Original guns?

[archieclement]

I notice since I been getting collecting into a bit, that one sees reproduction guns fetching original gun prices at times. So makes me wonder do any reenactors use original period guns reenacting? Don't mean just as display pieces in camp, but as powder burner in the battle reenactment?

Would assume many would be in good enough shape safety wise for firing blanks, and recognize one wouldn't want to risk damaging a valuable gun. But are any common period guns in rougher shape used? And how commonly, if so?

Edit-added-or original period but non ACW guns, such as Nepalese surplus British arms?

 

[bayonet]

I notice since I been getting collecting into a bit, that one sees reproduction guns fetching original gun prices at times. So makes me wonder do any reenactors use original period guns reenacting? Don't mean just as display pieces in camp, but as powder burner in the battle reenactment?

Would assume many would be in good enough shape safety wise for firing blanks, and recognize one wouldn't want to risk damaging a valuable gun. But are any common period guns in rougher shape used? And how commonly, if so?

Edit-added-or original period but non ACW guns, such as Nepalese surplus British arms?

As I recall many years ago 1 guy in my outfit (company) used an original 1863 Springfield, all the rest were Repros. He had no issues with it.

 

[DixieRifles]

I think there has bern a thread or two about this.
My only concern would be exposing the original to possible abuse. Some reenactors get out in the rain and mud, etc.
Im NOT a reenactor but have observed them. Some just dont seem to take good care of their weapons. I may be wrong but I some only care if its clean enough to get the charge to ignite: no problem if rust builds up in the bore.
Im sure some companies have a Sergeant who inspects the uniforms and equipment of his men and enforces discipline.
But there is nothing more exciting to see than someone accurately portraying a period soldier and holding an original weapon. Its not even necessary to see him fire a blank. Nothing exciting about that.

 

[Yankeedave]

We had a fellow from a brother unit back over his original at an event. Broke it of course. I tend to fall into the camp that the originals are too valuable to risk.

 

[captaindrew]

I've known a few who used originals but i think most, like me, would be scared to damage an original. Back in the day in the early years of reenacting and reproductions weren't as readily available it was more common. Lately there has been a supply shortage of reproductions and they've become quite expensive so you may possibly see more originals in the field.

 

[archieclement]

We had a fellow from a brother unit back over his original at an event. Broke it of course. I tend to fall into the camp that the originals are too valuable to risk.

I would have thought so, but occasionally see originals selling cheaper then reproductions in auctions.

Couple days ago I looked a modern gunsmith who makes custom reproduction black powder arms, mostly like prewar Pennsylvania, Hawken, or Crockett type reproductions........and will say you could easily buy nice fancy original pieces for what he charged

 

[Michael W.]

I used to re-enact. On several occasions I took an original Harper's Ferry with me, getting it out if weather conditions were perfect. With prices the way they are now, I would rather buy and carry an original if a repro is going to cost as much...

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

We fire an 1863 Ordnance rifle.

 

[archieclement]

I used to re-enact. On several occasions I took an original Harper's Ferry with me, getting it out if weather conditions were perfect. With prices the way they are now, I would rather buy and carry an original if a repro is going to cost as much...

That's how I'd look at it, if had a choice between a copy or a real deal in the same price range, think I'd go real deal every time.

 

[RedRover]

I knew a USAF veteran who insisted on carrying an original Enfield P53 rifle-musket at reenactment events in the early 1990s, and used original tools, etc. He cleaned it perfectly after every use. Kept it immaculate. It looked brand new compared to many of the beat up reproductions in the ranks!

Once I saw a Union reenactor officer bearing an original M1850 field and staff officer's sword, take a dramatic hit, and broke the blade!

 

[Yankeedave]

I would have thought so, but occasionally see originals selling cheaper then reproductions in auctions.

Couple days ago I looked a modern gunsmith who makes custom reproduction black powder arms, mostly like prewar Pennsylvania, Hawken, or Crockett type reproductions........and will say you could easily buy nice fancy original pieces for what he charged

Funny you should mention it but I am look at Pennsylvania and Kentucky long arms now.
And to your point I will never get repops selling for more than the original.

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

I've seen a lot of use of original guns. CW era, and otherwise.

I've seen dismounted dips**ts running around with Zulu shotguns, know one outfit that bought a few of the Nepalese Brunswick Rifle copies for loaners, (even though Type 1 Brunswicks don't seem have been used in the CW at all, only the conventional sidelock Type 2's).

Then there's the Campaigners...

I've known many who used the mess out of original guns. Some guys taking great care with them, others being complete imbeciles. One farby mainstream event I saw one guy in a progressive/somewhat campaigner came out to burn powder unit DESTROY an original, dropping it and throwing it on a brick street, an original M1822 Percussion Conversion Springfield that was in great condition.

I'll admit there's been a few times I've been very tempted to bring out one of my originals and reenact with it just once to connect with the history, and at one event last spring one cavalryman buddy was begging me to let him borrow and use an original Confederate cutdown of a P1853 into a saddle ring carbine I have in the event, but I'm leery of the practice. I even outright discourage it!

Use the reproductions God provided and save the historical originals for future generations. Those guns fought they're war.

As for reenactor maintenance of guns, let us all remember most reenactors ARE NOT gun guys! It's just a piece of kit to far too many reenactors. Most of them don't even know any real history of CW weapons, or care. Last event I went to, the officers in a unit I fell in with about had a heart attack when they found out I live fire my muskets quite often. Not to mention have done it at all! And I've known many fellows to be perplexed at what they perceive as overboard amount of care I take with my guns.

Never confuse reenactors with gun guys! They exist but are a rarity.

 

[archieclement]

Funny you should mention it but I am look at Pennsylvania and Kentucky long arms now.
And to your point I will never get repops selling for more than the original.

I guess to each their own applies, but can't see the logic to it, the site I looked at the guy was making reproduction civil arms for $2-4000......see quality fancy real ones at auction for that or even less.

Far cheaper alternatives if one is actually going to hunt with it......and if its a display piece, would think a real one with history would be preferable.

 

[Michael W.]

I've seen a lot of use of original guns. CW era, and otherwise.

I've seen dismounted dips**ts running around with Zulu shotguns, know one outfit that bought a few of the Nepalese Brunswick Rifle copies for loaners, (even though Type 1 Brunswicks don't seem have been used in the CW at all, only the conventional sidelock Type 2's).

Then there's the Campaigners...

I've known many who used the mess out of original guns. Some guys taking great care with them, others being complete imbeciles. One farby mainstream event I saw one guy in a progressive/somewhat campaigner came out to burn powder unit DESTROY an original, dropping it and throwing it on a brick street, an original M1822 Percussion Conversion Springfield that was in great condition.

I'll admit there's been a few times I've been very tempted to bring out one of my originals and reenact with it just once to connect with the history, and at one event last spring one cavalryman buddy was begging me to let him borrow and use an original Confederate cutdown of a P1853 into a saddle ring carbine I have in the event, but I'm leery of the practice. I even outright discourage it!

Use the reproductions God provided and save the historical originals for future generations. Those guns fought they're war.

As for reenactor maintenance of guns, let us all remember most reenactors ARE NOT gun guys! It's just a piece of kit to far too many reenactors. Most of them don't even know any real history of CW weapons, or care. Last event I went to, the officers in a unit I fell in with about had a heart attack when they found out I live fire my muskets quite often. Not to mention have done it at all! And I've known many fellows to be perplexed at what they perceive as overboard amount of care I take with my guns.

Never confuse reenactors with gun guys! They exist but are a rarity.

I'm both. Well, used to be. Still a gun guy, but it's been quite a few years since I put on a uniform.

 

[Yankeedave]

We fire an 1863 Ordnance rifle.

Is it an original?

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Is it an original?

Yep!

 

[rebracer]

I've seen a lot of use of original guns. CW era, and otherwise.

I've seen dismounted dips**ts running around with Zulu shotguns, know one outfit that bought a few of the Nepalese Brunswick Rifle copies for loaners, (even though Type 1 Brunswicks don't seem have been used in the CW at all, only the conventional sidelock Type 2's).

Then there's the Campaigners...

I've known many who used the mess out of original guns. Some guys taking great care with them, others being complete imbeciles. One farby mainstream event I saw one guy in a progressive/somewhat campaigner came out to burn powder unit DESTROY an original, dropping it and throwing it on a brick street, an original M1822 Percussion Conversion Springfield that was in great condition.

I'll admit there's been a few times I've been very tempted to bring out one of my originals and reenact with it just once to connect with the history, and at one event last spring one cavalryman buddy was begging me to let him borrow and use an original Confederate cutdown of a P1853 into a saddle ring carbine I have in the event, but I'm leery of the practice. I even outright discourage it!

Use the reproductions God provided and save the historical originals for future generations. Those guns fought they're war.

As for reenactor maintenance of guns, let us all remember most reenactors ARE NOT gun guys! It's just a piece of kit to far too many reenactors. Most of them don't even know any real history of CW weapons, or care. Last event I went to, the officers in a unit I fell in with about had a heart attack when they found out I live fire my muskets quite often. Not to mention have done it at all! And I've known many fellows to be perplexed at what they perceive as overboard amount of care I take with my guns.

Never confuse reenactors with gun guys! They exist but are a rarity.

and on top of all of that black powder firearms require even more care than conventional firearms. I honestly dont see how most reenactor fireams are not just rust pipes, maybe they are and I just dont know. I do know that many are afraid/intimidated by disassembling a musket for proper cleaning. This does not bode well for their overall condition.

We all know that many take very good care of their fire arms, but you are correct and as you say many reenactors are not "gun guys".

Carrying and displaying an original for a living history event is very appropriate, but firing off blanks and throwing them to ground when acting out a death is not appropriate in my opinion.

 

[Nebraska Lawdog]

I don't reenact (no groups close enough) but there's not a chance that I would use an original
firearm. That's what reproductions are for IMHO.

 

[Yankeedave]

Yep!

Yes!