Loyalist arms trade gun?

[Jacob.Kent]

Hi everyone. I am trying to get started in the reenactment scene in Martinsburg WV. I have always been interested in the time period and live smack in the middle of some fascinating sites and history for F and I time period. My father has done extensive genealogical research and discovered some family members from the Opequon Church area near Winchester va during early to mid 18th century. After visiting fort Frederick multiple times to view reenactment events I am really interested in making the jump myself. I am doing alot of research to ensure area and period accuracy for my portrayal of a colonial settler in this area but am looking for any groups nearby that I could possibly join up with. I am going to attend the next couple garrison events at ft Frederick to try and network but just wanted to get a jump start on it if possible. I have been thoroughly delving this forum for info and have lots more independent reading to do. Also I wanted to get a second opinion on a gun if anyone has any info/opinions. I was looking at loyalist arms trade guns and the english trade gun they have caught my eye. Any ideas on period accuracy? I would love a custom fowler but my wallet won't let me at this time. Thanks for any advice its all appreciated.

 

[Grenadier1758]

At present I have two guns from Loyalist Arms. My guns are pretty good representations of guns used during the F&I war. One is a long land pattern (first model bess) and the other is a sergeants fusil.

Of the India manufactured guns, I have found Loyalist guns to spark well and function well. They tend to be more affordable than a custom made gun.

A farmer in the vicinity if Winchester would be well served by an English Trade gun in smooth bore. Its best to make contact with others in your area. I would concentrate on clothing first, then the gun.

 

[54ball]

If you have decided on a persona that indeed has a trade gun, I advise you to get a good one.
Northstar West has the Early English
Dixie has the Bess kit
Then there is the Carolina Guns by various makers.

IMHO you would be better off spending 1/2 to 2/3 more on a good heirloom quality gun.

 

[Alden]

Jacob;
Welcome!

May I ask how old u r, what time period more specifically you'd like to portray (F&I?), and what does "reenacting" it mean to u (what do u think you'll typically be doing) before I may answer?

 

[Wes/Tex]

For starts, the real early trade guns were smoothbores and Jack Brooks' is the closest to an exacting replica of the 1730 era gun.
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums...ype G Trade Gun/IMG_2635_crop_zpseb84afeb.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums...Type G Trade Gun/IMG_2628_adj_zps9cc6192d.jpg

Other makers do copies that would fall slightly later in the trade era just before the change was made to what we now call the North West Trade Gun, which started coming in late in the 18th century. Though vaguely similar to later pieces, the gun from Loyalist Arms is not really a good "trade gun" copy but looks more like a converted military piece...though we don't know what everyone made for the trade.

The French fusil is a little closer to the 'right' look and would need to be slimmed to appear more correct in architecture. Not likely to have been in the hands of N.E. militia, though you might stretch a point. If interested, ask local groups and see how accepting they are of these guns. Good luck.

 

[Jacob.Kent]

Jacob;
Welcome!

May I ask how old u r, what time period more specifically you'd like to portray (F&I?), and what does "reenacting" it mean to u (what do u think you'll typically be doing) before I may answer?

Thank you for the welcome. To answer, I am 28 and specifically interested in portraying the daily life of a civilian settler in my local area during the 1750's. I am fascinated to read about the experiences of people who lived literally in my backyard defending their homes from Native American raids (successfully and unsuccessfully). I have found growing up that most of the history pushed on locals and tourists to the area is the American Civil War, and the vast amount of 18th century history is brushed under the rug or relegated to the occasional highway historical marker. What I am interested in doing is joining others in portraying as accurately as possible the everyday life of the people who settled my area when it was the first American frontier.

 

[Jacob.Kent]

Thanks so much everyone for your replies. I definitely have a lot more research to do into the firearms of the period before I settle on one. Luckily a musket will be my final purchase for my persona so I have plenty of time to mull.

 

[Alden]

Jacob;
Thanks, and kudos to you kid for your perspective and enthusiasm. May I suggest hanging out at one of these "reenactments" for a few hours before you start investing heavily.

You say you're interest is

"...portraying as accurately as possible the everyday life of the people who settled my area..."

OK, but how would you do that? Tell me what you expect YOUR typical day would be like at what kind of "event."

 

[Preacher Jeremy]

I agree with Alden, and while your at the events, ask a manure ton of questions from different people. We reenacters tend to be very open to answering questions especially from someone who wants to join our ranks. A point in the right direction from the get go helps save a pain in the bum (and wallet) latter on.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I'm a little less than an hour away in Maryland. I've sent you a PM.

LD

 

[Alden]

See Jacob? Now I don't know Loyalist Dave personally, and in spite of the fact that he is a Loyalist, and named Dave, he's an active, experienced, knowledgeable guy. If he's offerring you an opportunity to come "audit the class" for a full day, which I bet he is, I'd be all over that like white on rice pudding.

Now I know that doesn't make the usual sense but I'm hungry...

 

[azmntman]

Well finish your thoughts after you down some cheese n green chili grits Alden! We will wait!! :grin: