Step Back In Time: Colonial Williamsburg's New Musket Range

by
posted on March 8, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
colonial-williamsburg-musket-range.jpg
Spring Break is coming up, and summer vacation is going to follow upon its heels faster than you think. Clearly, it's not too soon to start thinking about where to take the family for vacation this year. If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly and educational experience, look no further than Colonial Williamsburg. Although you've no doubt heard of the living-history community that is the "Revolutionary City," but this year they've added a new attraction perfect for the outdoors family: their Educational Musket Range. Beginning this March 19, visitors will learn about and get to operate fllintlock firearms just like the ones used to win the Revolutionary War, and to support day-to-day life in the fledgling colonies.

The experience will begin with costumed interpreters who will teach visitors about safety and proper handling, then provide the context of the history of these flintlock weapons, including their mechanics, use in hunting and defense. Guests will then be able to prime and fire replicas of two of early America’s most important firearms: a “Brown Bess” British short land service pattern musket and a fowling piece, a precursor of the modern shotgun. The range’s Brown Bess replicas reflect the variety manufactured between 1768 and 1804 within a broader category spanning from 1717 and 1815. They are the type of musket used by both British and American soldiers during the American Revolution. Muzzle-loaded fowling pieces were used to hunt ducks and other waterfowl in Tidewater Virginia and for farmland pest control. Interestingly, during the period they could be legally owned by free blacks for the latter purpose.

“We provide guests an engaging, educational experience that immerses them in the period of our nation’s founding. The educational musket range embodies that, but on an entirely new level,” said Peter Seibert, Colonial Williamsburg director of historic trades and skills. “For decades our guests could learn about these pieces and watch them being operated. Now they can really experience them – the weight, the smell, and the sound – not to mention how challenging their operation was for people whose lives often depended on it.”

The range is accessible only by ticketed guests via a shuttle from the Williamsburg Lodge. Admission includes instruction, safety equipment, firearms, ammunition and targets.

To participate, guests must reserve spaces in advance and present photo ID to purchase tickets on-site. Tickets are $119 and are available to guests ages 14 and older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Additional information is available at Colonial Williamsburg ticketing locations and hospitality properties, online at www.colonialwilliamsburg.com or by calling (855) 296-6627.

Latest

Americas Rifle Challenge Lede
Americas Rifle Challenge Lede

Kyle Lamb Named Brand Ambassador for NRA America’s Rifle Challenge

"When I heard about the ARC program, its focus on the AR, and the NRA’s desire to provide AR training and ARC competitions, I wanted to be involved."

Y.E.S! NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

We're proud to announce the award recipients from the Y.E.S. Class of 2024!

KelTec Named Stage Sponsor for 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

This year, KelTec will sponsor two competition stages, supplying innovative firearms for both professional and amateur divisions.

Throwback Thursday: Chinese Broomhandle Mausers

History may not always repeat itself, but it sure can rhyme.

Henry Repeating Arms' Guns for Great Causes: Join "Team Keane"!

The famous arms manufacturer donated 50 custom rifles to support a teen newly diagnosed with leukemia.

FREE NRA Hunter Education Online Course Now Available in Louisiana

The NRA developed this free online course with one main goal in mind: to make it easier for new hunters to get into the field.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.