Wild Ben VanDorn

For speed of loading at a match, I'm in absolute agreement with Navy Six! Making paper cartridges ahead of time DOES take time, but you can do it at your leisure and it speeds up the loading process greatly - almost as easy as a metal cartridge. . . almost. When I don't use paper cartridges (which is more often than not), I do the exact same thing J-BAR describes, only I use a teardrop-style flask. Keeps the process simple, accountable, with a minimum of fuss and gear. I dislike taking apart the gun - even a Remington - to load, as loading on the pistol is much faster for me. A good powder flask will be your best friend! Two points I'll also mention: even with paper cartridges, I'd advise lube on the top of the chambers. Keeps the fouling soft and action running smoother. Second, fabricate from a needle or wire a small pick to use on the cones. Most of the paper will detonate with just the cap, but to be on the safe side, poking a needle hole through the paper cartridge will ensure a direct line from the cap to the powder. Wild Bill Hickok is recorded as doing this, and he knew a thing or two about cap 'n ball revolvers. . . In any event. . . Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

Picked up a dandy original Starr DA revolver for a price that could not be beat, but need a new trigger spring (maybe also mainspring) for it. It also has an interesting replacement (appears to be period replacement) grip, about 1/2" longer than a traditional Starr grip. Anyone have a source for obscure old revolver parts? I've tried Google, and only found replica parts. They may fit, but I'd prefer one of the same era. I'll put up some photos at some point. Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

Nice set-up! Yeah, those Walkers are a big help to the spotters - assuming they can hear the clang over the boom! You got conversion cylinders for those Walkers, do ya? I've not tried that with mine, though have been tempted. . . Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

You're in good company, hoss! My first SASS match after a long hiatus found me shooting the same: 4 cap 'n ball pistols (two 1860s, two Walkers) and a BP loaded SxS 12 gauge. I think my best time was about 1:22 or thereabouts. . . It's hard work being the 247th Fastest Gun in the West. . . . Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

FWIW, I've made holsters that accommodated my 1860 Army as well as my 1858 Remmy. Had a similar profile to Red's holsters, so my best guess would be "yes". . . Nice looking holsters. Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

Normally, usually, generally (NUG), I view an open carrier as less of a threat than someone else who may exhibit indicators suggesting that I keep an eye on them. Anyone being that blatant about their carrying of a firearm (not to be confused with brandishing a firearm), automatically relegates them to an already-noted and evaluated threat, and usually lower-level threat. A person bent upon mischief won't often invite the scrutiny that comes from openly carrying a firearm. In the words of Townes Van Zandt, "He wore his gun outside his pants, for all the honest world to feel." Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

If I didn't already have a pair of .45 open top Colts (or if I didn't just buy a house), we would be talking, hoss. Those are gorgeous and a fair price! Doubt they'll sit up here for long. Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

It definitely can help a fella lighten his wallet!

I agree that your profile pic looks like you'd pass muster at any SASS event, but if you're looking for more 19th century "real west" vs "reel west" clothing, I propose two choices: contact a maker who specializes in period correct clothing (expensive), or buy some old used suits or suit parts at the thrift shop (much less expensive). Look at old photos of the 19th century, and you'll see what appears to be pieces and parts of suits worn by nearly every class, in various states of repair. The photo of the Daltons after Coffeyville - they all appear to be wearing what we view today as dress slacks! Wool pants, vests and coats were much more prevalent in the Old West than the canvas we predominately wear today. Fortuitously, you can pick up a three-piece suit at the thrift shop for around $5-10. With a few minor modifications (or extreme ones, as Chili Pepper Pete has done ), you can turn that suit into a decent facsimile of an old sack suit. Find an old shirt (preferably pullover with button up placket) and you've got your outfit. When it's warm, just wear the shirt, pants and vest, when it's cooler, wear it all. Good suggestions for boots already mentioned, and old motorcycle harness boots with the harness cut off strongly resemble the old Civil War "artillery boot". As for hats, there are as many makers in as many prices as you can dream, or you can buy an old hat from the thrift shop or flea bay, and reshape it to your taste. Now, this may not pass the "stitch Nazi" test, but most folks aren't worried about that anyway. From five feet away or so, you'll look dead-ringer authentic. One sidenote about wool: if it's the right weight and weave, it's cooler than the canvas duck pants on a hot day. I shot in the summer for years in my canvas jean trousers, but after going to a pair of wool ones . . . night and day difference! Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

"Hi, Bubba. . . " Yep, I do that same thing, fellas. Well, sort of. Like H.K, I have a special pistol: an old ASM 1860 Army my grandfather gave me when I was twelve. It's my main match revolver and always goes in the right hand. The left usually draws another 1860 and occasionally an 1851 Navy. But that 'ol ASM, boy - it's the final act of pistol targets! Probably my most accurate cap 'n ball as well. Keep your powder dry (and guns in order), Wild Ben

And if there's a chance for tent camping, that would be most welcome! Good idea Texas Jack D - you may end up with more folks than you bargained for! Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

You bet! When and where? Have gun, will travel. . . Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

That's where the HOT water comes in - it warms the metal and evaporates much faster, preventing the rust. I'll use room temp water in the field, but at home, I use as hot as I can stand. It makes a difference. Gotta disagree about Ballistol being over touted - well, maybe it is over touted - but it sure does work. Prevents rust second best to anything I've ever used, and I've spent most of my life in the Rust Belt. What's the BEST gun oil you ask? Simple: pure bear grease. My flintlocks love it. . . . Ballistol is easier to source, however. . . Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

That's my process as well, except I use hot water with Ballistol instead of Dawn. Then clean as you described, dry with soft absorbent patches, and rub with Ballistol covered rag to leave that nice thin protective film. I've done this for years, kept rust at bay, and kept the guns going strong! Dutch is right on - BP isn't that hard to clean. I will say that HOT water really helps. Some guys use the dishwasher, but when I ask her, she just walks away. . . Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben

Welcome back, hoss! I returned last year after a long hiatus myself, and it's more fun than I remembered! Great that you have your buckaroo with you - those will be memories to cherish! Keep your powder dry, Wild Ben