Armory
The care, use, maintenance & safety of Black Powder & Edged Weapons.
490 topics in this forum
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- 11 replies
- 4.1k views
Ok this may not belong here, but it may. I have been looking everywhere for affordable pistol kits for the GAoP period. All I can find is very expensive kits without barrels or out of period kits. There was a time you could get these at Woolworth. Anyway. Does anyone have a good source? Just a little info, I'll only use these for blanks, at reenactments and events, they don’t have to be topnotch stuff, just something that looks good and blowup in my face. Thanks all Black Jack
Last reply by Stynky Tudor, -
Combo Weapons
by Jib- 0 replies
- 760 views
Have you ever seen those weapons that combine a blade or axe with a flintlock? I wonder how common they were?
Last reply by Jib, -
- 6 replies
- 1.3k views
7 .50 cal. barrels that are fired at the same time. The lock fires the central barrel which in turn fires the remaining 6 barrels. After test firing yesterday it was determined that there was no noticeable delay in any barrel ignition will all firing perfectly. The weight is just under 15 pounds and the charge was 40 grains per barrel loose poured with no packing. We started out at 40 grains and determined that was about perfect for demonstrations, no kick nice solid boom and we can get roughly 30 shots per pound of powder instead of 15.
Last reply by Silver, -
- 5 replies
- 1k views
Opinions?
Last reply by privypiper2002, -
- 14 replies
- 5.9k views
I seriously doubt this will come as a surprise to anyone here, but actual black powder is just so much better than BP substitute! I have, for some time, been limited to the substitute -- there's just no one nearby dealing in real BP. Recently, though, I've gotten in touch with some Cowboy Action shooters who load their own cartridges, so we can all share in ordering BP. Makes it much more economical to share that hazardous material shipping fee. At any rate, it had been so long since I had real BP, I had forgotten how much better it is in flintlocks. The substitute is fine for percussion firearms, but... My misfire rate has fallen to maybe a fifth what it had been, …
Last reply by Cascabel, -
- 2 replies
- 1k views
Looking for a gun bucket or period correct holster for my Queen Ann pistol to attach to my left handed baldric I use a sword with my left but I shoot with my right,Is there such a thing? I thought about fabricating a clip on the gun but I don't know if I have the skill or the patience.
Last reply by privypiper2002, -
- 4 replies
- 1.4k views
I am looking for some period accurate moulds for .735 round balls and a pouring ladle that can be used in an encampment. Suggestions?
Last reply by Johnathan Atwood, -
- 19 replies
- 4.2k views
I keep seeing rendezvouser with small cannons on folding, portable mounts. I have never seen a period illustration of anything like these. Does anyone know if they are period (and period)? Here is one example. It can be fired flat against the ground or raised up.
Last reply by flagman1776, -
I know rapiers were a bit long for using on a ship, I gather they'd easily get tangled in the lines and rigging. But... I happen to love my rapier and how it moves in my hand. Is a rapier an unreasonable weapon for a pirate to carry?
Last reply by Dread Pyrate Greyhound, -
- 9 replies
- 1.3k views
A simple question, I think: how, historically, did people draw the charge from a flintlock or other muzzle-loader if it misfired? If only the priming powder was wet or spoiled, re-priming would seem relatively easy, but if the actual main charge in the gun barrel proved to be wet or otherwise faulty, how did you get it and the ball and the wadding out? In the novel Treasure Island, Stevenson has Jim Hawkins draw the charge on one of his pistols and then reload it in the time it takes Israel Hands to climb to the Hispaniola's mizzen top. That sounds impossible; is it?
Last reply by flagman1776, -
- 9 replies
- 1.5k views
http://themoscownews.com/russia/20120716/189964446.html Four participants in a re-enactment of a Napoleonic war battle near St. Petersburg got more than they had bargained for when they were injured by an accidental cannon shot. The re-enactment of a battle in the Merevo village ended with four people being treated for injuries after cannon fire on Saturday at the “No wonder all of Russia remembers” festival celebrating the 200th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Napoleon, RIA Novosti reported. The re-enactors played out a fragment of the Battle of Borodino from the Patriotic War of 1812, known as the fight for the bridge over the Koloch River. More than 100 people…
Last reply by flagman1776, -
- 3 replies
- 1.4k views
What cheer all, I have many library gigs to do this summer and am looking for some great guns, either firing or Quaker guns, for my presentations. Any suggestions? I am talking with one sutler about a Quaker gun, but do not want to over-tax him as he is recovering from cancer treatment. Ideally I am looking for a four to six pounder. Keep you powder dry, John Atwood
Last reply by flagman1776, -
- 2 replies
- 1.5k views
Just ordered a Pedersoli Queen Anne pistol, had one many years ago but since parted with it. This time I plan to rework the pistol and perhaps have a machine shop make a screw off barrel. Gentlemen of Fortune (GoF) has some great pic's on his website of QA pistols. According to an e-mail response from Loyalist Arms, the price of the QA kit may be going up (significantly). With that in mind I ordered the kit from Dixie Gun Works, the cheapest I could find on the net at $350 + $16.95 S&H. Will keep ye crew updated on my progress. Yours, &c. Mike
Last reply by MadMike, -
- 5 replies
- 1.3k views
Just passing on information http://www.cwreenactors.com/forum/showthread.php?29951-Indian-Lorenze-blows-up-at-Gettysburg.
Last reply by MadMike, -
- 1 reply
- 880 views
Question......To what Rc. should a soft frizzen be hardened to? Is it a through hardening or not? Thanks for any help!!!! darkRose........
Last reply by Commodore Swab, -
- 8 replies
- 1.5k views
hey gang, Gun problem. Lets begin with I don't want to badmouth an importer or manufacturer. A few years ago I got an english fish tail and I have never been rally happy with the lock. Its frizzen is soft and the main spring is weak. Its gotten to the point where can actually stop the cock from falling with just a bit of resistance. Obviously the "shower of sparks" the manufacturer touts non existent. Thats IF I can get the mechanism to actually cock. Below is a link to an image. http://www.middlesexvillagetrading.com/MEL.shtml I have had the lock looked at by a gunsmith that deals with BP weapons and his repair/rebuild price is more than a new lock. Can anyone provide…
Last reply by Commodore Swab, -
- 0 replies
- 1.1k views
Were English cast iron cannon barrels of the GOAP period [and later] painted with black oil-based paint, blackened, or Japanned, or something else entirely? My next question would be about what the mixture was for any of these coatings. A friend of mine wishes to duplicate the proper finish on a Traditions .69 caliber naval cannon barrel. I think right now he's just leaning toward the black oil-based paint finish, whatever that proper mixture would be. I haven't really found any sources other than possibly coated with a black oil-based paint, or blackened. That's kind of vague, since no details to their proper mixtures or procedures were given. Not sure what "blackenin…
Last reply by Tar Bucket Bill, -
- 2 replies
- 791 views
Looking at a possible trip across Canada en route to Anchorage. Am considering transporting the longarm stock and barrel but not the lock, which will be shipped separately. Would Canada still consider this a firearm?
Last reply by Coastie04, -
- 1 reply
- 704 views
I kept seeing images referring to this book (without knowing it's name or author) and I finally found it. It is the third volume of the book Les travaux de Mars ou l'art de la guerre [The Work of Mars or the Art of War] which was written by French engineer and illustrator Alain Manesson Mallet in 1684. Not one to be greedy with public resources I have found, I thought I'd share it with those of you who would enjoy it. The first paragraph of the description roughly translates, "The third and last volume, which treats new evolutions, instruments, & materials of the ground debris, of artillery, of the instruments, which are used or for the defense, or the attack of tow…
Last reply by William Brand, -
- 15 replies
- 2k views
Missing Bronze Blunderbus Pistol! Approx 22: inch long Bronze Blunderbuss Knee Gun. Custom made by Commodore Swab and puchased last summer. Likely to show up at pirate events like Ft Taylor. It is a beauty. It has a small stock repair next to the belt hook. Claimed by my estranged wife to be "Missing" during divorce proceedings - Purchased before my marriage and NOT common property If you see this blunderbus or any of the other items pictured below - Please contact madPete on this pub. There will be a reward for info leading to recovery. Other missing items: .40 caliber Glock Handgun SN xxx276 .357 7 shot Taurus revolver SN xxxxx695 Heirloom Diamond/Gold wedding …
Last reply by madPete, -
- 8 replies
- 2.9k views
I am heading to Fort Zachary Taylor this friday and I needed something to wear on my side. I wanted to make something subtle and sweet. I left the edge blunt on this for the time being. If I still have this sword when I return, I plan to grind more off the edge making it lighter and adding a sharp edge to it. Custom hanger with 24.25" blade and is 29 " Overall. Blade is satin polished with double hand ground fullers, stop edge and file worked spine. The blade is .175" thick at the hilt and distally tapers to .1" just before the tip and .08" at the tip The blade is 1.125" wide at the hilt and .75" before the curve of the tip. The hilt is medium carbon alloy an…
Last reply by Jake the SeaSnake, -
- 4 replies
- 1.2k views
I have heard many contrary opinions on the safety of Indian gun barrels. so I have begun an experiment. I will be testing a number of gun barrels from several different suppliers. here is the method we have followed so far, Under controlled conditions in the shop,the temp of the barrel is recorded and then they are measured at several locations on the barrel with a micrometer. then the barrels are taken to the range, loaded with a triple charge of the recommended load. and 2 round balls of the correct size for the barrel being tested. The charge is then electrically ignited from a distance of 50 feet from behind a berm. The barrels are then returned to the shop. cleaned c…
Last reply by madd mike, -
- 9 replies
- 2.1k views
My supply is finally starting to run low and it would appear it is no longer available? Any suggestions on where to find some?
Last reply by madd mike, -
- 4 replies
- 1.2k views
http://tinyurl.com/cttwugp
Last reply by Littleneckhalfshell, -
- 9 replies
- 2.5k views
I mean, how does the forge look like, the little one you set up at a faire and dismantle rather quickly afterwards? I am not speaking about an allegedly established workshop, but rather of a temporary one they might have on a ship (to be put into operation only when needed) or they can set it up quickly on a desert island, to be taken back aboard the ship one week later... Anyone describing it, please? And anyone having a photo? Giving credits in the upcoming monthly Chronicle!
Last reply by Elena,