Gunsmithing

Contributors:

Abstract:

In the Colonial era there were many dangerous and tragic things that happened to the settlers. They were often involved in conflicts with Native Americans, and as a result, colonists needed armor, weapons, and other means of protection. There were many artisans who were key in the protection and survival of the first Jamestown colonists. One of the most important artisans was the Gunsmith. Gunsmithing was a significant trade in Colonial America because they supplied the weapons that kept the people safe from Native Americans. The following paper explores the life of the gunsmith, the tools that he used on a daily basis, and the guns he made.

- How To Make A Rifle

- Types of Rifles

- Types of Muskets

- Handguns

- Trainings and Skills to become a gunsmith

- Gunsmiths Daily Life

- Tools a Gunsmith used

- Forging

Gunsmithing was an essential trade in Colonial America because it helped a lot of the European settlers conquer the American Landscape. Also the guns helped them capture the slaves. The Gunsmiths had to supply a lot of weapons because the settlers got into many conflicts and dangerous things. These fights involved needing a weapon in some sort. The main weapon of the church was the gun. Guns in the modern day now are used the same as they were before. With all the wars we have going on we supply the army with so many guns. How do you think guns will play a big part in centuries from now?

Interviews:

What kind of daily life did a gunsmith have?

What kind of tools did a gunsmith use on a daily basis?

What kind of guns were used the most in colonial times?

What skills did you need to know to be a gunsmith?

When does your gunsmithing trade end?

Images and Resources:

Bibliography:

At Gunsmith Shop. Williamsburg, Virginia. October 25, 2007.

“ Files.” Online, Retrieved on 1st of November, 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/file%28tool%29.

“ Gunsmith Trade At Williamsburg,” Online, October 30, 2007. www.history/org/Almanack/life/trades/tradegun.cfm

“Military Heritage,”Online. October 19, 2007. www.militaryheritage.com/musket13.htm

“ Pistols” Online, Retrieved 2nd of November, 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/pistol

Peterson, L, Harold. Arms and Armor in Colonial America. New York, Mineola, Dover Publications Inc, 2000.

Tunis, Edwin. Weapons. New York, Thomas Y Crowell Company, 1954.

Tunis, Edwin. Colonial Craftsmen. Ohio, Cleveland, World Publishing Company, 1965.