Torch hole location

[Bob McBride]

I always assumed it was a carryover from the matchlock. Any Etymologists in the house?

[Marcruger]

I agree.  Torch hole is an apt term, and very descriptive.  I stood to the right side of a flintlock ONCE when helping someone.  Never again.  Felt like hot birdshot.

For those who have not made it to Old Salem, NC's Vogler gunshop, below is a photo of their reproduction German target.  I have always liked seeing that one up on the wall.

I asked a friend to translate it for me.  He came back chuckling, and said it roughly translates to, "All skill is for naught when an angel pees in your touch hole."  I like it even better after the translation.  I think it should have been in the Moravian rifles book.  :-)  Definitely a left handed shooter in the image. 

Hope y'all enjoy it too.  Marc

[Craig Wilcox]

In German or in English, words to live by.  Might adopt it as a motto.

When the OP used the word "Torch", I just grinned, and thought it was truly appropriate.  If I worried about spelling, punctuation, improper word usage, I would have long ago passed on from terminal ulcers.

[WadePatton]

I always thought touchhole was a corruption of torchhole, since this is where the fire gets to the charge.
Bob

Could be. But one can light a main charge with only the touch of a hot iron, no torch needed.

Maybe I submit it to the gang on Says You!   Let them banter it around.