The Native American Blanket Gun,During the 18th and 19th century typical muskets were pretty long fi

The Native American Blanket Gun,During the 18th and 19th century typical muskets were pretty long firearms, made to increase accuracy and make it easier to load while standing.  However, for the typical Native American on the go large long muskets were a pain to carry through rugged wilderness.  Many tribes were nomadic hunter gathers, especially those tribes of the great plains.  No matter the tribe when Native American’s acquired muskets from Europeans, it was not uncommon for them to shorten them down to a more compact and manageable carbine size.  Some were shortened to the point that they were almost pistols.  Since they were much smaller, they were easier to carry through dense woods and swamps, stow in a canoe, or carry on horseback.  Occasionally such firearms would be decorated with traditional tack or leather.  They can come in both percussion or flintlock, and be crafted from any model of musket. -- source link

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