Just How Deadly Were Guns In The 18th Century?

History Hit
History Hit
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Published 2024-06-28
Mike Loades has the world of pistol duelling firmly in his sights. We stare down the barrel of famous encounters, such as Hamilton vs. Burr, and restage a pistol duel to explore how duelling evolved from swords to firearms in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Mike also gets hands on with the technology of skilfully crafted original duelling pistols, from hair triggers to hidden rifled barrels. And BBC Diplomatic Correspondent, James Landale, recounts the incredible story of his ancestor who fought a lethal duel with his bank manager!

When the smoke clears, you'll know all about the incredible story of duelling.

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All Comments (21)
  • @TJ_Beam
    Seeing Mr Loades on a thumbnail is an automatic click… love this man and his knowledge and passion.
  • @DallingerM
    Mike Loades is a legend ... but I think we’re all still waiting for a Kevin Hicks History Hit Collaboration!!!
  • @FelixstoweFoamForge
    To be fair, I think the move to pistols was because they were actually less likely to be lethal than a fight with swords. One shot each, you both miss, you can call honour, (a dirty word), satisfied, and end it. With swords, it has to go on until someone gets hurt. Not that pistol duels weren't dangerous, just a bit more controlled. Give Ridley Scots "the Duelists" a look.
  • @andrewallen9993
    It sounds like dueling with bankers who wont lend you money should most definitely make a return.
  • @TonyNicholls-gi9le
    As always Mike, Terrific narrative. If only you could have been my History teacher. I'm 78 now and my History teachers were all good, But you would have been GREAT.
  • @grahambamford9073
    Ive seen on another channel a pair of black powder dueling pistols that were designed to shoot wax bullets, it was thought of as a sport, you would wear a face guard and shoot at each other for fun......😮 it would hurt but not kill, kind of like modern day paintball.
  • @williammurray1341
    My maternal grandfather's great great grandfather was 2-0-1 in pistol duals. It became an issue when he ran for president in 1824.
  • @stuartduke999
    Brilliant piece of work! Many thanks Mike and the team!💥🏆
  • @joshlesure3196
    Thoroughly enjoyed this video! Mike Loades always does an awesome job!
  • @atricdouglas4123
    Riffling does not reduce ‘oscillations’ necessarily but rather imparts gyroscopic rigidity to the projectile thereby improving the firearms accuracy compared to a non-riffled firearm.
  • @andrewwilson8210
    The last fatal dual in Canada was John Wilson - my ancestor. Was over a girl. He was a lawyer and defended himself in court, did a few other important things in early Canada.
  • @kenbyers8036
    Mike Loades knowledge of weapons ancient or otherwise is phenomenal. He also an exceptional historian. Or he has great writers. 😊
  • @davidbruns9263
    Mike is the best . He’s the guy you want to have next to you when trouble happens