[J. Lee]

There has been much studies on the accuracy on 16th~18th century muskets
(particularly the Napoleonic ones), but it seems there ismuch less data on 15th century handguns.

Of course, its short barrel must've limited its accuracy more than musket, but it would be
better if there were more exact datas.
Are there any tests on such experiments at the range of , say, 50 yards to 100 yards?

[Glen A Cleeton]

There is a fellow apparently a few hills away from me I have just never got around to hooking up with to pester. Here is a test page with results from about forty-five feet. There are links from there to other pages (nice image gallery/museum) including forums.

http://www.handgonne.com/tann2.html

Cheers

GC

[Randall Moffett]

I know of no real testing on accuracy. I have seen some reenctors out with their guns but so few use real bullets but blanks that I cannot say I have ever seen them really used for target shooting. There was some testing by the RA on the Tannenburg gun I cannot find it off hand but that's where I'd start. I do not think they tested accuracy though.

Glen,

I have come across that site before. Some interesting info and testing but I think the gentleman's excitement for handguns perhaps pushes much of his historic/testing information and ideas from true north if you get my drift.

RPM

[Gordon Frye]

Ulrich Bretscher in Switzerland has done a fair amount of on-the-ground research with handgonnes, and his research is posted on his website here: http://www.musketeer.ch/index.html Pretty interesting stuff!

Also check out Bert Hall's "Weapons and Warfare iin Renaissance Europe", an excellent book with quite a bit of good information on the development of firearm tactics, beginning of course with handgonnes and cannon. It's very well written and full of excellent information and research.

Cheers!

Gordon

[Randall Moffett]

Gordon,

Ah did not think about Bert Hall's book. That is indeed a must read on the subject.

http://www.oxbowbooks.com/bookinfo.cfm/ID/21052//Location/DBBC

RPM