A Smooth Bore Bag Fit For Ranger Duty

[@lundysden6781]

I'd love to see a video about the long guns used by the Rangers. I found it difficult to locate a lot of accurate references but I found a few. Thanks!

[@folday6169]

Mike, John Burroughs, in his book, ‘Into the Catskills’, written in 1910, makes a historical reference to using flax tow for gun wadding. It is my preferred way, assuming the woods are not too dry. I also like to use it because it is excellent for getting rid of fouling, making for easier loading.

[@catyear75]

I love these videos focusing on Flintlock Firearms and Flintlock accessories ! They are always fascinating and I always learn so much ! Thanks Mr Bellevue!

[@duelist1954]

My pleasure!

[@henrystutman5636]

kzbin.infoAYkVtFcKUcU

[@docback63]

@@duelist1954 Mike, who makes a good repro of the Roger's rangers tomahawk? You have been to F& I events so I'm hoping you might have the low down on who makes a good one. Thanks!

[@Rustygulley-r3r]

I’ve watched this excellent video several times. Thanks!

[@3ducs]

I need something like this to keep my BP accoutrements together.

[@rustybayonet1664]

The differance in bag size, I belive is the large bags would be for a long hunter, that is traveling thru the wilderness not knowing when he can next resupply. The small pouch is designed for the fellow that is going home most every night. I have found another original designed pouch, small with an inside stitch to open it up, and a pocket inside and above the main compartment.

[@duelist1954]

Most actual 18th century bags I have seen are relatively small. Even longhunters traveled with packhorses, and set up base camps. They didn’t travel around with all their supplies on their person.

[@duelist1954]

I recommend this book. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C17R2VRG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@joeswff]

As always top notch video Mike. Although One thing I learned the hard way is to not keep flints in a pocket without having them in a flint wallet.

[@Rumblestrip]

As always, thanks for sharing. Making me wish i had a place to shoot my 20 gauge. Makes me a little sad that i cant find a place. No tractor trailer parking at any ranges i know of, and time off is a problem. Always a pleasure watching you shoot Mike, as odd as that is. If it makes any difference at all, finding smoothbore flintlock content is a bugger. I've been cheating a bit when i can shoot out by my dads once or twice a year and using Lees .578 478 grain improved minie in my 20 gauge. I find it shoots well with 60-70 grains of ffg swiss to around 60 yards, albeit low to point of aim.

[@duelist1954]

Haven’t tried monies in a fowler.

[@bigrickshaberdashery2759]

I personally built my own using heavy leather with stiff gussets so I can get the old hands in the bag without a fight. Everything has its place and works well for me. Great video, thanks

[@duelist1954]

Glad you liked it.

[@martinmeltzer2696]

Hey Mike! I AM INSPIRED! That is a very effective set up! I particularly liked when you showed all of the movements necessary to fire two times in a row! GREAT stuff! WOOF!!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@henrystutman5636]

kzbin.infoAYkVtFcKUcU

[@raymondrussell500]

Add gussets in the back pocket and in the front pocket and most of “pushing” by tools will go away. I prefer a bag that has some specific divisions to hold the various devices used in shooting the particular gun. Helps keep me organized and makes sure its easier to insure i have everything i will need to shoot. I also make my own so if I’m not happy with it, i can re-do it or what ever.

[@lae52]

An excellent video. As a relatively new smoothie convert, I'm still learning. My smoothies now outnumber the rifles, so I need to rethink my routine.

[@direktorpresident]

I have a Remington Zouve copy which is smoothbore, in .58, and I will load it like this from now on!

[@franciswashack89]

Thanks Mike, I love the smooth bore flintlock videos ever since I acquired a replica 1795 Springfield. I am looking forward to you doing a video on the 3rd model colt dragoon and it's uses in it's heyday. I will be ready when you are, until then, keep the flintlock videos coming.

[@duelist1954]

I’ll do my best.

[@rre9121]

My brown Bess should be arriving today. I'll be rolling paper cartridges this weekend and hopefully shooting it. Thank you for all the cool flintlock and smoothbore videos, it's a part of shooting that doesn't get much/any love by the high-speed-low-drag leviathan group magdumpers.

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi from Syracuse NY brother and I finally got a chance to watch your video my friend

[@duelist1954]

Hi

[@earlshaner4441]

Thank you for showing up you using ffg for prime your muzzleloader

[@rodneywhitfield5754]

Woohoo! Awesome vid, I still use my circa 1977 fringed muzzle back I put cave door crarving in, covered in neatsfoot oil.

[@edmazzeo1985]

good show , ol' boy....from another ol' boy...

[@pclarin]

I love watching your videos. Thanks for going to the trouble.

[@jwkennington]

I use small balls of tow for wadding on the ball. Seems to work fine. Nice bag, Mike.

[@duelist1954]

I used to do that. Works great, but I was starting brush fires. A couple of years ago I switched to either wool blanket squares, or cut paper.

[@Bayan1905]

I've seen bags very much like the Lyman bag on display before at the Fort William Henry Museum and Fort Ticonderoga and I saw something similar although more rounded at the visitor center and small museum at the site of the ruins of Fort Crown Point and the ruins of Fort St. Frederic on Lake Champlain.

[@mrdinme.4768]

Yes, I am inspired! Very nice bag! I want a smoothbore now! Lol

[@caesar4880]

I learhed that a while ago as well. Big ''possibles'' bags where not really a thing in the shooting sense. Shooting bags where smaller and the possibles bag was a seperate bag for other things apparently.

[@J_C_Firelocks]

I'm building a Fowler and setting up a shooting pouch so this video was very helpful. I love the "D" ring and toggle!

[@TripleAAA53]

Absolutely beautiful bag Mike !! Been living in the stone age with the same bag for YEARS. TIME to upgrade !!

[@duelist1954]

Sounds like a plan.

[@cbtri15]

Another great video Mike! Thank you. I use a button, or more correctly a wooden toggle, closure on the flap as well. Being able to fasten the top flap is important if you are in thick brush or happen to take a spill.

[@duelist1954]

I agree

[@ricktaylor5744]

Thank you Mike

[@daviddiffenderfer6963]

That's a nice bag 👌

[@duelist1954]

Eric does good work.

[@karsonbranham3900]

Very nice, and thanks for suffering all the aggravations it takes to bring us along!

[@duelist1954]

I enjoy the ride too.

[@Ohmy1956]

I’d love to see more detail on how you tie your powder measure to make it useable on the D ring. Great video by the way

[@graywolf9876]

I like the toggle on the powder measurer and that's a really nice bag. Thank you for the great video

[@geneslodysko6150]

Love the flintlock videos!!!!! I love my bags and horns just like you and so many people that enjoy this 18th century history. I actually had the same thought as you. I loved the larger bag you had Jim Dell make but thought the same, just to large. So I had Jim Dell make me a small double pouch with gussets. Mine is very similar as yours but a beaver tail flap. Now I have my bag and the beautiful Tim Sanner horn I shared with you the other week. All I need now is that beautiful smooth rifle that’s soon to come from our friend Tim Williams. We here in the tri-state area truly are blessed with history and current day 18th century artisans. The talent of these people including Eric is amazing!!

[@duelist1954]

They sure are!

[@geneslodysko6150]

Just wondering what material you like to use to braid line for the dring/ measure lanyard

[@duelist1954]

@@geneslodysko6150 It is just a few pieces of stiff string. I think it is jute.

[@DaleRaby]

I like your bag design. Have you ever tried using standard cotton balls that you can buy at a drug store in lieu of folded paper patches or tow? I may give it a shot with my 12 Ga SBML one of these days. I'll letcha know how it works.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Great video Mike, really appriciate this one. I'm trying to get into smoothbore shooting and this is a great resource!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks Ethan!

[@wrxs1781]

Good video Mike, the one thing I have never owned, a smooth bore musket, but my shotgun is used often.

[@44HenryRifle]

Great video and a very nice set up.

[@royshobe6642]

Thanks for making this video

[@johnlea8519]

As always interesting and entertaining, I'm always looking for anything that can be used in muzzloading, bags, tools, wadding etc.

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Very similar in shape and size to my bag which is also a gusseted double bag, made by Ralph Hunt Williams of Bear Tooth Leather out of Bozeman MT...Great looking bag Mike!...atb...woods

[@duelist1954]

Glad you like it. Thanks.

[@bbcustomoutdoors]

Good stuff! I’ll probably make myself a bag when my Fusil is done. Maybe a horn too. I’ll file this video away in the memory banks for inspiration.

[@duelist1954]

Good luck

[@IntheBlood67]

Outstanding!

[@MercyMinister]

Hi Mike, great video. Thanks for sharing. I am a bagoholic too. Several of my smoothbore bags were made by John Barrett of Tennessee. I did some research of particular bags, showed him what I had found out, and he made the bags for me. None of them are super big, but they are big enough for the smoothie. I also have a few bags made by Greybear. Not based on any historic bags, but very well made and very useful. Keep up the great work.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@jeffgrier8488]

Great video Mike, it's always a pleasure to watch one of your videos.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@lonestarprepper0156]

Well done as usual. Enjoyed and learned.

[@VernonWallace]

Great. Thank you

[@agnieszkalenska7827]

you are my inspiration to buy a flintlock in the future however im low on budget so i might need help to find cheap one same with accesories

[@lonniegamble4292]

Great Info. Mike I love your videos on black powder arms, loading and shooting.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@galenhisler396]

Love it, love flintlocks great show can't wait for next week

[@jeffrycarper7286]

Good video. I own two of Eric’s pouches. Very good artisan!

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

Looks pretty efficient to me.

[@OdoyleRules24]

Folks underestimate the accuracy of a smoothbore, especially out to typical hunting distances in most places in the east. Our ancestors depended on smoothbores far more than a longrifle in the flintlock era...in my opinion. A must have for any living history enthusiast.

[@duelist1954]

I agree!

[@roberttolley5055]

Your video s are amazing Mike!

[@graypatriot1299]

thank you

[@rjayoldenburg]

Love the video, keep on bringing us this content! HIistorical videos need to be more like your's and Townsends! Please do a collaboration!

[@duelist1954]

I met John once at Martin's Station. Very nice guy, but I doubt he would want to do a video with me.

[@rjayoldenburg]

That's too bad, just a thought I had.

[@johnndavis7647]

That's a very quick flintlock- Is that a Jim chambers made lock? Very nice. Thanks for the video.

[@philliphill4763]

Excellent video!!! Well presented.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@joemiller9632]

Mike nice gear as always a good video I enjoy your wisdom

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@MrJonathandcrow]

Good Job Mike 👍

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@hettro-cv6082]

Great video!

[@UncleSasquatchOutdoors]

Nice looking gusset bag. Great info as always.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@usaaircraft]

Great video Mike! Thank you!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@jasondyer110]

Very nice bag! Really enjoyed it. Thanks Mike

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@lewisward4359]

I picked up a nice small double (gusseted bag) from Genesgaho (spelling?) about 12years ago. Totally please with the work. I had to have it custom made. I'm a poor boy, so I didn't want to have two separate bags -one for smooth bore and one for rifle.I just empty it out when I need to switch.

[@chadrichard6388]

Thanks ! I needed that . Please teach us about the evolution of conical bullets in muzzle loaders , for sporting use , other than Minnie bullets . Sam Fadalla touched upon this . He is gone - I forgot . He said Forsyte tried them on african game , but decided to stick with round balls . I do not know what I am talking about , that is why I need your help . I all ways play through the adds , thinking it might help us .

[@duelist1954]

I’ll add it to the list.

[@johnsanders1728]

Very educational Mike, Thank You

[@duelist1954]

Glad you liked it.

[@billmazzocco5275]

I finally realized the obvious...one gun =1 BAG. otherwise it is a merry go round switching gear, invariably losing gear, or carrying too much gear.. Epiphany!!!!😝Lol Always enjoy your videos. See you at FT Frederick. Stay safe

[@GCSimons]

Great vid Mike, love your 18th century stuff. Hey I have an idea for upcoming content. I’ve heard you mention you hunt but I’ve never seen any hunting with 18th century gear vids. I will be deer hunting with mine for the first time this year and was wondering if you could make a vid similar to this but for hunting. All the tools needed, how to keep powders dry, and such. My main issue is making sure that first shot on my flintlock goes off every time and without delay. I think I get some Balistol buildup in the touchhole and first shot sometimes is delayed. I seem to have the process down after that. Would love to see an 18th century hunt set up with tips and tricks vid. Thanks so much and keep up the awesome content!

[@GaryED44]

Very interesting sir. I always enjoy the flintlock videos. loved seeing the pouches and the fine leather work. Thanks Mike

[@duelist1954]

My pleasure

[@Tammy-un3ql]

Great video

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@burnsboysaresoldiers]

Mike, ever thought if doing some battle videos? You’ve talked about the battle of lake George a number of times for example

[@duelist1954]

I’ll give it some thought.

[@Steve-ui1ej]

Great video and really like the pouch.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@wagon9082]

Good Video, Thank you

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@michaelconquergood9556]

Good videos keep up the good work

[@duelist1954]

Thanks.

[@jamesvatter5729]

Good stuff, Mike. I'm going to have to try your paper wadding method. I've been using balls of tow between the powder/ball and over the ball. Maybe less accurate than PRB, but likely more authentic. Your method certainly shaves time off loading.

[@duelist1954]

I have been evolving. I used to use tow under and over the ball...then just over, but we had a dry year a couple of years ago, and I ws setting the woods on fire. I switched to wool blanket squares, or paper. Both work fine, and are authentic.

[@theodorebranin1365]

Excellent video. Before I watched Mike's videos, I had no idea of the prevalence of smooth bores on the 18th century frontier and no understanding of their accuracy. I would like to know how prevalent was the use of smooth bores historically as compared to rifles? Before Mike's videos I used to think that all frontiersmen carried rifles, but reasoning from the facts that Mike presents I finally have been disabused of a fiction. Smooth bores were quite widely used I believe and under some circumstances quite necessary I would guess.

[@davidguerrero9270]

Love the videos, thanks for producing them!

[@duelist1954]

I’m glad you enjoy them.

[@genebrading969]

Sweet

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

I've been thinking of a new bag for my fowler. That bag is the kind I've been thinking of making. Looks great. I'm patched round ball kind of guy. I cut them out, stack them up, and then dip then in my lube concoction. When I need one I just peel it off. I use a two part beeswax to one part lard mix, I call it squeal. :)

[@williamcarter1993]

what is this lube for? DO you shoot a rifle or smoothbore?

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

@@williamcarter1993 both. Mike uses beeswax and lambs tallow. I use salt free lard because it's cheap and easy for me to get. If it isn't too humid, using ff powder, I can get at least 15 shots from my .62 fowler without cleaning. I get the wax free from my bee keeper buddies and lard is cheap.

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

@Nick no I precut my patches in squares and make a stack of around 20. I melt my mix in a small crock pot. Then I dip the stacks of patches and let them cool on a paper plate. I just grab the stack and scrape one off with my finger nail. It works for easier for me. On a woods walk I just have my patches, enough balls to shoot the round, a worm tool, and a turn screw in my bag. My brush, pick, and powder measure hang off my bag strap. Less fiddling, less fooling around...

[@danliberty734]

I’m actually looking for an early to mid 19th century bag to go with my trapper rifle and pistol.

[@swampfox5329]

Screw the pouch, I want the gun, LOL. Take care Mike, great video.

[@duelist1954]

You can't have it...LOL

[@williamprince1114]

I’m working towards a different sort of resolution. 200 bucks is more than what I would be comfortable dedicating to this bit of kit. Instead I went for a Swedish gas mask bag made of a heavy woolen material. I’m not a competitor or reenactor but I did appreciate your thoughts on what you look for and how you use it and what you keep in it. Thank you

[@miketoombs627]

Mike Thanks for a very good video! I thoroughly enjoy them and may incorporate some of ideas you show in my smooth bore shooting. Have you stopped using TOW in you smooth bores?

[@duelist1954]

Yes, because of the fire hazard. Also, paper, or wool blanket squares load faster.

[@john-ls8wq]

Why don't you do a mountain man setup and survival gear needed in the woods

[@hawkenrifles]

@duelist1954 Hi Mike. Very good video. I have read Peter Cozzens' book about Tecumseh and his brother, the prophet Tenskwatawa, and I liked it very much. I already know that they used the English Trade Musket in 20 gauge. I am writing about it for the Spanish public. I hope you make more videos about Hawken rifles. I shoot my .58 Hawken Mountain every Sunday morning and it works great for me. It is made in Spain by Dikar (CVA) and at 50 meters I can put one shot on top of another leaning on a bench. Kind regards.

[@ROE1300]

👍 Interesting video. I liked the simplicity. I am trying to arrange a bag that will allow me to take my Fowler to the field with both shot and round balls. Plus, will allow me to use the same bag for my Muzzleloading shotgun. I admit that maybe I am trying to accomplish too much with one bag. As you only provided a physical address for the artisan (no telephone number or e-mail) I assume the only way to reach him is through snail mail.

[@duelist1954]

I carry my shot in a separate, hard leather flask, with its own strap. In the 18th century they would have wadded shot with the same paper I used for the round ball, except, with shot, it would have been one or two papers over the powder, then shot, then a paper.

[@ROE1300]

@@duelist1954 Thanks Mike. I believe I carry my shot in a similar container. Currently I place that in my shot bag along with over shot cards, over powder cards, and cushion wads. I also carry .61 caliber round balls in a pouch and lubed patches. I know, this is not historically correct. I just pretend I’m the “if it can be done, it probably was done” guy. 😳 The method you describe above seems a lot simpler. I need to rethink my process.

[@vincentfisher8317]

I really like that bag.So how do u like you’re new Fowler?The gravel looks pretty nice on the range.

[@woodwoman9130]

I’m making one now our of buffalo hide you might want to

[@ttiroff]

Nice video. I have several BP rifles but have been thinking about getting a smooth bore musket. What gun are you using in this video? What brand of lock does it use? I like that it looks more utilitarian and less fancy without a patch box and a lot of carving on the stock. I like the simpler style of guns.

[@ipodwalker]

I don't shoot black powder, Question: to speed up loading on a rifle can you rifle most of the barrel and leave the last 2 to 3 inches of the barrel , smooth bore (closest to the mussel) and get the best of both worlds, without effecting accuracy. Love you videos.

[@duelist1954]

In the 18th century, most rifle barrels were coned, which allows easier ball starting, but ramming a ball down is still slower with a rifle.

[@ferdmazzia5840]

I love the shot bag. Would it be able to use this bag while shooting bird shot, and how would you set the bag up for bird shot? Love your videos.

[@duelist1954]

I carry shot in a hard leather flask with it's own shoulder strap.

[@mrmicro22]

Every long gun, from a Brown Bess to a lowly 22, should have a support bag ready to go. Ammo, mags, cleaning supplies and as many of the 10 essentials as you fit. You already own the stuff. Get it organized.

[@EdAtoZ]

Duelist, you talked about everything but the straps. I assume your bags have ether one or a two piece strap "with buckle to adjust length" 1) question what strap width do you like ? 2) Have you looked at a three piece strap (my name for it since I do not know the official name) where you have a shoulder piece that lay fat on your shoulder. Instead of a twisting one leather piece. Than the shoulder piece is sowed to a leather strap one at the front and one at the back that then connect to the bag. Also I have no idea if this would have been historically correct ?

[@thomasdoucette2301]

D ring idea is great. Going to add one to my bag. Where did you get the brass box for the tools?

[@duelist1954]

It is a Ted Cash tobacco box. You can get them lots of places. I probably got that one at Track of the Wolf.

[@thomasdoucette2301]

@@duelist1954 Thanks. Really enjoy your videos.

[@HardscrabbleBlake1968]

Hey Mike, I've seen photos of Civil War era guerillas wearing "hunting shirts" that had large pockets for carrying cartridges and percusion caps for their revolvers. I know it's a different historic period, but it seems like large pockets on 18th century hunting shirts/smocks would have been handier for carrying shot and patches than a shoulder bag. Have you seen anything indicating that was done in the 18th century?

[@duelist1954]

Strangely, no. But waistcoat, and frock coat pockets were used to carry shot, wads etc.

[@dwightharley3924]

Great video Mike. Nice bag. What is the length of the barrel on your smoothbore?

[@duelist1954]

38 inches

[@mr.somewhere2678]

Do you know of a old barrel-smith named Robert (Bob) Hoyt in Pennsylvania? He rebored a old .50 I have into a .54 with round lands.

[@duelist1954]

Yup. He’s top notch.

[@AverageDudeAdventures]

beautiful bag and smoke pole. did you build the gun?

[@duelist1954]

No. I don't know who made this one. it is un-signed.

[@michaelnault5905]

Don't know if it's true. I think I read that members of the Iron Brigade offered John Burns a cartridge pouch, and he declined, preferring to grab loose balls from his pocket. Not sure if he used a smooth bore. Different century, but methods hang on sometimes.

[@duelist1954]

I know a lot of gentlemen bird hunters in the 18th century, carried their powder, shot and wads in their coat pockets.

[@kellyjoyce2399]

What's the max effective range on that musket you're firing? I like all your gear on this one. Great job.

[@duelist1954]

About 100 yards