Starting A Reenactor Career

[millerpsc]

I've always wanted to get into reenacting but could never afford to. One of the things on my bucket list is to participate in a Gettysburg reenactment. I'm going to be starting a trucking career (hopefully) this month (as long as I pass the school for the company) so I'll be able to save some money.

My question is this: Roughly how much would someone need to start out, musket, uniform and all equipment.

Also, what is the process of joining a company/regiment?

 

[MaryDee]

I can't give you the cost (my female attire is different but can be sewn at home). Attend several CW reenactments in your area and find a group that suits you. Check out several groups and ask lots of questions. Obviously you want one that is close enough to you so you can attend meetings, drills, etc. Please don't buy anything until you have found a group to join. Each group has its own standards and recommended sources. Many groups also provide loaner gear for your first year or two, so you don't have a big investment to start.

 

[Jackson Hornets]

It's not gonna be cheap if you wanna do it right.
Please avoid the budget kits from online sutlers for $100 they are tacky garbage and usually make you stand out.


Brogans (shoes) are usually like $70-125
(JEAN WOOL) shell jacket will be anywhere from $165-250
(JEAN WOOL) trousers will be about roughly $100-120
Belt & buckle will be about $25-40
Cartridge & cap box maybe about $40-60 together
Bayonet scabbard and frog I'm not sure about but perhaps about $25-50
Haversack maybe $10-15

These are rough estimates so make sure to window shop around first.


An 1853 Enfield rifle for a Confederate impression runs anywhere from $900-$1200 which is why I've yet to get one. Do some research and talk with people locally. I got fortunate enough to find some people who could loan me some gear for an event until I could furnish my own. It's all in who you know. Not many people can just buy all this at once so buy a little bit here and there as you go. I've got everything minus my rifle which I've managed to borrow.

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. When you think you're done then RESEARCH SOME MORE.

 

[Legion Para]

You might find this thread of interest.

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/if-my-house-burned-down-tonight.119621/

 

[Michael W.]

I can't give you the cost (my female attire is different but can be sewn at home). Attend several CW reenactments in your area and find a group that suits you. Check out several groups and ask lots of questions. Obviously you want one that is close enough to you so you can attend meetings, drills, etc. Please don't buy anything until you have found a group to join. Each group has its own standards and recommended sources. Many groups also provide loaner gear for your first year or two, so you don't have a big investment to start.

I can't give you the cost (my female attire is different but can be sewn at home). Attend several CW reenactments in your area and find a group that suits you. Check out several groups and ask lots of questions. Obviously you want one that is close enough to you so you can attend meetings, drills, etc. Please don't buy anything until you have found a group to join. Each group has its own standards and recommended sources. Many groups also provide loaner gear for your first year or two, so you don't have a big investment to start.

Yes, exactly. Find a group first, don't start spending thousands of dollars. You have to figure out what branch of service you want to portray, and which side. Then go from there. Any group that you join will help you this.

 

[thomas aagaard]

I think most groups will have gear you can borrow for the first event or two... this way you can make sure that this is a hobby for you.

 

[ole]

Always good advice in this area has been given you.

First find a group that looks like you would be comfortable with. Take it from there. but plan on about $2500 spread out over some years. (Plus travel and incidentals.)

 

[millerpsc]

Thanks everyone that gives me a fairly good idea where to begin. I have an opportunity to get an 1863 Springfield for either $600 or trade my four wheeler for it, is that something I can get before joining a group since both sides used it?

Also can you buy blanks or is that something that has to be made? I've heard. different things about it like some reenactments provide blanks as a precautionary step etc.

 

[Poor Private]

Not a bad price for the Springfield, check to see if there is leathers and a bayonet to go along with it. Both sides used Springfields. Blanks can be made or can be bought. I usually make my own, that way I know they are safe, and have the proper amount of powder in them. I roll my own and fill my own. At many larger events sutlers will sell pre-made cartridges. And you can get pre-made tubes at many events even the smaller ones, and also on E-Bay. If you go on Youtube you can watch a video on how to make em. It's fairly simple just a bit time consuming. Thats why I roll the tubes while watching tv. I have found that during a normal season of small and large events I use about 300 or so cartridges a year. I make mine for the year in the winter and store them in ammo boxes with dessicant. Right now I have about 400 ready for this upcomming season. Sometimes I have to make more mid season. I can get approximately 110 rounds of 60 grain rounds per can of ffg black powder. Do Not use the substitute, such as triple 7, or Pyrodex. If you fire a uncompressed round of them your shot looks like a sparkler. and no noise.

 

[millerpsc]

I've rolled tubes before it was fun for the first 5 mins but quickly got repetitive. As far as I know the springfield doesn't come with any extras and it does have a few scratches and what not but over all it looks and functions good. It has a light wood color but I prefer the looks of a darkwood

 

[photoman475]

If you have the opportunity to get an 1863 Springfield, consider it carefully. The advice you've been given earlier is good, ESPECIALLY the link about if my house burned down tonight.

Here's why I say consider it carefully. The unit I am in did not have 1863 Springfields for the time I am representing in my impression. In fact, as far as I can tell from the limited research I've done and from talking to other members in my reenactment unit, the 5th Minnesota did not have 1863 Springfields at all. My impression is based on Company D's time at Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory, during the 1862 Sioux Uprising. The company had 1842 Springfields at that time; fortunately, I was able to acquire one at a reasonable price. (Since I live 35 miles away from Fort Abercrombie and make presentations there, it's a nice fit for me.) The 5th carried these muskets until after Vicksburg, when they were exchanged for .58 cal rifles.

If you end up with a unit that used 1863 Springfields, and you get this gun, good, it all worked out for you. Your impression will be a better one for having the correct weapon. If the unit you join did not have these weapons, then you have a choice to make. Over time, you may want to keep the 1863 and use it to trade for another weapon. You can keep it and use it as a loaner piece to other newcomers until they can obtain the right weapon. You may want to keep it and use it to develop a collection of Civil War firearms. Or you may want to develop other impressions the longer you stay in the hobby or if you move to a new home in another area, joining a different unit. It all depends on how accurate you want your impression to be, and how much you can afford to spend.

I didn't buy anything until I'd found this unit and did some researching on what I could do and could afford over time. Best advice I've been given in this hobby, and I've only been doing this for a little over a year. I don't have a complete kit yet, but that will come over time. If I am able to at some point in the future, I would like to get the rifle the 5th was issued after Vicksburg. But that is a long way off.

Welcome to the hobby and enjoy it!

 

[Stony]

$1500-$2000 if you go top of the line. $1200-$1500 if you go middle of the road. I was in 3 years. Also depends on your unit. Good luck.

 

[millerpsc]

$1500-$2000 if you go top of the line. $1200-$1500 if you go middle of the road. I was in 3 years. Also depends on your unit. Good luck.

That's about the price range I was expecting. Thanks a lot

 

[millerpsc]

If you have the opportunity to get an 1863 Springfield, consider it carefully. The advice you've been given earlier is good, ESPECIALLY the link about if my house burned down tonight.

Here's why I say consider it carefully. The unit I am in did not have 1863 Springfields for the time I am representing in my impression. In fact, as far as I can tell from the limited research I've done and from talking to other members in my reenactment unit, the 5th Minnesota did not have 1863 Springfields at all. My impression is based on Company D's time at Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory, during the 1862 Sioux Uprising. The company had 1842 Springfields at that time; fortunately, I was able to acquire one at a reasonable price. (Since I live 35 miles away from Fort Abercrombie and make presentations there, it's a nice fit for me.) The 5th carried these muskets until after Vicksburg, when they were exchanged for .58 cal rifles.

If you end up with a unit that used 1863 Springfields, and you get this gun, good, it all worked out for you. Your impression will be a better one for having the correct weapon. If the unit you join did not have these weapons, then you have a choice to make. Over time, you may want to keep the 1863 and use it to trade for another weapon. You can keep it and use it as a loaner piece to other newcomers until they can obtain the right weapon. You may want to keep it and use it to develop a collection of Civil War firearms. Or you may want to develop other impressions the longer you stay in the hobby or if you move to a new home in another area, joining a different unit. It all depends on how accurate you want your impression to be, and how much you can afford to spend.

I didn't buy anything until I'd found this unit and did some researching on what I could do and could afford over time. Best advice I've been given in this hobby, and I've only been doing this for a little over a year. I don't have a complete kit yet, but that will come over time. If I am able to at some point in the future, I would like to get the rifle the 5th was issued after Vicksburg. But that is a long way off.

Welcome to the hobby and enjoy it!

I may still get the rifle just for sh*ts and giggles. It's a beautiful piece either way. I'll probably join a confederate unit first so getting an Enfield would probably be best anyway. There's a pawn shop here in Asheboro that has an 1855 Harper's ferry musket but it's the real deal not a reproduction. Been trying to get them to sell it to me for 3 years...no luck yet

 

[johan_steele]

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/vendor-feedback.22930/ is a thread worth looking at.

M1863 is not really correct for a CS impression as by the time the M1863's were hitting the field the CS wasn't capturing that many small arms anymore.

The Pedersoli P53, M1842 Armi-Sport is correct for the generic CS soldier. No one is making a good quality M1861 series arm unless you want to go the road of a quality custom. No one is making a quality Lorenz repop. Same w/ French or Belgian arms.

Just start researching and researching a lot before you pull the trigger on purchases.

 

[johan_steele]

If you have the opportunity to get an 1863 Springfield, consider it carefully. The advice you've been given earlier is good, ESPECIALLY the link about if my house burned down tonight.

Here's why I say consider it carefully. The unit I am in did not have 1863 Springfields for the time I am representing in my impression. In fact, as far as I can tell from the limited research I've done and from talking to other members in my reenactment unit, the 5th Minnesota did not have 1863 Springfields at all. My impression is based on Company D's time at Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory, during the 1862 Sioux Uprising. The company had 1842 Springfields at that time; fortunately, I was able to acquire one at a reasonable price. (Since I live 35 miles away from Fort Abercrombie and make presentations there, it's a nice fit for me.) The 5th carried these muskets until after Vicksburg, when they were exchanged for .58 cal rifles.

If you end up with a unit that used 1863 Springfields, and you get this gun, good, it all worked out for you. Your impression will be a better one for having the correct weapon. If the unit you join did not have these weapons, then you have a choice to make. Over time, you may want to keep the 1863 and use it to trade for another weapon. You can keep it and use it as a loaner piece to other newcomers until they can obtain the right weapon. You may want to keep it and use it to develop a collection of Civil War firearms. Or you may want to develop other impressions the longer you stay in the hobby or if you move to a new home in another area, joining a different unit. It all depends on how accurate you want your impression to be, and how much you can afford to spend.

I didn't buy anything until I'd found this unit and did some researching on what I could do and could afford over time. Best advice I've been given in this hobby, and I've only been doing this for a little over a year. I don't have a complete kit yet, but that will come over time. If I am able to at some point in the future, I would like to get the rifle the 5th was issued after Vicksburg. But that is a long way off.

Welcome to the hobby and enjoy it!

Just a correction that might help you in the future.

In Dec of 62 the 5th MN had no smoothbore muskets on the inventory everything of the rifled variety in .58 cal.

At Vicksburg, June 1863, D Cos 5th MN did not have M1842 but Suhl or Dresden rifle muskets in .58. The rest of the regiment was armed w/ various versions of the M1841.

In Sept 1863 they showed complete issue of M1861 series arms.

If you're on Facebook I've posted the TIF files w/ Ord returns in the files section of your units Facebook page.

 

[millerpsc]

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/vendor-feedback.22930/ is a thread worth looking at.

M1863 is not really correct for a CS impression as by the time the M1863's were hitting the field the CS wasn't capturing that many small arms anymore.

The Pedersoli P53, M1842 Armi-Sport is correct for the generic CS soldier. No one is making a good quality M1861 series arm unless you want to go the road of a quality custom. No one is making a quality Lorenz repop. Same w/ French or Belgian arms.

Just start researching and researching a lot before you pull the trigger on purchases.

I'll keep that in mind. If I join it'll be probably with a NC regiment

 

[thomas aagaard]

Suhl muskets? Didn't know they where used during the war...

Do you happen to have similar information on the 15th Wisconsin?

But back to topic.

If you want to join a NC regiment and want to do some reading here is Hardee's revised drill book.
(NC made that the official book for their forces and actually spend money on printing and issuing them)
http://www.zipcon.net/~silas/Drill/sob.htm

And a short booklet of the manual of arms that is a great read for the rank and file.
http://draytons.tripod.com/drill/2ColHardeeRevisedManual1861.pdf

If you want to print it go here for a way to print it as a book:
http://www.zipcon.net/~silas/Drill/HardeeRevisedBooklet.htm

 

[millerpsc]

Suhl muskets? Didn't know they where used during the war...

Do you happen to have similar information on the 15th Wisconsin?

But back to topic.

If you want to join a NC regiment and want to do some reading here is Hardee's revised drill book.
(NC made that the official book for their forces and actually spend money on printing and issuing them)
http://www.zipcon.net/~silas/Drill/sob.htm

And a short booklet of the manual of arms that is a great read for the rank and file.
http://draytons.tripod.com/drill/2ColHardeeRevisedManual1861.pdf

If you want to print it go here for a way to print it as a book:
http://www.zipcon.net/~silas/Drill/HardeeRevisedBooklet.htm

Awesome thanks a lot

 

[johan_steele]

Suhl muskets? Didn't know they where used during the war...

Do you happen to have similar information on the 15th Wisconsin?

In 1863 the 15th were carrying French Rifle Muskets in .58. They were actually well liked by the men and the US Army referred to them as 1st rate arms every bit the equal to the P53 & Austrian Lorenz. In several cases Illinois Regiments who had been carrying French Rifle Muskets like the Carbine a tige & M1859 refusing P53's when offered them and only trading them for M1861 series arms when offered.

I have a book somewhere on the 15th but can't lay my hands on it right now. Wisconsin wasn't real interested in spending any money on their volunteer & later National Guard units after the war. When WW1 rolled around large numbers of Lorenz Rifle muskets and a good number of French arms as well were still on the inventory of the Wisconsin National Guard.