Weapons
The Pike
Pikes were the principal weapon used by the insurgents. It was regarded as an effective weapon especially in close combat.
The original pike head was six inches long and spear shaped. The handle was approximately six feet long.
Later a hook was added to the side of the pike head to enable the insurgent to cut the reins of horses in order to dismount the rider.
According to Myles Byrne, the pike was more easily managed than a soldier’s musket or bayonet.
The Blunderbuss
The Blunderbuss was well suited to close-range confrontations. Its wide muzzle helped intimidate an opponent and its charge of numerous lead balls gave its owner a better chance of hitting the target.
Blunderbusses were often fitted with spring bayonets for additional protection - on releasing the catch the bayonet would flip forward and lock in position, and pistol butts could be used as clubs.
