Re: MtMan-List: Cabelas Flintlock -- Historically Accurate?

[NaugaMok@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-11-10 10:11:47 EST, you write:

<< Now Since I will be reenacting my anscestors who came over from
 Germany in the 1750s, I just have to figure out if I want to go with
 the Kentucky/Pennsylvania rifle or the Jaeger!  I know they used both
 of these in hunting and skirmishes.
  >>

The Pennsylvania rifles of the 1750's era were what we now call "transitional"
rifles -- in other words, they were somewhere between the Jaeger & the slim,
graceful Penn's of the "golden age" we're seeing reproduced today.  I'd say
your best bet for historical accuracy is the Jaeger if you want a rifle.
There are many period correct smooth bores available, but, for me, the Jaeger
has a certain mistique.  Period correct "transitionals" are not that easy to
find -- I think there are only 1 or 2 people building them. As intrest grows
for this type rifle, I'm sure more will become evident, but to date, I've only
actualy seen 1 that fits this description. A blunt description of a
"Transitional" rifle is one that looks like a Penn who's stock needs to go on
a diet.  I'd like to have a Jaeger, but can't justify the expense of one when
my time nitche is 80 years later.  I think they're probably the best example
of the European firearms when it comes to marrying art to firearms.  The
Pennsylvania rifles carried on this tradition because of the strong German
influence there that spread through out the east.  A while back we were
discussing "Virginia" rifles & I'd completely forgotten problably the best
known example -- the "Silver Armstrong" --- DUH!!!  Even this rifle shows it's
German heritage that started here with the Jaeger.

NM