Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 43 guests
Matchlock rate of fire
This fascinating series is a combination of historical seafaring, swashbuckling adventure, and high technological science-fiction. Join us in a discussion!
Something I noted in regards to Safehold is the fact that Weber says that Matchlocks have a lower rate of fire to Flintlocks. I don't know where he got that point. From what I have gathered flintlocks and matchlocks had a comparable rate of fire once things had gotten going. The advantage of the flintlock is that they were less sensitive to the environment (wind, rain and similar), easier to initially set up, misfired less often and you don't have to muck about with slow matches before battle, but their rate of fire once battle had been joined under nominal conditions was basically the same.
I think his point may have been that battles are rarely ever fought in "normal" conditions and that, because flints are more effective for the reasons you listed, they maintained a more constant and thus better rate of fire.
Additionally, I do believe there is a substantial difference between the speed a charge in a flint can be ignited, compared to a match
Posts: 4002
Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2011 8:58 am
Location: Jerome, Idaho, USA
Having fired matchlocks you guys are forgetting something, you have to remove and then remount the match between firings not forgetting to blow on the coal before mounting not to mention opening the pan cover before firing. These finicky steps lowers rate of fire compared to a flintlock.
Poker
CPO Poker Mind and, Mangy Fur the Smart Alick Spacecat.
"Better to be hung for a hexapuma than a housecat," Com. Pang Yau-pau, ART.
and, Mangy Fur the Smart Alick Spacecat.