Cavalry shotguns

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: Cavalry shotguns

A rifle musket is unwieldy on horeback, however they can be used effectively from horseback. With a bit of practice, they can be loaded (including ramming) and fired from horse back. The length of the weapon and its weight require a more balanced seat when in a firing position than the shorter carbines. They can be carried slung across the back or in one hand.

Dave Myrick

[8thmocav]

Re: Cavalry shotguns

Thanks Tod and Dave for the replies. I'm a few years years from horseback (unless some lucky miracle occurs!) but I'm trying to be prepared to that point and gather all info I can. I'm working towards a Western Theater impression. I recently stumbled across a list showing what Confederate forces under Gen. Marmaduke at Pilot Knob would have had. And Enfields were apparently quite a common weapon for those fellas. Most were also dismounted at that point according to the research presented for the upcoming reenactment this Fall.

[Mike Nickerson]

Re: Cavalry shotguns

Most were also dismounted at that point according to the research presented for the upcoming reenactment this Fall.

Brent, I see the number of "dismounted" troopers you speak of, prominently listed on your unit's web site: http://www.8thmissouricavalry.blogspot.com/ .

I also noticed a horse with 4 saddle mounted revolvers and a carbine in a boot. I however, failed to see the supporting documentation on the numbers of available revolvers and Indian War carbine boots available to the same unit, during the same time period? Does the normal trooper wear 2 additional belt mounted revolvers (for a grand total of 6)?

Mike Nickerson

[Jim Mayo]

Re: Cavalry shotguns

If you can find a reprint, try reading Johnny Reb and Billy Yank by Alexander Hunter. (Note this is not Rilly's book of a similar name.) Hunter's book was published in the late 1800's by Neal Publishing Co. but has been reprinted.

Hunter started out in the 17th Va. Inf but after Fredricksburg transferred to the Black Horse Cav. of the 2nd Va., Co. B. In his book he talks a bit about what weapons he was carrying and mentions carrying a shotgun around April of 65. He also talks about maintaining mounts especially when his horse breaks down. This is little known but a must read book . He was quite the cavalier and is buried in the Confederate section of Arlington cemetary.

[Old-South]

Re: Cavalry shotguns

Ok,
There has been much discussion regarding the USE of shotguns in the cavalry. I recently acquired one and just had it refinished and I am ready to use it. I do not think this has been covered but what are the folks here who use a shotgun doing to CARRY it on horseback? Does anyone have and pictures of slings, mounts, etc. that they can post. I may not be the only one in this position. I would like to see them even if they are "reenactorisms". This is a great post and deserves to be revisited.
Regards,

[Kanawha Riflemen]

Re: Cavalry shotguns

Hello guys,

Here is a link to a shot gun that was found on the Monterey Pass Battlefield (July 4th-5th, 1863). It resides in a private collection today. http://www.oldsouthantiques.com/osnfsp6.htm The photographs on the weblink I provided, shows the mounts for a sling as well as a small portion of the sling itself. The photographs are not of the best quality. I do not know if this link was presented on this thread or not, but it may answer a few questions. I wish I had this relic for our battlefield.

John A. Miller,
Monterey Pass Battlefield
South Mountain Battlefield

[CJSchumacher]

Re: Cavalry shotguns

Hallo Kamerad!

"Am I correct to assume that the ring and staple were on the side of the stock wrist and not the bottom? I know that some carbines had a ring on the bottom of the weapon instead of the side like we see traditionally."

I don't know about the Wilder's Brigade Spencer Rifle, but...

The M1860 Spencer Carbine was a little strange (as was the Burnside). It had the saddle ring and bar mounted to the side of the wrist and the rear of the receiver. But, it also had a sling swivel screwed in under the butt stock a few inches from the toe (the same as on the Spencer Rifle, the rifle having the additional upper swivel on the middle barrel band.)

Rings on the bottom types: US and British Greenes, Jenks-Merrill, some Lindners, Merrills).

I would be interested in the "Wilder" specimen...

Curt-Heinrich Schmidt

Here you go. A member of Wilder's Brigade with the carbine ring clearly visible just below the wrist: