Hi Gordon, finally took a pic of the carbine. It is based on the Littlecote carbines. It came with the 18th century lock. I have always meant to track down a 17th century Doglock for it but have just never gotten around to it.

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Rod;

Thanks! Very cool little carbine! I've always liked the feel of the Littlecote Carbines... though they sure look funny. But they ARE comfortable to sight, which is what matters. Haven't shot one yet... I assume that they're comfortable to shoot, too?

Don't worry too much about the Brown Bess lock... heck, I have a photo of a JRII lock that is to all intents an purposes identical to the Bess locks. Not "Banana" shaped at all. So although it's a BIT off, it's still a definite 17th Century lock style, and they really, really work well! I like the fact that yous is octagon to round, too. Is this one in .75", like your "killer" carbine? :D It's a good looking little carbine you have there! Bravo!

Nice sword and main gauche, too... who did those? Way cool set! And of course you already have the armour...

Thanks again for posting, I've enjoyed seeing your toys!

Cheers,

Gordon

Hi Gordon, that is the Killer carbine :D .

.75cal and a beast. Not particulary accurate though. I guess it doesn't matter as you would be shooting at a mass of men anyway.

The main gauche and sword blades are by Peter Lyon, (he of LOTR sword fame). The hilts were done by a local armourer here in Australia.

They are a funny looking stock aren't they. It is surprisingly comfortable to shoot and very easy to use from horseback.

Rod;

Ah, how cool! Peter Lyon now has quite the name these days, what? Excellent. Any nifty things to report on them?

And "AHA!" So this IS the "Killer Carbine", LOL! :D So since you've done some practice with ball since the innaugural event, what size ball were you using? I found that with a nice clean barrel in a Bess, a .715" ball (no patch, of course) does very well at 100 yards... the .730" is fine for the first two shots or so, but then is WAY too tight with any fouling. (One of these days I'll tell you about the famous bayonet charge on snowshoes... not a recommended practice!)

I'd also love to hear (and I suspect others on this board would too, though they are too shy to mention it) about some of your experiences in shooting from horseback, and the intricacies of loading from the saddle!

Thanks again, Rod, and take care!

Cheers,

Gordon

What an awesome set! Very nice, indeed...thanks for sharing....

Bill

Wonderful looking set, Rod.

I agree with comments that the carbine "looks a little funny", but, since you fellows describe it as comfortable, I think that all "a little funny" means is that whoever designed it knew something about ergonomics!

Don't hesitate to post more pictures!

I will drag out all my 17th century equipment this weekend, mount up and have some pics taken using the carbine, sword etc.

Looking at the stock I wonder if it was designed to be used at times with the stock supported under the armpit when used from horse back one handed.

Although a short weapon it looks like too much of an effort was spent designing it to for it to be meant to be used only as a point and shoot weapon: I assume that with the right load and size ball it would act more like a short rifle than a cut down shotgun!

Is it smooth bore or rifled and how good is the trigger pull: Simple or set trigger ? Hard to tell from the photo but there seems to be front sight at least, can't tell if there is a rear sight.

It is a smooth bore. The trigger pull is quite hard. I usually use two fingers on it as it give me more control. I have used it one handed with the butt tucked under my arm. Usually I ride in, turn to the off side (right) and lay it over my bridle arm to steady it.
Mind you I have also, 'in extremis' ,just held it like a bloody big pistol and fired it. :D

A lighter trigger is an accidental-fire waiting to happen, which is probably why it has a heavy trigger (on horseback, I mean.... on foot I have no problem with a 4lb trigger on a 1911A1).


The stock does look odd but ergonomically speaking probably fits just fine. Some guns are odd like that.