wolf2hawks

On the weapons thing, Being from the great state of Illinois as far as trying to verify weapons laws, don't even try in this state. My brother tried to verify a couple years back whether or not you could still mail-order black-powder firearms(in this case, BP revolvers for cowboy action shooting). He went from local law-enforcement, to Dept of Natural Resources(who's in charge of hunting regs for the state) all the way up to Local branch of the BATF. Out of all these organizations, Nobody could give him a straight answer. Some mail-order places will ship to IL if you have a copy of your Firearm Owners ID card on file with them, some ship either way, some don't ship at all. Illinois weapons laws read like stereo instructions, with separate sections for Chicago, Then the suburbs of Chicago(which have bans on everthing from pocket knives with a blade over 2 inches to swords, shurikens and softair guns), Then everywhere else. If you want to take a look, go over to the BATFs website and I believe you can get a copy of the Federal Laws for the United States. You could also try a web search under "State Weapons Laws" and I believe there is a site that tells state by state what the laws are. I'm still trying to figure out if I can legally own the few spring soft-air guns I own.(Luckily I live in the middle of the state)--Wolf2Hawks

Thanks for the praise, hope to add some more here shortly.

Now ain't this a co-inkydink, Hangfire. My brother just spotted your website the other day, and couldn't believe it when he spotted the caption for the "Perry London" kit.(I think he was going to try and give you a phone call today to get some prices.(Also had some other questions for you, too.) BTW, is the kit available in only one caliber(looking for a .62) and also can it be had in a left-handed configuration?(would like to make a matched set).

Here's at least a partial start on the booklist I promised Ye All. (Will Probably have to post this in multiple parts) Jack of All Trade(Anything that comes to a pyrate's mind) Magazine-The BackWoodsman Available at most large bookstores or subscription info at www.backwoodsmanmag.com This magazine has just about everything(consider it a modern version of Popular Science/Mechanics for pyrates). Leatherworking, Muzzleloading(at least one article an issue), History, scrimshanding, backwoods lore, hunting, even how to make your own swivel guns. The editor of the magazine, Charlie Ritchie, has even done pyrate related articles on Jean Lefitte, screw-barrel pistols, a general pyrate weapons article(where no quarter given was mentioned), even an article on hand grenades/smoke pots. Of interest to pyrates: At least one muzzleloading article an issue, articles on making muzzleloaders and accoutrements, 16-18th century history(Either pick up an issue or most Muzzleloading supplier sell the digest version of Best of Backwoodsman). Leather-working Magazine-Leathercrafters and Saddlers Journal Available at www.leathercraftersjournal.com This magazine is the best $32 bucks you can spend if you want to get into leatherworking. Between their bi-monthly issues and back issue/reprints list, if you can't find the project you want, or something to do, it don't exist. Of interest to pyrates: articles on Rennisance sword belts, Articulated arm guards, scabbards, knife sheaths, holsters, belt pouches, plus in the last year, several articles on sailor knots and turks-heads by Robert Black of Marlin Spike Knotworks(also advertises a companion dvd). Also a good source for leather-supplies. Books-Yeahaa! and The Book of leatherworking by Brazos Jack McKain aka Jim Simmons Available only through Hidecrafter Leather www.hidecrafter.com Most leathercraft books are 10% assembly/pattern making, 70% carving, and 20% showing tools a beginner can only dream of. These two books actually show how to properly set up your pattern, so everything is right before you cut leather. The first one is mostly on cowboy gunleather, but the techniques cover just about anything, plus he shows how to do things with only a minimum of tools(maybe 70-90 bucks worth or less if you shop around). Of interest to pyrates:Written in a lanquage even a pyrate would understand. sheathmaking, holsters, 3 chapters devoted to bags and belt pouches. As a bonus, here's a list of leather suppliers for you all. -Hidecrafter leather-www.hidcrafter.com(general leathercraft supplies) -Leather Unlimited-www.leatherunltd.com-Wholesaler for- Hidecrafter/Crazy Crow, but don't need a business license) -Crazy Crow-www.crazycrow.com-sells stuff for Native American/Moutain man period, but most stuff will also work for 16th-18th century(also a good source for powder horns). Hat-Making Book-From the Neck Up-An illustrated guide to Hat-Making by Nancy Dreher Available from Dixie Gunworks(www.dixiegunworks.com) or her website-www.hatbook.com About one of the only general hatmaking books I've found(apparently used as a textbook in fashion design schools). Shows how to work with felt/straw, how to add trimmings, linings, even how to make your own hat blocks. Of interest to pyrates:Has patterns for 17th-18th century Bi/Tri-cornes(probably could be used as a pattern for a jack sparrow hat). Also has a section on turbans for you marrooners. And heres some places for Millinary Supplies Hats By Leko-www.hatsupply.com(sells hat blanks with 6" brims) Judith M-www.judithm.com-both sell general supplies HatShapers-www.hatshapers.com-sells plastic hat blocks you can use to make your own hats, quarter of the price of a wooden one. Well gang, here's a start(havin to head to work). I'll be posting some stuff on Scrimshanding/powderhorns, Braiding/whipmaking, and some on Building muzzleloaders(as soon as my brother finishes up his list). Hope this helps some of ye--Wolf2hawks

Well, Since there's interest among me fellow Bretheren I'll start posting probably next week(Don't have my list with me, plus I've got to finish it up. Also, I'm limited on my computer time right at the moment(using a library computer and only get to town a couple a days a week). One thing I do want to say. The books that I'm going to list are all good basic beginners books, or like the one I found on hat-making, are about the only ones you can find out there. I consider all this stuff "lost arts" because during the 1600-1800s this information was handed down from craftsmen to apprentice, and in this age of mass production, a lot of this stuff has been lost except to only a few who like to do things the old fashion way. Hope this helps bring back some of the old ways and if it helps one lowly pyrate, I'm glad to be of service.--Wolf2hawks

It's been a while since I posted, and I wanted to see first if anyone would be interested in this first, Here goes: Me and My brother are interested in historical reenacting(Be it pirate, Cowboy Action, Civil, French and Indian, Revolutionary Wars, Mountain Man, Intergalatic or whatever) and what could be considered "lost arts"(anything involving making something by hand, using the old ways, techniques, and tools as our ancestors did it). Anyhow, along the way, we've picked up a lot of books and information, and I know there is lot of people here that are interested in making there own items(so they can stand out from the other 30 Capt. Jack's, Barbossa's, Hooks, etc)., but can't always find the information without looking around for it. I thought I'd like to help out , but I wanted to see if anyone was interested first. Here's a list of some of the stuff I've got: -Leatherworking-(not so much on carving, but how to make the patterns, and general assembly). -Hat-Making -Making Muzzleloading FireArms -Finger-weaving-an old technique for making sashes, leg-ties, etc without a loom. -Scrimshaw and powder horns -Braiding and Knotwork and probably some other subjects I've forgot about and haven't run across yet. I know that this same information is brought up a lot on the forum, I just thought it would be kind of nice to have it all in one place(plus maybe you all out there might have more you can share). If anyone would be interested, let me know.(Cutting this short, running out of computer time).

What sort of cost are you looking at? I'm getting ready to start on some leather belt/baldrick projects and was looking for a buckle that was a little different. Just let me know when you get ready to sell'em.

Pistol kits are a good way to go, The main problem I have are: 1. With money being tight right now, I couldn't come up with 2 pennies to pay for a kit. By doing it me ownself, I can buy the parts a few at a time, put together the gun I want that's made for me, and have more fun doing it(As far as cost, if you shop around, can still put a pistol/rifle together for not to much more). 2. A good muzzleloader has to balance well and be made for a shooter. In that Greenwich County book I mentioned, it shows how to make a tryon stock for both pistols and rifles(it helps to figure out the drop of the stock, where to put any sights you want, barrel alignment, etc.). It's supposed to help build the gun for the shooter and make the gun balance out(like a good throwing knife or cutlass). Case in point: My brother has looked at about every muzzleloader he can find at gunshops and can not find one that is right for him. That's why he wants to build his own. 3. It's just more fun to make it your self, especially the fact you are putting your hand on just about every part of the gun(polishing de-burring parts, inletting the barrel, etc.) and putting a little bit of yourself in it. Plus it's different and .......I just love doing things the hard way . guess I'm just weird

Capt. Jack, thanks for chiming in on this. If the stuff over the barrel and stock templete pans out, please let me know.(I was going to try and free hand it from a stock blank, but any help would be appreciated.). BTW, what is the barrel length and are you using a smoothbore or rifled barrel? To Depinux and anyone else interested in making muzzleloaders, Get the book, Gunsmiths of Grenville County or its companion video of the same name. It pretty much will take you step by step through the whole process from start to finish(a lot of it is on long guns but the same process is used in pistols too.). Thanks again, gang.

Sir Henry, Thanks for the site showing interactive menu, It's a start. Captain Midnight, you're right, this is a worthy project, and so far me and my brother are both having fun researching. As soon as I get a list made up, I'll post a listing of the books we're using to learn how to make your own muzzleloaders(There are several good books you can buy that almost leads you by the hand). My brother(who I hope to get on here) has been wanting to make his own muzzleloading rifles for years, even hunts with a traditional front stuffer when he can. It's an ongoing project. I'm still trying to figure out leatherworking(making my own holsters, pouches, etc.). . With all the old time projects both me and my brother are into, I think I need to form The Brethen of the Lost Arts. Our Motto: Take Yer Time, and do it yer ownself, Ye get a more harmonious outcome. (I know there's a lot of people that like to do things the hard way). One Last question for Billy Bones: What is the barrel length, caliber, and is it rifled or smooth bore? Looking over a lot of our research, this pistol looks to be either a dueling pistol or what's called a trade pistol(pistol made up for trade to the indians, usually made up of parts from various makers). Not quite sure yet, need to do more research. Sorry for the long post, this is one of my few days to get to a computer.

Thanks for the help so far. Billy Bones, I'sent ye an pm with my e-mail address for those pictures. My main problem is that I'm stuck with a library computer right now, and it doesn't always let me download attachments(blocking software protects the young'ns but what is it protectin' me from. ) Anyhow may have to make alternative arrangments(Pictures in a bottle, buried pictures, we'll work something out). From what pictures me and my brother have looked at, most of the parts can be had from Rifle Shop and Track of the Wolf, it's just getting good enough pictures to match them up. As far as the Master Replicas, I prefer things that go "Boom " instead of wall hangings(That's just me, though). Plus it's more fun when you make something your self(more satisfyin). Calm winds to ye all and thanks again.

Thank ye, Cap'n Sterling. I'm gettin, ready to get that visual guide to POTC, I took a look at it the other day, and I do know it has a good picture of the left side of the gun(showing the side plate), didn't get much of a chance to look at the rest of it. Thank ye again.

Ahoy, Mates. Been a while since I've been on here(Getting involved with a different type of costuming and weaponry, mainly one that involves cowboy hats and sixguns.) Anyhow, with POTC II out, my interests is coming back around to pirates. My brother wants and likes to build his own muzzleloaders, so I've asked him to help me make a shooting replica of Capt. Jack's pistol(I know you can get a replica, but I don't like wallhangers,if it don't go bang, it's no good to me). The main thing I need help with are some good pictures to figure out the barrel, lock, stock styles, and also the sideplates and butt cap, plus the dimensions of the pistol(I'm wanting the one from the first movie, I'm not sure if there's a difference between the pistols). Anyone know where I can get good pictures or information? From the special features dvd of the first movie I know: -Made in London -in the 1760s -Gunsmiths name was Perry I also tried to get some pictures off the Master replicas slide show, but since I need ones I can print off for measurements, wasn't able to. Any help on this little project would be greatly appreciated.

Ya Betcha!!! That be exactly how I found it(after about an hour on MSN). Lucky I'm bald on top but my beard started to have a few chunks taken out of it.

Thanks, mates. I found the site with the blueprints about five minutes after I posted,(Had to jump ship to a different searchship, HMS MSN just wasn't getting it done). :angry: :angry: Thankfully after the good news I got yesterday(finally gainfully employed after 2 ands a half years, as of the morrow), I can finally start to work on me piratical costume(plus trying to get me design for a cutlass and belt knife made, flinter pistol and rifle, handmade baldric, my own version of a belt rig for my Browning Hi-Power made famous by a certain movie archaeoligist, crossbow, longbow, scrimshawing, etc(It's amazing the amount of projects you come up with when all ye have to do is sit around a computer and dream). BTW, the pictures will be helpful, thanks for the assist.---Wolf2Hawks