HF Jack Hinson Novel

[TallTallMan]

All this inspired me to go read the appendices (I've read the text of the book but not those), and in Appendix C, about the rifle, he says that the "identity of the rifle...is uncertain." What?! How come we didn't hear this earlier?! So we're not even sure it's the same gun?!

If you have it, check it out yourself! Page 356!

 

[TallTallMan]

A child who lived in Between the Rivers said Hinson robbed and terrorized local Unionists. The book is The Land Between the Rivers by J. Milton Rivers, but I don't have the whole book for context.

McKenney includes the story but dismisses it as untrue because A.) As a sharpshooter he would have stable hands and B.) he was a "respected, courageous man of integrity", so he would never steep so low as to terrorize Union men. Wait, isn't that what he did?

(See McKenney pg. 382n9.)

 

[Belfoured]

All this inspired me to go read the appendices (I've read the text of the book but not those), and in Appendix C, about the rifle, he says that the "identity of the rifle...is uncertain." What?! How come we didn't hear this earlier?! So we're not even sure it's the same gun?!

If you have it, check it out yourself! Page 356!

So I'm guessing we don't know where the 36 notches came from or what they actually mean. What if the real owner was just an incompetent whittler ...

 

[Choatecav]

Was there a back entrance to the cave? Was there a draft through the cave?

No, there was no back entrance, draft or any other rear opening to the cave. However, one can step out of the front entrance, turn and be hidden in the folds, boulders and paths that network the bluff.

 

[TallTallMan]

So I'm guessing we don't know where the 36 notches came from or what they actually mean. What if the real owner was just an incompetent whittler ...

I have never seen a gun notched with little holes. Has anyone else?

Here's a ACW era notched gun posted on this forum by @Ralph Heinz :

Kill marks | Small Arms & Ammunition

I used to think that notches in firearms were largely a fantasy -- something for "gun fighter TV programs" but over time I have seen several Civil War revolvers with notches carved into the grips and a few years ago I bought an M1842 Springfield that originally came from an antique dealer in SE...

civilwartalk.com

 

[Choatecav]

So I'm guessing we don't know where the 36 notches came from or what they actually mean. What if the real owner was just an incompetent whittler ...

"Notches" is not a accurate term to use for these marks. They are not cut into the wood or stock, but rather there is a series of "tap marks" in the top of the barrel. Imagine using a punch and hammer on a piece of metal.

 

[TallTallMan]

Another one by a gone user:

 

[TallTallMan]

"Notches" is not a accurate term to use for these marks. They are not cut into the wood or stock, but rather there is a series of "tap marks" in the top of the barrel. Imagine using a punch and hammer on a piece of metal.

It is by far the strangest type I've ever seen. I'm a "young gun" and I guess you older guys can fill me in on if there are tap-marked guns.

 

[TallTallMan]

I don't know if anybody on this forum has long hair over 40, so I'm hoping I don't offend anybody, but it looks ridiculous on Mr. Revel. But as my grandma says: "At least it's shampooed."

 

[Rebforever]

No, there was no back entrance, draft or any other rear opening to the cave. However, one can step out of the front entrance, turn and be hidden in the folds, boulders and paths that network the bluff.

Book says there was a back opening. Maybe I should get my daughter to dig that book out for me..

 

[TallTallMan]

Book says there was a back opening. Maybe I should get my daughter to dig that book out for me..

I have it. I'll have to check...

 

[uaskme]

Here is a YouTube video of Hinson's Rifle. Other pics on the web. Yes it is real. Been discussed on NRA sites etc.

Cute that you can keep the "Echo Chamber" click going!

 

[TallTallMan]

Here is a YouTube video of Hinson's Rifle. Other pics on the web. Yes it is real. Been discussed on NRA sites etc.

Cute that you can keep the "Echo Chamber" click going!

I
did
not
say
the
gun
did
not
exist.

Please learn to read.

 

[Choatecav]

Book says there was a back opening. Maybe I should get my daughter to dig that book out for me..

I actually went back to my photos on the cave.
a) The first photo is from inside the cave, looking out toward the river.
b) The second is to the back of the cave. As you can see it is a solid wall.
c) However, to the side, there is a small opening that is far too small for a man, or a child, to get through, but there is a lot of debris that has accumulated. Whether of not that could be an entrance or exit, I have no idea.

 

[TallTallMan]

Book says there was a back opening. Maybe I should get my daughter to dig that book out for me..

I skimmed to Pg 244 and I don't see a reference to it there. It may be elsewhere, I'm too lazy

I actually went back to my photos on the cave.
a) The first photo is from inside the cave, looking out toward the river.
b) The second is to the back of the cave. As you can see it is a solid wall.
c) However, to the side, there is a small opening that is far too small for a man, or a child, to get through, but there is a lot of debris that has accumulated. Whether of not that could be an entrance or exit, I have no idea.

View attachment 537262
View attachment 537263
View attachment 537264

That's real cool! That's for sharing!

 

[Belfoured]

"Notches" is not a accurate term to use for these marks. They are not cut into the wood or stock, but rather there is a series of "tap marks" in the top of the barrel. Imagine using a punch and hammer on a piece of metal.

Thanks. I'm not the one who started using that term for Hinson but this is informative.

 

[Choatecav]

Since y'all seem to enjoy the pictures, here are a few more......

a) Two Colt revolvers (Navy & Army) that belonged to Hinson.
b) Markings on top of rifle barrel.
c) View of the river from the mouth of the cave
d) Jack Hinson's grave.

 

[Rebforever]

Since y'all seem to enjoy the pictures, here are a few more......

a) Two Colt revolvers (Navy & Army) that belonged to Hinson.
b) Markings on top of rifle barrel.
c) View of the river from the mouth of the cave
d) Jack Hinson's grave.

View attachment 537274
View attachment 537275
View attachment 537276
View attachment 537277

If I remember correctly, he said in the book, when he fired his rifle, the wind took the smoke away from him and back through the cave.. That was one reason they couldn't locate where he was.

 

[Rebforever]

I would believe these marks appear to be the sighting in of a custom job. Probably not.

 

[TallTallMan]

If I remember correctly, he said in the book, when he fired his rifle, the wind took the smoke away from him and back through the cave.. That was one reason they couldn't locate where he was.

The book is full of made up narratives and info he could not possibly have known. He never sourced these things.

If I sound harsh the book is worth reading for a fascinating story but is terrible history.