I.N. Johnson pistol

[Cap n Ball]

Just got back from a three day event down in a little town named Cole Camp. Its on the western edge of the Ozarks and the battle there was in 1861. It was the second battle of the Civil War after Ft. Sumpter and it was a Reb victory. I still had most of my kit in my car when I got to work today and I thought you guys would like to see the gun and powder horn I use. They are both original artifacts. The pistol is an 1853 model of the 1851 I.N. Johnson horse pistol. .54 caliber smoothbore in beautiful shape, very rugged and well crafted. Simple lock mechanism easily maintained with minimum tools. I purchased it at a relic shop in Gettysburg two years ago for $400.00. I shoot it quite a bit and its fairly accurate at 30 feet. For up close and nasty it can be loaded with buckshot. Cavalry would carry four or more of these things slung in thimbles on their saddles. They wern't used much in real war but were often issued to soldiers guarding wagon trails. They were obsolete when revolvers became common but they make an excellent last ditch gun for artillery. The powder horn is undated but those who know say it dates to the 1840s or maybe even a bit earlier. I found this at a junk shop in Fayetteville Arkansas about 20 years ago in an old box of odds and ends under a display table. I think I payed $15.00 for it. I put a measure spout on it and a new brass filler plug and I've been using it ever since. I wish these things could talk! Anyone else here use original firearms and equipment?

Hope you enjoy this stuff.

 

[Manyirons]

PURDY! I never getta run inta things like that!

 

[Cap n Ball]

Thanks Irons. I've been very lucky with finding things but the best is the good friends I've made in this hobby and seeing some of the most beautiful country in my state. We slept under the stars last weekend and if you haven't done it away from the city you forget how glorious the heavens look like. Since its so close to the 4th we had a night fire of artillery that was incredible to see. I've only done that twice. Most parks won't allow it but the Cole Camp site is privately owned. They even had a beer garden that was open till 2:00 in the morning!

Heres a few pictures of Saturdays events.

 

[Manyirons]

Looks like fun!

 

[Cap n Ball]

When the weather is nice its nothing but fun Irons. Good food, pretty ladies, horses and blackpowder. All four of my favorite smells...it don't beat a good day of fishing but its damn close.

 

[mec]

Very nice pistols. Bates found this one for our book. Looked at several before finding one that didn't have a cracked stock. the lockwork looks new and still has some fire blue on some of the surfaces. We shot this at 50 feet. three shots by bates and two by me. It was our first and best effort with most groups going about one foot at that distance. we used 30 grains of goex 3fg and a patched .435 ball. Very heavy trigger pull.