Is a Blackpowder Firearm the Ultimate Survival Weapon?

by MHM

14 November 2018
 

  So, the unthinkable has happened. Maxine Waters is now president (beating Hillary Clinton, again) due to a fluke in the time-space continuum, and the next day Earth gets struck by a mega coronal mass ejection that fries every electrical device known to mankind. What would your choice be for a survival weapon?
  For self defense and hunting, there are many implements to choose from, ranging from good ol’ stone age weapons such as the atlatl, spears, and bows, to the medieval sword and crossbow. Modern firearms notwithstanding, I don’t see the supply of small arms ammo drying up immediately (even after fifty years). WWI and WWII era small arms are still evident in some modern wars, and black powder flintlock firearms and cartridge guns were sold and used by tribesmen until the early 1900’s (not to mention used in the 1980’s by Afghan muj). So, what’s the old school survivor to do after the SHTF?

     1980- Afghan Muj armed with Lee Enfield Mk 1 rifles produced from 1903-1907. One       guerilla is armed with a more modern Soviet AKM (Photo- NY Times). Rarely, Martini-Henry black powder cartridge guns are still found in Taliban caches, along with flintlock jezails.

  Naturally, many prefer such calibers as the .22 long rifle, or black powder cartridge guns. Fine and dandy for cartridge guns, provided you have a lifetime supply of primers, and plan on defending your organic turnip farm or llama ranch along with a few well armed neighbors. Good luck trying to fight off marauding biker gangs, renegade military units, or cultists who believe Bill the Cat is the supreme deity. That, or invest in a good .45-70 Sharps.
   While some believe they can survive in the wilderness with their flintlock long rifle or caplock Hawken, “livin’ the life” of a Rocky Mountain trapper, the fact of the matter is that after a few weeks, the population will have dwindled seriously and only those with a means of self defense (or offense, depending on your point of view) will have the means to survive.  Returning to Civil War era living conditions, it won’t take long for suppressed diseases to return (such as cholera, plague, pandemic flu, malaria, hemorraghic fevers, etc.).

                  J. Hawken full stock caplock rifle, made circa 1825 (Cody Firearms Museum)

  So, what’s a survival enthusiast to do in the face of such calamity? Even if the supply of modern cartridge ammo dries up, one still has the means to make a primitive black powder firearm in the form of a matchlock pistol or musket (even a rifle, if you’re into some serious gunsmithing).
  The first matchlocks appeared around 1450, made by Germanic gunsmiths. They were used extensively by various armies in the early 1500’s, supplemented by wheellock pistols and rifles, and by 1625 the snaplock and flintlock mechanisms were widely available. In an emergency, even a flintlock firearm, or a caplock rifle, can be converted to use matchcord by simply securing matchchord in the jaws of a flintlock (opening the pan just before firing), or tying to the hammer of a caplock (you’ll have to prime the tube accordingly).  

Author owns a reproduction 15th century arquebus and 17th century fishtail matchlock musket.

  The main drawback of a matchlock is that the pan must be opened immediately before firing, and then pulling the lever or trigger. This could be problematic in inclement weather, or if the wind is blowing (as on the plains).  We should keep in mind that soldiers and colonial militia were also armed with swords and tomahawks for additional defense.
  There are several sutlers available for purchasing a matchlock musket, and it’s not terribly difficult to make your own black powder if the need ever arises. Matchcord is easily made using 3/8” to ½” cotton cord (100 percent), which can be found at most craft stores. I’ve found that one can also use sisal rope, but the cotton cord works better. 
  I made my matchcord by soaking it in potassium nitrate; about two tablespoons to a two liter jug of water. I soaked the cord for 15 minutes, and after drying, it burned with a nice coal at the rate of one inch in seven minutes. You may have to experiment for faster or slower rates. 

  I purchased my fishtail matchlock musket from the Canadian company “The Discriminating General”, and the arquebus from Indian manufacturer MK Sigligar. The latter took 20 days to arrive, but the transaction went well and shipping from India was $100 (the cost of purchase and S&H was still several hundred dollars under US prices).

  Whether it's your primary choice or a backup to a modern firearm, black powder firearms continue to endure.

mhm
Old School Survival blog
14 November 2018

15th century arquebus and fishtail musket (the candle shot is pretty amazing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-vJOUBIX4o

Iraq Veteran8888 test fires a fishtail matchlock musket
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk1oWUjS3UQ

Equipping the musketeer and firing-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZukxamOoVE