The Jezail is the traditional rifle of the Afghan tribal fighter, although it originated in Persia (Iran). Distinctive primarily for its uniquely curved style of buttstock, these rifles still maintain a symbolic importance although they are utterly obsolete.
Every jezail is a unique handmade weapon, but they all share some basic traits. They are typically built around complete lock assemblies, from captured guns or bought/traded parts. The barrel is typically quite long and rifled, and the caliber is generally .50 to .75 inch. Unlike the domestic American flintlock long rifles, the jezail is meant for war and not hunting.
Ian’s video [11:48]:
https://youtu.be/B-aEWZrTibE?si=
TFBTV video [10:08]:
the whole part where Dr. Watson talks about being shot by a Jezail bullet makes so much sense now.
I’ve never read Sherlock but looking into it, it’s very cool that they call out the jezail guns by name like that. That’s the kind of thing in fiction that sparks people to seek out answers and learn history.
Why so long ?
My guess: Better muzzle velocity.
Second guess: Could be a cultural thing, longer weapon = more impressive. These references hint at it.
these rifles still maintain a symbolic importance although they are utterly obsolete.
They are typically built around complete lock assemblies, from captured guns or bought/traded parts.
Capture/Buy a functioning weapon? Make it longer to be more impressive.
Tactically these guns would have been used by Afghan men in elevated emplaced positions to shoot down at British soldiers marching in columns 300-400 yards away.
Velocity would definitely be a benefit. Also many of these guns had sights (something not guaranteed in the period). The longer barrels would also allow for a greater sight radius, and potentially greater accuracy because of that.
Afghan men in elevated emplaced positions to shoot down at British soldiers marching in columns 300-400 yards away.
And ~150 years later doing the same thing to the USSR.
And ~200 years later doing the same thing to the USA.
Korangal Valley…same as it ever was.
Midrange melee
