greatmingmilitary

[Archive] Jian Qiang (劍鎗)

Added 2023-10-10 07:34:45 +0000 UTC

Note: This is an outdated version of my article about Jian Qiang, kept here for archival purpose. Updated version of the same article can be read here.

Jian Qiang (劍鎗, lit. 'Sword gun', or possibly 'Sword spear') is another late Ming Dynasty handgonne that is designed to compete with the arquebus. Like Zhui Feng Qiang (追風槍), it has long barrel, and comes with front sight and rear sight. It also has a detachable stock with match holder, and mounts a long spearhead at the butt of the barrel.

Jian Qiang combines the functions of a handgonne, a spear and a quarterstaff, but oddly, not a sword.

EXTRA: Modified illustration with corrected touch hole position

The stock of Jian Qiang actually doubles as sheath for the spearhead. When sheathed, Jian Qiang looks no different appearance wise from a typical serpentine lock handgonne.