleonic wars and was later sent to Canada for militia use. I fired it often at re-enactments. It was a very sound and reliable firearm.
Honestly one of the best parts of these videos is the gorgeous scenery in the background. Of course all aspects of the video are perfectly splendid. Good luck with your channel.
Thank you for this video, it was very informative and the few bits of humour sprinkled here and there were appreciated. It's great to have such exhaustive video on such historically important weapon.
@@britishmuzzleloaders ok thank you for that that's actually really helpful because I've been wondering about it for a while but I can't find anything on p.s I'm pretty sure you're Canadian but I'm not 100% sure could you confirm or deny these accusations Lol and where you ever in the military and what made you do interest in Highland uniforms specifically and why not say just the infantry or dragoons lol I don't know I would be very interested int it as for myself i just like the look of them in their kilts it something different and unique and cool looking and I've got Scottish heritage so that might be
Excellent content as always good sir! I've shot a Bess a few times, and and was always impressed to see it's robustness, for such a graceful (although not perhaps as elegant as her French dancing partner...) weapon. And let's be honest, 17 inches of Sheffield steel is always a bonus...
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose.. The French take on muskets seems to be rather organic in shape. I prefer uprightness and straight lines, personally... :-) Nevertheless, thank you for the kind words!
You know, if you hadn't had that skit saying "STOP GIGGLING AT THE WORD COCK", I wouldn't have laughed at all watching it, the skit was funnier than any lewd joke!
Finally got myself a high quality reproduction of a short cavalry Brown Bess because of these videos. I love it, and love shooting it. Beautiful musket and gets lots of attention. Thank you for these awesome videos!👏🏻👏🏻🇨🇦
i think you forgot war of 1812 . maybe i missed it . im from the Cameron clan , and was a guard in Fort York during the 70's . great times . great video
Forgot?.... How so?.... Considering the video is about the Musket and not the conflicts it saw service in, the fact that 1812 wasn't specifically mentioned doesn't necessarily mean that it was "forgotten".... Certainly, when a specific aspect of the Bess and it's use can be exemplified by an example from 1812, it will be used for sure...Cheers.
@@britishmuzzleloaders i didnt mean "forgot , forgot " you were naming conflicts it seen service , i just thought canada's fight with the americans during the 1812 conflict would have been mention . thanks again for the fantastic video
Thanks for rekindling my interest in military history. Off to tel el kabir as they have shown Khartoum on tv and my birthday present arrived today-Gordon’s reports! I’m blaming you. Thanks again.
Have seen off and on content or collab with b.o.t.r. and must say love content. Military amrs History and info in such depth is great and the humor is spot on as well. Subscribed and catch n up on all videos, and love the engagement with fans/ comments and genuine great content and just as genuine/ great creator. Looking to get into b.p. arms for some time now thanks to you and cap and ball. Keep up great work.
Your dissertations on British firearms is second to none. I have owned both shortland also referred to as a 42 inch and several India pattern originals. This was years ago when they were not that rare and I took them out and shot them with Curtis and Harveys black powder. Blackmores British Firearms is an excellent reference for this type of arm as is C H Roads book on The British Soldiers Firearms 1850 to 1864 for percussion arms. In fact for damaged arms of this type I have made new sets of springs tumblers bridles and of course screws. Once I made a complete flint carbine lock using a lathe and milling machine not authentic but easier then forging the parts. Keep up the excellent work.
Thank you for combining the history with the practical demonstration. I have a growing interest in historical firearms, am so glad I discovered these videos! There is so much to learn about this topic...
Great introduction to a weapon that definitely forged history. And, your regimental coate looks awesome; I have a French shako made by Peter Twist years ago
I have had a reproduction Brown Bess close to 40 years, awhile ago finally started casting my own bullets and now working on making my own black powder Thanks for the videos
I’m so glad i discovered this channel, Thanks so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge. You are by far the best person making videos on the internet, Bravo!!
