OT question about gun mechanisms

kisak · 10th March 2010, 11:56 AM

The basic matchlock appears to be two moving parts (three with the pan cover) and one spring, though it seems it would be possible to get it to fire even if the spring broke. See http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7524

Simpler than that and we have the basic serpentine: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7077

Any simpler than that and I guess we're down to a simple touch-hole. Though in a 19th century setting I guess a percussion nipple&cap and a blunt object could work as well, depending on how much force you get blowing back through the nipple when the main charge goes off. Might make it hard to aim though.

10th March 2010, 11:56 AM	#8
kisak Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Stockholm Posts: 182	The basic matchlock appears to be two moving parts (three with the pan cover) and one spring, though it seems it would be possible to get it to fire even if the spring broke. See http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7524 Simpler than that and we have the basic serpentine: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7077 Any simpler than that and I guess we're down to a simple touch-hole. Though in a 19th century setting I guess a percussion nipple&cap and a blunt object could work as well, depending on how much force you get blowing back through the nipple when the main charge goes off. Might make it hard to aim though.