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  • #1

    New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

    Hello to all!

    First I would like to say what a wonderful website this is. I have been following all of the topics and articles, and am very pleased with everyone, especially with how authenticity is number one here.

    I am new to re-enacting (I have not found a group to join yet); but would like input from members here. I am looking to create a CS cavlary trooper (Preferably one from Texas). I have researched the numerous venders/sutlers, with more focus on AC's recommendations, and with the thousand and thousands of options; I want to be as authentic as I can be short of a time machine.

    Could those with Cavalry re-enacting experience please recommend credible vendors/sutlers, as well maybe a equipment list.

    Thank you all, and again, a very wonderful website!

    Best Regards,

    Chris C.
    "The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy" - Gen. Robert E. Lee


    Chris "Butch" Castellani
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

    Chris,

    Thanks for the kind words. YOU are our type of guy!! Private message sent.

    Ken R Knopp
    Last edited by Ken Knopp; 03-22-2012, 07:38 PM.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

      Hello Chris,

      Let me echo Marse Knopp's words and welcome you to the A/C and the Cavalry COI forum in particular. While this forum allows a bit more leniency to the posting rules of the rest of the A/C (ie. asking questions, hypothesizing, etc.) there are a couple of things you need to make certain you do:

      1) Always sign your full name to each post. This is a cardinal rule and you can set up your signature in your profile to make it easier.

      2) Rather than simply asking questions, first use the search engine to seek out your answers. You will find that there is a wealth of information just sitting there for the taking and it will be more rewarding to you if you research it out rather than it just being given for the umteenth time.

      3) Read, listen and learn as much as you can here and the fine folks that contribute will help you if they know you are pulling your weight to do your part. Click on this link to get up to speed on more of the rules.

      Authentic Campaigner
      http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...w_faq_item1998


      regards and good luck,

      Mark
      J. Mark Choate
      7th TN. Cavalry, Co. D.
      "Let history dictate our impressions.......not the other way around!"

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

        Chris, I might could help you if you need a group to ride with. Neither of us will find an authentic group in Texas but I think if enough of us can ride together and look good doing it we might start something.
        John Clinch ~ The Texas Waddi of the "Far Flung Mess"

        "Fighting the Texans is like walking into a den of wildcats"- Union private
        "When a Texan fancies he'll take his chances, chances will be taken..."

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

          As the old story goes, after you find a unit to join, ask the NCOs aOfficers what to get and what sutler to use. Don't run right out and buy your goods, will probably be wrong and you'll have to start over.And, cheaper IS NOT better. Buy reputable stuff from reputable sutlers.
          Fritz Jacobs
          CPT, QM, USAR (Ret)
          [email]CPTFritz@aol.com[/email]

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

            He has already stated that he intends to buy from reputable dealers. The problem in this case is it sounds like Chris is wanting to go campaigner and as John stated he won't find authentic groups in Texas, so in this case asking an NCO would not be a good option because most groups will direct him to skinner row. INSTEAD, using the knowledge of the fine group of men here and going through the Mentor/Recruit Program will get him exactly where he wants to be.
            Andrew Verdon

            7th Tennessee Cavalry Company D

            Tennessee Plowboy #1 of the "Far Flung Mess"

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

              Chris,

              I sent you a PM.

              Regards,
              Jeff Thompson
              Jeff Thompson
              Co. L, Lone Star Rifles
              1st Texas Vol. Infantry Rgmt.
              Texas Brigade

              Independent Rifles

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

                Andrew I just happen to be an NCO in my "mainstream unit". Chris do you intend to be a fully functional mounted member? I assume you do, but I don't like to assume. I think that sometimes a mainstream unit is the best practice for the good events where you are expected to be top notch in your drill and horsemanship.

                If you would like you may email me at tprclinch@gmail.com or even look up my name on good ol' Facebook.
                John Clinch ~ The Texas Waddi of the "Far Flung Mess"

                "Fighting the Texans is like walking into a den of wildcats"- Union private
                "When a Texan fancies he'll take his chances, chances will be taken..."

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

                  Sorry John, I forgot that you were a First Sergent, no offense to you or yours pard.
                  Andrew Verdon

                  7th Tennessee Cavalry Company D

                  Tennessee Plowboy #1 of the "Far Flung Mess"

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

                    Great attitude, indeed.
                    The start up cost in this hobby can be staggering. Once you determine exactly what you want to buy, I would suggest that you search often for those items in the "Wanting to Sell" forum, as enough quality gear passes through these boards to equip an army. The advantages are numerous; cost will be considerably less than new, most items will be authentic unless otherwise stated, and items will have a good, used look as opposed to buying everything new and looking green and "shiny" in the field. Members of this forum work hard for a good name and reputation and most try to help each other out. Very few want to risk their reputation by selling another member junk. Still, before agreeing to buy from someone here, check them out as best you can but be quick, good stuff moves almost as soon as it's offered.
                    You should also post specific requests for items in the "Wanting to Buy" forum. Lots of guys here have extra pieces taking up space but haven't gotten around to selling it yet. Your request might prompt someone to rethink hanging on to something they don't use, and almost everybody has their eye on something they want but are short on cash.
                    Good luck to you. Enjoy the elephant.

                    G
                    Gary Lee Bradford, Captain
                    9th Kansas Regiment Volunteer Cavalry, Company F
                    On patrol of the KS / MO border

                    [COLOR="#4B0082"]In honor of my great-great uncle, Pvt. Sidney J. Hatch, 7th Tennessee Cavalry (US), Co. D, who died Sept. 23, 1863, at the age of 21. .[/COLOR]

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

                      Get shoes and a canteen first. Most everything else can be borrowed for a while.
                      Jason David

                      Peter Pelican
                      36th Illinois Co. "B"
                      Prodigal Sons Mess
                      Old Northwest Vols.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

                        Great comments by all. The helping attitude here in addition to the sound advice in the way we approach things here is what makes this forum great. Its more than just authentic gear or even a memorable event experience its also a testimony to the quality of people we have on this end of the hobby. Thank you all for chiming in to help this guy.

                        Ken R Knopp

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

                          Kind words, Ken. But where we all be without you?

                          G
                          Gary Lee Bradford, Captain
                          9th Kansas Regiment Volunteer Cavalry, Company F
                          On patrol of the KS / MO border

                          [COLOR="#4B0082"]In honor of my great-great uncle, Pvt. Sidney J. Hatch, 7th Tennessee Cavalry (US), Co. D, who died Sept. 23, 1863, at the age of 21. .[/COLOR]

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

                            Chris,

                            If you are needing some equipment, let me know. I have some extras that you might like to use/buy. I have an extra Karl Pepper CS Mac that is in great shape that I got incase anyone needed one at an event.
                            Dennis DeAtley
                            North Texas


                            I think I understand what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.
                            [B]William Tecumseh Sherman [/B]

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Re: New to Re-enacting, what to buy?

                              I enjoy reading posts from people who choose to look before they leap. My word of advice for any newbie is "less is more". Start with the basics and be as ambiguous and non-descript as possible. Remember, a good cavalry impression, especially Trans-Mississippi, is a good infantry impression with a horse. Use the approved vendors list here and buy from reputable vendors. Brogans, a good pair of civvy trousers, a good overshirt or sack coat and a long barrel shotgun are always good basic options that allow you to do multiple impressions in multiple theaters.
                              Larry Morgan
                              Buttermilk Rangers

                              Comment

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