Saturday, December 18, 2010

New 150th Anniversary Civil War blog

Called The Long Recall, this blog will run for the next five years to commemorate daily events throughout the 150th anniversary of the War Between the States. Authors have an admittedly pro-Union slant but "hope to present Confederate views and news fairly and accurately as well."

Should be an interesting blog to read. Today's entry for December 18, 1860:

There is little relevant news from the South Carolina Convention today due to a smallpox outbreak that forced the delegates to relocate to Charleston. Before adjuring the meeting early, the delegates elected Mr. Jamison to the position of President and reaffirmed the need to draft a resolution calling for secession. Meanwhile, the South Carolina legislature is contemplating several important bills, including one that would limit the movement of free blacks and another to appropriate money to fortify Charleston and build up an arsenal.

Senator Wade, of Ohio, gave a characteristically heated speech in Congress yesterday upbraiding the stance of the South and sparking familiar debate. Although a few remaining hopeful Congressmen – most of them from the Border States – continue to submit resolutions to the Special Committee, many observers believe that the only way to reach consensus is to leave it to a National Convention.

A myriad of personal tragedies have struck several of the highest officers at the Post Office Department, further exacerbating the problems department leadership will face if Southern states secede.

Troubled by the lackluster financial markets, merchants in Baltimore are imploring Governor Hicks to call a special session of the Maryland Legislature to discuss the crisis.

Enjoy.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Open sights and aging eyes

I made a discovery this week when the muzzleloading deer season started--I'm blind as a bat when it comes to seeing my musket sights. What I really learned was that I can see the front sight when I put my reading glasses on (my eyes went to hell in the last six months). Voila! I can see the front sight.

Which led me to spend the last day or two researching Rx shooting glasses, aperture suction-cup thingies, etc etc. I should have stayed in skirmishing when I was young and able-bodied; now I am decrepit and can't see straight.

I suspect my eye issues are partly explain why I shot the carbine (with a peep) better than my two-bander this past season.

I like what Jon said--I wish I could have last season back knowing what I know now. But at least I've got a game plan for my musket for this next season.

Jim

ps. here's a cool link: http://www.starreloaders.com/edhall/nwongmain/eyeguide.html . Check out the links to his other topics.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Hoyt barrel reline

Got my barrel back from Robert Hoyt yesterday. Specs exactly as promised, in the time promised. My .576 sized Hodgdon minnies fits in the muzzle perfectly. Palpably deeper grooves at muzzle, and a proper crown. Kept the original 3 lands 1 in 56 twist. Cleaned the bore, snapped it back into the stock, ready for the season. Now I wish I had last season back.
Will need to sight it in again when I get some nice weather, have moved on to refinishing my backup musket, and looking out for the fedex truck with a Sharps carbine that I'm getting as a trade. Will be sending it off to Charlie Hahn to get it skirmish ready, now also planning to send my Smith to Hoyt for a reline. Bring on the Spring!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Armi Sport 1859 Sharps

Any information about the Armi Sport 1859 Sharps carbine? What's required to make it skirmish ready? Thanks, Jon

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Found on the internet


PJ, how's that Jets shirt working out for you? oops, sorry dude.

Monday, December 6, 2010

2010 hunting season

Got a phone message from Tom the other day about whether I'd gotten a deer yet or not. Tuesday night before Thanksgiving I got this little guy in the field behind the house. Not the biggest deer I've ever shot, but was pleased to see the points on the antlers when I came up on him. We are in a rifle zone now, which makes the hunting a bit easier. Muzzloading season starts Monday, and I'm planning on putting in as much time as I can during the nine-day NY mz season.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

2011 Skirmish Schedule--New England Region

2011 Skirmish Dates

5/7&8 Hopkinton
5/18-22 Nationals
6/4&5 Glastonbury
6/18&19 Saratoga
7/9&10 Glastonbury
7/23&24 Saratoga
8/13&14 Chaplin, CT
8/27 Hopkinton one day recruitment
9/17&18 Hopkinton
10/5-9 Nationals
10/22&23 Saratoga

Looking forward to it!!