“These bullets make a peculiar sound. Some of them come with a sharp ‘clit’, like striking a cabbage leaf with a whiplash; others come with a sort of ‘screech’, very much like what you would get by treading on a cat’s tail. Then, there are others, the sharpshooters’ bullets we suppose, that whistle on a much higher key, and snap against a tree with as much force as if the tree had been hit by a heavy sledgehammer. Some strike in the dirt with a peculiar ‘thud,’ while others fly high in the air and make a noise similar to a huge bumblebee.”
Typically,
the cavalry trooper carried a greater variety and number of weapons than any
other soldier in the Civil War. This was true, whether Union or Confederate
trooper. This armament included rifles, pistols, shotguns, sabers, and Bowie
knives. A well-armed trooper, mounted or dismounted, was a force to be reckoned
with in battle. It was not unusual for a mounted trooper to carry as many as
four pistols — two in pommel holsters and two on his belt, backed up with a
saber and a shotgun or carbine. The Yank cavalryman shown at right is heavily
armed with carbine, saber, Bowie knife, and pistol. Note leather carbine sling
with carbine attached by snap swivel.
Your rifle, pistol(s), and saber represent your biggest investment in re-enacting, with the possible exception of a horse and trailer. These items, taken together, can be fairly expensive, so choose wisely and well. All new recruits are understandably anxious to purchase their rifle or carbine and pistol(s) as soon as possible. For many, the purchase of these weapons is beyond their budget and must be saved for. That should in no way prevent you from getting started in re-enacting with the 7th Texas Cavalry. Some loaner weapons are available and, for drill, we have some wooden mockup rifles that are suitable for learning the manual of arms. Do not put yourself into a financial bind by trying to buy all of your gear at once. It’s a natural thing to want to get all of your uniform, boots, weapons, etc., as soon as possible, so you won’t look like a “newby,” but your best plan of action is to pace yourself and purchase necessary items over a period of time. The officers and NCOs of the 7th DO NOT want you to max your plastic by buying everything at once. It isn’t necessary or justified.
“The Johnnys were afraid of our repeating rifles. This I know. I felt a good deal more confidence in myself with a 16-shooter in my hands than I used to with a single-shot rifle.”
In the Trans-Mississippi Department, Texas cavalry units typically were armed with Enfield two-band and three-band muskets (dismounted). Mounted troops were armed with a wide variety of shotguns and carbines, usually brought from home. A lucky few might have late model Sharps carbines, with an occasional Smith, Maynard, Spencer, or other battlefield pickup. Some carried Confederate-made Cook & Brother or Joslyn carbines.
“These rifles cost $42, and it would not be prudent to lose one, as I could not pick up another on the road, as they sometimes do in the common infantry.”
For
historical accuracy, shotguns (both sawed-off and long-barrel varieties) should
be carried by mounted only. Dismounted should be equipped with the two- or
three-band Enfields. The two-band Enfield is a short-barreled version of the
three-band model. There is an even shorter two-band Enfield carbine that is
called a “musketoon.” The two-bander is appropriate for mounted use as a
carbine. In the interim, until you are able to purchase the proper rifle or
carbine, non-period or otherwise incorrect substitute rifles can be carried
during drill. However, Hawkens and Kentucky rifles are discouraged for use in
drills, and many re-enactments have strict regulations that forbid the carrying
of such weapons on the field. This is to ensure historical accuracy.
“One company had Springfield muskets, one had Enfields, one had Mississippi rifles, and the remainder had the old smooth-bore flintlock musket that had been altered to a percussion gun.”
The trooper shown above right is holding a flintlock musket and a Bowie knife. This was common very early in the War, when weapons were scarce. Note also his colorful civilian shirt and black slouch hat.
When you purchase your musket, the Enfield two-band or three-band is preferred. Some of you may prefer to purchase a Springfield, rather than an Enfield. That is your choice, but, for historical accuracy, the Enfields are preferred. Muskets and carbines of all types are available from many sutlers, and the prices are more or less uniform. You can also buy through mail order companies such as Cabela or Dixie Gun Works. Most of these rifles, muskets, and carbines are Italian-made and are of good quality. Some are better (and, more expensive) than others. Armi Sport, Pedersoli, Uberti, Armi San Marco, and Pietta are a few of the better known manufacturers. Before making your purchase, talk to your pards, look at their muskets, and carbines and get their opinions. If possible, carry them during a drill or skirmish and fire them. Drive before you buy! Do your research.
“I shot over 120 times. My gun became so hot that frequently the powder would flash before I could ram home the ball, and I had frequently to exchange my gun for that of a dead comrade.”
All troopers, whether mounted or dismounted, must carry a pistol. You are required to have at least one, although many troopers in the 7th have several pistols. There are many pistols from which to choose, and most are reasonably affordable, as long as you do not want a LeMat!
What pistol to buy? The choice is yours. The only requirement is that it be a period-correct pistol of the type used in the Trans-Mississippi theater. That covers a lot of territory. One of the most common (and period-correct) pistols available is the .36 caliber Model 1851 Colt Navy. It was one of the most widely used pistols in the Civil War and was popular with both Union and Confederate cavalry units. And, they are not overly expensive.
Some prefer a larger-frame .44 caliber Colt or Remington Army model. Remington .44 caliber pistols are preferred by mounted troopers because of the ease with which cylinders can be changed out while in the saddle. When you can afford it, it’s always handy to have two pistols.
“... revolvers, after being emptied into the faces of the rebels, were thrown with desperate force into the ranks.”
One can serve as a backup in case of mechanical problems, and when they are both loaded, it’s quick and easy to swap them out in your holster, and you don’t have to worry about reloading a pistol when you are short on time.
If you are a glutton for punishment, you could carry a .44 caliber Walker Colt. This is a big, heavy “hog,” requiring an oversized holster. After you have charged up and down the battlefield a few times, you’ll wish you had bought a pocket derringer. On the positive side, it’s a very good, historically correct look for a Texas cavalryman, especially one with Mexican War experience.