Double Barrelled Flintlock Shotgun
The double barrel flintlock shotgun (Musket) became widely used soon after the French and Indian War (1760). Its effectiveness as a fowling piece was quickly acknowledged by sportsmen. Additionally, the advantage of a second shot also proved beneficial in military contexts.
First introduced in the 1730s, the double barrelled flintlock shotgun (or Musket) was initially designed as a fowling gun, but its potential as a military weapon was clear. However, due to manufacturing costs, it was never adopted as a standard issue weapon. Pirates found it particularly advantageous, as its compact size allowed for easier manoeuvrability on ships, and its two shots provided a tactical edge.
Naval officers recognized the benefits of the double barrelled shotgun, with one U.S. Military scholar even recommending in 1836 that the U.S. Marines be equipped with them at sea. On land, Light Infantry officers were also known to carry these firearms; for instance, Captain Richard Ferguson utilized one during the Battle of Chateaugu in 1813. Its most notable use, however, was during the Battle of the Alamo, where Texans armed themselves with whatever they could find, including double barrelled shotguns. A history of the battle, written 12 years later, noted that many fighters had this weapon, notably Colonel William Travis, who extensively used his double barrelled flintlock and advocated for it as the primary firearm for the Texan cavalry.
