Musketoon

By Crusader1307

Developed as late as the 16th Century (and finalized in design in the mid-17th Century), The Musketoon was a between a full Musket and a Carbine. Having similar constructions related to The Blunderbuss (in terms of a heavy barrel designed for large caliber shot). Seldom used by land forces, Musketoon's were used mostly by Naval Forces and Privateers for close quarters combat. Barrels for the weapon were normally made of brass or iron. Initially made in the Wheellock and Flintlock design, some Percussion conversions existed. Musketoon's seldom exceeded 2.5 feet in barrel length, making them easier to load and fire. They would typically fire rounds over .70 caliber (not exceeding a half-pound shot). An attempt to field an “infantry version” of The Musketoon was designed in America in 1841 by The Springfield Armory (as an option to the developing Carbine). Ammunition discipline proved a short coming (although they were still fielded with US Dragoons in The Mexican War). Great Britain also attempted a version in 1861 with The Enfield Land Pattern (which was short lived). The inception of The Carbine would cause Musketoon development to cease.