tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372861400250108292.post1467866384360650788..comments2024-02-08T14:44:58.574-06:00Comments on Campaigns in Miniature: Problem solved!Michael Mathewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10944993820634306675noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372861400250108292.post-44387368565430145812011-04-11T16:56:33.680-05:002011-04-11T16:56:33.680-05:00I have an idea that smoothbore muskets by the mid-...I have an idea that smoothbore muskets by the mid-19th Century might not have been as inaccurate as has often been alleged. Given time to reload and aim, reasonable chances of a hit were possible at respectable ranges.<br />In what follows I'm going by an imperfect memory, but I recall reading of a siege during the 'Musket Wars' of New Zealand (Maori vs Maori, this during the 1830s or 40s). The attackers were well armed with muskets; the defenders had precisely one. This single musket - smoothbore, mark you - was in the hands of one Wiremu Kingi - later famous on the Maori side in the First Taranaki Land war (Maori vs Pakeha - European, 1860-1).<br />Apparently, Wiremu Kingi did a fair bit of execution among the besiegers, picking them off (especially leaders) at quite long ranges. Eventually the attackers were sufficiently sickened to call of the siege and go home.Archduke Piccolohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15533325665451889661noreply@blogger.com