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  1. trettie

    Places to get a matchlock?

    The tassels could be linen, wool, or silk. I used wool fringe to edge my target (shield), it doesn’t melt when it catches hot embers, but it will smolder a bit.
  2. trettie

    Places to get a matchlock?

    What’s referred to as “cotton” in the 16th and 17th century is most often actually linen. Some of what we know as cotton is being imported from India and Africa, but at great expense. Hemp is the predominant type of rope. (My wife is a fiber arts geek.)
  3. trettie

    Getting ready to shoot a matchlock as a newbie

    Congrats on being able to shoot. I’ve never had a problem with either 2F or 3F ignition. Don’t over prime. I usually start with a 3 foot piece. One end of the match should always be in your hand when the other is in the cock. Ignition can knock the match out of the cock, and you don’t want...
  4. trettie

    What "fun" targets are your fav's

    I use woodcuts and prints of monsters, fantastical beasts, etc., printed on a large format printer. You can score by hitting the monster but not the victim, etc.
  5. trettie

    Jason A. Lonon Toolmaker

    If you’re looking for quality woodworking tools at reasonable (but not cheap) prices, I would recommend Jason A. Lonon. He runs a small, family-owned business in North Carolina with a number of associated craftsmen who contribute specialized aspects such as handles and certain blades. I’ve...
  6. trettie

    Pyrodex in Matchlock

    There’s grass next to the bulwark? I’ve been away far too long.
  7. trettie

    An Early Snap Matchlock

    An interesting piece from The Royal Armouries:
  8. trettie

    Historical Loading and Safety

    No problem putting your match aside while loading, just keep in mind if you want to shoot in ranks you’ll need to get comfortable holding it (with both ends lit). I try to carry the minimum amount of powder necessary, in case there should be something amiss. I reload chargers with the match...
  9. trettie

    Historical Loading and Safety

    A key aspect of matchlock safety is match control. Both ends of your match should be either in your hand or in the serpentine. Too often I see folks letting their match dangle and get blown out of the jaws when they give fire. I find chargers as safe as any other method of handling powder...
  10. trettie

    Musketeer Drill: Written History vs Reality

    I volunteer with the JYF Museums James Fort Militia. We will train initially using the several postures and commands, but when demonstrating drills, the commands are Ready Your Piece (or Make Ready), Present Your Piece, and Give Fire. We do not use live shot in demonstrations, but still 3...
  11. trettie

    Musketeer Drill: Written History vs Reality

  12. trettie

    India Made Firearms

    I would note that Loyalist Arms offers a 6-month warranty on all moving parts and a 1-year warranty on springs.
  13. trettie

    Pedersoli vs. Loyalist Arms Indian

    I’ve bought two pieces from Loyalist: an English Lock and a Matchlock musket. The English lock developed a crack in the forearm, but it was repairable. The trigger pull was quite stiff, but I was able to adjust it down to a more comfortable level. The matchlock needed some tweaking to the pan...
  14. trettie

    Restocking a pinned barrel piece

    I’m considering restocking a matchlock that has a pinned barrel. I’m good with all the woodwork required, but unclear on how to re-pin the barrel in a new stock. Is there a technique to locating the pin holes in the lugs? Thanks for any wisdom. Tom R.
  15. trettie

    Brown Bess Saved My Life

    Seven year liposarcoma survivor here; best wishes getting through this challenge and we’ll watch for you on the other side!
  16. trettie

    Maychlock teaser video.

    My only gripe is his match discipline. The loose end should always be under control; even more so if it too is lit. I also prefer to prime first as done in the order of arms. Unlike a flintlock, the half cock can’t slip. Otherwise, very nice.
  17. trettie

    I'm looking for historical examples/depictions of left-handed matchlocks

    A drawback of the engraving/printing process is that sometimes images get reversed, so they always have to be taken with caution.
  18. trettie

    I'm looking for historical examples/depictions of left-handed matchlocks

    This illustration appears to show a hunter shooting left-handed. Dutch, 17th century I believe.
  19. trettie

    Evil lead!

    I don’t normally recommend that people get their medical information from the Internet, but, Go to Google Search on “Death from lead”. Notice the number of sources that say lead isn’t so bad for you. Extra credit: note the number of sources that verify it’s all a conspiracy against gun owners.
  20. trettie

    Were bayonets historically used on matchlocks?

    Most matchlock muskets (12-10 bore) I’m familiar with (barring wall guns) weigh in between 10 and 15 pounds, with a few as much as 18. My own 12 bore weighs just 10 pounds. I don’t think 20 pounds was common. Do you have examples?
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