Instructions for Firing a Musket, undated
Load, 1 Time, 5 Motions.
1.         At the command “Load” (from a carry) bring the carbine to the position of “Present Arms”.
2.         At the command “Two” drop the muzzle obliquely to the left, and parallel to the body, place the muzzle on the left toe, seizing the piece at the toe of the butt with the left hand, lever to the front, Stock opposite the right side pushing back the magazine cover with the right thumb, forefingers grasping the outside of the Stock.
3.         Withdraw the magazine tube with the right hand, placing it in the left hand between the fingers and the butt, top up, place seven or less cartridges in the magazine, and replace the tube, pushing back the magazine cover with the second joint of the right forefinger.
4.         Reseize the piece at the small of the Stock, throwing it up to the position of “Present Arms” with the assistance of the left hand.
5.         Come to “Carry Arms.”
 
Ready, 1 Time, 3 Motions.
  1. At the command “Ready” make a half face to the right, the hollow of the right foot three inches in rear of the left heel left toe square to the front, right toe square to the right. Bring the piece down, muzzle as high as the eye, left hand grasping the piece at the sight, thumb on the groove of the Stock and Barrel and pointing up, the right hand grasping the piece at the small of the Stock, thumb pointing up behind the hammer, piece/pressed firmly against the side. Barrel square to the front.
  2. Press the end of the lever between the thumb and forefinger, and throw it open looking down to see if the empty case be thrown out, lower the muzzle to the heighth of the shoulder and shut the lever with the right hand, the butt being under the right arm, and reseize the piece with the right hand at the small of the Stock.
  3. Cock the piece with the right thumb, and reseize the piece with the right hand at the small of the Stock.
 
Aim, 1 Time, 1 Motion.
1.         Raise the piece to a horizontal position pressing the butt firmly against the right shoulder, grasping the piece, with the left hand at the end of the Stock, between the thumb and second joint of the forefinger, left elbow as high as the shoulder right hand grasping the small of the Stock, forefinger in front, and lightly touching the trigger, close the left eye, place the right cheek against the left face of the Stock, cast the right eye along the sights, so as to see the object through them.
 
Fire, 1 Time, 1 Motion.
1.         Pull the trigger without a jerk, and keep the piece steady after firing.
 
 
Recover Arms, 1 Time, 1 Motion.
1.         Take the position of “Ready”
Carry Arms, 1 Time, 2 Motions.
  1. Half cock the piece, and reseize the piece at the small of the Stock.
2.         Face to the front, and bring the piece up to the position of “Carry Arms” changing the position of the right hand on the Stock, drop the left hand smartly by the side.
4560
DATABASE CONTENT
(4560)DOT0005.004.2113Other

Manuscript Instructions for Firing a Musket, Associated with Captain George W. Yates, 13th Missouri Cavalry


Tags: Guns

SOURCES

Instructions for Firing a Musket, undated, DOT0005.004.21