Well, lots of the minute men had muskets, too. But they were hunters who knew the land and how to get close to their quarry. Hell, it’s less the weapon than the skill and determination to use it. Consider what Henry V did at Agincourt. His bowmen were as effective as machine gunners. At Waterloo, Wellington considered recruiting a company of archers, only to find that the training of such men required years if not decades. A medieval archer had back and shoulder muscles that were so huge he looked like a serious body builder. Going back to the 19th of April, the average colonist was probably a better shot than the average Redcoat. He went hunting for small game, at least very often.
Solid copy!
Beware the man who has one gun, he knows it well and will not miss.
From the archery point of view, if you haven’t seen it, check out Lars Andersen and the fastest forgotten archery on the you tube.
strength of pull on the bow notwithstanding, wouldn’t want to stand in front of him in anything less than two layers of dragon skin, and a car between.
Cheers