Don Furlong of Fayetteville (above, rear) presented a demonstration involving several types of muskets following recent morning services at Christ the King Church in Sharpsburg. Furlong, an expert and competitor with the musket, demonstrated how weapons of the 18th and 19th centuries were cared for, loaded, and fired. One musket was a “straight bore” which only was accurate to about 50 yards. Another, which had a grooved barrel, was accurate up to 200 yards.
Most people who are proficient with the weapon could, he explained,fire “about three rounds a minute.” After the demonstration, Furlong offered to allow spectators fire the musket and quite a number accepted the invitation. Steve McCook (above, front) of Newnan was one of those who, under supervision, fired the weapon. All safety protocols were followed and immediate neighbors and local law enforcement were made aware of the demonstration. Photo/Special.
