[shane256]

In another discussion on another board, I was reminded of the Militia Act of 1792 and thought about how times have changed...

The Militia Act of 1792 has the following article:

...
That every citizen, so enrolled and notified, shall, within six months thereafter, provide himself with a good musket or firelock, a sufficient bayonet and belt, two spare flints, and a knapsack, a pouch, with a box therein, to contain not less than twenty four cartridges, suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each cartridge to contain a proper quantity of powder and ball; or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch, and powder-horn, twenty balls suited to the bore of his rifle, and a quarter of a pound of powder; and shall appear so armed, accoutred and provided, when called out to exercise or into service, except, that when called out on company days to exercise only, he may appear without a knapsack. That the commissioned Officers shall severally be armed with a sword or hanger, and espontoon; and that from and after five years from the passing of this Act, all muskets from arming the militia as is herein required, shall be of bores sufficient for balls of the eighteenth part of a pound; and every citizen so enrolled, and providing himself with the arms, ammunition and accoutrements, required as aforesaid, shall hold the same exempted from all suits, distresses, executions or sales, for debt or for the payment of taxes.
...

Which required all (well, there were some exceptions but basically all) the men in the entire country between the ages of 18 and 45 to purchase and own a firearm (among other things) that conformed to those standards. This enabled a standardized militia across the country to be called upon as needed.

 

[M1894]

Hmmmmm, I think that there's been some changes in attitude since that act was written, and a lot of forgetfullness as to why.

 

[Cheezywan]

I doubt that it took six months to comply for most! That was a minimum requirement.

I have "complied" with that so far. Proud to do so.

Cheezywan

 

[45_70Sharps]

What caliber is "of bores sufficient for balls of the eighteenth part of a pound"?
I'm not sure if I comply with this today or not?
Should be about 50 cal., I think.

 

[smokinfz1]

that would be a ball weighing 389 grains, at least the way I read it.

 

[shane256]

That's how shotguns are still named... "eighteenth part of a pound" would be 18ga.

 

[broom_jm]

A 50 caliber lead ball would not be of sufficient weight, so this would have required either a 54 or 58 caliber rifle. That we aren't even sure how to comply with this recommendation is a sign of how far away from that level of preparedness we've gotten. Although, I think the majority of us on this forum could "answer the call" if hostilities broke out on American soil. It is a simple fact that the proficiency with firearms displayed by the average American has been a strong deterrent against invasion from other countries ever since the Revolution.

The equivalent today might be a .223 or .308, quality hunting boots and pack, along with some of our reloading supplies to contribute to a centralized armory. I dare say a formidable militia could be organized in fairly short order, led by former members of our military, with the rank and file consisting of the many Americans who shoot and hunt for recreation. I know there are a lot of anti-gun, anti-hunting, anti-AMERICAN people out there, who make a lot of noise and rattle sabers they have not the fortitude to actually wield, but I think there is a silent majority who would not hesitate to take up arms, to defend this country in an hour of need.

 

[MikeG]

What caliber is "of bores sufficient for balls of the eighteenth part of a pound"?
I'm not sure if I comply with this today or not?
Should be about 50 cal., I think.

Remember, with black powder, if it goes down the barrel it can come back out at some sort of reasonable velocity. So a slightly larger gage barrel would be OK too, at least with some wadding. The minimum bore requirement would let the shot supply be communal. Powder and flints, of course, are more or less interchangeable.....

I read it as 18 ga too so 16 ga, 12 ga, etc. would work (to some degree).

 

[MikeG]

A 50 caliber lead ball would not be of sufficient weight, so this would have required either a 54 or 58 caliber rifle. That we aren't even sure how to comply with this recommendation is a sign of how far away from that level of preparedness we've gotten. Although, I think the majority of us on this forum could "answer the call" if hostilities broke out on American soil. It is a simple fact that the proficiency with firearms displayed by the average American has been a strong deterrent against invasion from other countries ever since the Revolution.

The equivalent today might be a .223 or .308, quality hunting boots and pack, along with some of our reloading supplies to contribute to a centralized armory. I dare say a formidable militia could be organized in fairly short order, led by former members of our military, with the rank and file consisting of the many Americans who shoot and hunt for recreation. I know there are a lot of anti-gun, anti-hunting, anti-AMERICAN people out there, who make a lot of noise and rattle sabers they have not the fortitude to actually wield, but I think there is a silent majority who would not hesitate to take up arms, to defend this country in an hour of need.

I'd feel pretty good with a short turk, bayonet, and a could of bandoleers of 8x57 fmj!!! Cheap, tough, and you don't worry about ANYTHING getting scratched....

I don't remember if I have a .308. Might among the reworked mausers..... ?

 

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