Blunderbuss

A blunderbuss is a muzzle-loading firearm with a flared, trumpet-like barrel. The blunderbuss was in use in the 17th century, and is the weapon most commonly pictured in the arms of the Pilgrims. Flintlock blunderbusses were used by Catherine the Great's forces during foreign wars to expand Russia's territory.

The funnel-shaped barrel is not designed to enhance the ballistics of the weapon; rather, it makes it extremely easy to refill with shot (or whatever is available) in situations where this would not normally be possible (say, riding shotgun on a stagecoach speeding down a bumpy road).

Some sources say the blunderbuss was better used as a crowd control device then a hunting or militia firearm.