Cascabel

Iron Bess and Red Maria thanks so much for the nice compliments. I had a great time in Ojai with all me fine shipmates from the Pub. And thanks to New Providence for the use of their stage, and also Port Royal Privateers for their fine hospitality. Ace of Harbor Bay, I'm glad I finally crossed paths with ye. Great booth !!!! >>>>> Cascabel

Right handers are pretty well protected by the flash being on the right side. A lefty using a right handed gun is in for an unpleasent experience. It can be VERY unpleasent if more than a normal amount of priming is used. I had a friend many years ago who was left handed, and successfully competed in target matches with a right handed gun. He used a minimal amount of priming, and kept his head as far back as possible when aiming. >>>>> Cascabel

I used to live near there many years ago. Glad they are having an event.... >>>> Cascabel

AH HAAAARRRR, I found ye !!!!! (I put your coordinates into the Google Earth search window). Looks like a lovely area..... >>>>> Cascabel

I plan to be there this year...... >>>> Cascabel

Okey-Dokey......

Huh ????? What dat mean, Cap'n.....

Heads up, Shipmates..... I just submitted the third and last part of my three part article on how to work with flintlocks to No Quarter Given. Very in-depth and useful info for taking the mystery out of getting reliable performance out of flintlocks. With this info, you will never again think of flintlocks as un-reliable. The first two parts have already been published, and I suspect that the last part will be in the next issue. >>>>> Cascabel

I'll stand with ye on this, Shipmate. I wish the event well, and appreciate everyones hard work, but I always felt that the move to the fort was a huge mistake. The place is far too remote from the tourist areas, even though the atmosphere is great from a re-enactment perspective. >>>> Cascabel

The very first thing I have to say on the subject is that "you get what you pay for". But beyond that, more helpful information is that the earlier style of pistols mostly have thin walled, large caliber, (.50 or over) tapering smoothbore barrels, rather than the thick walled smaller caliber octagonal barrels. The earlier pistols are much more graceful in appearance because of it. Most of the earlier pistols also don't have sights on them either, and the locks tend to be a bit larger. I don't want to be accused of being some kind of elitist, so I don't jump into a thread in such a way as to insult someones choices after they have spent their money, although I will always advise caution when there is a big difference in pricing. Usually there are some very good reasons that some guns cost more than others. I will always answer specific questions if asked, but I hate to torpedo a guy that believes what he paid for is top quality. I find that many times, folks buy something without really knowing the difference between mediocre quality and top grade stuff, simply because they have nothing to compare it to. Usually the difference only becomes apparent upon seeing the pieces side by side. Better to save up the funds for something worth having. I have never seen a gun or kit for under $100 that I would consider buying. >>>>> Cascabel

There are some really wonderful examples of fancy wigs in Roman Polanski's 'PIRATES', starring Walter Mathau. Several different styles, including the "horned" variety. All of them huge, and probably very expensive. >>>>> Cascabel

Aye, the Queen Anne's Revenge is a true treasure and very much worth a visit. I was there a couple of years ago after an event. By the way, it was great seeing you and yer crew again at Bald Head !!! >>>> Cascabel

Master Studley, I am 1000% in agreement with you on this !!!! >>>> Cascabel

Yeah they're brilliant but not very conducive to getting out the front screen door... I'm always catching mine on the handle and jerking myself backward on the way out to events... Aye, but back in those days, if you could afford to dress like that, you didn't have to open doors for yourself.....

I'll be there..... >>>> Cascabel

Kass.... I am REALLY curious. What exactly is "cartridge pleating" ? Can you show an example ? >>>>> Cascabel

Arrrrr, me long legged lovely !!!! It were good to see ya.... >>>>> Cascabel

Great pics, Duncan and Jim-Sib !!!! A truly excellent event. Had a great time hanging out with all me good ship mates once again.... >>>>> Cascabel

Some interesting thoughts on the subject, Jim. Perhaps I need to do some patterning tests with different load variations. Keeping the powder charge and weight of shot load constant, but varying the wadding types and shot quality and type. Might be very enlightening... >>>>>> Cascabel

No truth to that rumor, except perhaps in cases of dire emergency. That type of junk would damage the barrel, and can you imagine the result if a large piece of iron hardware such as a nail were to get jammed crosswise in the bore with the rest of the load trying to get past it ??? I can't recall where I read it, but I have heard of thick sheet lead being cut into projectiles with a hammer and chisel, which would create some rather nasty square pieces, but quite usable if regular buckshot was not available. I have not tried it yet, but it should work nicely if the pieces were kept about usual buckshot size. My blunderbuss has a spread of 2+ feet at a distance of 50 feet with standard 00 buckshot. There were some fireing tests done back in the '50s with various different antique blunderbusses, and the shot spread eventually created a hollow pattern with few hits in the middle of the pattern as the distance increased. The way to properly load one is to pour in your powder charge, followed by a thick wad to act as a piston to push out the shot load, (without a thick wad, much of the force of the powder would be lost passing between the individual pellets). Then another thinner wad is rammed down to hold it all in place. Not something that can be done in a hurry while you are being shot at !!!! >>>>> Cascabel

Aye.... I nominate it for the second worst pirate movie ever made !!!! >>>>> Cascabel

I also attempted to reply to you, Maggie. Let us know when you get your e-mail fixed, and I can help you out. >>>>>> Cascabel

Those are the most recent NQG's and continuing to next month's issue. If you contact Jamaica Rose at NQG, you can back order the other issues of Cascabel's 3 part series. Just drop her an email. Aye, only Part 1 has been published so far. The second part will be in the next issue, and I have not yet submitted the third part, but it will be ready in time for the issue after that. The first part deals with selection of your weapon, Part 2 deals with Theory of Operation and Making it Work, and the last part will be about care, cleaning and maintenance. Lots of detailed info, I think you will like it...... >>>>> Cascabel

Thanks for the kind words, Shipmates. I was not in charge of the black powder issues this past year, as they kept me pretty busy aboard the 'Wolf'. I am always available to help in this regard, and as always, answers are free, and there is no such thing as a "stupid question" when it comes to guns and safety. >>>>> Cascabel

Good to see you again, Captain Jim. Sir Henry, it's always a pleasure, and Sir Beachem Quick, welcome aboard..... >>>>> Cascabel