Arab? Musket

[David R]

Regarding the Arab style butt, years ago when these were often referred to as "Camel guns" I was told that they were often "tap loaded" from horse or camel back.
Tap loading is done without the use of a ramrod, powder and shot are put down the barrel and the butt then banged on the ground to force the load down to the breech. If the touch hole was large enough it would prime the pan as well, if it was a flintlock.
The large butt extension could make sense in these circumstances.

[Victrix]

Originally Posted by David R

Regarding the Arab style butt, years ago when these were often referred to as "Camel guns" I was told that they were often "tap loaded" from horse or camel back.
Tap loading is done without the use of a ramrod, powder and shot are put down the barrel and the butt then banged on the ground to force the load down to the breech. If the touch hole was large enough it would prime the pan as well, if it was a flintlock.
The large butt extension could make sense in these circumstances.

That’s very interesting. I can imagine the frustration on horse/camelback when fiddling with a ramrod and dropping it to the ground. Can see why “tap loading” might be a preferred method.

[David R]

I have "tap loaded" back when I shot muzzle loaders and it is faster than ramming... but always a bit risky if you put a ball down there.

Napoleonic armies did it a lot to increase rate of fire, the record is 12 rounds in one minute by one of Wellingtons veterans.