Thadius Drake Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 I have read in Under the Black Flag, and I think Capt. Johnson's book on pirates mentions it as well, but I have not seen an actual description of it. My curiosity has got the better of me now and it's driving me up the wall. Can you guys let me know what the heck it is? I would be really grateful! Drake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crow Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Bar shot was similar to chain shot in that it involves two cannon balls . With chain shot the balls are conected by a length of chain whereas bar shot is connected by a solid iron bar O-O both were used against the masts or rigging of an opposing ship the idea is that the shot could demast a ship or foul the rigging making it harder for the enemy to manouver. It was also usefull in sweeping the enemies deck of crew members cutting a fairly large swath .. Lord above please send a dove with wings as sharp as razors , to cuts the throats of them there blokes what sells bad booze to sailors .. " Illigitimiti non carborundum . " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Royaliste Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 :) Both types of shot were also designed to create large amounts of splinters, killing and maiming at a higher rate, reducing opposing numbers in close combat........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thadius Drake Posted May 9, 2004 Author Share Posted May 9, 2004 Wow, thanks! Drinks all 'round. Never thought about the splinter aspect with chain shot, then again, I learned about chain shot from video games and role playing games (7th Sea). Drake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolie Rouge Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Antoher thing 'bout bar shot. It has the slight advantage over chain shot of not doin that whole nasty bind in the bore, blow up yer gun crew thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capnwilliam Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Ever seen a really heavy dumbell? That's pretty much what bar shot looks like. A friend of mine has a couple of specimens in his living room. Then again, he also has a cannon in his backyard! Capt. William "The fight's not over while there's a shot in the locker!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhand Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 They also had a lovely piece of ordinance that was designed to set the opposing ships rigging and masts on fire, it was a piece of shot with an iron spike driven through it and the whole thing was wrapped in linen or the like and soaked in coal oil or tar/pitch. When fired from the guns it would strike the mast and set everything around it ablaze...that was the theory any way. I'm not sure how well it worked. Redhand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Royaliste Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 Then 'o course, we tend to favor the 'other' "Bar" shot.......A shot 'o rum in each hand, paid for by the bar!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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