Civil war arms

[TacoBubba]

I have recently traced my heritage back to see if any of my ancestors fought during the civil war. Lucky for me I found a few, on both sides of the family, fighting not only for both sides, but fighting each other as well. Well, long story short, one of my ancestors qualified me to become a member of the sons of confederate veterans. Which now has me interested in civil war arms. So , my question to those in the know. Where do I start to look for the type of arms used? I know 1851 navy revolveres and 1860 springfiends were used by the union and confederates. I know that enfields were used mostly by the confederates. But where to find these and what do I look for? I'm not afraid of replicas. I know that uburti makes some fine replicas, as does pietta. I have considered reenactments, so something that looks and feels the part would add to the allure of that period of history. I also know that i am going to open up a whole new can of worms, meaning that i will need powder, caps, lead for the boolits ect. I have the will, just need the direction.Thanks in advance. I hope to learn from any information y'all give.

[DaveS]

Google "Civil War Sutlers" and you will find a ton of reproduction Springfields and 1853 Enfields. The 1853 Enfield was the preferred rifle of the Confederacy. They shoot nice and are very accurate!

 

Dave

[DaveS]

I have recently traced my heritage back to see if any of my ancestors fought during the civil war. Lucky for me I found a few, on both sides of the family, fighting not only for both sides, but fighting each other as well. Well, long story short, one of my ancestors qualified me to become a member of the sons of confederate veterans. Which now has me interested in civil war arms. So , my question to those in the know. Where do I start to look for the type of arms used? I know 1851 navy revolveres and 1860 springfiends were used by the union and confederates. I know that enfields were used mostly by the confederates. But where to find these and what do I look for? I'm not afraid of replicas. I know that uburti makes some fine replicas, as does pietta. I have considered reenactments, so something that looks and feels the part would add to the allure of that period of history. I also know that i am going to open up a whole new can of worms, meaning that i will need powder, caps, lead for the boolits ect. I have the will, just need the direction.Thanks in advance. I hope to learn from any information y'all give.

If you buy the Enfield they are sold as .58 cal. It shoots the Minie Ball and packs one heck of a wollup! The true caliber is .577 and the .58 minie ball will have to be put through a sizing die for best loading and accuracy. Don't fret none....I think I have an extra one in the shop that I will give to you.

 

I do a lot of reenacting and my favorite was Civil War Artillery. Just something about having a "big gun" that gives you a sense of superiority. Now, I went back to my Longhunter/Woodland Indian persona.  

 

Welcome to the SCV, and reenacting!

 

Dave

[TacoBubba]

Google "Civil War Sutlers" and you will find a ton of reproduction Springfields and 1853 Enfields. The 1853 Enfield was the preferred rifle of the Confederacy. They shoot nice and are very accurate!

Dave

Thank you for the info. Im sure this will be a learning experience for me.

[TacoBubba]

If you buy the Enfield they are sold as .58 cal. It shoots the Minie Ball and packs one heck of a wollup! The true caliber is .577 and the .58 minie ball will have to be put through a sizing die for best loading and accuracy. Don't fret none....I think I have an extra one in the shop that I will give to you.

I do a lot of reenacting and my favorite was Civil War Artillery. Just something about having a "big gun" that gives you a sense of superiority. Now, I went back to my Longhunter/Woodland Indian persona.

Welcome to the SCV, and reenacting!

Dave

I didn't realize that those enfields were .58 caliber. I bet that does lay a whooping on something. No wonder that war had so many amputees. Very sad. That mini ball and rifled barrels were a heck of a combination.

I saw some artillery down at chicamauga, and was in awe of the different types that were. Not to mention the gun museum they have. Wow!

[DaveS]

I didn't realize that those enfields were .58 caliber. I bet that does lay a whooping on something. No wonder that war had so many amputees. Very sad. That mini ball and rifled barrels were a heck of a combination.

I saw some artillery down at chicamauga, and was in awe of the different types that were. Not to mention the gun museum they have. Wow!

Chickmauga is a pretty awesome place! I may have some reenacting gear I'd be more than happy to give you if you get into it.

 

Dave

[jtmaze]

One of my good friends shoots artillery. He went to Gettysburg for his first reenactment this past year for his 40th birthday. He said it was great.


JTM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TacoBubba]

One of my good friends shoots artillery. He went to Gettysburg for his first reenactment this past year for his 40th birthday. He said it was great.


JTM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would be just stunned to vist a place like that. Call me emotional, I was kinda misty eyed when I left chicamauga. It's sacred ground. I would imagine that any battle field would be.

[Trekbike]

I would be just stunned to vist a place like that. Call me emotional, I was kinda misty eyed when I left chicamauga. It's sacred ground. I would imagine that any battle field would be.

I feel that way too when I'm at Shiloh.

[Trekbike]

I may have some reenacting gear I'd be more than happy to give you if you get into it.

Dave

This is why I love this place.

[TacoBubba]

Chickmauga is a pretty awesome place! I may have some reenacting gear I'd be more than happy to give you if you get into it.

Dave

I would like to see what it takes to get involved in reenactments.

[DaveS]

I would like to see what it takes to get involved in reenactments.

The best advice I can give you (thirty five years experience reenacting) is find you a unit first. Find out what their uniform and equipment guidelines are. With me, authenticity is a must. Decide in your own head if you want to be authentic or just "play dress up". Me personally, I portrayed my Great Great Grandpa who served through the Nashville and Atlanta campaigns.

 

Find a unit, then start collecting the required uniforms and equipment. Things to avoid are items made of plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, enameled plates/cups/pans ect ect. Research every aspect of the hobby. A good unit will assign you a sponsor to help you along.

 

There really is so much I could tell you I don't know where to begin. If there is anything particular that you want to know, you can PM me or ask here where others may learn too. Reenacting of all time periods is a lot of fun and educational. When you experience the things (to a degree) that your ancestor did...it can get emotional.

 

Good Luck

 

Dave

[gregintenn]

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Civil war reenactors are a friendly and sharing bunch. My boys and I were taught how to load and fire a cannon at the 150th anniversary event at Stones River. You'll meet some very nice people at these events.

 

 Here's another fine gentleman who allowed my sone to fire his rifle at another reenactment in Triune.

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[DaveS]

 

 

 

Civil war reenactors are a friendly and sharing bunch. My boys and I were taught how to load and fire a cannon at the 150th anniversary event at Stones River. You'll meet some very nice people at these events.

 

 Here's another fine gentleman who allowed my sone to fire his rifle at another reenactment in Triune.

 

Mike Paxton from Baxter's Battery. Good man. Not real authentic but has a heart of Gold!

 

Dave

[china coaster]

     I am an SCV member and go to lots of events but I don't re- enact as a soldier. My wife and I do living history demonstrations as civilians. Start by talking to people in your camp that re- enact then go to an event or two and ask about  weapons. men I know are glad to advise and many will have a rifle or so they would part with. Also you can go to the Blockade Runner between Wartrace and Bell Buckle. The Smiths (owners) are good folks and have most of what you would need. They to will advise you on guns and clothes. 

[china coaster]

   PS:   if you don't know anyone in the SCV . Go to The SCV website and call Elm Springs tell them you have Confederate ancestors and want to join. They will put you in touch with someone to get you started.

[DaveS]

All good advice from China Coaster. Blockade Runner is top notch!

 

Dave

[TacoBubba]

I am an SCV member and go to lots of events but I don't re- enact as a soldier. My wife and I do living history demonstrations as civilians. Start by talking to people in your camp that re- enact then go to an event or two and ask about weapons. men I know are glad to advise and many will have a rifle or so they would part with. Also you can go to the Blockade Runner between Wartrace and Bell Buckle. The Smiths (owners) are good folks and have most of what you would need. They to will advise you on guns and clothes.

Thanks, I will check them out

[Moped]

I would be just stunned to vist a place like that. Call me emotional, I was kinda misty eyed when I left chicamauga. It's sacred ground. I would imagine that any battle field would be.

Gettysburg is awesome.  I was fortunate enough to visit after I returned from Desert Storm. I think that made it that much more special for me! I want to go visit Shiloh one of these days! 

 

Some good books to read about these battles are Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara (Battle of Gettysburg).  Jeff Shaara has also writting a series on the Western Theater during the Civil War. A Blaze of Glory (Battle of Shiloh), Chain of Thunder (Vicksburg), The Smoke at Dawn (Battle of Chattanooga).  Jeff Shaara's dad wrote The Killer Angels (also about the Battle of Gettysburg).

[TacoBubba]

Gettysburg is awesome. I was fortunate enough to visit after I returned from Desert Storm. I think that made it that much more special for me! I want to go visit Shiloh one of these days!

Some good books to read about these battles are Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara (Battle of Gettysburg). Jeff Shaara has also writting a series on the Western Theater during the Civil War. A Blaze of Glory (Battle of Shiloh), Chain of Thunder (Vicksburg), The Smoke at Dawn (Battle of Chattanooga). Jeff Shaara's dad wrote The Killer Angels (also about the Battle of Gettysburg).

I will check those books out. I read a lot, so that is right up my alley.

[DaveS]

A good book to read about the day to day life of a Confederate Soldier is titled "Company Aytch" (H). Written by Sam Watkins who served in a Tennessee Infantry Regiment from the Army of Tennessee in the Western theatre. This book is well worth reading!

 

Of the books Moped mentioned, Killer Angels is absolutely my favorite!

 

Dave

[Chris]

Dixie Gun Works has quite a few reproductions.

http://www.dixiegun.com

[TacoBubba]

Is that the same sam watkins in the ken burns documentary?

[peejman]

I will check those books out. I read a lot, so that is right up my alley.

 

They're all very long and VERY detailed.  My wife read them and enjoyed them.  I like historical stuff and tried to read a couple of them but I just couldn't get through them.  All the details were a little overwhelming. 

[Will Carry]

Hey TacoBubba. Where did your ancestor fight? You never know.......

 

My great grandfather was Pvt Isaac Mason. He lied about his age and joined the Confederate Army at 15, as a Tuscaloosa Volunteer. He was with Lumsden's Battery, 2nd Alabama Light Artillery, Army of Tennessee.  He surrendered in Meridian Mississippi after the fall of Fort Blakely.  I have a copy of a pay receipt he got in 1865 for 14 dollars. His discharge paper used to hang on the wall in the "old Home Place" but was stolen by a cousin. I have traced his path as he fought with the Army of Tennessee. It is a hobby of mine. I am not a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans but could be I recon.

Edited November 6, 2014 by Will Carry