Indian matchlocks (Who says size isn't important?)
 

Here's another matchlock in the 'to restore' pile.
Thing is, I came across its BIG brother and it made me wonder.
Mine is about 5' long, the one I saw, which is almost exactly the same just bigger, is around 12' long!
Same proportions, like a rifle, just the length of two tall men!!
Can anyone shed any light on these gigantic rifles?
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...IM000314-1.jpg

There is a gun type known as "fortress gun" which is a extra large version of the rifle used from defensive positions. Have seen examples of these in both Indian matchlocks and Turkish miquelets.

Hi Rand,
I've seen some fairly 'hefty' ones in my time, but 12'? Thats been a first for me.

Regards
Gene

I guess there are also European specimens.
You must watch for the powder dosis; a lazy bullet will fall asleep before getting off the barrel :eek: .
Fernando

12' seems extreme.

Last weekend in the "Legermuseum" in Delft I saw several large guns called : "Walbus".
They were used from the walls of fortresses or from ships.
Sometimes filled with shred to cause a lot of injuries.
But also used with one large bullet as a sniper gun.

In piece times they could be used for hunting on ducks and other birds, than again filled with shred.

I did not take exact notice of the size, but I guess 8' was approx the longest.

Checked their (museum) website right now, found some pictures, but without size. and size matters in this thread :shrug: ;)

Best regards,
Willem

Rampart, or wall guns exist, in all forms, and all regions. The latest I have seen, was from the American "Civil War". When flintlock, or caplock versions are encountered, it's sometimes hard to tell whether they are Rampart Guns, or Punt Guns. The latter being mounted in the front of a small boat, and used by market hunters, for water fowl. I agree, that 12' is a bit excessive. But, who knows. Could have also been an advertising gimmic?

Hmm, wonder if any forumites have one this long?
I've seen rampart guns of various types over the years, but this is essentially just like the plain arsenal one I've pictured, just 12' long (ish)
I can only assume that its for long range, as the barrel itself muct be 9' long, but its just such an astonishing length! Not so much a snipe, as it doesn't seem to have the finess needed.
Perhaps for use against groups at extreme range where precision accuracy wouldn't matter as much, just range?