original vs repro

[PJ Hardtack]

Every time I do a presentation, like the recent one with 'Rattle Snake Jack' at Fort Macleod, the question of original vs repro comes up .....

The originals have a cachet about them that the repros lack; "... if only they could talk ..." often coming to mind. But, when you think about it, ALL guns in the historic era would have been pretty damn new, military or civilian.

At military re-enactment interpretations, I've often heard - "These don't look very old." My response has always been - "Why would they? They're fresh out of stores. This is living history. If you want to see "old", you'll have to go to a museum."

I do admit to appreciating repros with a well done 'antique' patina. A couple of my repros are starting to acquire a patina through use and holster wear. I no longer worry about little hash marks and dings on a working CAS gun. If I'm that concerned about the finish on a gun, it stays at home.

I have an associate with just about every repro gun (rifle or pistol) you could name; pairs of some along with cartridge conversions.
He will NOT shoot BP in any of them, and if it's likely to rain, we don't see him. He's pushing 70 and one of our number delights in telling him that when he rides over the Great Divide, he's going to buy his guns and shoot the hell out of them!

It has occurred to me that I am nearer the end of my life than the beginning, so I no longer hesitate in shooting any of my guns. They'll belong to someone else soon enough .....

[Danny Bear Claw]

Absolutely right PJ!   

[GunClick Rick]

Can i call jou DAD~

[Major 2]

The Great American Indigenous People... believed no one OWNED the LAND, they believed they were there as the present caretaker and lived, used and toiled there only at the Great Spirit wished.

My feeling is somthing like that with my guns ... I only own the Rights to them now ( I purchaced the right to use them )

I do not feel I purchaced stewardship of someone else's Future NIB Collectibles.

If they will shoot, I shoot them... if the don't ,I'll fix and shoot them....if they are originals and unsafe to shoot I don't
but still wish I could.....

We are just passing between the sweet grass & the packing house
enjoy your stay and shoot your guns  

[GunClick Rick]

Life ain't nothin but a dash _ between two dates on a Tombstone

Here lies GunClick Rick-he tried to tell ya he was sick~