The Osaka Patterned Japanese Matchlock Rifle

By James Byrd

Winner of the 1998 Black Powder Writer of the Year Award

The Japanese Society and the Matchlock

Japan had been isolated from the world of the Europeans by their very location. They had only minimal contact with other people and this was the way the Japanese wanted to keep it. The Portuguese first reached the Japans in 1542. The populace was fasicinated by the strange costumes and customs of the new comers. The leaders of Japan were even more fasinated by the strange new weapons. The Portuguese saw a great trade potential in firearms with the under-advanced Japanese. But after an inital trade of a few dozen, the Japanese started manufacturing firearms for themselves in great numbers. The style of matchlock brought to Japan was the "snapping" matchlock. In this model the simple serpentine was replaced with a curved match-holder, driven by a leaf spring; the holder was "cocked" back and held by the sear. When the trigger was pulled, it pressed the sear, which released the match-holder and it was propelled forward by the pressure of the spring and the match fell into the flashpan full of gunpowder. This new weapon gave even greater power to Japanese feudal leaders trying to maintain their "strangle grip" control over their subjects, (and thus their power). With growing fear that outside influence, (the Catholic church), was weakening their power. Japan banished all outsiders. They murdered, or forced to leave, all Catholic missionaries. Their borders were closed and Japan went into self imposed isolation.

The Outsiders Return

Almost 2 centuries passed. Europe saw advancements in science, a commerical revolution in world trade practices, and the start of the industrial revolution A Japan that had been abreast of most developmants of the world in the late 16th century-early 17th century had fallen technologically far behind by the 19th century. In 1853 Matthew Perry, commanding a squadron of American warships, steamed into Tokyo Bay. The presence of the American fleet brought the isolation to an end. The Americans came with massive ship mounted cannons, caplock muskets, and cap and ball revolvers as sidearms. All this while the main weapon of the Japanese was still the "Katana", only supplemented by squads of matchlock riflemen. The Japanese leaders were highly impressed by the massed firepower the Americans could call upon. The Americans, unlike the Europeans were willing to share advances in modern technology with the purposely under-advanced Japanese. As they advanced into the modern world that was the 1850's the matchlock moved into history,

Masters of the Matchlock

The Japanese raised the art of matchlock shooting to its highest level. Matchlock shooting, obtained the status reserved for the Japanese sword. The owner of such a weapon treated it with great reverence. it was cared for as if it were a member of the family. Great study was given to finding the most effiecient way to handle the firearm. Instructional manuals were written for proper handling when in battle or competition. The "Book of Firearms", written in 1612 by the marksman Nagasawa Shagetzuma. shows that the Japanese were quiet capable of shooting from many different angels and positions. Marksmen and precise control were critical. As with the sword, training was all important. In the military oriented society warriors did little else but train. The European inventors never managed to achieve the results the Japanese accomplished with their attention to detail and striving for perfection.

The Japanese Matchlock

The first major change to the matchlock by the Japanese was the removal of the large fishtailed buttstock. The Japanese left the shoulder stock off completely and opted for a cheek fired weapon. The grip used for holding the buttless gun is unique in its self. Gripping the rear of the stock with your right hand, you hold it firmly and apply pressure rearward. With the left hand, you grasp the forestock firmly at the point of balance, and apply pressure forward. This counter-resisting pressure gives a lot more stable shooting platform than I believed it would. The time the aiming stance could be maintained is greatly increased, and breathing and heartbeat have a less noticable effect on the aiming process than the shoulder braced firearm. Being buttless and shorter, and usually of a smaller caliber reduces the weight to 7 pounds 2.5 ounces, (in the one tested). Where a Europen Fishtailed Matchlock can start at 10-11 pounds minmum. (Authors note: The buttless matchlock must be grasped firmly to stop movement durning firing. With no butt to absorbe impact from a gun held to loose to the shoulder. The buttless gun transfers all the recoil not absorbed by the arms directly to the cheek bone. This is quite painful and a big distraction on your next shot. (Trust me on this, it smarts a lot.)

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