2 Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay 134 (Nathaniel B. Shurtleff ed., 1853)
Abstract
Required "all inhabitants" to obtain arms for defense of themselves and the country. Muskets are to be full musket boare or basterd musket. No rifles should be under three foot nine inches in length, nor above four foot three inches.
Summary
The law established standards for militia firearms, requiring serviceable weapons to be full musket bore or larger and within specified length limits, while also requiring each man to carry essential maintenance tools for his musket.
Law Text
It being requisite yt all inhabitants wthin ye iurisdiction should endeavor after such armes as may be most usefull for their owne & ye countryes defence, it is yfore ordered, yt no peeces shalbe alowed for serviceable, in or trained bands, but such as are ether full musket boare, or barsted musket at ye least, & that none should be under three foote 9 inches, nor any above foure foote 3 inches in length, & yt evry man have also a priming wyer, a worme, & scourer fit for ye boare of his musket, wch we find not required in any former order.
Description
Categories
REQUIRED POSSESSION