Years ago I watched a news segment of documentary about gun makers in Pakistan. An old man made an L1A1 - by hand - out of scrap metal from a ship. I was stunned.
Individual Americans citizens, INCLUDING CLERGYMEN, Manufacture Their Own Muskets and Gunpowder, resp. "Jan 20, 1776
"that it lay for further consideration The Committee to draw a Plan for Providing fire arms for a Colony Stock Report as follows viz
That for every good firearm Manufactured in this Colony made after the following manner viz
a Barrell three feet nine Inches long to carry an ounce ball; a good Bayonet with blade Eighteen inches long; Iron ramrod with a Spring to retain the Same; the makers name Engraved on the Lock which Shall be delivered at Exeter to Nicholas Gilmnn Esq receiver General on or before the first of May next.
The owner of Such firearms receive Three pounds for Each of said receiver General after having Tryed said gun in the Presence of the said receiver General.
Such firearms receive Three pounds for Each of said receiver General after having Tryed said gun in the Presence of the said receiver General with four Inches & a half of Powder well wadded at his the owner's own Risque and that there be appointed one Good man well approved in Each County to receive any firearms so made in said County on the Same Condition as before mentioned for the rec General to receive them and the Persons so appointed to receive the money for the Number of Guns so Delivered"
"Provincial and State Papers, Volume 8 During The Revolution 1776-1783" By New Hampshire ", Nathaniel Bouton ==========================
Citizens, including CLERGY, make gunpowder ingredients,
"but the making of Salt Petre has made such rapid progress especially at Portsmouth where both clergy and Laity are employed six days in the week 8 the Seventh is seasoned with it."
"Provincial and State Papers, During The Revolution 1776-1783", Volume 8
"By New Hampshire ", Nathaniel Bouton p26 -taken from "The New Hampshire Gazette", Jan 9 1776, No.1001
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ALL AMERICANS TO MANUFACTURE ARMS
Phila[delphia] May 17 1776
"When I think of the number of men & arms gone from the Eastern Colonies I cannot help feeling for their situation if a powerful attack should be made there but doubt not proper steps are taken to furnish arms.
I think every person who can do any thing towards making arms should be employed in that business. Britain will no doubt exert her utmost efforts for our destruction but if they are repulsed in the manner. I expect this Campaign I am very confident they never will attempt another. This Summer will in all probability be the warmest America ever saw.
May the Supreme Governor of the Universe protect & Defend us Guide our Councils & Prosper our arms.
I am with great Respect your most ob serv & human"
"Provincial and State Papers, During The Revolution 1776-1783", Volume 8 , Nathaniel Bouton -p125
1777 Sept. "24th Weather delightful. 4 or 5 shot exchanged between our [British] foraging parties and the rebels about 9 this morning. Early this morning our pickets in the rear fired at some straggling rebels.
This township of Norrington is very rebellious. All the manufactures about this country seem to consist of Powder, Ball, Shot, firearms and swords.
The army halted this day." p474.
"The Montresor Journals", Volume 14 By John Montrésor, James Gabriel Montrésor : Gideon Delaplaine Scull, - 1882