Contract Musket Makers of the Early Republic: The Private Armories That Armed AmericaWhen 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 —…
Category: Black Powder
The 1738 Land Service (Heavy Dragoon) Pistol
Introduction to the 1738 Land Service (Heavy Dragoon) PistolIn the ceaseless echo of history, the roar of guns ceaselessly reverberates. One instrument of such power that leaves an indelible print on the timeline is the 1738 Land Service, also known as the Heavy Dragoon Pistol.In a time of flintlocks and powder, the 1738 Land Service…
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
Introduction to the .40-70 CartridgeThe tale of the .40-70 cartridge is one that reeks of the wilderness, of an era gone by, where frontiersmen and buffalo hunters relied on firepower that made a difference between dinner and going hungry. Rooted in the American West, the .40-70 is a piece of shooting history that still resonates…
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.Overview of the Sharps Breech Loading PistolThe Sharps Breech Loading Pistol is a .36 caliber, single-shot, percussion pistol, renowned for its rifled breech-loading mechanism. Manufactured…
The Hawken Rifle: Crafting The Way of The West
Introduction to the Hawken RifleBorn from the skilled hands of the illustrious Hawken brothers, Samuel and Jacob, the Hawken rifle emerged as a groundbreaking example of firearms engineering during the early 19th century. The brothers, natives of Hagerstown, Maryland, began their professional journeys as apprentices in the gunsmith trade. Upon honing their skills, the duo…
The .25-20 cartridge: A Classic in Firearms History
Introduction to the .25-20 cartridgeThe .25-20 cartridge (also known as the .25-20 WCF) holds a significant place in firearms history, boasting a rich legacy that spans several decades. This small-caliber cartridge was invented in the late 19th century and gained popularity for its versatility and performance. Let’s delve into the intriguing details surrounding its creation,…
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.Jaeger Rifle Historical Background: Additional ContextIn a…
The U.S. Model 1812 Musket: Early American Firepower
Introduction to the Model 1812 MusketThe U.S. Model 1812 Musket stands as a testament to the evolution of military weaponry in the early 19th century United States. This muzzle-loading, smoothbore musket was a significant step forward in American arms development, serving as a transitional model between the older flintlock design and the later percussion system….