Ep 2. The Rifle That Made America

Iron & Fire follows the work of renowned blacksmith and metalworker, Vic "The Metalsmith" "Dangerous" Pasteur. In this episode, titled "The Rifle That Made America," Pasteur teams up with renowned firearms expert and historian Phillip Schreier to recreate a rifle that played an instrumental role in American history.

The rifle in question is the M1763 Charleville musket, which was used by the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Schreier explains that this particular musket was significant because it was one of the first guns to be mass-produced and standardized for military use. This allowed the Continental Army to quickly arm its troops and fight the British with greater effectiveness.

To recreate the Charleville musket, Pasteur and Schreier embark on a journey to gather all the materials they will need. They begin by visiting a local quarry to collect limestone, which will be used to make charcoal for the gunpowder. Next, they visit a nearby forest to cut down oak trees, which will be used to create the wood stock of the musket.

Once they have all the materials they need, Pasteur sets to work forging the barrel of the musket. This requires a great deal of skill, as the barrel must be heated to extremely high temperatures and carefully shaped to the proper dimensions. As Pasteur works, Schreier shares historical anecdotes about the M1763 Charleville musket and the role it played in the American Revolution.

After the barrel is complete, Pasteur moves on to fashioning the stock of the musket. This is a much more complex process, as the wood must be carefully shaped and carved to fit the metal parts of the gun. To accomplish this, Pasteur uses a variety of tools, including saws, chisels, and rasps.

As Pasteur works on the gun, he faces a number of challenges and setbacks. At one point, the forge he is using breaks down, halting production for several hours. Later, he discovers a flaw in the metal of the barrel and must start over from scratch. Despite these setbacks, Pasteur refuses to give up and is determined to create a faithful replica of the M1763 Charleville musket.

Finally, after weeks of hard work, the musket is complete. The finished product is a stunning example of craftsmanship, with a barrel that gleams in the sunlight and a stock that is smooth and polished to perfection. Schreier is thrilled with the final result, saying that it is one of the most accurate recreations of the Charleville musket he has ever seen.

In the end, "The Rifle That Made America" is a fascinating and insightful episode of Iron & Fire that provides a detailed look at the art of blacksmithing and metalworking. With its engaging hosts and in-depth exploration of American history, this show is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art of craftsmanship and the stories behind the objects we use every day.