New reenactors

[Oohrah]

Hello all. I'm new here. My son (age 11) and I just started reenacting. Looking for some new gear/old gear to get started. Need an 1853 Enfield to start as well as everything else. Doing union right now.

 

[MaryDee]

First, connect with a group! Each group has its own standards and will have recommended models and vendors and sources of used gear. Many groups have loaner gear to help you get through your first year, so you don't have to buy everything at once. There's nothing worse than spending a lot of money only to find that what you bought doesn't meet the standards of the group you want to join! (Been there, done that; fortunately my unsuitable women's clothing can be recycled as linings and petticoats where it doesn't show).

Be sure to check the rules on age; your son will probably not be able to use a firearm or appear on the battlefield until he's older. Some places, that's 16. In others (such as Oregon, although not all groups) it's as young as 12, if you are with him.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Howdy and Welcome!!
MaryDee's advice is the best advice you can get! As a reenactor of over 10 years (with a son who started reenacting at age 4, he's 14 now and been to several 150th's!), I agree with her 100%

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Hello Oorah, welcome to CivilWarTalk.

 

[Michael W.]

Welcome from Indiana! Go to Perryville this year!!

 

[MRB1863]

Hello and welcome form 35 miles north of Gettysburg!

 

[Oohrah]

Thanks for all the responses. Failed to mention that we just joined a unit here in Georgia. We have attended one battle are are hooked. We are ready to find some good gear. Anyone selling any Federal uniform items, muskets, etc.?

 

[RebYell64]

Thanks for all the responses. Failed to mention that we just joined a unit here in Georgia. We have attended one battle are are hooked. We are ready to find some good gear. Anyone selling any Federal uniform items, muskets, etc.?

Fellow Georgian! Welcome to the forum. I hope you have many good experiences out there as I'm sure you will. Maybe you'll run into my regiment some day.

 

[Dutch Mudsill]

Welcome, I got back in after a 30 year hiatus. There are many more sutlers now, but seems like a lot more quality variance too. Back in the day Jarnagin was about the only authentic choice. I am relying a lot on my unit (mainstream) as mainstream gear ranges from pretty good to terribly shoddy, dependent upon the vender.

 

[ErnieMac]

Welcome from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

 

[MaryDee]

Doesn't your group provide mentors for "newbies"? Most of the groups with which I'm familiar (admittedly, on the west coast) mentor new members for their first year.

 

[chellers]

Welcome to CivilWarTalk.

 

[Oohrah]

Doesn't your group provide mentors for "newbies"? Most of the groups with which I'm familiar (admittedly, on the west coast) mentor new members for their first year.

Yes. Have some great mentors (here in the Southeast). Just looking for some gear.

 

[MaryDee]

That's what the mentors are for, to help you find the correct gear that fits in with your group's standards.

 

[Oohrah]

That's what the mentors are for, to help you find the correct gear that fits in with your group's standards.

Of course. Just looking for deals.