Muzzle-Loading Guns, rifles & pistols. Police Seizure Abuse - The Loose Cannon.

Although I once defied the odds and got nought out of thirty in an open book multiple choice Chemistry test, leading to me studying law and not an agricultural science, Newton’s third law ‘for every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction’, has always appealed to me, because at least on one level it applies to human and organisational behaviour and not just objects.

Thus when Police are affected by something they react.

Most readers would be familiar with the Edwards tragedy last year.  Mr Edwards was granted a special Commissioner's Permit for a handgun, against the wishes of a gun club he had previously approached, and then he went oput and commited a murder suicide soon after.  Further compounding the tragedy, his distraught former spouse committed suicide earlier this year. 

Police did not blame themselves for granting the permit, and are now targeting anyone who shoots and who is involved in a Family Law break up.

Case in point, I am acting for a small dealer at present who is in the process of going through a break up with his spouse.  The parties are separated under the one roof.

On my instructions his former partner was somewhat jealous because he was having a discussion and was actively engaged in play with his son. His wife’s mother suggested she call Police, which she proceeded to do.

Police attended, and as no threat was made, and there was no apprehension of violence, no AVO was issued.

Nevertheless, my client’s licence was suspended.  The reason on the suspension was ‘child at risk’- yet there was on these facts no evidence of this.  The only thing that happened that night that would have been scary to a child was the arrival of two Police Officers after the child’s bed time - although I stress that in this particular situation the officers behaved commendably well, and only followed instructions.

Not every child in a break up is a child at risk, and if Police wanted to target children at risk their attention would be better spent visiting shopping centres and rounding up truanting children during the day, and getting tired drivers off the road.

As you may be aware, Police policy of seizure, for a ‘cooling off period’ of 28 days, does not appear to have any statutory basis and any seizure of firearms needs to comply with Firearms Act 1996 or the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002.

The Police power to suspend a Firearms licence is set out in paragraph 22 of the Firearms Act 1996, and I have set it out below.

22   Suspension of licence

(cf APMC 6, 1989 Act s 35)

(1)  The Commissioner may, if the Commissioner is satisfied there may be grounds for revoking a licence, suspend the licence by serving personally or by post on the licensee a notice:

(a)  stating that the licence is suspended and the reasons for suspending it, and

(b)  requesting that the person provide the Commissioner with reasons why the licence should not be revoked.

(1A) If a licence is being suspended because the Commissioner is satisfied that there may be grounds for revoking the licence under section 11 (5A), the notice suspending the licence is not required:

(a)  to state the reasons for the suspension, or

(b)  to include any request that the licensee provide the Commissioner with reasons why the licence should not be revoked.

(2)  The Commissioner must suspend a licence in accordance with this section if the Commissioner is aware that the licensee has been charged with a domestic violence offence within the meaning of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 or the Commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that the licensee has committed or has threatened to commit a domestic violence offence within the meaning of that Act.

(3)  A suspended licence does not authorise the possession or use of firearms during the period specified in the notice suspending it.

Whilst not relevant, I shall set out section 11(5) below for your convenience

11(5) A licence must not be issued to a person who:

(a)  is under the age of 18, or

(b)  has, within the period of 10 years before the application for the licence was made, been convicted in New South Wales or elsewhere of an offence prescribed by the regulations, whether or not the offence is an offence under New South Wales law, or

(c)  is subject to an apprehended violence order or interim apprehended violence order or who has, at any time within 10 years before the application for the licence was made, been subject to an apprehended violence order (other than an order that has been revoked), or

(d)  is subject to a good behaviour bond, whether entered into in New South Wales or elsewhere, in relation to an offence prescribed by the regulations, or

(e)  is subject to a firearms prohibition order, or

(f)  is a registrable person or corresponding registrable person under the Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000.

Turning to the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 which again relevantly provides:

      20   Relevant offences

The following offences are relevant offences for the purposes of this Division:

       (a)  indictable offences,

       (b)  an offence against section 93FB of the Crimes Act 1900,

       (c)  an offence against the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998, the Firearms Act 1996, or a regulation made under either of those Acts,

       (d)  an offence against a provision of Part 2 of the Explosives Act 2003.

      21   Power to search persons and seize and detain things without warrant

      (cf Crimes Act 1900, ss 357, 357E, Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985, s 37)

       (1)  A police officer may, without a warrant, stop, search and detain a person, and anything in the possession of or under the control of the person, if the police officer suspects on reasonable grounds that any of the following circumstances exists:

       (a)  the person has in his or her possession or under his or her control anything stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained,

       (b)  the person has in his or her possession or under his or her control anything used or intended to be used in or in connection with the commission of a relevant offence,

       (c)  the person has in his or her possession or under his or her control in a public place a dangerous article that is being or was used in or in connection with the commission of a relevant offence,

       (d)  the person has in his or her possession or under his or her control, in contravention of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985, a prohibited plant or a prohibited drug.

       (2)  A police officer may seize and detain:

       (a)  all or part of a thing that the police officer suspects on reasonable grounds is stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained, and

       (b)  all or part of a thing that the police officer suspects on reasonable grounds may provide evidence of the commission of a relevant offence, and

       (c)  any dangerous article, and

       (d)  any prohibited plant or prohibited drug in the possession or under the control of a person in contravention of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985,

       found as a result of a search under this section.

      22   Power to seize and detain dangerous articles on premises

      (cf Crimes Act 1900, s 357)

A police officer who is lawfully on any premises may seize and detain any dangerous article that the police officer finds on the premises, if the police officer suspects on reasonable grounds that the dangerous article is being or was used in or in connection with the commission of a relevant offence.

 Premises include vessels, vehicles, aircraft and other places.

       The difficulty for Police here is that while a firearm is a dangerous article within the meaning of s21(2)(c) there is no relevant offence, nor is there any suspicion on reasonable grounds that the article is or was used in commission of an offence (s22).

After realising that they were on shakey grounds a Sergeant rang my client, alluded to gaol, and referenced the following alleged offences, none of which are supported by available evidence.

1.     That my client was in possession of 14 unregistered firearms.  This allegation was denied.  My client had completed all PAB28 and 31 paperwork as required by legislation as required and had forwarded these to the Registry by Registered Post.  My client also completed his quarterly return with respect to these entries and forwarded the quarterly return to the Registry by Registered Post.  Apparently, Police wish to hold my client responsible for processing tardiness at their Registry.

     That my client was in possession of a number of prohibited firearms specifically firearms fitted with a folding stock. Allegation admitted. My client is authorised by virtue of his dealer licence to possess prohibited firearms no 11 of Sch 1 of the Firearms Act 1996, item 11 are any firearms fitted with a folding stock.

1.     That my client was informed he would be asked why one firearm had a defaced serial number.  Upon entering details of all firearms acquired by my client the physical serial number of the firearm was sighted at all times when making these entries.  My client can answer no explanation why one has a defaced serial number he questions if part of a serial number may be partially obscured by a stock.  I requested further particulars.
2.     The Sergeant informed my client that his decision to suspend my client in the morning of 9 May 2019 was supported by an allegation involving matrimonial property.  On the 8 May 2019 attending Police referred to this as a civil matter, and it was not raised as a complaint until the afternoon of the 9 May 2019. For this reason, this allegation was not raised on the Suspension Notice and had no bearing upon the decision to suspend.

My criticism is with a Police Policy in practice in respect to domestic situations that exceeds the law, and that involves the seizure of firearms without probable cause merely on suspicion of a domestic break up. 

Just because Firearms ownership is a privilege and not a right, does not mean that privilege is subject to unfettered discretion by Police to seize firearms or suspend licences without appropriate due process.

When I first came to Australia, I was amazed how far this country has progressed since it was a penal colony, a mere couple of hundred years ago.  However the longer I practice law, the more convinced I am that my assumption is wrong, for certainly in terms of Police attitude, this state is still a Penal Colony.

Simon Munslow

National Firearms Lawyer
P: (02) 6299 9690
M: 0427 280 962
E: solicitor@bigpond.com
W: firearmslawyer.com.au

Simon Munslow is a lawyer who has a lifelong interest in shooting, having acquired his first firearm at the age of nine, and has had an active interest in firearms law since writing a thesis on the topic over thirty years ago at University.
Simon Munslow practices extensively in Firearms Law matters throughout Australia.

He is a regular contributor to the Australian Sporting Shooter magazine’s website on Firearms law matters, has published articles on firearms reviews and firearms law, and occasionally is asked to comment in the broader media on firearms matters.

This article is written for general information only and does not constitute advice. 
He can assist you with:

Criminal law & Administrative law and in particular that related to Firearms

• All firearms, weapons and game charges
• Avoiding & setting aside Apprehended Violence Orders
• Possession of unregistered firearms
• Unsafe transportation & storage matters
• Applications for prohibited weapons
• License Appeals
• Freedom of Information / Government Public Access matters
• Importation & Customs problems
• Advices & opinions related to Firearms law matters

Read more at http://www.sportingshooter.com.au/latest/police-seizure-abuse-the-loose-cannon#iq2kiJvR6Pw57ZCw.99
http://www.sportingshooter.com.au/latest/police-seizure-abuse-the-loose-cannon

A Forum for 18th Century Enthusiasts, Living Historians & Woodsrunners.

http://neclhg.freeforums.net/

Any signatures from S.S.A.A. members???

https://www.change.org/p/to-the-honourable-the-speaker-and-members-of-the-legislative-assembly-of-new-south-wales-in-parliam-muzzle-loading-pistols-to-be-placed-on-a-less-restrictive-licence/u/23447812

Imagine if all the members of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia were to sign this petition. Then we could get somewhere. But it is NOT going to happen! Why? Because the S.S.A.A. is in it for itself, not for the gun owners. It makes money from running it's gun ranges, so why should it allow anyone to use a muzzle-loading pistol off range?!

The shooting public in Australia, for the most part, is fractured. We don't have anyone like the NRA in Australia. Regardless what you think of NRA policies in America, at least they back all gun owners, they protect their rights.

I have signed petitions for paintball enthusiasts, & gun owners in general across the board, but when it comes to a minority such as the muzzle-loading & black powder enthusiasts, few people give a damn. Very sad state of affairs.

Pretty Please, Sign This Petition.

If you have a reason for not signing this petition, I would be most grateful if you could explain your point of view. It would help me to understand the way others view these gun control laws.
Thank you.
Keith.
https://www.change.org/p/to-the-honourable-the-speaker-and-members-of-the-legislative-assembly-of-new-south-wales-in-parliam-muzzle-loading-pistols-to-be-placed-on-a-less-restrictive-licence/u/23430601

Gun Control. Controlling People & making Money. Little to do with public safety.

Nothing to do with public safety? Let me prove it to you.

Anyone can purchase a flintlock, Wheelock or matchlock pistol, no licence is required & no permit to purchase or registration providing it was made before 1901 ad. However, the government says that you are not allowed to shoot or in their words “use” these pistols unless you join a pistol club & purchase an “H” class license. So you see, this has nothing to do with acquiring a gun, it is to do with being given lawful permission to “use” this gun. How many criminals do you know of that obey gun laws???!!!

So the only people disadvantaged by this law are the law abiding gun owners, NOT THE CRIMINALS!!! I have nothing against not requiring a license to purchase one of these primitive antique muzzle-loading guns; no criminal would ever use one of these guns, but why disadvantage law abiding citizens? Why can’t we “use” these guns? If the government wants us to pay for the privilege, then why not create a separate licence for these antique guns?

Another point which many people may not understand, ALL muzzle-loading pistols, antiques & those copies still made today all work in the same way, there is NO difference between a modern muzzle-loader & an antique muzzle-loader. So why does the government make a separate license for replicas when no license is required for an antique? Replica or antique, there is no difference, no criminal would ever use one of these guns because: They only have one shot, they are slow & difficult to load, they are unreliable, they are expensive to purchase, they are difficult to carry in a pocket, they create too much smoke when fired, & it is far easier to obtain a modern firearm & cut it down to size!!!

Firearms Regulations. Public Safety, Ignorance, or Just Bloody Mindedness?!!!

Firearms License Categories NSW Australia.

Take a look at the various guns in these categories. Why are muzzle-loaders placed on a “B” class license with Center-fire firearms? Why are muzzle-loading pistols placed on an “H” class license with semi-automatic hand guns?!!!   I thought that licensing was all about public safety, but categorizing of muzzle-loading guns obviously has NOTHING to do with public safety!!!

What firearms are applicable to a Category A firearms licence? * Air rifles. * Rimfire rifles (other than self-loading). * Shotguns (other than pump action, lever action or self-loading). * Shotgun/rimfire combinations.

What firearms are applicable to a Category B firearms licence? * Muzzle-loading firearms (other than pistols). * Centre-fire rifles (other than self-loading). * Shotgun/centre-fire rifle combinations. * Lever action shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds.

What firearms are applicable to a Category C firearms licence? * Self-loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity of no more than 10 rounds. * Self-loading shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds. * Pump action shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds. These firearms are prohibited except for limited purposes. Some firearms, specifically those adapted for military purposes, are excluded under all circumstances from this licence category.

What firearms are applicable to a Category D firearms licence? * Self-loading centre-fire rifles. * Self-loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity of more than 10 rounds. * Self-loading shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds. * Pump action shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds. * Lever action shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds. * Any firearms to which a Category C licence applies.

What firearms are applicable to a Category H firearms licence? * Pistols (including revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, blank fire pistols, flintlock muzzle-loading pistols, Wheelock muzzle-loading pistols, matchlock muzzle-loading pistols and air pistols).

Please Sign This Petition: https://www.change.org/p/to-the-honourable-the-speaker-and-members-of-the-legislative-assembly-of-new-south-wales-in-parliam-muzzle-loading-pistols-to-be-placed-on-a-less-restrictive-licence/u/23425607

Call To Arms! All Muzzle-Loader Users PLEASE Sign This Petition!

The law against using these primitive tools off the range has no legitimate reason for existing, it was shear ignorance on the part of the law makers that placed muzzle-loading pistols on a RESTRICTED license!

If we don't fight for our rights to legitimately use these primitive guns, then no one else will, because the majority of the Australian public are also probably totally ignorant in regards as to what these pistols actually are. Restricting these pistols has no basis in public safety, criminals do not use these guns & have not done so for at least the past 300 years!

So please, if you are a black powder enthusiast, a living historian or a historical re-enactor, sign this petition. 

https://www.change.org/p/to-the-honourable-the-speaker-and-members-of-the-legislative-assembly-of-new-south-wales-in-parliam-muzzle-loading-pistols-to-be-placed-on-a-less-restrictive-licence/u/23405047

An Old Rule Of Mine.

An old rule of mine is never place yourself too close to the right side of a person shooting a flintlock. There are two escape roots for the pressure in the barrel when the gun is fired, one is the muzzle, the other is the vent. If you are too close to the vent on someone elses flintlock, then you are going to get hit by the hot gasses & flame escaping from the vent when this gun is fired.

Take a look at an example of this shown in the movie "The Mountain Men" (1980) with Charlton Heston & Brian Keith. Keith was obviously not aware of what would happen, & if you take note of number 13 in this clip you will see what I mean!

Keith.

Only 20 People Signed!!!

APR 3, 2018 — The Barwon region alone which makes up most of north-west NSW, tops the list with 8,617 gun owners, & yet only 20 people have signed my petition. I think this is proof enough that gun owners in Australia DO NOT support each other, we are fractured & we are our own worst enemy.
If you are a gun owner & you have a good reason for not signing my petition, then PLEASE let me know what that reason is. I think that I am making a very reasonable request, so do you have a reason not to sign my petition, or do you just not give a damn?!
Keith H. Burgess
NECLHG NSW.

PETITION HERE: https://www.change.org/p/to-the-honourable-the-speaker-and-members-of-the-legislative-assembly-of-new-south-wales-in-parliam-muzzle-loading-pistols-to-be-placed-on-a-less-restrictive-licence/u/22588438

PLEASE Sign my petition.

No difference between the two flintlock muzzle-loading pistols, but one is very expensive & can not legally be used, the other is less expensive but requires a restricted licence & shooting range membership & can ONLY be used on the club range.

Please sign my petition to have both of these flintlocks placed on a less restrictive licence such as the "B" class licence with other muzzle-loading long guns.
Thank you.
Keith.

PETITION HERE: https://www.change.org/p/to-the-honourable-the-speaker-and-members-of-the-legislative-assembly-of-new-south-wales-in-parliam-muzzle-loading-pistols-to-be-placed-on-a-less-restrictive-licence/u/22578020

Australian Arms Auction.

Author's pistol and image.

There are some nice flintlocks & other arms in this catalogue. If I had not already got all I need, I would seriously be considering getting some of the items in this catalogue.

Remember, no licence required for antique flintlock firearms in NSW (elsewhere check you firearms regs).

https://www.australianarmsauctions.com/on-line-catalogue-4/

Black Powder Firearms Laws In Poland Vs Australia.

Here in Australia we have to have a Firearms licence & pass a firearms test to obtain that licence. A permit to purchase, & we have to register all guns including replica muzzle-loading guns. A replica muzzle-loading gun is the same as an identical antique muzzle-loading gun, no difference. It still loads from the muzzle, it still relies on a flint lock for ignition. But in Poland, which has the most stringent firearms laws in the world, you do not require a permit to purchase, a licence or registration. Only the gunpowder needs to be registered.

- BLACK POWDER FIREARMS IN POLAND:

Blackpowder not integrated cartridge guns, if manufactured before 1885, and their replicas also multiple shot revolvers (separable loading only) are available without any restrictions (Owner must to be over 18). They are also permitted to be owned, used, and carried (You name it) loaded without any permits. Curiously though, the purchase of the blackpowder requires registration.

Help Us Protect Hunting & Gun Ownership In Australia.

Help us protect hunting

The Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party on on the attack after new regulations have been delivered. Here is how it will affect you and what you can do to help. 

The Liberal - National New South Wales Government has released a consultation draft of the proposed Firearms Regulation 2017 and Weapons Prohibition Regulation 2017.

In a move reminiscent of John Howard’s 1996 gun reforms, these are some of the most draconian regulations ever.

These regulations, if passed in their current form, will affect every licensed firearm owner, hunting club and firearms dealer in New South Wales.

Here are just a few ways these new regulations will hurt law-abiding firearms owners:

Forcing all hunters and private landowners to supply private personal details to New South Wales Police before being allowed to hunt on private land (clause 32, 34 Draft Firearms Regulations 2017).

Refusing a firearms license or permit even if someone is innocent of an offence under the Firearms Act (clause 11, 23 Draft Firearms Regulations 2017).

Squeezing law-abiding firearms dealers out of business through further regulation and restriction (clause 41 Draft Firearms Regulations 2017).

As they’ve always done, the Government are punishing law-abiding firearms owners for the actions of criminals.

They know full well that the increase in law-abiding firearms owners is largely due to the increase in recreational hunting. They’re attacking legitimate hunters from safely going about their business and slowly trying to kill off all licensed firearms ownership.

Regulations, unlike Bills and Acts, do not have to come before the Parliament to be voted on. They are put in place by the the Minister for Police, National Party MP Troy Grant.

You can help RIGHT NOW.

The draft Firearms Regulation 2017 and draft Weapons Prohibition Regulation 2017 have been released for public consultation.

The closing date for submissions is 5pm on Monday 31 July 2017.

Please click on the following links for the:

Draft Firearms Regulations 2017

Draft Weapons Prohibition Regulation 2017

Regulatory Impact Statement

Let the Government know that you don’t appreciate being treated like a criminal in waiting.

There is no set format for submissions if you wish to make comments and you can keep your comments private if you choose so.

Email submission to (preferred option): firearms@mpes.nsw.gov.au

Our Loose Cannon writer, Firearms Lawyer Simon Munslow, has written a document which will assist you in writing to your local politicians and the NSW Police Minister to put the heat on the government over this issue.  You can download Simon Munslow's Correspondence Guide here.

Post submissions to:

Firearms Submissions
Office for Police, Department of Justice
GPO Box 5434
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Submissions must be received no later than 5.00pm Monday 31 July 2017.

Copies of all documents are available on the Department of Justice website.

Read more at : http://www.sportingshooter.com.au/latest/nsw-government-attacks-recreational-hunting?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2028%20July%202017&utm_content=Newsletter%2028%20July%202017+CID_f0308b26265b69a26e10466effed15df&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=band%20together%20throughout%20this%20attack%20and%20sacrifice#KY4bHsYgPS9cFSV4.99

Antique Gun Auction Australia.

Australian Arms Auctions P/L, Melbourne Australia wish to advise that our next auction, No.48, will be conducted at a NEW VENUE on:- 

Date:        Sunday 7th May 2017 at 10.00 am

Viewing:  Saturday 12 noon until 5 pm & Sunday 8 am until 10 am, auction start. 

Venue:   Veneto Club – Basketball Stadium. 191 Bulleen Road Bulleen 3105 Melways 32 9-D

Excellent onsite parking facilities.  Club restaurant & café available.

For those of you who have expressed an interest in submitting items for our May auction, please be advised that we are still accepting items.  Please contact us for further information ASAP.

A “catalogue online” advice will be sent to you in early April when it’s available to view online.

We thank you for past interest/purchases & we look forward to servicing your enquiries or bids for our up & coming auction.

Regards,

Cheryl Martyn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Australian Arms Auctions Pty Ltd

P.O. Box 1142 Doncaster East Vic 3109

Roland Martyn  (61) 0428 54 33 77

Cheryl Martyn - Admin:  (61) 03 9848 7951

Fax: (61) 03 9840 7944

www.australianarmsauctions.com

email:  admin@australianarmsauctions.com

 NO LICENCE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE ANTIQUE FIREARMS 

Kentucky Rifle Show.

Email melhankla@amhiss.com for info.

Ramrods.

The ramrod seems to be the most forgotten part of an 18th century gun when it comes to looking for information. One would think that such an important tool would receive more attention. I have noted over the years that all ramrods, original antique & modern, are always too short to be of any practicle use. When I came to make a new ramrod for my fusil, I made it out of steel & I made it longer than the barrel. Secured in the ramrod pipes under the barrel it sticks out beyond the muzzle, but with a round ball it makes no difference to the accuracy.

This is the other end of my fusil's ramrod, the end which fits through the ramrod pipes. I forged a worm on the end for cleaning the barrel.

This is the screw tip to my fusil's steel ramrod. When removed, I can screw on a "screw" tip for pulling a load.

As you can see in this image, the ramrod I made extends beyond the muzzle. This gives me a little more rod to hold when loading.

The new wooden ramrod I made for my pistol has an antler tip.

The only information available for these ramrods is that they are English.

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=13862.0

The only information available for these ramrods is that they are English.

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=13862.0

Ramrod or cleaning rod screw ends. No dates or any other information available.

http://www.finesportingcollectablesltd.co.uk/parts.htm;

Ramrod or cleaning rod worm ends. No dates or any other information available.

http://www.finesportingcollectablesltd.co.uk/parts.htm;

Flintlock blunderbuss by GE Kope Wangen, circa 1750. 

As you can see on this example the ramrod does not reach beyond the muzzle.

The first (top) ramrod is flared and is from a Double Barrel 12 Gauge Side by Side Percussion Shotgun made by SCOTT & Co. LONDON in the 1830's. The second ramrod has a brass tip and is from a Single Barrel 12 Gauge Percussion Shotgun having the Black Powder Belgium Liege Proof Mark of the 1830's.

http://sparetimeactivities.net/Ramrod.htm;

As you can see in this image of my fusil, & the .32 caliber rifle below, the ramrods extend beyond the muzzle.

More information on ramrods & loading rods here: http://www.cablesfarm.co.uk/ramrods-and-loading-rods/#more-1442

Some Observations on the Methods by Which Pirates Carry'd Weapons, With Illustrations.

Some Observations on the Methods by Which
Pirates Carry'd Weapons,
With Illustrations.

The Pirate Brethren Articles on The Art of Reenacting.

http://www.piratebrethren.com/articles/weaponrigs/weaponrigs01.html

Plus some images I have collected.

Pistol with belt hook.

http://www.vallejogallery.com/item.php?id=1896

To answer Keith H. Burgess's question specifically about the Blackbeard image - an artist hired by the author of Charles Johnson's "General History of Piracy" in 1724 used a description in Johnson's text to create the image. The problem is that no other document corroborates Johnson's description. Johnson's work with Blackbeard is highly questioned since there are plenty of questionable or outright proven wrong parts of the Blackbeard chapter - not to mention that none of Johnson's descriptions of any pirate captains have ever been corroborated. There is a strong chance that Johnson invented his description of Blackbeard from thin air. I cover this issue at the end of my Blackbeard's Firsts article: https://csphistorical.com/.../the-firsts-of-blackbeard.../

To sum up my findings from over the years, the most common way for a sailor or pirate to carry his pistol or pistols during this time appears to be stuck into a belt or girdle, often with the aid of a belt hook. The use of holsters should be approached with great caution - the evidence regarding them is sketchy and not well understood as of this time. I tend to see a bias in people these days towards trying to come up with holsters since our society has been so engulfed in American Westerns where practically all guns are kept in holsters. The most accurate thing to do is to simply stick to having pistols in belts/girdles.

David Fictum.
(My thanks to David Fictum & Matty Bottles for their contribution to this blog post).

Keith.

Image: What Not To Do! Photo with kind permission of Matty Bottles.

All the world’s a stage-Shakespeare.

Painting By Andrew Knez Jnr.

All the world’s a stage-Shakespeare.

All the world may be a stage, but real life is not a play. If we fail to check our gun frequently & the hammer should accidently get knocked back leaving the pan open then our priming may be lost, & unlike in the movie Revenant starring DiCaprio, your gun will not fire should you need to use it urgently!

Wilderness living is about survival, many woodsmen did not survive because they failed to take the dangers seriously. Not looking after your gun can be fatal; you need to keep the lock clean inside & out. You need to waterproof the lock mortise & the barrel channel with beeswax or some other grease to stop the damp from swelling the wood. You need to carry a greased leather lock cover & some grease for waterproofing the pan in wet weather.

After shooting game, always reload immediately & place your gun somewhere safe close to hand where it will not fall. Field dress your game as quickly as possible & leave the area. The sound of your shot will have travelled far & may have attracted unwanted attention. If you can’t carry the whole animal then butcher out what you can easily carry. The rest of the animal can be hung in a tree to keep it safe until someone can return to retrieve it. But caution is needed in case someone is laying in wait.

You take care out there.
Keith.