Guns: The Evolution of Firearms
S01E03 The Weapons of the Civil War
In the third episode, the focus shifts to the firearms utilized by both the Union and the Confederacy, particularly the smoothbore muskets, some of which were adapted to percussion systems. The narrative begins with the model 1855, a smaller caliber firearm created by dentist Edward Maynard, which, despite its innovative "tape primer," was ultimately deemed unreliable. This led to the introduction of the model 1861, a percussion weapon featuring a rear sight that became the most prevalent firearm of the conflict. The episode also delves into the Confederate raid on Harper's Ferry and their desperate quest for arms, including trading cotton with Europe to acquire the British Enfield and Austrian Lorenz rifles.
Season 1 Episodes
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
The Beginning (1)
From the invention of Gunpowder to the American Rifle
The Beginning (2)
From the Flintlock to the Percussion cap
The Weapons of the Civil War
The Beginning (3)
Post Civil War Weapons and the winning of the West
The Courage of Adam
The Weapons of World War 1
Sky War
The Weapons of World War 2
The Deep End
Post World War 2 to Today…From the M-14 to the M4 Carbine
Lessons
Siren's Song
The Ties That Bind
Dragon's Brood
Turnabout
Mekaneck's Lament
Night of the Shadow Beasts
Underworld
The Mystery of Anwat Gar
The Monster Within
Roboto's Gambit
Trust
Orko's Garden
Buzz-Off's Pride
Snake Pit
The Island
The Sweet Smell of Victory
Separation
The Council of Evil (1)
The Council of Evil (2)