Moukahla

Moukahla
(Left to right) Moukahla with snaphance lock, Džeferdar with miquelet lock, two moukhala converted to percussion lock.
Type	Musket
Service history
In service	17th to late 19th century
Used by	percussion lock (conversion)

The Moukahla (

The caliber of musket ball fired was large, usually in the .67 range. These guns were very long, around 6 feet. The plain barrel alone is 44 to 52 inches in length. The barrel was retained in the stock by about twelve iron, brass, or silver bands (capucines). When silver was used, it was often done in the niello form. These muskets may have all metal work engraved and locks may be covered in sheet silver. The stock and trumpet-shaped butt is typically enhanced by engraved silver shapes inlaid with coral or ivory. Even the exposed parts of the wooden ramrod is encased with silver. ^[3]

Issues

Issues in the weapon were noted. Although when it was first made, its range was impressive thanks to its long barrel, by the 19th century its range became completely average, and by the 20th century it was completely outdated and short-ranged. It caused a lot of smoke when fired which only cleared after a long time. The majority of these guns did not have bayonets,^[4] although organized units such as the Odjak of Algiers, the Odjak of Tunis, and to a certain extent the Black Guard of Morocco did have bayonets equipped.

Origin and usage

These muskets were produced across the Maghreb region, in modern Morocco,^[5] Algeria,^[6] and Tunisia, where they were the most widespread type of guns. They were so widespread in fact, that every musket was called a moukahla, and european handbooks translated the english word "gun" as moukahla.^[7] They were locally produced.^[4]

Significance

The Moukahla played a major role in Maghrebi wars up until the early 20th century. It was the most used, and produced musket in the armies of the