What's it sound like to be shot at by muskets?

Published on December 5, 2025
Duration: 26:58

This video explores the auditory experience of being shot at by various black powder firearms, including muskets and rifles. The host, Administrative Results, along with guest Austin of Vintage Warfare, conducts a series of tests to compare the sound and perceived impact of these historical weapons against modern firearms. They analyze the differences in sound, projectile size, and the effect of patching balls on performance, offering insights into historical warfare and firearm technology.

Quick Summary

The sound of being shot at by a musket is a quiet 'whisper' or 'hiss' rather than a sharp crack, as musket balls are typically subsonic. Patching the ball can enhance gas sealing, leading to a louder report and perceived increase in speed.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and 'Autism' Analogy
  2. 01:02Welcome to Administrative Results
  3. 01:27Curiosity: Sound of Muskets
  4. 03:16Modern Analog: Suppressed 14.5 Guesley URGI
  5. 04:05Modern Firearm Sound Impressions
  6. 05:28Preparing for Black Powder Shots
  7. 06:25POV: Englishman in the Colonies
  8. 07:02Technical Difficulties with Muzzleloader
  9. 07:34First Successful Muzzleloader Shot
  10. 08:08Next Up: Brown Bess (.75 Caliber)
  11. 09:07Black Powder Firearms: Fun and Accessible
  12. 09:50The Baker Rifle
  13. 11:17Comparing Muzzleloader Sounds
  14. 13:24Projectiles Used
  15. 13:45Loading with Patches
  16. 15:37Patched Musket Ball Experiment
  17. 15:50Baker Rifle: Favorite Firearm
  18. 16:22Priming Procedure Discussion
  19. 17:30Irish Accent Attempt and Cover
  20. 17:34Explanation of Patching
  21. 18:16Firing with Patches
  22. 18:45Patched Brown Bess Test
  23. 19:41Last Up: Baker Rifle with Patch
  24. 19:51Post-Patching Sound Analysis
  25. 20:29Verbal Taunts and Roleplay
  26. 20:56Post-Firing Impressions
  27. 21:22Firearm Manufacturing Differences
  28. 23:30Distorted Lens on Historical People
  29. 24:29Accuracy Test Setup
  30. 25:18Accuracy Test Results
  31. 26:10Accuracy Comparison: Old vs. New
  32. 26:39Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it sound like to be shot at by a musket?

Being shot at by a musket sounds less like a sharp crack and more like a quiet 'whisper' or 'hiss' as the projectile travels. This is because musket balls are typically subsonic, unlike modern supersonic rounds.

How does patching a musket ball affect its performance?

Patching a musket ball can improve its seal within the barrel, leading to better gas trapping and a perceived increase in projectile speed and a louder report. It also aids in engaging rifling for greater accuracy.

Which historical firearm sounded the quietest when fired?

The Virginia Long Rifle, firing a .54 caliber projectile, was noted for its quiet flight, with the sound of the ball passing by described as a whisper, almost like a subsonic round.

What is the difference between a musket and a rifle in historical context?

Rifles, like the Baker rifle, have rifled barrels that spin the projectile for accuracy, while muskets typically have smooth bores. Rifles were often more expensive and advanced, designed for precision, whereas muskets were for mass volleys.

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