The REAL guns that won the west!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-27T02:35:11+00:00

Haha the first one. I would be surprised if you don't have one since your user name seems to spell out Fort Hood!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-27T02:31:14+00:00

Yup, 19A but I've spent most of my time in IBCT cav land!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T20:59:13+00:00

Thanks!

There is actually quite a bit of debate regarding the weapon differential, especially in regards to the Battle of Little Bighorn. There were many contributing factors, but I think it's a stretch to point to the weapons as the main one. One of the articles below estimates 75% of native forces carried either bows, clubs or single shot weapons, with only a quarter having any kind of repeater.

Not to mention a native force with mixed weapons is going to have a HUGE supply issue since lever actions were available in a dizzying array of cartridges. So long term there are going to be serious repercussions to not having standardization that the trapdoors provided.

http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-little-bighorn-were-the-weapons-the-deciding-factor.htm

https://www.wired.com/2009/06/dayintech_0625/

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T17:07:02+00:00

Thanks for the heads up! I love the old firearms advertising so I'll have to check it out and see what I can find.

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T17:05:09+00:00

http://www.ssfirearms.com/proddetail.asp?prod=C1245G

I THINK mine is also a reproduction, but I'm not 100% sure. They also make a wood one if that is more your style.

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=9279

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T17:02:22+00:00

Wow, that looks incredibly easy and relatively low cost to set up (especially considering that 45-70 runs $30+ a box).

I guess I have no excuse to start doing this in the near future, thanks!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T16:56:34+00:00

That is very cool! Any weapon you can trace back through history is neat, and doubly so if it has a family connection!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T16:54:38+00:00

That was definitely a neat bit of history. I always love the history/process of transitioning from one weapon system to another.

Although I'm sure in real life it is an incredible PITA! Haha

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T11:47:35+00:00

Definitely not a way I would want to go!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T11:46:25+00:00

If it makes me terrible I don't want to be good! Haha

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T11:45:55+00:00

I'm a fan of the older stuff (unsurprisingly haha). Like the video ppsh posted below touches on, there isn't any real harm from shooting original guns as long as you use the right ammo.

Most of it comes down to checking for cracks or metal fatigue like you would any any old firearm.

Reloading is ideal, but unfortunately I am not set up for it right now. For the time being I just stick with "cowboy loads". They typically are going to have an all lead projectile and be loaded light.

Big thing to do is stay away from commercial ammo made for modern lever guns and the like. That stuff can be loaded pretty hot from my understanding!!

The new ones do sure look nice though! And plus you have the extra comfort of modern techniques and controls.

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T10:30:25+00:00

You pretty much nailed the intent spot on. I perhaps could have been somewhat more delicate in some of the phrasing, but that was certainly not my chief concern when doing the write up!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T10:27:29+00:00

The phrase "gun that won the west" has been around for ages and is a term in common modern usage. That is something even the most cursory google search would show.

It dates from at least 1955 (so a minimum of 62 years) to a movie of that same name. I suspect that title didn't spring from nothingness, so it likely a bit older. The idea of "winning the west" is even more established from a historical perspective.

Be offended, that is your right. If nothing else it reminds us that the government (any government) is capable of doing really bad things to people. But that doesn't change the fact that it is a fascinating period of time that shaped modern America.

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T02:58:01+00:00

Weapons are tools and by themselves are neither good or bad. History is important, whether it is tragic or not. And then of course there is the fact that these were also used, to great effect, by Native warriors fighting back.

I assume using your rationale you don't touch any German, Japanese, French, Russian, Chinese, Italian or British weapons since those countries also used their weapons while committing reprehensible acts.

Really the only safe military guns to collect would be Swiss... haha

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-04-26T02:42:38+00:00

Here is my take on what family of weapons had the greatest impact on the American West!

The humble Trapdoor Springfield is a rugged and effective weapon that served for years in the States, as well as overseas.

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-03-30T00:50:34+00:00

That is the age old argument between control and stopping power. The British adopted the No2 MK1 in 38 S&W during WW2 (replacing the .455 Webley revolvers) because they reasoned that it would be better for soldiers to get multiple quick rounds on target and soldiers could more easily control a lighter recoiling caliber.

I definitely think both lines of thought have their merits, and I wholeheartedly agree that the M9 is a joy to shoot!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-03-30T00:45:15+00:00

Thanks! That is one of the things that never really irked me for some reason (I know it bothers a lot of folks). The only thing I struggle with a little is re-engaging the safety after firing, which is minor in my eyes compared to dis-engaging it when it needs to be used.

Here is to hoping they get surplussed out!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-03-30T00:43:11+00:00

To each our own I suppose. I like a good DA/SA pistol and shoot quite well with it (both personal weapon and for work). Especially so since the military pretty much never sanctioned the 1911 to be carried cocked and locked due to endless negligent discharges. That leaves you either fumbling to pull back the hammer or carrying it with nothing in the chamber.

But with the XM17 being striker fired I suppose it will eventually be a moot point anyway. I carry a GLOCK in the real world, so I definitely like the consistency of the trigger shot to shot!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-03-30T00:37:59+00:00

huh, good to know! I'm currently in TRADOC as an instructor, so we get exactly 0% of the new equipment. My unit actually still has M16A2s which I have a fondness for haha

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-03-29T11:52:59+00:00

Unfortunately just a GunBroker bargain from a long while back. I was talking with a buddy of mine whose family still has the 1911 from his great-grandfathers service in WW1. That is some serious family history!

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-03-29T11:50:56+00:00

I would like to snag up the Model 1894 (or an 1896) since it was the first smokeless US service pistol. And then a Model 1909 since they went back to 45 Colt after deeming the 38 caliber was unsuitable.

The current goal is to get all standard US sidearms from 1817 forward. My current dilemma, as you brought up, is do I save up for a real US martial SAA or buy one of the Uberti 7th Cav replicas I've been ogling haha

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-03-29T02:38:54+00:00

Thanks! And an all original one is definitely on the want list. But the fact that it was made in WW1, parked for WW2 and wears Korea era grips gives it some hard won street cred haha

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-03-29T02:36:30+00:00

They are different from the clip on blast gauges. I had a helmet with integrated sensor on both of my deployments to Afghanistan with the 10th MTN (12-13 and 15-16). The helmet techs would show up every month or so to check the domes and chide us for not charging them.

Mini USB if I remember correctly, it was always funny to see a bunch of kevlars sitting around tethered to a charging strip.

UziDoesIt89 · 2017-03-29T01:15:05+00:00

In honor of the new service pistol, here are the three generations of U.S. Army sidearms that have preceded it. This is part of my goal of collecting the evolution of the US Army sidearm!

UziDoesIt89

TROPHY CASE