Naming guns; Pet names for them. I had a .45 cal. flintlock back in the mid-1970's...

[springfield art]

This week I’ll have owned my Trapper 50CAL pistol for four months, which is the same amount of time I’ve been into muzzleloading. Several times I have thought about naming this Traditions replica pistol, and this thread says it is a good time to do that.

I’ve named my Trapper ASP. In a moment I’ll explain what it means. I’ve learned from readings that my Trapper could be historically identified as belonging in the 1780s to late 1800s. So far, the MLF historical sub-forum I most enjoy is the “Rocky Mountain Fur Trade.” But the meaning behind my name choice took me out of the United States, as I looked at the pistol’s usage and historical importance in another country, Russia. However, the time period of the early 1800s is the same. I most likely will not add to our Rocky Mountain sub-forum from this perspective. But I’ve sure enjoyed what I’m reading/learning about this style of muzzleloading firearm in Russia.

ASP are the initials of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin. My first thought in my choice is that the name of the deadly poisonous snake is quite apropos. The historical context is that Pushkin died when “bitten” by a dueling pistol at the age of 37 in 1837. Many, many Russians then and now consider Pushkin to be their greatest Russian poet of all time, and that he was the catalyst in establishing modern Russian literature. Born into Russian nobility, the use of a dueling pistol was particular to his social status. Sadly, a dueling pistol was what took his life at the hand of Georges d'Anthès. The duel took place near the Black River just outside of St. Petersburg.

I continue researching the pistol, which Pushkin used. Yes, I know that his pistol was not a Trapper. But when I look at this painting of that duel, I see a similar-looking pistol in Pushkin’s hand. My imagination and curiosity soar with interest.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fileduel_of_Pushkin_and_d'Anthes_(19th_century).jpg

Along with the weapons used, I’m also researching the whys and wherefores behind this duel. Pushkin himself was fascinated with the dueling tradition. In fact, I think I will re-read his well-known novel-in-verse, “Eugene Onegin.” A duel weaves throughout that story.

That is how my Trapper got its name. It has been fun participating in this naming thread.

wiksmo

Nice to see a literary reference!

 

[Tumbledown]

I have a hawken. I call her Sophie B.

 

[Griz44Mag]

I call my Lyman Great Plains "Jeremiah", cause it got dipped in a cold stream and wants to be a big bore Hawken.

 

[Tumbledown]

I'm thinking I should name my Traditions Kentucky "Kit," since that's what it was.

 

[LME]

My Ithaca Hawkin is named "Sadie" after,"Sadie Hawkins day".

 

[rafterob]

I have not given any permanent names to my guns but have been known on occasion to call them some unpleasant names.

 

[hanshi]

As a rule I do not give my guns names. But I have a .62 flintlock smoothbore that I had to give a name; I christened it "Ol' Loudmouf". I almost names it "Thor's Hammer" for the way it hammers deer.

 

[springfield art]

As a rule I do not give my guns names. But I have a .62 flintlock smoothbore that I had to give a name; I christened it "Ol' Loudmouf". I almost names it "Thor's Hammer" for the way it hammers deer.

I never bothered naming guns, either, but when one that I gave away "came back" after 40 years, it just named itself; "Prodigal Gun"! Loudmouf is good!

 

[sawyer04]

50 caliber flintlock named GETUM.

 

[springfield art]

I have not given any permanent names to my guns but have been known on occasion to call them some unpleasant names.

Hah! Funny!

 

[Cowboy]

Have a custom made left hand Southern Mountain Rifle in .54 flintlock. Bought about 8 years ago. Has relief carving and silver and ivory inlays in the stock.

Anyway, I bought it from a gentleman in Utah. Was shipped via UPS. When I received the rifle the wrist was totally cracked. Only the tang and trigger plate was somewhat keeping it together. After having an inward freak out moment along with some choice swear words, I decided to have it repaired versus disregarding the stock.

Got a hold of Roy Stroh in Maine. I shipped the rifle to him and he repaired the broken wrist. He sent me pics of the repair and even matched up the stocks stain and finish. Couldn’t even tell that the wrist was even broken.

Well, Roy sent it back to me and upon opening the securely packed box THE WRIST WAS CRACKED!!! We both had a melt down moment after I got ahold of him.

Sent the muzzleloader back to Maine with another appointment with Roy Stroh. We decided to reinforce the wrist again with also a brass wrap installed to cover the repair.

Received the muzzleloader in a homemade crate. Now it’s the strongest part of that stock.

I named this muzzleloader ( TRAVELER ). Was sent from Utah to me in central Illinois. From Illinois to Maine. From Maine back to Illinois. From Illinois back to Maine for the second time! From Maine back to me for its final trip! LOL.

Sorry for the long dragged out story, but that’s Traveler for ya! That muzzleloader just can’t keep it together!! LOL...

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[Stony Broke]

I have a Hawken named "Bacon...after recommendations from forum members". I shoot it at hogs regularly lately, and it will be going deer hunting with me the first part of next month. I also have a .62 caliber English sporting rifle that a friend of mine named "Brutus"...due to the size of the bore.

 

[springfield art]

Have a custom made left hand Southern Mountain Rifle in .54 flintlock. Bought about 8 years ago. Has relief carving and silver and ivory inlays in the stock.

Anyway, I bought it from a gentleman in Utah. Was shipped via UPS. When I received the rifle the wrist was totally cracked. Only the tang and trigger plate was somewhat keeping it together. After having an inward freak out moment along with some choice swear words, I decided to have it repaired versus disregarding the stock.

Got a hold of Roy Stroh in Maine. I shipped the rifle to him and he repaired the broken wrist. He sent me pics of the repair and even matched up the stocks stain and finish. Couldn’t even tell that the wrist was even broken.

Well, Roy sent it back to me and upon opening the securely packed box THE WRIST WAS CRACKED!!! We both had a melt down moment after I got ahold of him.

Sent the muzzleloader back to Maine with another appointment with Roy Stroh. We decided to reinforce the wrist again with also a brass wrap installed to cover the repair.

Received the muzzleloader in a homemade crate. Now it’s the strongest part of that stock.

I named this muzzleloader ( TRAVELER ). Was sent from Utah to me in central Illinois. From Illinois to Maine. From Maine back to Illinois. From Illinois back to Maine for the second time! From Maine back to me for its final trip! LOL.

Sorry for the long dragged out story, but that’s Traveler for ya! That muzzleloader just can’t keep it together!! LOL...

Respectfully, Cowboy

I don't know why people can't pack something correctly; take into account all of the item's features. Some re-enactor types I've seen install a brass "reinforcement" wrap even though their musket wrist isn't really broken! Just to look "cool"!

 

[Cowboy]

I don't know why people can't pack something correctly; take into account all of the item's features. Some re-enactor types I've seen install a brass "reinforcement" wrap even though their musket wrist isn't really broken! Just to look "cool"!

I’d would have rather opt to keep the wrist clean but it is what it is.

Regardless, sort of got use to the brass band and it gives me a story to tell! LOL.

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[omark]

62 caliber full stock Hawken cap gun. Called thunder and lightning because it makes a lot of noise and you never know where it's going to strike next. 2nd one is a 40 Cal poor boy Flint called scrap iron and firewood. She aint real pretty

 

[nkbj]

The TC Hawken with the GM .61 rifled barrel is "The Rattler" 'cause that's what it does to the windows.
The .40 GPR is "Sheba" because it seemed like it would never come back from getting the new barrel.

 

[Muddly]

My P53 repop Yankee killer is " Victoria"
I have a .45 of the type not spoken of here. She' s 'Ol Collywobbles.
A .50. Same comment. She's "Calico" due to stainless and blued parts in a FINE piece of walnut.
A .54 Same comment. I'm hopeful she will do well with big lead, so I call her " Galena"
I do have a .50 Renegade, flint lock, with a very uneven bore. Many tight and loose spots, but I'm shooting her better than any other flintlock I've had.
She remains, as yet unnamed.

 

[Pete G]

My .40 vally of Va. rifle is "Anabell Lee"

 

[Lobo]

(above), "Fancy Pants" my .54 longrifle by Jud Brennan

"Bull Knocker" my .62 Jager by Jud Brennan

 

[Lobo]

"Slim Girl" my .36 rifle by....Yep, Jud Brennan