December 2021 • Nebraskaland 45
1. Flintlock Rifl e – A fi rearm that
uses a fl int-striking ignition
mechanism. Introduced in the
early 17th century, it rapidly
replaced earlier fi rearm-
ignition technologies.
2. Percussion Rifl e – The
percussion cap, introduced
circa 1820, is a type of single-
use ignition device that
enabled them to fi re reliably
in any weather conditions.
3. Inline Rifl e – Modern inline
black powder rifl es are built
so the primer or percussion
cap can be set directly behind
the charge in the barrel of the
gun (thus "inline").
4. Adjustable Powder Measure
(brass) - Used to ensure the
correct powder amount.
5. Ball or Short Starter – For
starting the projectile at the
muzzle's opening.
6. Non-adjustable Powder
Measure (carved antler).
7. Cap holder for percussion caps.
8. Ramrod/Ramrod Kit – The
ramrod itself usually stores
under the rifl e's barrel and is
used to "seat" the projectile.
Other attachments are used
for cleaning and pulling a
stuck ball and/or patch.
9. Round Ball (lead) and Conical
lead bullets (swaged).
10. Shooting Patches – Used with
lubrication to protect the
projectile on its journey both
into the barrel and out.
11. Inline: Sabot-style projectile,
pelletized powder and speed
loader.
12. Bullet or Ball Bag – For storing
(you guessed it) balls or bullets.
13. Possibles Bag – To keep most
accoutrements together.
14. Powder Flask – A smaller
container for blackpowder,
for priming the pan of a
fl intlock.
15. Powder Horn – A container
for blackpowder, generally
created from horn.
THANKS TO AARON HERSHBERGER AND JACK REIMAN FOR THEIR
ITEMS PICTURED. PHOTOS BY JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
December 20
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