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Re: Muskets suitable for 1st Manassas
Well
Seems that what the goal is to see what the historical record show was avaliable at the time. And if you have a unit in mind, to research that unit to see what they had and use that as a model for your impression. Part of this thread seemed to be stressing Flintlock muskets which certainly were part of the inventory in Southern Arsenals (both State and Federal) but what I was trying to indicate was that there were a significant number of converted muskets as well.
Research what was avaliable
Research what the/ your unit had
Apply that to your unit impression
That being said, research should be done on the unit portrayed for the time period and then work to develop an impression to reflect that. Granted not all could afford to get a stable of various longarms. But having a target gives you something to shoot for. It was mentioned that there will be enfields and 61s there. Is it worth sending someone home - a unit needs to determine that - they could put those guys in the rear rank or look for loaner weapons. Having run into similar situations out west we ended up with some guys coming without arms and just throwing rocks - While that might work in Missouri it might be appropriate for Manasas. Still civilian Arms might be an option as well.
There does need to be some balance in impression though. Selecting a unit that had 1855 rifles or Colt Revolving rifles might be really an wonderful experience if you could get the right weapon but you might be the only one in the unit.
It is funny that I started out in the hobby carrying a standard 1816 conversion in the 70's and I still keep one as a good all around CS gun. They are still out there for a reasonable cost.
To me half the fun is doing the research and planning the impression with the guys...
Well
Seems that what the goal is to see what the historical record show was avaliable at the time. And if you have a unit in mind, to research that unit to see what they had and use that as a model for your impression. Part of this thread seemed to be stressing Flintlock muskets which certainly were part of the inventory in Southern Arsenals (both State and Federal) but what I was trying to indicate was that there were a significant number of converted muskets as well.
Research what was avaliable
Research what the/ your unit had
Apply that to your unit impression
That being said, research should be done on the unit portrayed for the time period and then work to develop an impression to reflect that. Granted not all could afford to get a stable of various longarms. But having a target gives you something to shoot for. It was mentioned that there will be enfields and 61s there. Is it worth sending someone home - a unit needs to determine that - they could put those guys in the rear rank or look for loaner weapons. Having run into similar situations out west we ended up with some guys coming without arms and just throwing rocks - While that might work in Missouri it might be appropriate for Manasas. Still civilian Arms might be an option as well.
There does need to be some balance in impression though. Selecting a unit that had 1855 rifles or Colt Revolving rifles might be really an wonderful experience if you could get the right weapon but you might be the only one in the unit.
It is funny that I started out in the hobby carrying a standard 1816 conversion in the 70's and I still keep one as a good all around CS gun. They are still out there for a reasonable cost.
To me half the fun is doing the research and planning the impression with the guys...
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