purchasing equipment

[Bogey]

Hey guys. I was wondering if you knew of any good websites/stores to purchase civil war battle equipment such as uniforms, cartridges rifles, percussion caps, drums, and other misc. items. I'm on a budget so it can't be exorbitantly priced. I'd also like some input and advice on making my own supplies and other things. Any help?

 

[Pvt.Shattuck]

Oh my.

 

[yankee hoorah]

Try the trade blanket on fb

 

[MaryDee]

Before buying anything, please find a re-enactcment group to join where you feel comfortable. They will mentor you. Nearly all groups have loaner gear for newbies to get you started and usually get you through your first year, so you don't have to spend so much at once and have time to learn what's authentic and what isn't. They usually also have leads to good second-hand items for purchase, which will help your budget. It's vitally important that your gear meet the authenticity standards of the group you decide to join!

My own shopping expeditions at national events (although for civilian items) revealed that every "sutler" has a range of stuff from authentic to junk, although the more reputable have considerably less junk than others. Please don't shop without guidance from your group; you'll waste your money. Been there, done that!

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

I agree with MaryDee....The guys in the group that you reenact with will advise you one what gear to get so that you more accurately portray a soldier from that actual unit. They will also know where to get good quality gear that will fit that impression and will most likely know where to get it for the least expense.

 

[frontrank2]

I like C&D Jarnagin. http://www.jarnaginco.com/ Their stuff is first rate and they've been around over 30 years. But if they're too expensive for you, you can check out The Blockade Runner:http://www.blockaderunner.com/ they have pretty good stuff and a good customer service.

 

[Chattahooch33]

Oh lord. Too broad.

It is not an inexpensive hobby. It is costly to get good stuff and 99% of the time if it was not expensive, it is ****.

Be more specific in your request. You never go out an buy everything at once.

 

[johan_steele]

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/vendor-feedback.22930/

The first thread in the reenactors forum.

 

[johan_steele]

As hobbies go re-enacting is less expensive than golf, bass fishing or 3 gun competition. And like those hobbies you can get into them on the cheap but the reality is that you get what you pay for.

 

[7thWisconsin]

If you really want to get in cheap, find an artillery unit. All you'll need is your uniform. They didn't wear sidearms while working the guns. Any unit will have some loaner gear. If you're interested in the infantry, look for a used musket. New ones are extremely expensive right now. Several sutlers like Fall Creek have a basic uniform and leather equipment package that will set you up for any mainstream reenacting experience, and honestly some history heavy ones if your attitude is good. By the time that uniform wears out, in 3-5 years, you'll know if you want to keep reenacting, and can replace your worn items at your leisure, upgrading if you want and are in a place financially to do so. You can also look for used gear here and on other fora. Generally, buying used will get you higher quality at lower price than the item cost originally, and you can avoid the "look at me. I'm a brand new reenactor" look.

 

[photoman475]

I agree with 7th Wisconsin to a point. I am purchasing a used musket for my infantry impression, can't argue there. I am not buying the uniform and equipment packages, as I prefer to buy U.S. made as much as possible. An added factor for me is age; since I came to reenacting rather late in life, I figure I can only do it for about 8-10 years or so before becoming a "permanent camp guard." So I am buying for the long haul, planning on letting my son have what he wants when I hang it up and the rest of it going to the unit as loaner gear.

I will say that everyone's circumstances will differ and what 7th says makes perfect sense for someone much younger than me, such as my son.

 

[Tin cup]

I agree with MaryDee....The guys in the group that you reenact with will advise you one what gear to get so that you more accurately portray a soldier from that actual unit. They will also know where to get good quality gear that will fit that impression and will most likely know where to get it for the least expense.

THAT depends on the quality of the unit! A lot of P--s poor units out there are "advising" their recruits on getting the same terrible sutler-row garbage they have.

Kevin Dally

 

[Tin cup]

Hey guys. I was wondering if you knew of any good websites/stores to purchase civil war battle equipment such as uniforms, cartridges rifles, percussion caps, drums, and other misc. items. I'm on a budget so it can't be exorbitantly priced. I'd also like some input and advice on making my own supplies and other things. Any help?

OK, WHAT is your interest...Artillery, Infantry, Cav...Confederate, Union...both?

Kevin Dally