Guns: The Evolution of Firearms (2013)

S1E3 The Weapons of the Civil War

In the third episode, the focus shifts to the firearms utilized by both the Union and the Confederacy, particularly the smoothbore muskets, some of which were adapted to percussion systems. The narrative begins with the model 1855, a smaller caliber firearm created by dentist Edward Maynard, which, despite its innovative "tape primer," was ultimately deemed unreliable. This led to the introduction of the model 1861, a percussion weapon featuring a rear sight that became the most prevalent firearm of the conflict. The episode also delves into the Confederate raid on Harper's Ferry and their desperate quest for arms, including trading cotton with Europe to acquire the British Enfield and Austrian Lorenz rifles.