Here's a coupon:
Posted on 06/22/2017 5:25:26 PM PDT by upchuck
Here's a coupon:
“...How did the old Patriots deal with those flintlocks?”
Not too badly. In another part of the prior life I was the unit drillmaster for a Continental Army historical reenacting regiment. Flintlocks are quite reliable, given good flints, properly hardened frizzens, and snappy springs. Until rainy weather happens.
Our unit had purchased some rather low-quality reproduction muskets from an Argentine importer; after a dozen years of routine use, we had to re-harden some frizzens, and find beefier mainsprings. But that was it.
The flintlock reigned supreme from the 1680s until almost 1850, in active military use - longer in remote locations, among civilians and in the service of poorer countries. The metallic cartridge has been with us since 1857, and is still trying to catch up.
Steady nerves are a help, in dealing with the fffffft - BANG. But anyone can master it with a little training.
Around 1990, I came into possession of a bandolier full of ammo that was my grandfathers.
I mistakenly thought it was .303 British but soon revised my opinion to call it 30-40 Krag. (Before we adopted the 1903 Springfield, we relied on the old Krag-Jorgenson rifle) The bandolier was marked “Frankford Arsenal 1898”.
Many of the cartridges were green with corrosion. Several had split open near the neck revealing the cordite propellant inside. I knew little of cordite then except it was powered by nitroglycerin. There was no internet for research, and I didn’t want this stuff in the house with my kids. ...
A buddy offered to trade for some modern ammo and I accepted. What became of grandpa’s bullets...? My buddy fired almost every single one that wasn’t split. Poor condition and almost a hundred years old, they still went “BANG”.
I recommend five gallon buckets with the screw on Gamma Seal Lids. These are now available at most Lowe’s stores in the paint dept. Excellent for dry storage of anything food products, dog food, ammo, etc.
I enjoy a little Cap and Ball
Occasionally...
Give Me a Good Hawkens Rifle!
Casings? The author is another wannabe. Try brass or "cases."
Of possible interest ping
“... pile of this in Nato .308 ... SFM ...munitions division of Gévelot S. A. Never seen it on the market ever.”
Never seen any myself. The French are known for not releasing outdated arms/munitions until long after any military utility is gone.
Gevelot has been around for awhile. My former employer used to sell old/rare cartridges - had a few boxes in stock, of an inside-primed centerfire revolver (?) cartridge, 9mm something.
Difficult to say how yours came in.
It was 1970s manufacture
Nickle plated bullet Brass case black lacquer seals
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