Swan Shot ?

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

What is " Swan Shot" it was use by the CMR either during the Zulu War, before or both. The artical. I read stated one bullet would kill on man, but "Swan Shot" would cause mass panic !

I'm thinking a shotgun?

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Source: CAPE MOUNTED RIFLEMEN.
Timaru Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 1446, 10 May 1879, Page 3

Subject: Re: Swan Shot ? Thu Dec 26, 2013 11:19 pm

Dave,

The old CMR which was disbanded in 1870 carried double-barrelled carbines. There's a fine example of one of these pieces in the Castle, Cape Town in the Cape Frontier War display.

Chelmsford was given advice about employing such weapons against the Zulu.

John Y.

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

Much appricated John! More advice LC ignore?

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

Are theses the type?

http://www.micksguns.com/double%20rifles.htm

Subject: Re: Swan Shot ? Fri Dec 27, 2013 7:04 am

This is a Pat.1851 Lancers Carbine as used by the Cape Mounted Rifles.

The C.M.R. received three different versions of the double-barreled carbine of which the pattern 1851 was the last. This particular version was first issued to the 12th Lancers for service in the Cape and also used by them at the battle of Berea in the war against Moshesh.

Upon the 12th Lancers being posted to India these carbines were re-issued to the Cape Mounted Rifles.

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Posts : 553 Join date : 2009-10-14 Location : Loughborough

Swan shot is a size of "buckshot" used in shotguns. Normal buckshot rounds for the Snider/Martini weighed approx 220 shot to the pound,and it was loaded with 13 shot (.275" daimeter), in relation to this normal swanshot is 240 to the pound.

Original percussion fowling pieces could be loaded with various sizes such as "birdshot", "Goose shot" and "swan shot", with the adoption of the Daw fowling cartridge the sizes ultimately changed to "bore" i.e 12 bore.

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

Thanks for all the replies. Excellent Photo.

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