carrying a powder flask????

[mdrougas]

I like to carry my 1860 Colt Army when I go riding. I've added to my gun belt a cap pouch that I really like and added my Powder flask that I carry in a leather flask holder. My question is, In the 1860's did Wild Bill and the boys really carry their powder that way or is that a modern way of carrying a powder flask???? Carrying all that was NOT comfortable and just seemed a bit much. Plus, what if it's raining out. Is this a waterproof way to carry..... Thanks MJD

 

[AZ Muzzle]

I read a personally letter from a Trooper in 1863 in the 1st Maryland Cavalry, CSA that carried his powder in a small medicine bottle in his haversack. He mentioned that he was having trouble keeping his powder dry in bad weather and found something that worked for him. He was writing his brother a personal letter while in camp near Hagerstown, MD.

Mark B

 

[paulvallandigham]

If you had a horse, you let the horse carry the extra weight! Carry the powder, caps, tools, etc. In your saddle bags, which were treated with oil/grease/wax to make them waterproof. I don't know of any of the western soldiers, or cowboys, or explorers, who carried powder flasks on their person, save for short distances, or when they were taking a defensive position. Cavalry troops carried more than one gun, and a sword, on their saddles, rather than even consider trying to reload their guns in combat.

 

[Scott_C]

From what I've read over the years, I'd say they carried extra guns, and extra pre-loaded cylinders rather than extra powder, ball, etc., on their person. Keep the flask, etc., in your saddlebag.

 

[mdrougas]

Thanks much everyone for the info. MJD

 

[nkbj]

Flat vanilla extract bottles work real well. You can find old looking bottles too. Got a couple I use that fit well in vest or coat pocket. One that I use for three f has a metal lid and narrow neck that makes a fine spout.

 

[paulvallandigham]

I'd say that the idea they carried extra cylinders became much more prevalent in revisionist history after Clint Eastwood's Movie, Pale Rider, than it was in actual history. But, I am not that old to have first hand information, so its possible.

I know that the original Colt Paterson and Colt Walker revolvers were shipped with additional cylinders, but I am Not aware of the practice continuing after the 1851, and 1860 model revolvers came out prior to the Civil War. Colt was far too busy making and selling complete revolvers to be shipping extra cylinders, except in "Presentation " models during that later period.

I spent a lot of time research gunfighters, and reading biographies to learn what guns they used, and how they used them, many years ago. The authorities I have read do not make mention of either gunfighters, or soldiers carrying extra cylinders for their guns much after the Mexican War in 1845. Extra Revolvers- yes, but not extra cylinders. :surrender: :thumbsup:

 

[Pigman]

The Army issued paper cartridges.
Foster From Flint

 

[1sgtscot]

Paper cartridges is the way to go. You can roll your own and even make the boxes to carry them in. 6 cartridges and 7 caps in one box.

Sgt Scott

 

[mdrougas]

I really like that idea. I saw a demo on youtube.
What kind of paper do you use??? Is ignition delayed at all from having the paper in the cylinder with the powder or do you rip the paper and pour the powder then the wad and ball??? Thanks much.....MJD

 

[CoyoteJoe]

As I recall from Mr. Lincoln's war, the Yanks were issued paper cartridges while us poor Rebs were lucky just to have a gun. :haha: The paper cartridge for revolvers were loaded whole, as a cartridge, but I suspect that tearing open the base would improve ignition. Today they are commonly made from cigarette papers.

 

[Curtis Makamson]

The Remington style handgun was much easier when it came to changing cylinders than the Colt design.

 

[Ketchakah]

Yes, I would agree that the use of multiple pistols is a modern reenactor thing. Yes, There are exceptions, But having a soldier with a pistol in every crack is unrealistic.
Having a second pistol was definetly seen more frequently in the CS but not unheard of in the US as well. Changing out cylindars in my opinion is a reenactorism period.

The primary mounted weapon was the sabre. Carbines were used Dismounted, There is not even a drill for the use of carbine mounted. The pistol was really A secondary weapon to the cavalryman. Alot of thing have been conjured up by Hollywood. It has changed our perspective on What Cavalry was used for. But I can ceertainly see where the pistol would be usefull, But i would use it only as an emergency. You might be in trouble if you used it and found yourself between loads. Does that make sense? Cavalry battles were fast and violent. They were seldom drawn out. Yes there are exceptions, But the main purpose of the Cav was hit fast and regroup. any standing fight was done dismounted with a carbine.

As far as reloading... At least in the US, The pistol cartridges were issued in sets of 6 in premade cartriges. The whole cartridge was rammed into the cylindar. Its very easy to do while mounted. They also did use cappers. The CS was a bit different as they dident have the supply available as did the US. They made due with whatever worked.