New and Used Muskets, Musket Care and Recruiting


In our travels we have come across many a reenactor who has misused either the ramrod or cleaning implements when conducting maintenance on their musket. While we would love to continue to sell ramrods and cleaning kits, we prefer to do so only as needed. Please read below on some helpful hints on proper maintenance and utilization of your musket:

Ramrods - Should be generally used on the field to load the musket and, after completion of hostilities, to run a wiper/worm with a patch down the barrel to dry the barrel after running warm water repeatedly to remove remaining powder. The threads on early to mid-1800s ramrods were for the wiper/worm only. (Note: In modern times it is called a worm; however, that is not the proper term for the historical period.) As the ramrod is welded near the top, misuse of the ramrod will result in snapping off the tip (usually inside the barrel) resulting in the purchase of a replacement ramrod ($59.95) and a potentially expensive trip to a black powder gunsmith.

ENFIELD Ramrods - The slot at the end of the Enfield ramrod is not to stick patches through!!! It is to put a Private or Sergeant's Tool through to remove stuck rounds or ramrods from the barrel by providing you additional leverage. If you do put a patch into the slot, the material will bunch up around the rammer head on removal and you could get your ramrod stuck, or even worse, broken off inside your barrel.

Cleaning Rods - We HIGHLY recommend the use of Cleaning Rods to clean your musket once hostilities cease. They are much cheaper than ramrods and are more sturdy. Furthermore, all brass cleaning implements should be used with the cleaning rods, and not your ramrod. The musket is simply not designed with our modern cleaning implements in mind.

Clockwise, NOT Counter-Clockwise - Always remember if you are going to twist your ramrod/cleaning rod, turn it clockwise so as not to unscrew a brush or any other implement, and leave it stuck inside the barrel.

If you have any questions at all on musket or pistol maintenance, please feel free to call us (717 338 1864 / 717 338 1850) or email: regtqm@aol.com

Like New P1853 Enfield 3 Band Rifle Musket by Euroarms

$595.00

This particular example has seen EXTREMELY light use. Light wear marks along the stock throughout and some minor marring of the bluing on the top of the barrel. Sling and snap cap included in the price.

M1842 Springfield Smoothbore Musket by Armisport, Defarbed by Zimmerman, SN 1409

$1,000.00

Smoothbore musket is in like new condition with only light handling marks and a very small chip at the middle barrel band spring.Lockplate is stamped with the Federal Eagle in front of the hammer and vertically marked "SPRING-FIELD" in two lines behind the hammer. Dated 1847 as the production year. The barrel is stamped with the correct style V.P. and Eagle Head proof marks on the breech. John Zimmerman's cartouche is located to the rear of the side plate. Butt plate is stamped "U.S. 69. N.Y. D." Includes leather sling.

M1842 Springfield Smoothbore Musket by Armisport, Defarbed by Zimmerman, SN 1409

P53 Enfield Rifled Musket by Pedersoli

$1,300.00

The Enfield P1853 features a ladder rear sight with a slider assembled on a base with steps, steel barrel's bands and other brass furniture. The ramrod tip is shaped with the characteristic jag slot. The gun is equipped with two sling swivels, one fit under the front band and the other one fits in front of the trigger guard.The barrel is blued and lock case hardened. The stock is made of walnut.

Whitworth Rifle by Pedersoli

$1,900.00

In the year 1854, Sir Joseph Whitworth was commissioned by the English War Office to design a rifle to replace the Enfield pattern 53, he started to work on a .451 caliber rifle, equipped with a barrel having a hexagonal bore profile.
The rifle created outperformed all competitors during the tests made in 1859 and enabling the Queen Victoria to easily hit a target at 366 meters (400 yards), during the first meeting of the British Rifle Association.
Also used during the American Civil War, the rifle equipped the sharpshooters of the confederate army, hence the name "Whitworth sharpshooters"

1847 Walker Revolver - Uberti

$475.00

With a 9-inch, round barrel and weighing more than four pounds, the Colt® Walker was a weapon for the toughest soldiers and lawmen on the frontier. Prior to the introduction of the .357 Magnum in 1935, no revolver was more powerful. Inspired by Captain Samuel H. Walker of the U.S. Mounted Rifles, it fired .44 caliber balls "cast 32 to the pound." The deadly effects of the Walker's power during the Mexican War proved once and for all that revolvers had a place in battle. Features a blue finish and case-hardened frame.

Original Second Model Merrill Carbine, SN 13432

$2,195.00

Dated 1863, this breech-loading carbine is one of only some 14,500 weapons produced by H. Merrill of Baltimore, MD. Brass furniture includes the trigger guard, brass butt plate and single brass barrel band. Barrel is 22 1/8" long and retains a significant amount of the bright finish with some dark oxidation and minor pitting. Bore is clean and shows good rifling. Piece was loaded by pinching the flat, cross-hatched tabs, then lifting and pulling back the plunger latch on the top of the receiver, and inserting the cartridge. Mechanics are great! Top flat of the breech lever is marked with "J.H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY 1858" while its base is marked with serial #13432. Underside of the lever is clean. Atop the barrel is the three level rear sight with the "V" cuts graduated for 300 and 500. Marked on the iron lockplate forward of the hammer is the three-line address of "J.H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY 1858 / APL. 9 MAY 21-28-61" and date of manufacture "1863" is stamped behind the hammer. Original nipple is present. Carbine features a dark walnut stock with "ZB" inspector cartouche located under the carbine sling bar. Stock left side is fitted with an iron sling bar and sling ring. Stock has normal dings, dents and scuffs.

We have a couple more units for you to choose from if you're looking to join a regiment. See below for more details:

66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment

The 66 ^th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company I, a group that has been in existence for over 25 years, is always looking to welcome new recruits to the exciting hobby of Civil War re-enacting! While our current make-up of participants come primarily from Northeast Ohio, we have members from all over the state and western Pennsylvania. We typically participate in 8-12 events per year at both local events (OH, PA) and the larger, national events (Gettysburg, Antietam, etc.) held close to the original battlefields.

The historical 66 ^th was organized late in 1861, participated in both major theaters of the war, marched 11,000 miles through 12 states, and fought in 18 battles or skirmishes. Our re-enacting unit stresses safety first and foremost and prides itself on accuracy of drill, maneuver and bayonet exercise (used to build esprit de corps among the men rather than used on the battlefield).

We have spare equipment and uniforms that we are happy to lend you for your first event or two to allow you to try the hobby out before committing to it. We are a family friendly unit with an active civilian contingent.

If you love history and the outdoors, we strongly encourage you to try this exciting hobby. Minimum age to carry a rifle is 16.

2nd Texas Cavalry Regiment, Company A

Based in Southern New Jersey, the 2nd Texas Cavalry Company A, Inc

portrays a unit of the Department of the Trans-Mississippi operating in the Western Theater of operations during the Civil War. The 2nd Texas Cavalry was organized January 8, 1862 in Mesilla, Arizona as an independent company. It was absorbed into the Texas State Militia during the withdrawal from Arizona Territory.

We also have a secondary impression portraying the Confederate States Marine Corps (CSMC ). This detail will be limited in size and will not accept civilian personnel.

Our group is a non profit and completely insured unit. The insurance covers ALL Listed events that we attend. We hold our members to the highest safety standards with yearly training and several drills throughout the year. We are not a "stitch counter" group, however we strive to be as historically accurate and professional in appearance as possible.

79th New York "Cameron Rifle Highlanders" Regiment

The 79th is looking for all interested to become Pipers, Drummers or Infantry. Beginners or Trained Pipers or Drummers. All are welcome!

Lessons are free! Our focus is in the reenactment of the 79th Regiment of New York. This is a Civil War living history group with emphasis on the growth of our Pipe Band and Infantry Regiment, all interested parties are welcome and encouraged.

9th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company B

We are a family-oriented group of living historians based out of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois attending events in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa. Some of our travels have taken us to Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Montana, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Attached to our mounted unit, we have a dismounted contingent and McGregor's Battery Light Artillery. We also portray the cavalry during the 1830's as the 2nd US Dragoons, Civil War Western theatre as the 5th Georgia Cavalry, Civil War Trans-Mississippi theatre as the 4th Missouri Cavalry, Civil War Federal as the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry, Company M, as well as the Indian Wars as the 6th US Cavalry.

17th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company B

From Gettysburg, Pa, to the shores of South Carolina, to the streets of the oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida, our members and friends have seen it all. We have retraced the steps of our forefathers and today, over 130 years later: the regiment is once again on the march...straight from the pages of history. Be part of a growing membership and don't miss an opportunity of a lifetime! You are invited to enlist today and see a part of American history firsthand from the perspective of the common soldier.

If joining one of the oldest and more authentic living history organizations in the state appeals to you, Contact Jeff Grzelak at Jeff1864@cfl.rr.com

1st Corps, Army of Northern Virginia

Men of the South, your country needs your service! Lieutenant General James Longstreet is looking to fill his ranks with Staff Officers, Guards and fighting men! If interested, please contact Bill Minnich at wjminnich@live.com

U.S. Muddy River Battalion

If you are located in the Midwest and are looking for a reenactment company, look no further! Step up, and be a part of the Army of the Frontier!
Recruits and new Companies now being accepted for the US Muddy River Battalion.

Union Infantry Re-enactors are in short supply these days, and are desperately needed to help fill the Vacant Ranks. Individuals should at once find the member unit, that is closest to them, and apply for membership. Reenactment companies seeking membership, or those
seeking to organize a new company, should at once contact the Muddy River Battalion Headquarters. We are in great need of new men, to help grow each of our member units, and even new member companies for the overall Battalion organization.

7th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company A

We are a Confederate Cavalry company based out of Woodbridge, New Jersey. We participate in major reenactments in the Mid-Atlantic, locally in New Jersey, parades, living history camps and school programs. If interested in joining our unit, you may contact us at:
7vacav@gmail.com

54th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company A

Founded in 1992, we are the 54th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company A. We are a family oriented organization of reenactors and living historians originally from Johnstown but now consisting of members from all over Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. We participate in various events, ranging from school programs to full battle reenactments, throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

We are always looking for new recruits to fill the ranks. You can help educate the public in the history of the Civil War and the role both men and women played during the war. Honor the veterans by recreating the battles that they fought and died in as well as portraying the civilians they left behind. We are looking for those wishing to become soldiers or civilians. We accept men and women of all ages into the organization. We have loaner gear to help get you started. No prior experience or knowledge is necessary.

12th US Infantry Regiment, Company A

We are the 12^th U.S. Infantry, a Civil War living history unit from Syracuse, NY. We participate in both local and national events and portray a regiment of the regular U.S. army that served throughout the American Civil War. As members of the United States Volunteers (U.S.V.)

, we are part of the largest reenactor organization in the United States. Family participation is strongly encouraged and there is something for everyone whether military or civilian.

GOALS:

Educate the public through living history exhibits, school presentations and other interactions

To accurately depict & represent the life and times of the Regular Infantry in the ACW.

Maintain an authentic camp atmosphere while fostering comradeship, fellowship and family togetherness.

To safely perform the tactics and drill of the Regular Army in the ACW, always striving to improve our individual and group impression.

Raise awareness of the state of Civil War Battlefield preservation.

6th South Carolina Volunteers Regiment

Commanded by Captain Goins, the 6th South Carolina Regiment is looking for a few volunteers to participate in living history and reenactments. If interested, email Capt. Goins at ggoins@6thregimentsc.org.

1st Minnesota Volunteers, Company A

The First Minnesota Regiment of Volunteer Infantry is a non-profit organization founded in 1973 to perpetuate the memory and teach the history of the unit.

If you are interested in joining our unit, attend a unit meeting the first Tuesday of the month. Contact our Recruiting Sergeant at rrs@firstminnesota.org. Meetings take place at on Fort Snelling property at http://www.explorebasecamp.org/ at 7P.M or
find us on Facebook at: Co. A, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.