Bayonets

Posted by Bill Rooks on December 30, 1997 at 09:02:57:

In Reply to: Re: Rifles, muskets etc posted by Kathy on December 30, 1997 at 08:48:55:

: :Hi Bill, I know nothing at all about rifles or muskets so I certainly can't answer your question, but if I may, I would like to add one. I saw very few bayonettes on the end of the rifles. I just assumed that all the soldiers would have them since much of the fighting was done hand to hand. Am I wrong?? Kathy

Kathy,

Muskets had a stud (NO NOT DDL!) on the end of the barrel which
accepted a bayonet and allowed it to be locked onto the end of
the musket. Rifles had no such stud. Generally the close in
weapon of the rifleman was the tomahawk and/or knife while the
musketman fired several volleys and then charged with the bayonet.

Raises another interesting question.......which was better? The
bayonet or the tomahawk for close in fighting??? Anybody care to
get in on THAT question?

Follow Ups:

• Re: Bayonets Tom Kilbane 21:59:50 12/30/97 (3)
  • Tom Kildane.....re: bayonets......a response Bill Rooks 13:23:15 12/31/97 (2)
    • Re: Tom Kilbane.....re: bayonets......a response Tom Kilbane 19:09:55 12/31/97 (1)
      • Re: Tom Kilbane.....re: bayonets......a response Bill Rooks 20:43:19 12/31/97 (0)

Post a Followup

Name    : 
E-Mail  : 
Subject : 

Comments:
: : :Hi Bill, I know  nothing at all about rifles or muskets so I certainly can't answer your question, but if I may, I would like to add one. I saw very few bayonettes on the end of the rifles. I just assumed that all the soldiers would have them since much of the fighting was done hand to hand. Am I wrong??  Kathy

: Kathy,

: Muskets had a stud (NO NOT DDL!) on the end of the barrel which
: accepted a bayonet and allowed it to be locked onto the end of
: the musket.  Rifles had no such stud.  Generally the close in
: weapon of the rifleman was the tomahawk and/or knife while the
: musketman fired several volleys and then charged with the bayonet.  

: Raises another interesting question.......which was better? The
: bayonet or the tomahawk for close in fighting???  Anybody care to
: get in on THAT question?


Optional Link URL:  
Link Title:         
Optional Image URL: