When the United States needed to arm itself in the decades following independence, the federal armories at Springfield and Harpers Ferry could not do the job alone. From the 1790s through the 1840s, the U.S. government turned to dozens of private contractors -- gunsmiths, mechanics, and entrepreneurs scattered across New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and beyond...
Category: Black Powder
The 1738 Land Service (Heavy Dragoon) Pistol
As we trace the narrative of this 18th-century firearm, we find the 1738 Land Service pistol playing pivotal roles in numerous battles. It was a common sight in the hands of British Dragoons during the War of Austrian Succession, the Seven Years' War, and even later in the American Revolutionary War. From the marshes of...
Winchester 1887: The Revolutionary Lever Action Shotgun
The Winchester 1887 (Winchester Model 1887) lever-action shotgun is a hallmark of American firearms history, representing a significant leap in the evolution of repeating shotguns during a period marked by rapid advancements in firearms technology. Crafted by the legendary firearms designer John Moses Browning, the Model 1887 was introduced by Winchester in 1887, offering a...
The .40-70 Cartridge: History & Performance
The .40-70, like many of its contemporaries, had a short stint in the limelight. As the buffalo herds dwindled and bolt-action rifles chambered in smaller, faster rounds came onto the scene, the need for the big-bore black powder cartridges waned. In today's world, it’s a specialized round, often used in vintage single-shot rifles for nostalgic...
The Sharps Breech Loading Pistol: A Testament of Time
One of the most well-known firearms in history, the Sharps Breech Loading Pistol, was not just a weapon; it was a testament to the innovative prowess of the 19th-century arms industry.Scientific American, 9 March 1850.Daily National Intelligencer, 21 October 1850.Read more about Christian Sharps and his famous weapons here:If you know of any forums or...
The Hawken Rifle: Crafting The Way of The West
By the time of Jacob Hawken's death in 1849, and subsequently when the shop finally closed its doors in 1915, the Hawken rifle had cemented its status as a legend of American gunsmithing, a symbol of a bygone era. Even today, it is prized among collectors and history enthusiasts, a tangible piece of the nation's...
The .25-20 cartridge: A Classic in Firearms History
While the .25-20 cartridge may not be as prominent today as it once was, its historical significance and contribution to firearms development remain undeniable. It played a crucial role in the evolution of lever-action rifles and provided hunters with a reliable option for small game hunting and pest control. Its successors may have overtaken it...
The Story of the .32-20 Winchester Cartridge
The .32-20 Winchester cartridge, often simply referred to as .32-20 or the .32-20 WCF, is a bit of an enigma in the realm of small-bore ammunition. With roots stretching back to the late 19th century, it has seen service in everything from modest single-action revolvers to lever-action carbines. This vintage cartridge, despite its somewhat archaic...
The German Jaeger Rifle: From Germany with Love
The Jaeger rifle is indeed a crucial chapter in the history of firearms, bridging the European and American traditions of gunsmithing. Its functional design, durability, and precision earned it a distinguished place in the annals of weaponry, both as an instrument for hunting and as a weapon of war.The Jaeger rifle, in its ingenuity and...
The U.S. Model 1812 Musket: Early American Firepower
The U.S. Model 1812 musket played a crucial role in the evolution of American military small arms. It represented an important step in American arms production towards self-reliance and in the transition from the flintlock system to the percussion system. The Model 1812 is now a prized artifact for collectors and historians alike, symbolizing a...