Possible bag set up

[naterflint]

Does anybody have any nice hunting possible bag set ups that they wanna show off? Looking for inspiration.

 

[Flintlock Fellow]

I like to keep it relatively simple. This is more or less what I carry on a regular basis in tandem with my .40 cal Kibler SMR:

My powder horn is attached to the bag strap with a couple of leather thongs. I make a hole in either side of the strap and use an Ashley stopper knot on the backside so they don’t pull through. I have a turned 50 grain powder measure attached in the same way. Balls and pre-cut patches sit loose in the bottom of the bag. Sometimes, if the mood strikes me, I’ll have a strip of pillow ticking fastened around the strap and will cut at the muzzle. Aside from a banjo primer and brass snuff box to keep some cleaning patches, a jag, and some spare flints in, that’s about it.

 

[Brokennock]

"Possible bag" or shot pouch?

Two totally different set ups.

My shot pouch is very specific and limited.
My so called "possible bag" (I don't really call it that) is pretty random.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Shot pouch has a dozen lead balls and a brass tin with patches. Can’t get much simpler.

 

[Hawthorn1213]

I like to keep it relatively simple. This is more or less what I carry on a regular basis in tandem with my .40 cal Kibler SMR:

Gorgeous looking bag flintlock! Is that deer? Is the inside lined? I'd love to see some more pictures of it if you don't mind? I have something similar in mind I'm hoping to make this spring.

 

[Hawthorn1213]

I made this one a few years ago. It's a bit of a different style than a "typical" possibles bag but it suites me just fine. Round balls in the left pocket and paper charges in the right (ignore the powder measures.) Any extra supplies, cleaning, etc., in the large pocket. Patch material usually flows around somewhere on top.

 

[Flintlock Fellow]

"Possible bag" or shot pouch?

Two totally different set ups.

My shot pouch is very specific and limited.
My so called "possible bag" (I don't really call it that) is pretty random.

When I hear “shot bags” or “shot pouches”, I think of small bags used to carry shot/pellets for smoothbore firearms.

A possibles bag, on the other hand, carries all the “possibles” (everything you might need for shooting or repairs) for a muzzleloader.

This seems to be the generally accepted definition of each.

Everything else that’s essential for survival in the wilderness would go in a haversack or pack.

 

[nchawkeye]

When I hear “shot bags” or “shot pouches”, I think of small bags used to carry shot/pellets for smoothbore firearms.

A possibles bag, on the other hand, carries all the “possibles” (everything you might need for shooting or repairs) for a muzzleloader.

This seems to be the generally accepted definition of each.

Everything else that’s essential for survival in the wilderness would go in a haversack or pack.

If you will read Lewis & Clark's Journal you will see they called it a Shot Pouch.

 

[Flintlock Fellow]

If you will read Lewis & Clark's Journal you will see they called it a Shot Pouch.

I may be mistaken, but I believe Lewis and Clark referred to them as “game bags” or “rifle pouches.” Would you be able to provide a reference or a screenshot of where this terminology appears? I’ve been unable to locate it through online sources.

Regardless, it’s worth noting that definitions evolve over time. For example, Merriam-Webster defines a “shot bag” simply as a bag used for carrying lead shot.

If you go to a vendor like October Country or Track of the Wolf and do a search for “possibles bag”, you’ll strictly find bags that are designed to hold one’s shooting gear.

 

[Flintlock Fellow]

Gorgeous looking bag flintlock! Is that deer? Is the inside lined? I'd love to see some more pictures of it if you don't mind? I have something similar in mind I'm hoping to make this spring.

Thanks, Hawthorn. I wish I could take credit for it, but this bag was actually built for me by the very talented Jeff Luke of Po’ Boy Leather. He’s very accessible, and I’m sure he’d be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding its construction. You can find him on Facebook.

The inside of the flap is lined with blue pillow ticking, while the rest of the bag is not.

I have this other pouch (also made by Mr. Luke) with an eagle motif. The inclusion of the sheath on the backside of the bag makes for convenient access to my patch knife. Please note the photos of that bag were taken from his Facebook page— I don’t appear to have taken any pictures of it since acquisition.

 

[nchawkeye]

Here you go. Their Journal is quite interesting, full of information.

 

[BoomStick]

All of the stuff going out for late season whitetail. I also carry a large bag over the other shoulder with gloves, hats, layering pieces, snacks and water to adjust as temperatures or conditions change.

 

[Flintlock Fellow]

Here you go. Their Journal is quite interesting, full of information.

Fascinating! Thank you for sharing.

It is undeniable that the term was employed in that particular context. Nevertheless, I would have sought to correct the individuals involved, had I been present at the time.

By definition, “shot” pertains to smoothbore firearms. Therefore, a “shot bag” should, logically, refer to a bag designed specifically for holding lead shot.

In any case, hopefully the OP will chime in here and clarify what it is he’s looking for.

 

[Cruzatte]

My Fusil bag
Here's a whole thread on the subject.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

I have a large buffalo leather shoulder bag that goes to camp with me and has stuff in it like sewing kit, extra lead, extra flints or caps, small folding knife, and some strips of leather for repairs.
Shooting and cleaning stuff in wooden range box.

But if I’m trekking, simple shot pouch.

 

[nchawkeye]

He is meaning a shot pouch, but this is a Traditional Muzzleloading Forum, so those of us that are history buffs like to teach the less informed.

 

[Flintlock Fellow]

He is meaning a shot pouch, but this is a Traditional Muzzleloading Forum, so those of us that are history buffs like to teach the less informed.

That’s a fair point. However, I would encourage you to conduct a search for the terms ‘shot bag’ or ‘shot pouch’ using your preferred search engine and observe the results. It is likely you may encounter difficulty finding precisely what you are looking for (as I did).

Please understand, my intent is not to be argumentative, but rather to emphasize the importance of precise (or generally accepted) terminology to prevent potential confusion.

It begs the question… if the term “shot bag” or “shot pouch” refers to a receptacle for shooting-related accessories, what term should be used to describe a bag or pouch specifically designed to hold shot for a smoothbore firearm?

 

[andy52]

I make them from plain to really fancy depending on the customer.
Here are some I've made

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I make a canvas shooting bag that I setup for use in the field with my smoothbores. I’ve been using this type of bag for most of 30+ years. It has a main pouch compartment and a flap that covers 3 small pockets across the front, where I keep wadding

Rabbit hunt, that I did years ago with my dad. We hunted with our Brown Bess smoothbores, that year. The game was plentiful, and the hunt has been recounted many times over the years

 

[TA-APPLE]

Historically speaking, what is the etymology of the term "possibles bag"?

A shot pouch typically carried strictly what was needed to load and fire the gun. Not other stuff. In particular, 18th c. shot pouches tended to be small, relatively simple, often divided into two sections.

So, are possible bags a reenactorism, or is there a sound historical basis for them?

Cheers,

Tom A.