Blunderbuss was a type of gun used primarily in Europe from the 1600’s to the 1800’s. A typical blunderbuss had a bell-shaped muzzle and was about 25 to 34 inches (64 to 86 centimeters) long. It mainly fired buckshot, which was loaded into the muzzle. The gun was deadly at close range against crowds or when used in cramped areas. It was a popular weapon with travelers, guards, and people defending coaches against robbers. The word blunderbuss probably comes from a German word meaning thunder-gun.
