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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
 Posted - June 23 2003 : 1:23:27 PM
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Move over, Marc! There's only room for one Hawkeye around here! 
I really don't know what to say or where to start. I'm pretty much as speechless now as I was yesterday when - at the 2003 un-Gathering at the range of the French Broad Rifles - Fitz assembled the 9 of us together, along with Bob Penland, president of FBR, and read aloud from an inscription on a piece of rolled deerskin:
To Richard Federici, Great Sachem of Mohicanland,
You have our love, honor and respect for creating our Mohican world and bringing us together.
In appreciation, we give you the makings of Le Longue Carabine.
Strike for the east side of the swamp
until you clear the French picket line. Head north
over the ridge, then come about southeast and fork
left in Little Meadows and you're free of the
outpost & skirmishers ...
Fitz Williams
Vincent Kong
Debbie Kong
Dane Miller
Maile Miller
Jayne Langan
Karen Williamson
Ros Haddon
Karen Stangler
Phil Stangler
Theresa Williams
Claude Williams
Mary Garland
Rob Kruys
Adele Grandon
Mac Shaeffer
Chris Boone
Marc Harbison
Cherie Harbison
Ariel Segal
Jo Sweetser Tishler
Stephanie McCulloch
Ann Colby
Bill MacLeod
Teri Golden
Stan Golden
Bill Rooks
Betty Rooks
Diana Strickland
I was then presented, item by item, from a great cardboard box, practically all the essentials of a longhunter's outfit!
I was floored; stunned; overjoyed. This really was a dream come true for me. I absolutely cannot find the words to adequately express what I am feeling nor grant the proper level of thanks. It is very hard.
At the end of the litany of items from the box came the announcement that a custom made long rifle, crafted by Bill R., was soon to be on its way.
I wanted to crawl away and hide and collect my feelings, but I now realize that would have done little good as I still haven't really gathered them sufficiently to fully realize the full extent of my joy & appreciation toward you all.
The names on the list make this even more special to me as they are fully representative of every phase of Mohicanland, every one of the 5 Great Mohican Gatherings.
This act does not come from "love, honor and respect". It comes from friendship. I am forever indebted to you all.
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powder horn w/strap, canvas haversack dyed with onion skins, deerskin strike-a-light bag w/flint, striker, char-cloth and tow, deerskin possibles bag w/vent pick, musket balls, patches, pan primer, ball starter, button cleaning jag, powder measure, and threaded adapter
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linen hunting shirt, finger-woven sash, horn & turquoise choker, and wampum sash [earlier acquisition directly from the French Trader]
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wool breechclout, tanned leather leggings [given to me by Marc H. at the 2002 Gathering], finger-woven garters, and deerskin moccasins w/inserts
 WOW!!!!!
I can't begin to say just how thrilled and very appreciative I am ... and will always be! And a rifle to boot!
Already, I'm thinking of my knife, my powder, my 'hawk, my ....
This is just too much, really. You are the best!
Thank you from the very deepest r
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - June 23 2003 : 4:34:07 PM
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I think that is just about the nicest thing those folks could have done for you, Rich. This wonderful gift is very much deserved.
Congratulations!
P.S. Speaking for myself, it would be great to see a photo of you fully dressed and outfitted as Le Longue Carabine. |
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caitlin
Bumppos Tavern Patron
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - June 23 2003 : 7:08:37 PM
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Rich,
 Congratulations! Wow, how absolutely wonderful and what beautiful work! You deserve every bit of it! Those fine folks could not have expressed my feelings towards you, your family and Mohicanland any better, thank you and thanks to them as well for thinking of such a fine gift! I hope we'll get to see you decked out in 2004! I second the notion of a picture!
caitlin |
Jack McCall: "Should we shake hands or something, relieve the atmosphere. I mean how stupid do you think I am?"
Wild Bill Hickok: "I don't know, I just met you."
"A nation with no regard to it's past will have little future worth remembering."
A.Lincoln
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things"
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hawkeye
Pioneer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 24 2003 : 08:37:20 AM
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Rich,
I'm sorry Cherie and I couldn't have been there. I tried to figure out a way, but it just wasn't to be. We're very happy that you are so pleased with the gifts you were presented. You are deserving of each and every one. Your (and Lainey's) hard work, dedication, and perseverance has provided an environment for people to come together and share experiences, both virtual and real. Without your vision and patience this "community" would never have existed. Looking back on everything (good and bad) all of us should try and imagine what we would have missed out on if Mohicanland had never come to be. We all owe you a debt of gratitude.
If you have any questions about any of your new accouterments, please feel free to ask. I'll try an help with anything I can. Although, Fitz, Clabert, and Stan have been doing this longer than I. I'm sure between all of us no question could go unanswered.
As always... a big thanks goes out to Lady Ann. She coordinated this effort as only she can.
Marc |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - June 24 2003 : 4:29:04 PM
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As my senses slowly - and not so surely - return, there's at least one thing I realize I have forgotten to say in all of this. And that would be that most all of this would never have been possible without the humor, wisdom, talents, and support of my partner & sidekick, Lainey, The Great & Terrible [TGAT, for the uninitiated].
I know, I know, sounds like a cliche, but it is really true.
Another story:
Shortly after I left for the un-Gathering on Sunday morning, Elaine left for a few days in Charlotte with most of the kids. When I returned home, there was a message awaiting me on my computer screen. It read:
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!! Musket boy .......
Whatcha think ye is? Hawkeye????
Let's see ... Musket Boy ... Le Longue Carabine ... Musket Boy ... Le Longue Carabine ... YEAH! Same ring to it, eh? MUSKET BOY!
Something tells me I'm really going to have some trouble "stalking my prey" around here if me wears my Musket Boy suit around the house ... if'n ya git me drift!  |
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Scott Bubar
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 28 2003 : 07:13:00 AM
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Rich, I saw your initial post the other day.
My first thought was: "What a great tribute!"
My second was: "What about Lainey?"
I figure at the very least she deserves a flintlock pistol to put in her pocket. Not to mention something nice to have that pocket on! (Not that she needs a pistol--her quill is lethal enough!)
So, have you got those pics developed yet? |
~~Aim small, miss small. |
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Lainey
TGAT
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 18 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - June 29 2003 : 3:05:27 PM
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Scott ...uhmmm .... will you marry me?
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"Fides et Ratio" |
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Scott Bubar
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 30 2003 : 07:58:43 AM
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| I'm a bit marriage-shy, Lainey, but you know those long hunters go off to the woods for months at a time ... |
~~Aim small, miss small. |
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Lainey
TGAT
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 18 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - July 01 2003 : 2:29:48 PM
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So - this could be a fine longhunter tradition in the making ...
Thank you, Trolley People! |
"Fides et Ratio" |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - August 03 2003 : 07:34:05 AM
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FOLLOW-UP: Well, La Longue Cannoli, or whatever Doc Mary named me, is taking shape. Besides all the goodies pictured above, I have purchased a throwing tomahawk, longhunter's knife & sheath, wonderfully crafted leather canteen & musketball pouch, and a fishing kit - a specialty of the French Trader. In addition, I've been ordered to do away with my mustache!!! The noive! Or, be French ... hmmmm ... Oh, plus, I have, on order, a hand-crafted hat to come.
BUT, best of all, my rifle is nearing completion. I think that once that item is in my hands is when this will all really begin sinking in - yeah, that means that I'll start getting all sickeningly sappy all over again. Till that time, here's a few pics Bill sent my way [THANK YOU, Bill!!] yesterday of my Johannes Faber model rifle in it's present state. All that's needed now is the staining & varnishing!!!! 
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Thought you all might enjoy a peek! As I told Bill, I truly feel that if I had been out shopping for a rifle, this type might very possibly have been my choice. I am so very pleased with the selection!
The only pressing need of mine now - other than lots of powder & shot - is an authentic breechclout belt. Lacking that, Moons over Mohicanland will have a whole new "flavor" come next June up at Table Rock! |
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Hawkeye_Joe
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 31 2003
Status: offline
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Posted - August 05 2003 : 04:44:48 AM
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| May I suggest a clout belt of raw silk, it doesn't bunch badly and it doesn't gall the skin. Do not use wool, and if you use leather be sure that you place ties on it for your leggins..they can cause sore spots as well. |
HAWK
"The scum of every nation gravitates to the frontier."
Benjamin Franklin 1750
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for
lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
Benjamin Franklin 1759
The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it."
"Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant" is like calling a
drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist."
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - August 17 2003 : 10:04:02 AM
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I believe the "thank you" is from us for all your hard work and dedication toward all the Gatherings and your efforts to make us all have a wonderful unforgettable time. So, there really is no "thank you" from you necessary.
So came a reply from one who had received a note I sent out to all who had contributed to outfit me in my longhunter's gear. Still, I feel the "need" to, especially now that my Bill Rook's handmade rifle is in my hands. I just don't know how - can't find the words.
The rifle is beautiful and exactly like I would have wanted. I was browsing the Internet yesterday, and was ordering some cleaning supplies & more shot & patches from the Track of the Wolf web site. There, they had a very similar style, 1760 Virginia longrifle, for sale ... I compared that to my rifle. I decided I'd take mine, hands down!! I love the shape of the gun, the stain, the hand engraving in the wood, the hardware ... I love the patchbox [especially now that I actually know what one is!  ] It's cover fits securely & yet easily slides off when the latch mechanism is released. Fastened within is a metal plate, engraved with this:
Presented to Rich Federici by his friends.
Inside my patchbox now are a couple of vent picks [courtesy of Clabert], an extra flint [came in there with the rifle], a cleaning jag [part of my gift package], and I figure I'll put some cleaning patches in there as soon as my order arrives. [Kit Kat wrapper duly saved for posterity!]
The barrel, a Getz barrel, is engraved W. Rooks.
There's a nice shield shaped plate on the Butt end of the barrel with my initials - well, it's on the wood, not the barrel itself, but down at that end.
All that personalization makes this rifle all the more special to me, and I thank Bill for doing so.
The lock & pan are excellent. I love just looking at them!
I haven't fired the gun yet ... although after my two trips to the FBR range - these past two Junes - I feel comfortable in trying. I want to wait till I have the cleaning accessories on hand. My little pan primer is ready to go. I have my powder measure set at 54 grains. My musket balls are in their pouch ... I have powder and more balls & patches are on their way!!! Yee-hii! Question: Where do you fellow shooters keep your patches? I don't really want to keep them in their plastic bag - ruins the "flavor."
Theresa, I know you, and several others, have requested a picture of me with the rifle [or, is it the other way around?] ... Haven't yet gotten to that, but I promise that I will ... maybe, if I get really daring, in full regalia as Wilderness Woman requested.
Guys & Gals, I know this isn't a real "thank you" ... I didn't actually try, for as I said above, I couldn't do it adequately if I did [not to mention a nasty combo of heat, humidity, allergies, and a touch of some flu-like bug have combined to dull even further my already rather dull - and aging - mind] ...
But, I really do appreciate this - everything from the thought to the hand-made stuff included, to the un-Gathering presentation, to my gun arriving this Thursday - and crafted by a long-time Mohicanlander.
It doesn't often get any better than this. It has given me, among other things, much food for thought!
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Bill R
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 03 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - August 17 2003 : 10:49:23 AM
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I'm sorry you are not feeling well Rich. Yesterday it was 95 degrees here in Wisconsin.......I can only imagine how hot and muggy it must be in North Carolina! And to have allergies and flu-like symptoms in addition......miserable! One concern.....what with the big skeeters you have down there........have you had any West Nile cases? You wanna be very alert and careful to that.....take care of yourself big guy.
In case you were wondering, that INRI on the barrel top flat is a somewhat common inscription some German gunmakers put on the barrels. It stands, of course, for Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews, but they put it on there as a protection, a benediction, and a charm. I did it for that reason also. It was supposed to always protect the owner of the rifle, ensure he never missed, and keep him in the hands of the Lord. It wasn't just put on to be historically correct, my friend, but was put on for the same reasons the original gunmakers put it on.
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - August 17 2003 : 1:04:06 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by richfed
Theresa, I know you, and several others, have requested a picture of me with the rifle [or, is it the other way around?] ... Haven't yet gotten to that, but I promise that I will ... maybe, if I get really daring, in full regalia as Wilderness Woman requested.
Yes!! Yes!! Soon!!
Bill, I don't think I have said this yet, because I know nothing about guns/muskets/rifles, etc., other than to appreciate their aesthetic beauty and intrinsic value. But my mind is boggled. Your knowledge...your craftsmanship... your attention to minute detail (I especially like the "INRI" inscription! That is really neat!)... I am very impressed. Congratulations on a fine job!
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - August 17 2003 : 5:06:43 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
quote:
Originally posted by richfed
Theresa, I know you, and several others, have requested a picture of me with the rifle [or, is it the other way around?] ... Haven't yet gotten to that, but I promise that I will ... maybe, if I get really daring, in full regalia as Wilderness Woman requested.
Yes!! Yes!! Soon!!
Uh-oh ... when they add red to your quote, you know they mean business!!! Ok, ok ...
quote:
Originally posted by Bill R
In case you were wondering, that INRI on the barrel top flat is a somewhat common inscription some German gunmakers put on the barrels. It stands, of course, for Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews, but they put it on there as a protection, a benediction, and a charm. I did it for that reason also. It was supposed to always protect the owner of the rifle, ensure he never missed, and keep him in the hands of the Lord. It wasn't just put on to be historically correct, my friend, but was put on for the same reasons the original gunmakers put it on.
Wow! So an already special gift takes on even more meaning to me! Thanks, Bill, for putting in of yourself what you have!
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - August 17 2003 : 6:55:25 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
quote:
Originally posted by richfed
Theresa, I know you, and several others, have requested a picture of me with the rifle [or, is it the other way around?] ... Haven't yet gotten to that, but I promise that I will ... maybe, if I get really daring, in full regalia as Wilderness Woman requested.
Yes!! Yes!! Soon!!
Yes! Yes! I want the full regalia, too!! |
Theresa |
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Hawkeye_Joe
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 31 2003
Status: offline
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Posted - August 17 2003 : 7:13:32 PM
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| The patches can be threaded onto a very thin leather thong that can be placed in the pouch inside your shooting bag. If your shooting bag doesn't have an extra little pouch inside you can either add one..(not very hard to do) or attach the thong to the strap near the front flap and drape them inside loose to be pulled out to hang outside the bag for use.... Punch a tiny hole in the center of the patch push the thong thru .. simple huh?. This will cause any pre-greasing on the patch get on your pouch and also there will be some dying if you leave them in there too long unused. One other thing.....not "musket" balls.......you have a rifle gun Rich.. use the correct terminology.."Rifle balls" or just "ball". One of my compatriots here has come up with a list of 18th Century terms to use when speaking of a "Riffle Gun and her parts"....I'll e-mail it to you off list. Also before you name her.. and guns are always female...think long and hard about it. She'll not perform well if you give her a crappy name.. *LOL* Hope to see you soon at some event ... |
HAWK
"The scum of every nation gravitates to the frontier."
Benjamin Franklin 1750
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for
lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
Benjamin Franklin 1759
The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it."
"Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant" is like calling a
drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist."
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Bill R
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 03 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - August 17 2003 : 7:28:22 PM
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And for GNOME'S SAKE PLEASE don't call her "Doc Mary" !!!!!
ARRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!
What say you longhunters out there about the pre-cut vs strip patches. I preferred to just have a strip hanging from my bag strap long enough to easily be put over muzzle, ball pounded down, and cut off across muzzle face. Instant round patches with no centering. No loosing patches or hunting for them or fiddling with them.
Then there is the patch and ball in loading block method of course, also hanging from bag strap................... |
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Hawkeye_Joe
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 31 2003
Status: offline
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Posted - August 18 2003 : 02:09:41 AM
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| I usually use linen patching strips or cotton tick strips..sometimes greased but mostly dry with the sizing washed out of it. Saliva for lube. I told him to use the thong method cuz he got those pre-lubed patches I see in the pics....Also put away the "short starter".. none have been documented in the Longhunter/Rev War period...most rifles had cone muzzles for starting ball easier...same is true for the loading block Bill mentions..no real documentation for it in earlier times.. |
HAWK
"The scum of every nation gravitates to the frontier."
Benjamin Franklin 1750
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for
lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
Benjamin Franklin 1759
The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it."
"Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant" is like calling a
drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist."
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - August 18 2003 : 06:29:50 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bill R
And for GNOME'S SAKE PLEASE don't call her "Doc Mary" !!!!!
ARRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!
That would be quite a slap-in-the-face to the gun maker, eh? Tempting, though, for a variety of reasons that I cannot get into without bordering on lewdness ... maybe, Old Doc? Or, I could name her Cora ... a lot of thinking to do!
Man, I've got a lot to learn, I can see that ... rifle balls & balls they are. No more "musket," I swear! So, I can now say, in all honesty, "I've got a lot of balls!"
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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 19 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - August 18 2003 : 06:49:07 AM
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| I vote for "Ol' Doc" because she has a sharp bark and a nasty bite......and delivers her message with authority!! Cora is too.......well.......nice, not what you want in a rifle's image. |
Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ...what a ride!'
~~Mavis Leyrer, Seattle
Seamus
~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~ |
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Bill R
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 03 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - August 18 2003 : 10:35:27 AM
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Ol' Doc would be a good name given background of this whole thing......but isn't very feminine (the name Ol' Doc - Doc Mary is of course quite feminine though she has some strange notions about how to treat gnomes), and unless you knew Doc Mary it'd make little sense......you'd have to know Doc Mary, and her snookums avatar to get the connection. Don't wanna call it Snookums either.....get some strange looks from the other longhunters! Cora seems a bit tame.
On the other hand, with Ol' Doc, when pointing it at a target, a hostile, an invading Brit, or some Hessian he COULD say "Ol' Doc" is the cure for what ails them and will fix them right up! Permanently! |
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Hawkeye_Joe
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 31 2003
Status: offline
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Posted - August 18 2003 : 11:41:52 AM
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The name itself doesn't have to be feminine..."Ticklicker" and "Killdeer" to name two famous ones weren't. "Ol'Doc" sounds pretty good and has historical connotations for you Rich..and it's a good strong name..Just MHO.
Joe |
HAWK
"The scum of every nation gravitates to the frontier."
Benjamin Franklin 1750
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for
lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
Benjamin Franklin 1759
The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it."
"Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant" is like calling a
drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist."
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Bill R
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 03 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - August 18 2003 : 11:48:08 AM
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I vote for "Ol' Doc" also.
Won't Doc Mary be pleased............that rotten gnome whacking, bushwhacking, lascivious, evil temptress!!!
She WAS one of the very first to inhabit this place. Her sense of humor is enough to cause you to die laughing and peeing yourself.
She obviously is quite capable of eliminating men, gnomes, and those who annoy her! She has a remedy for nearly everything, and usually that remedy entails risk or harm to the recipient! Yup. Ol Doc would seem to be a good name!!! |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - August 18 2003 : 12:35:56 PM
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...and not only that...
from what I have read in some of the discussions on these boards, I think Doc M would enjoy having something so...er... l-o-n-g... named after her. |
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Bill R
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 03 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - August 18 2003 : 1:48:17 PM
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| Hey Hawkeye......I'd agree with the ball starter. Wouldn't make sense for the old timers to carry more than they had to. I'd be inclined to think the bullet block is something they WOULD think of and use though. It's so much quicker to load using that. Problem is, using the block, it's most convenient to use a ball starter with it, and we BOTH agree likely that was NOT used back then. I will point out my preference and practice was to use the linen or pillow ticking strip and cut each patch across the muzzle face. Almost as quick, and more certain to have a centered ball and load as close to identical each time. With round patches - especially trying to sight in - you never know if it was an improperly centered patch, or sights (when you are trying to first sight in and set them as necessary), or you that caused the "flyer". Using the strip, you at least eliminate one variable....one uncertainty. |
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