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{{short description|Type of firearm with a flared muzzle}}
{{For multi|the Jack White album|Blunderbuss (album){{!}}''Blunderbuss'' (album)|other uses}}
[[File:Flintlock Blunderbuss Tipoo Sahib Seringapatam 1793 1794.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|A [[flintlock]] blunderbuss, built for [[Tipu Sultan]]<ref>Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, your New York.</ref>]]
The '''blunderbuss''' is a 17th- to mid-19th-century [[firearm]] with a short, large [[caliber]] [[Gun barrel|barrel]]. It is commonly flared at the [[muzzle (firearms)|muzzle]] to help aid in the loading of [[Lead shot|shot]] and other projectiles of relevant quantity or caliber.{{Clarify|reason=What specifically qualifies?|date=October 2024}} The blunderbuss is commonly considered to be an early predecessor of the modern [[shotgun]], with similar military usage.<ref name=eb1911>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Blunderbuss}}</ref> It was effective only at short range, lacking accuracy at long distances. A blunderbuss in [[handgun]] form was called a ''[[Dragon (firearm)|dragon]]'', and it is from this that the term ''[[dragoon]]'' evolved.<ref name=scott>{{cite book|title=The British Army: Its Origin, Progress, and Equipment|author=Sibbald Mike Lier|year=1868|publisher=Cassell, Petter, Galpin|pages=33, 302–304}}</ref><ref name=mildict>{{cite book|title=A Military Dictionary |url=https://archive.org/details/militarydictiona00voyliala |author=George Elliot Voyle, G. de Saint-Clair-Stevenson|year=1876|publisher=W. Clowes & Sons|pages=[https://archive.org/details/militarydictiona00voyliala/page/43 43], 114}}</ref>

==Etymology==
[[File:English flintlock blunderbuss.jpeg|alt=|thumb|An English flintlock blunderbuss]]

The term "blunderbuss" is of [[Dutch language|Dutch]] origin, from the Dutch word ''donderbus'', which is a combination of ''donder'', meaning "thunder", and ''bus'', meaning "container, tin" (Middle Dutch: ''busse'', box, jar, from [[Latin]] ''buxus'', box tree).<ref name=eb1911/>

The transition from ''donder'' to ''blunder'' is thought by some to be deliberate; the term ''blunder'' was originally used in a [[transitive verb|transitive]] sense, synonymous with ''to confuse'', and this is thought to describe the stunningly loud report of the large-bore, short-barreled blunderbuss.<ref name=scott/>{{verification failed|date=January 2017}} The term ''dragon'' is taken from the fact that early versions were decorated with a carving in the form of a mythic [[dragon]]'s head around the muzzle; the [[muzzle blast]] would then give the impression of a fire-breathing dragon.<ref name=mildict/>

==Design and use==
[[File:Espingole 1760 France.jpg|thumb|A French blunderbuss, called an ''espingole'', 1760, France]]
[[File:Fusils poudre noire.JPG|thumb|[[Musketoon]], blunderbuss and [[coach gun]] from the [[American Civil War]] era]]

The flared muzzle is the defining feature of the blunderbuss, differentiating it from large caliber [[carbine]]s; the distinction between the blunderbuss and the [[musketoon]] is less distinct, as musketoons were also used to fire shot, and some had flared barrels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nmm.ac.uk/collections/explore/object.cfm?ID=AAA2517|title=Musketoon (AAA2517)|publisher=National Maritime Museum|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201113306/http://www.nmm.ac.uk/collections/explore/object.cfm?ID=AAA2517|archive-date=2009-02-01}}</ref><ref name="landc">{{Cite web |url=http://www.lewis-clark.org/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=2360 |title=Thunder Gun |last=Carrick |first=Michael |year=2005 |website=Discovering Lewis & Clark |publication-date=May 2005 <!--https://web.archive.org/web/20160401044010/http://www.lewis-clark.org/article/2360?ArticleID=2360 --> |access-date=2017-04-28 |archive-date=2010-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613092820/http://lewis-clark.org/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=2360 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=proceedings>{{cite book|title=Proceedings|author=Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne|author-link=Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne|year=1905|publisher=Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-upon-Tyne|page=251}}</ref> The muzzle (and often the bore) was flared perhaps with the intent not only to possibly increase the spread of the shot, but moreso to funnel powder and shot into the weapon, making it easier to reload on horseback or on a moving carriage; modern experiments corroborated the dramatic improvement in shot spread, going from a {{convert|21|in|mm|adj=mid|-spread|order=flip|abbr=off}} diameter from a straight barrel to an average of {{convert|38|in|mm|abbr=on|order=flip}} spread at {{convert|10|yd|m|order=flip|abbr=off|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2007-B96-Myths-of-the-Blunderbuss.pdf|title=Myths of the Blunderbuss|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720163146/https://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2007-B96-Myths-of-the-Blunderbuss.pdf|archive-date=July 20, 2023}}</ref> Although, some{{who|date=August 2025}} have suggested that these tests could have been flawed{{cn|date=August 2025}}.

Blunderbusses were typically short, with barrels under {{convert|2|ft|cm|-1|order=flip}} in length, at a time when a typical musket barrel was over {{convert|3|ft|cm|-1|order=flip|abbr=on}} long.<ref>See [[Brown Bess]].</ref><ref name= pennarchives>{{cite book|title=Pennsylvania Archives|author=Charles Francis Hoban|year=1853}}, page 324, from a letter dated March 7, 1778</ref> One source, describing arms from the early to middle 17th century, lists the barrel length of a [[wheel lock]] dragon at around {{convert|11|in|cm|0|order=flip|abbr=on}}, compared to a {{convert|16|in|cm|0|order=flip|abbr=on}} length for a blunderbuss.<ref name=scott/>

The blunderbuss could be considered an early type of [[shotgun]] and served in many similar roles. Though some old accounts may list the blunderbuss as being loaded with various scrap iron, rocks, or wood, which might well result in damage to the [[Gauge (firearms)|bore]] of the gun, it was typically loaded with a number of [[lead]] balls smaller than the bore diameter. Barrels were made of [[steel]] or [[brass]].

[[File:Dragon pistol.jpg|thumb|A blunderbuss pistol, or dragon, found at a [[Battle of Cerro Gordo|battlefield in Cerro Gordo]], [[Veracruz]], [[Mexico]]]]
[[File:Harpers ferry blunderbuss 1808.jpg|thumb|An 1808 Harper's Ferry blunderbuss, of the type carried on the [[Lewis and Clark Expedition]]]]
[[File:Muzeum Diecezjalne - 06.JPG|thumb|A pair of Ottoman blunderbuss pistols on display in Poland fitted with the [[miquelet lock]]]]
[[File:Blunderbuss, flintlock (AM 775465-6).jpg|thumb|Alarm gun, designed to frighten or maim poachers and grave robbers.]]
[[File:Pintle mounted gun on the "White" pirogue.JPG|thumb|A recreation of one of Lewis and Clark's pirogues with a blunderbuss mounted to the bow with a pintle]]

The blunderbuss, and especially the dragon, was typically issued to troops such as [[cavalry]], who needed a lightweight, easily handled firearm.<ref name=pennarchives/> The dragon became so associated with cavalry and [[mounted infantry]] that the term ''[[dragoon]]'' became synonymous with mounted infantry. In addition to the cavalry, the blunderbuss found a use for other duties in which the shotgun-like qualities were desirable, such as for guarding prisoners or defending a [[mail coach]], and its use for [[urban combat]] was also recognized.<ref name=mildict/><ref>{{cite book|title=The American Revolution|url=https://archive.org/details/americanrevolut13trevgoog|author=George Otto Trevelyan| year=1905|publisher=Longmans, Green and co.}}</ref> Blunderbusses were also commonly carried by officers on naval warships, by [[privateer]]s and by [[pirate]]s for use in close-quarters [[boarding action]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gunclassics.com/pirateblunder.html|title=Pirate Blunderbuss; A Blunt and Intimidating Weapon|website=www.gunclassics.com|access-date=6 April 2018}}</ref> The [[Portuguese Marines]] used it widely in the 17th century. Many types of ammunition, including gravel and sand, could be shot in a pinch, but most of the time they were shot using traditional lead balls.

The blunderbuss used by the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Royal Mail]] during the period of 1788–1816 was a [[flintlock]] with a {{convert|14|in|cm|0|order=flip|abbr=on}} long flared [[brass]] barrel, brass trigger guard, and an iron trigger and lock. A typical British mail coach would have a single postal employee on board, armed with a blunderbuss and a pair of [[pistol]]s to guard the mail from [[Highwayman|highwaymen]].<ref>{{cite web |author=The British Postal Museum and Archive |title=Weapons |url=http://postalheritage.org.uk/collections/museum/weapons/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070919224904/http://postalheritage.org.uk/collections/museum/weapons/ |archive-date=2007-09-19 |access-date=2025-06-24}}, see items OB1995.338 and OB1995.344</ref> One 18th century ''coaching blunderbuss'' in another British collection had a brass barrel {{convert|17|in|cm|0|order=flip|abbr=on}} long, flaring to {{convert|2|in|0|order=flip|abbr=on}} at the muzzle; it was also provided with a spring-loaded [[bayonet]], which was held along the barrel by a catch and would spring forward into place when released.<ref name=proceedings/> Spring-loaded bayonet blunderbusses were also used by the [[Nottingham City Police]] after its formation around 1840.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldpolicecellsmuseum.org.uk/content/history/police_history/firearms|title=Arming the police|author=Mike Waldren}}, see section "1836 – Protection of Royal Palaces"</ref>

While the blunderbuss is often associated with the [[Pilgrims (Plymouth Colony)|Plymouth Colony Pilgrims]] of 1620,<ref>{{cite book|title=Shooting: For Boys|url=https://archive.org/details/shootingforboys00collgoog|author=Archie Frederick Collins|pages=[https://archive.org/details/shootingforboys00collgoog/page/n62 33]–34|year=1917|publisher=Moffat, Yard and company}}</ref> evidence suggests that the blunderbuss was relatively scarce in the American colonies. After the [[Battles of Lexington and Concord|Battle of Lexington]] in 1775, British General [[Thomas Gage]] occupied [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]], and upon negotiating with the town committee, Gage agreed to let the inhabitants of Boston leave town with their families and effects if they surrendered all arms. While most of the residents of Boston stayed, those who left under the agreement surrendered 1,778 long arms, 634 pistols, 273 bayonets, and only 38 blunderbusses.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Annals of America, Volume II|author=Abiel Holmes|year=1829|publisher=Hillard and Brown|page=242}}</ref> The blunderbuss did still have its civilian applications, however; the [[Lewis and Clark Expedition]] carried a number of blunderbusses, some of which were mounted and used as small [[swivel gun]]s on the [[pirogue]]s.<ref name=landc/>

The [[American Navy]] issued their first standardized blunderbuss during the [[War of 1812]].<ref>[https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/American_Military_Shoulder_Arms_Volume_I/hYO4JyhD9r0C?hl=&gbpv=1 American military shoulder arms I, page 332]</ref> The M1814 Blunderbuss was manufactured at [[Harpers Ferry]], [[Springfield Armory]] and also in [[Canton, Massachusetts]].<ref>[https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/collection-items/swivel-blunderbuss/ USS Constitution blunderbuss]</ref> During the 1830s these were converted from [[flintlock]] to [[cap and ball]]. American inventor and naval officer [[John A. Dahlgren]] designed a brass [[swivel gun]] blunderbuss during the 1840s for the [[fighting top]] of [[ships of the line]] such as [[USS Constitution]].<ref>[https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmusn/explore/artifacts/artifact-curios/weapons/blunderbuss-brass-percussion.html Dahlgren's brass blunderbuss from USS Constitution]</ref> Although considered obsolete by the 1860s, M1814 blunderbusses were used by the USN during the Civil War to destroy Confederate [[naval mine]]s.<ref>[https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Official_Records_of_the_Union_and_Confed/PXmMOpm0k4IC Official records of US and CS Navy, page 412]</ref>

Crude [[tripwire]] activated blunderbusses, known as alarm guns, spring guns and [[cemetery]] guns,<ref>[https://marketlavingtonmuseum.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/preventing-poaching/ Market Lavington museum]</ref> were set up in graveyards and country estates to scare away [[Poaching|poacher]]s and [[Body snatching|resurrection men]], and to alert the gamekeeper or sexton to their presence.<ref>[https://royalarmouries.org/stories/our-collection/cemetery-guns/ Royal armories]</ref><ref>[https://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/19347648.booby-traps-will-grisly-attractions-new-look-craven-museum/ Craven museum]</ref>

By the middle of the 19th century, the blunderbuss was replaced for military use by the [[carbine]], but still found use by civilians as a defensive firearm.<ref>{{cite book|title=Knight's American Mechanical Dictionary|url=https://archive.org/details/knightsamerican01kniggoog|author=Edward Henry Knight|publisher=Hurd and Houghton|year=1876}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Away with the Blunderbuss|magazine=Punch|author=Henry Mayhew|volume=XXVIII|year=1855|issue=704|page=[https://archive.org/details/punch28a29lemouoft/page/n23/mode/2up 2]}}</ref>

Blunderbusses were used by rebels during the [[War of Canudos]]. After modern rifles were captured they remained in use in some roles. Blunderbuss shots were used by the rebels to signal commands at long distances where whistles could not be heard.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Euclides |first=da Cunha |title=“Os Sertões”}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Mello |first=Frederico Pernambucano de |title=A guerra total de Canudos |date=2023-01-24 |publisher=Global Editora |others=Manuel Correia de Andrade |isbn=978-65-5612-432-2 |edition=4 |location=São Paulo, SP |language=pt-BR}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Expand section|date=August 2024}}{{Cite section|date=August 2024}}
'''Early 17th century''': The blunderbuss emerges in Europe, likely originating from the Netherlands. Its name derives from the Dutch "donderbus", meaning "thunder gun".

'''Mid 17th century''': The blunderbuss becomes more widely used in Europe, particularly in England. It is adopted by both military forces and civilians for its effectiveness in close-quarters combat and self-defense.

'''Late 17th century''': The blunderbuss is increasingly used by naval forces, including the British Royal Navy, for boarding actions and ship defense.

'''Early 18th century''': The blunderbuss reaches peak popularity. Its intimidating appearance and powerful shot make it a preferred weapon for stagecoach drivers, travelers, and home defense.

'''Early 19th century''': The decline of the blunderbuss begins. Advances in firearm technology, such as the development of rifled barrels and more accurate long guns, reduce its prevalence.

== In Popular Culture ==
*In the 1991 film ''[[Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)|Beauty and the Beast]]'', the main antagonist Gaston uses a blunderbuss for hunting.
*In the 2000 video game ''[[American McGee's Alice]]'', Alice's blunderbuss is a secret weapon which can only be found in two hidden locations and is the most powerful weapon in the game.
*In the 2007 action comedy ''[[Hot Fuzz]]'' Edward Woodwards character, Tom Weaver, shoots Nick Frosts character, Danny Butterman, with a blunderbuss.
*In the 2012 film ''[[Looper (film)|Looper]]'', Loopers carry a modern version of a blunderbuss. Loopers, whose job is to execute bound prisoners at close range, use a blunderbuss: "Because it's impossible to hit anything further than {{convert|15|yd|m}}," and "Impossible to miss anything closer."
*In an addon for the 2010 video game ''[[Red Dead Redemption]]'' called ''[[Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare|Undead Nightmare]]'' the protagonist John Marston received a Blunderbuss and his initial reaction was: "A blunderbuss? What is this, 1850?", pointing out the gun's antiquity, because the Blunderbuss was discarded in the mid 1800s while the game takes place in 1911.
*In the video game ''[[Bloodborne]]'', the blunderbuss is available as one of the initially available firearms.
*In the video game ''[[BioShock Infinite]]'', the blunderbuss is available as a weapon in the game's downloadable content.
*In the 2025 film ''[[Frankenstein (2025 film)|Frankenstein]]'', the blunderbuss is used by Dutch explorers against the creature created by Victor Frankenstein.

==See also==
{{commons}}
* [[Coach gun]]
* [[Combat shotgun]]
* [[Musketoon]]
* [[Riot shotgun]]
* [[Sawed-off shotgun]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

{{Early firearms}}
{{Pirates}}
[[Category:Muskets]]
[[Category:Shotguns]]
[[Category:Early firearms]]
[[category:17th-century weapons]]
[[Category:18th-century weapons]]
[[Category:19th-century weapons]]
[[Category:Piracy]]
[[Category:Firearms of the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Highwaymen]]
[[Category:American Civil War weapons]]