Major, your input is required...

[Mme de Beaufort]

Flintlocks.... Black powder.... Feasibility, accessibility, sources, models....

Educate me please.

Gentlemanly Pursuits Division needs material. You are my primary source for the manly things...

Help?

Steph

[lauren]

Oh yeah!!!! I want to be shocking... Can I shoot pistols?!?

[Miss Credit]

Lauren,
Ladies could definitely carry pistols and if so felt inclined, shoot them. A ladies muff pistol was a small flintlock pistol that a lady could conceal in her muff or handbag. It was used for very close range firing and was basically a small version of the mans pocket pistol. They were very popular in the late 1700s and early 1800's and were widely used by ladies of ill repute becoming increasingly popular as the times got harder.

[lauren]

I have read about such ladies. I even read about a woman who was a famed fencer and fought many duels throughout the 18th century... So fun!

[The Major]

My Dear Allseeing,

I am at your service and here to assist in any way I can. Do you have some specific questions? Do you want descriptions of what a flintlock is or just the technology of the day type of thing? If I know a little more specifically of what information is needed, I can avoid writing a dissertation.

I am trying to get back into the habit of checking the forum, so I apologize for not responding sooner. Keep in mind that you can send me a message if you need information more quickly, I don't mind.

Fortunately, my brother has been a master pistolsmith for more years than either of us will admit And until I got more into living history and Regency/Federalist activities, I used to compete on the national level with 3 guns (pistols, rifles, fowler or also known as shotguns). So I may know a bit of what you are looking for. If I don't, I have a small but effective library on this subject and I have a pretty good source of where to find such information.

Miss Credit is correct, although I've not heard of a "muff pistol" specifically, I'm sure someone probably dubbed it that because of how they carried it. I believe what she is probably referring to is a box lock. Box lock pistols were also called pocket pistols, lapel pistols, boot pistols, sleeve pistols, etc, etc, because they are relatively small and of varying sizes, compact, and discreet. You guessed it, what it was called could depend on how or where it was carried. During this time period it was usually the owner that would name something like this rather than the maker. I have an original box lock pistol that I have carried under the cape of my officer's Great Coat and the lapel of my civilian jacket. It is just so cute...but then I digress.

While I have no direct experience with 'ladies of ill repute', I have had subordinates tell me of them And yes, they would have had/carried a box lock if they had the means, but I also believe it was probably more common for them to have a dagger of some sort as this was far more affordable for that class of person

Black powder is the gun powder of the day and the best of technology for the period. I could give you an exhaustive narrative but I'm not sure that's not what you are looking for.

Feasibility depends on a great many things and probably what I should have started out with in this response. What are the intentions, the goals, available resources, etc. Basically, what does the Gentlemanly Pursuits Division wish to do? Demonstrate duels, target shooting, hunting, martial prowess, etc? What locations do you have available to you? Etc.

As far as models and sources, when I have a better idea of what they want to do I will be able to give you more specifics. There is a plethora of models and sources to purchase them.

Please let me know if there is something more particular you need to know and I will be glad to help you. Again, if you need answers sooner, feel free to email me to let me know there is a question waiting.

Good day to all and warmest regards.

[lauren]

Dear Major,

You are an amazing source of knowledge!

[Mme de Beaufort]

Hello Major,

Yes, I confess I am the queen of non-specifics, and that is largely because i have no idea what I'm asking about to begin with.

What I am trying to figure out is what would be the best way to get someone set up for shooting, for instance. What resources would I need? What requirements are there? Where does one acquire the proper items? Which types of flint-locks would be appropriate? What activities would work best?

I'd like to develop a gentleman's program of activities, but I really don't know where to begin. If i had an idea of what they could start with, then perhaps I can let it grow from there.

I appreciate your time and knowledge; and htat of your brother.

[The Major]

My Dear Allseeing,

This partially depends on some details. One of those details is would this be for city gentlemen or country gentlemen? If city gentlemen, more than likely they would be versed and would practice shooting pistols. Probably somewhere close to the city. That's not to say that when they were growing up they didn't learn to shoot a fowler and possibly a rifle while visiting country relatives, but living in the city there wouldn't be much practicality shooting long guns, however there was always a practical matter of knowing how to shoot a pistol. Especially if business would take the gentlemen to less than polite parts of the city. And there would also be city gentlemen who would be common to shooting long guns if they had a place in the country where they would be able to frequent.

Country gentlemen would probably be versed in long guns (fowler and rifle) as they would be more practical for them. But would know their way around pistols as well, especially if they had any military experience. Hunting was a very popular sport that was a pleasant pastime for gentlemen. Even some of the ladies would shoot as well, but more often than not just pistols for fun. So it kind of depends on what your persona is as to which type, or all types, of shooting your gentleman would do.

I may have you check your area for a gunsmith. But not just any gunsmith. You want someone who specializes in muzzle loading weapons if possible. These are few and can be hard to find depending on the popularity of black powder / muzzle-loader shooting in your area. This person would probably be very knowledgeable on the weapons of the Regency/Federalist period, know local sources for all the accoutrements you will need, and may even offer lessons. After all, the more folks in the area shooting, the more potential business so they are usually quite amiable about it.

It's too bad that we do not live in the same area. I used to compete with all 3 gun types and until I let it lapse, I was a certified range officer and occasionally gave lessons to beginners.

If not a gunsmith, then check into black powder / muzzle-loader clubs. Sometimes they call themselves buckskinners. While the people may or may not be genteel, they will undoubtedly be knowledgeable in the shooting and hunting sports of our time period. They are usually good folk. And they would probably have access to a shooting range where your gentlemen could shoot live instead of just blanks for demonstration.

If you have trouble finding someone such as these in your area, or if you would just rather not (sometimes understandable), have patience and I can help you through.

Where would you like to start, pistols or fowlers? Unless there is some real desire, we'll save rifles for later. Personally, my favorite is fowlers. They did not have bluerock (sometimes called clay pigeons) like we know today, but they did have hand blown glass balls. These were large enough for shooting pleasure, but light enough that a servant could throw them for you nearly all day. Or all day if they are a good strong servant But most likely your gentlemen would be able to shoot at a trap or skeet range with bluerock and mechanical pulls. Depending on the area, the mess of glass balls is frowned upon these days, but there are places that don't mind, you just have to hunt for them. But be careful, flintlock fowlers can be addicting. If they take off with it, be sure to make a deal that every trip to the range is another Ball, Dance, picnic, etc, they must attend

Let me know how you wish to proceed.

[lauren]

Nov 11, 2008 17:20:09 GMT -5 The Major said:

My Dear Allseeing,

This partially depends on some details. One of those details is would this be for city gentlemen or country gentlemen? If city gentlemen, more than likely they would be versed and would practice shooting pistols. Probably somewhere close to the city. That's not to say that when they were growing up they didn't learn to shoot a fowler and possibly a rifle while visiting country relatives, but living in the city there wouldn't be much practicality shooting long guns, however there was always a practical matter of knowing how to shoot a pistol. Especially if business would take the gentlemen to less than polite parts of the city. And there would also be city gentlemen who would be common to shooting long guns if they had a place in the country where they would be able to frequent.

Country gentlemen would probably be versed in long guns (fowler and rifle) as they would be more practical for them. But would know their way around pistols as well, especially if they had any military experience. Hunting was a very popular sport that was a pleasant pastime for gentlemen. Even some of the ladies would shoot as well, but more often than not just pistols for fun. So it kind of depends on what your persona is as to which type, or all types, of shooting your gentleman would do.

I may have you check your area for a gunsmith. But not just any gunsmith. You want someone who specializes in muzzle loading weapons if possible. These are few and can be hard to find depending on the popularity of black powder / muzzle-loader shooting in your area. This person would probably be very knowledgeable on the weapons of the Regency/Federalist period, know local sources for all the accoutrements you will need, and may even offer lessons. After all, the more folks in the area shooting, the more potential business so they are usually quite amiable about it.

It's too bad that we do not live in the same area. I used to compete with all 3 gun types and until I let it lapse, I was a certified range officer and occasionally gave lessons to beginners.

If not a gunsmith, then check into black powder / muzzle-loader clubs. Sometimes they call themselves buckskinners. While the people may or may not be genteel, they will undoubtedly be knowledgeable in the shooting and hunting sports of our time period. They are usually good folk. And they would probably have access to a shooting range where your gentlemen could shoot live instead of just blanks for demonstration.

If you have trouble finding someone such as these in your area, or if you would just rather not (sometimes understandable), have patience and I can help you through.

Where would you like to start, pistols or fowlers? Unless there is some real desire, we'll save rifles for later. Personally, my favorite is fowlers. They did not have bluerock (sometimes called clay pigeons) like we know today, but they did have hand blown glass balls. These were large enough for shooting pleasure, but light enough that a servant could throw them for you nearly all day. Or all day if they are a good strong servant But most likely your gentlemen would be able to shoot at a trap or skeet range with bluerock and mechanical pulls. Depending on the area, the mess of glass balls is frowned upon these days, but there are places that don't mind, you just have to hunt for them. But be careful, flintlock fowlers can be addicting. If they take off with it, be sure to make a deal that every trip to the range is another Ball, Dance, picnic, etc, they must attend

Let me know how you wish to proceed.

Steph, I think we will just have to kidnap him and use him for our own group Muwhahaha!

[Mme de Beaufort]

Shhh Lauren, you'll reveal my secret plans. I'm plotting his abduction as we speak.

::rubs hands together:: Mua ha....

[The Major]

You are assuming, ladies, that I would actually resist with any vigor

Something else has come about that is interesting. I believe I told you that there was a fairly new local chapter of JASNA but that they were a book club. In the last year they started doing some outings to local museums and such. Not in Regency clothing or anything, but getting about from time to time. I just received a letter in the mail today inviting me to an "impromptu organizational meeting" next week. I believe there has been talk about doing some Regency activities. Although I won't know until the meeting, but I can always hope. If this is the case, then I may have to put a little vigor in my resistance

[The Major]

My Dear All Seeing,

I was just wondering if you had made progress on this subject during my extended absence. It is with hope that your gentlemen are participating in regency endeavors, whether of the shooting sports or some other activities.