Just How Deadly Were Guns In The 18th Century?

Comments · 579

• TJ

  @TJ_Beam · 2 years ago

  Seeing Mr Loades on a thumbnail is an automatic click… love this man and his knowledge and passion.

  103

• AN

  @andrewallen9993 · 2 years ago

  It sounds like dueling with bankers who wont lend you money should most definitely make a return.

  77

• WA

  @WalterWild-uu1td · 2 years ago

  There is an anecdote recited by an English authority (he even wrote a pamphlet!) on dueling. He was a witness to a duel between an ordinary man and a man who was known as a regular duelist. In the actual duel, the ordinary man discharged his weapon and missed. The semi professional man pulled his trigger and his pistol misfired. He insisted that he was due another shot. But the "specialist" interposed, saying that if the pro got a second try and killed his opponent, he would see the duelist hanged for murder. The specialist pointed out the participants were required to stand and "receive fire;" but that it was not the ordinary man's fault the other man's pistol misfired. He had stood to the effort and done his part...and that was sufficient to satisfy his honor. While duelists might wish for the death of their opponent, the practice was a test of courage and honor, not bloodthirstiness.

  67

• GE

  @gerryjamesedwards1227 · 1 year ago

  Nobody better than Mike Loades for this sort of material. Absolutely fascinating.

  18

• FR

  @frankschlanker · 2 years ago

  Mike Loades is fantastic at telling these stories.

  27

• FE

  @FelixstoweFoamForge · 2 years ago

  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.

  187

• ST

  @steveday4797 · 2 years ago

  Mike Loades is a great presenter

  44

• PO

  @podunkcitizen2562 · 1 year ago

  When it comes to duelling, I'm a big fan of duelling banjos!

  5

• DA

  @DallingerM · 2 years ago

  Mike Loades is a legend ... but I think we’re all still waiting for a Kevin Hicks History Hit Collaboration!!!

  69

• KE

  @kenbyers8036 · 2 years ago (edited)

  Mike Loades knowledge of weapons ancient or otherwise is phenomenal.  He also an exceptional historian.  Or he has great writers.  😊

  14

• GY

  @GypsyHunter232UK · 2 years ago

  WE DON'T SEE ENOUGH OF MKE LOADS ON TV OR ON HERE

  29

• HE

  @hetaera3418 · 8 months ago

  I read James Lansdale's book about his ancestor's duel. There was an old quote about duelling on one of the first pages - "Coffee for two, champagne for one".

  5