Muskets

Both types of weapon were up to 5 ft long, and were effective up to 300 yds. They might not kill at that range, but most musket injuries were fatal eventually. Although they were hugely inaccurate at maximum range, formations in the civil wars were too large for it to make much difference. When used as a sharpshooter's weapon, the effective range was halved, or even less.

Muskets were muzzle loaded, and the process was very slow. First, powder was dropped down the barrel and tapped down with a scouring stick (wooden rod). Then the lead ball would be dropped down, and wadding of some kind added to hold it in place. This would be rammed down to ensure the best range.

The different types of musket had different firing mechanisms, which are described below.

Matchlock

The matchlock mechanism consists of a serpent (a movable armature) that is brought down onto a pan when the trigger is pulled. When loaded, powder would be put in the pan (which could be covered to protect the powder). A match (flax soaked in saltpetre) would be kept lighted at both ends, and when ready to fire would be pressed into the serpent. When firing, the match would come down into the open pan to ignite the powder. The flame from this would travel along a small tube into the main charge, firing the musket.

Flintlock

Flintlock mechanisms are easier to use, but more expensive to produce. A flint is brought down sharply onto a metal tray. When loaded, the tray has powder in it, which is ignited by the sparks. The flame then travels to the main charge in a similar way to the matchlock. The main advantage of this weapon, is that there is no need to keep match lighted in order to fire it. In fact, the troops guarding the powder stores were issued with these weapons to prevent sparks from matches igniting the precious powder.