Revolutionary War Weapons

I always find these NOVA programs interesting but this one, on fighting 250 years ago, was less compelling than most of them. However it was a very important type of fighting that resulted in the young Colonies defeating England in the 1700s and gaining independence to become the Unites States of America.

As a scientist I most enjoy the scientific aspects of a program like this. I found especially interesting the comparison of the old musket rifles of the time to a modern high-powered military rifle.

In the hands of a marksman the modern rifle hit a target at 100 yards, not in the bullseye but not far away. When the same marksman shot at the same target from the same distance, none of the several shots even hit the target or its frame.

Measurements showed that muzzle velocity for the musket was barely one-third that of the modern rifle. Plus the tighter clearances of the modern rifle gives a tighter dispersion pattern.

Still, when it hit the target, the old musket could do lots of damage, as shown in extremely slow-motion film of the ball striking a gelatin block meant to simulate human flesh. So what did the British do during fighting? They marched many men and shot many muskets at relatively close range so that some of the balls would hit something.

But we all know what the result was...