Flintlock caliber? - The Firearms Forum

mark_baron · 02-06-2011, 12:02 PM

I have a flintlock musket that I think was a kit(?) from back in the '60's. It is marked "US" but was made in Japan. The muzzle measures about 0.66 in and the plunger (rod) measures 0.60 at the flat end. My question is: what is the caliber of this musket?

Thanks,
Mark

jjmitchell60 · 02-06-2011, 01:33 PM

You need to take a set of calipers and measure across the inside of the muzzle to be even close to what caliber. It should be marked on it some where as to either caliber, bore, or mm. Pictures also help in identifying what type thus what caliber it should be.

mark_baron · 02-06-2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjmitchell60

You need to take a set of calipers and measure across the inside of the muzzle to be even close to what caliber. It should be marked on it some where as to either caliber, bore, or mm. Pictures also help in identifying what type thus what caliber it should be.

I used a caliper to get the measurements I mentioned.
It is not marked anywhere.

Maybe it is a shotgun (fowling piece)? Could be about 20 ga.

Picture attached.

Buffalochip · 02-06-2011, 05:51 PM

Is it a smooth bore? Does it have front and rear sights? If yes to both, it is a smoothbore musket, not a shotgun. If no rear sight, but a bead on the front, it is a shotgun. A 20 gauge is about .61 caliber or .61". Your measurement shows it to be a .66 caliber.

jjmitchell60 · 02-06-2011, 07:55 PM

It is one of the Japanese Miroku attempt at a repro trade gun. They were meant to be 12 gauge but are actually 16 ga. They shoot a 645 patched round ball and are smooth bore. A buddy of mine has one, they do a decent job however they will not pass at historical re-enactments that are juried.

mark_baron · 02-06-2011, 09:31 PM

Front site (not bead), no rear site. See additional photos.

polishshooter · 02-16-2011, 10:12 PM

Actually, most smoothbore muskets, Fusils, and Trade Guns from the late 18th and Early 19th Century didn't have a rear sight, just a front bead. In fact it was rare to find a true musket from back then WITH a rear sight.

They were meant for unaimed volley fire, most recruits and conscripts were taught NOT to aim.

02-06-2011, 12:02 PM	#1
mark_baron V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida Posts: 112	Flintlock caliber? I have a flintlock musket that I think was a kit(?) from back in the '60's. It is marked "US" but was made in Japan. The muzzle measures about 0.66 in and the plunger (rod) measures 0.60 at the flat end. My question is: what is the caliber of this musket? Thanks, Mark -->

02-06-2011, 01:33 PM	#2
jjmitchell60 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Raised in Buzzard Roost near Frog Town in hillls of Kentucky Contributor Posts: 1,471	Re: Flintlock caliber? You need to take a set of calipers and measure across the inside of the muzzle to be even close to what caliber. It should be marked on it some where as to either caliber, bore, or mm. Pictures also help in identifying what type thus what caliber it should be. __________________ Oath Keepers NOT ON OUR WATCH www.oathkeepers.org 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." -- Benjamin Franklin When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes Duty... Thomas Jefferson

02-06-2011, 05:51 PM	#4
Buffalochip Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 754	Re: Flintlock caliber? Is it a smooth bore? Does it have front and rear sights? If yes to both, it is a smoothbore musket, not a shotgun. If no rear sight, but a bead on the front, it is a shotgun. A 20 gauge is about .61 caliber or .61". Your measurement shows it to be a .66 caliber.

02-06-2011, 07:55 PM	#5
jjmitchell60 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Raised in Buzzard Roost near Frog Town in hillls of Kentucky Contributor Posts: 1,471	Re: Flintlock caliber? It is one of the Japanese Miroku attempt at a repro trade gun. They were meant to be 12 gauge but are actually 16 ga. They shoot a 645 patched round ball and are smooth bore. A buddy of mine has one, they do a decent job however they will not pass at historical re-enactments that are juried. __________________ Oath Keepers NOT ON OUR WATCH www.oathkeepers.org 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." -- Benjamin Franklin When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes Duty... Thomas Jefferson

02-06-2011, 09:31 PM	#6
mark_baron V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida Posts: 112	Re: Flintlock caliber? Front site (not bead), no rear site. See additional photos. Attached Images

02-16-2011, 10:12 PM	#7
polishshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 7,860	Re: Flintlock caliber? Actually, most smoothbore muskets, Fusils, and Trade Guns from the late 18th and Early 19th Century didn't have a rear sight, just a front bead. In fact it was rare to find a true musket from back then WITH a rear sight. They were meant for unaimed volley fire, most recruits and conscripts were taught NOT to aim. __________________ The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living.