This page features a number of studded shot, very similar to the Langar type, all mechanically fitted and predominantly for early 19th century air rifles.
The first is courtesy of Wirral Archaeology and I am very grateful for them allowing me to show the projectile here.
- Weight: 180 gn (11.6 g)
- Diameter across studs: 0.497 in (12.6 mm)
- Diameter across furrows: 0.479 in (12.1 mm)
- Length: 0.666 in (16.9 mm)
The top of this projectile features a cone on which there are four ribs. These matched grooves in the hollow head of the ramrod, to allow a gentle twisting motion to be applied to the shot as it is rammed home to the breech (a similar action to a four slot screw and screwdriver). There are ten studs and the section of the barrel, which was cut off to supply the mould for the studs, can be clearly visualised (it is also slightly off-centre to the rest of the shot). The large (oversized) sprue stem on the base may possibly have been designed for attaching a wad to, to aid in sealing the bore.
Detail of the studs cast in a mould made up of a section of the original rifle barrel.
- Weight: 249 gn (16.1 g)
- Diameter of ball: 0.534 in (13.55 mm)
- Length: 0.666 in (16.9 mm)
This scruffy studded shot was formed from two pours of molten lead, the first cooling slightly half way up the shot, to form the uneven line around the centre in the left hand image. The shot features a cone with ribs, seven studs and a flat sprue stub base. The key to understanding it was fired by an air rifle is the impression of the air duct in the right hand image, a half circle around the sprue stub.
- Weight: 135 gn (8.7 g)
- Diameter: 0.396 in (10 mm)
- Length: 0.650 in (16.5 mm)
The dating of this shot is uncertain, but it is certainly more of an elongated projectile than any of the others. It was fired from an air rifle, indicated by the air duct impression on the far right image. With thanks to Garry Crace of the Portable Antiquities Scheme for these images.
- Weight: 104 gn (6.7 g)
- Diameter of ball: 0.387 in (9.8 mm)
- Length: 0.531 in (13.4 mm)
This is the smallest of the known studded short of this type, featuring a ribbed cone, seven studs, air duct impression and a sprue stub.
- Weight: 158 gn (10.2 g)
- Diameter: 0.468 in (11.9 mm)
- Length: 0.498 in (12.6 mm)
This little fellow is rather unusual: there is no cone whatsoever, eight studs and a sprue stub. It appears to be unfired.
- Weight: 167 gn (10.8 g)
- Diameter: 0.467 in (11.8 mm)
- Length: 0.688 in (17.5 mm)
Another slightly unusual variant, with an extra large cone, nine studs and a sprue stub. It appears to be unfired.
Other studded shot
