Tell me about your guncart

[PJ Hardtack]

Alas, historical re-enacting gets discouraging when there is not much interest forthcoming from historical venues. There is not much appreciation in the form of recompense or monetary assistance.

Volunteerism wears off pretty quickly when it entails lengthy drives. Here in Gold Rush country (where I live), we have done events with as many as 15 re-enactors over a 10 day period from as far away as the American Gulf Islands. When you consider that the venue site is a 12 hour drive from the US border (AFTER a lengthy ferry ride), and some coming from Vancouver Island, it is a monumental task to assemble and organize an event.

We had a hard core group that eventually wore out. "Rattle Snake Jack", my wife and I were the only ones who crossed over from re-enacting to CAS because we were into it before we became re-enactors. Back in the day, they were one in the same for us - living, cooking, sleeping under canvas under all weather conditions.

It was fun, but eventually the burn out factor caused folks to drift away. Now I wear the uniform for dinner at CAS events only.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

As well as the "Mountie Carbine", there was the 1979 "Spanish Contract" 1873 carbine in .44-40. This carbine was likely developed in lock-step with the 1876 carbine?

http://rarewinchesters.com/gunroom/1873/M73-027029/details.shtml

In 1878, when the NWMP were looking for a repeating carbine in a military calibre, the 1876 full stocked carbine was already in production, and popular in the American West. The first lot(s) purchased from I.G. Baker of St. Louis  with a branch in Ft Benton had commercial rear sights. It was reports from the field that resulted in the adoption of the "Spanish Meter" military style sight in 1882, and a stronger barrel to frame "shank". Later in 1882, the earlier 200 carbines were retro-fitted with the Spanish contract sight by force armourers.

Re; Arms & Accoutrements of the Mounted Police 1873-1973, Phillips & Klancher, ch.2.

[PJ Hardtack]

Time for a maker to offer a repro .44-40 '73 'Spanish Contract' model. I'd be in for one.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Time for a maker to offer a repro .44-40 '73 'Spanish Contract' model. I'd be in for one.

I agree. That is pretty interesting. I'm not familiar with those. Am I seeing a brass magazine tube and a different shape to the top of the receiver (no dust cover too)?

CC Griff

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I agree. That is pretty interesting. I'm not familiar with those. Am I seeing a brass magazine tube and a different shape to the top of the receiver (no dust cover too)?

CC Griff

Early 1873's did not have the dust cover, yet.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Early 1873's did not have the dust cover, yet.

I "knew" that (but forgot).  Thanks.

CC Griff