Questions about Reenacting

[kpetschulat]

Howdy. I've always had this extreme fascination for reenacting, however when I look at prices for gear, a gun, all the necessities, this hobby is very expensive. I was looking to get into either a Napoleonic Era reenacting, or the American Civil War reenacting. I was curious as to which era would be cheaper? May be a silly question, but I'm asking this in all seriousness. Also, I was wondering if anybody knew a very good retailer or outfitter that's not too expensive. I don't want to spend $150 for a pair of boots, that's absurdly over-priced. Also, any place to get guns would be nice too.

I'm leaning far more to Napoleonic Era reenacting, and I was thinking of going French, since I'd prefer this "faction" over Britain anytime. It's hard finding reenactment's in East US, but hopefully, I'll get into it, and have fun.

Any links that can help me would be great. I've browsed quite a few sites and was appalled at prices. I could understand $1000+ for a gun, sort of... but I can't dish out that money.

Thanks.

KPets

[König]

You and I are in the same boat there, Napoleonic wars is, sadly, rather unpopular here.
But as far as ACW goes, I would choose American Revolution over it if I where you, largely since the uniforms are much closer to NW.  (Also personal opinion, but that's just imho)

Price-wise: ACW is (due to the increased popularity) a bit cheaper.

And I don't think you'll have to worry about not having fun. I love the hobby. Just make sure to find a good unit (meeting with them at an event helps).


Sites for uniforms:
NW- http://corpsutler.tripod.com
NW- http://www.militaryheritage.com (They have guns also)
ACW- http://www.regtqm.com (They too, also have guns)
Can't think of any more off the top of my head...


Someone that specifically does NW or ACW (I do WWII) may be able to help a bit more.
Hope this helped at least a bit though.

[kpetschulat]

Thanks for the reply. I'll be sure to check these out.

[Duuring]

If you are not willing to spent a large amount of money, re-enacting might just not be the hobby for you.

That said, ACW is without doubt cheaper then ACW. Of course, it depends on the uniform.

[Dordak_the_Lost]

I don't want to spend $150 for a pair of boots, that's absurdly over-priced.

That actually isn't over priced. If a pair of brogans is  that expensive, it is most likely because it it a correct reproduction. Stay away from the cheaper crappy sutlers and you will save money in the long run.(The more authentic and better gear lasts longer) Regtqm is cheaper, but their products are NOT authentic reproductions of Civil War equipment. There are huge differences between the cheaper stuff and the higher end gear.

My philosophy is "If I'm gonna reenact, I might as well do it correctly."

Remember, you get what you pay for. Yes that coat  from ______ sutler may be $60 but it is not a reproduction of a Civil War sack coat.


My advice would be to find a good unit, contact/meet with them, and then see if they have a kit you can borrow until you can get all your gear together.


Decent prices for correct gear(federal) would be:

Spoiler

Fatigue blouse: $160-200 (Schuylkill Arsenal blouses tend to cost a lot more because these have to be 100% hand sewn)
Trousers: ~200
Issue shirt: $100-150
Civilian shirt(Sometimes worn by soldiers): 30-85
Bootees(brogans): 115-195
hats: 120
knapsack: 240-500
Haversack: 70-90
Cartridge Box: 160-240
Cap pouch: 60-90
Belt: ~40
cartridge box sling:~35
ground cloth: 55

[close]

[kpetschulat]

Yeah, I think I'm going to stick with ACW. It seems to be far more cheaper, and far more popular here in the States.

What would a good musket cost? Also, how does the shooting work? Do you actually shoot like pellets or something? Or, is it just blanks, and people decide to drop dead or fall down when they feel like it?

[Duuring]

Or, is it just blanks, and people decide to drop dead or fall down when they feel like it?

That. Your commander might as well say: "Right! Johnson, Smith, Penderton, next volley, you're dead!"

To which you may respond: "Yes sir, thank you very much, sir!"

Not even...well...partly kidding

[Connzcdf]

I thought this would be the appropriate thread to ask this, but it's a big question of mine;

How do you decide who dies in a 're-enactment battle'? Always a curiosity of mine.

[Matthew]

I thought this would be the appropriate thread to ask this, but it's a big question of mine;

How do you decide who dies in a 're-enactment battle'? Always a curiosity of mine.

Duuring answered this in the comment above.

But for my addition, a member of my regiment said they used to draw straws to see who would die, e.g. Matthew you will die on the 3rd enemy volley.

[König]

All reenactments use blanks, so it's the honour system.
In WWII reenacting we do it like "if the enemy's gun is pointing at you, and it fires, you should probably die or get wounded". This is of course, due to the accuracy of the guns during the mid-20th century. So for Civil War/Rev War/ Nap War etcetera, it would probably be somewhat similar, but a bit looser. (my guess)

As for a good musket, I'd guess around $600-$800 for a reproduction. Do you have any idea on what you want to portray? (Confederate, Federal, Infantry, Cavalry,...?)

And Dordak, thanks for pointing that out. Where would you recommend getting equipment from?



ALSO: Important tip! BUY GLOVES! They do come in-handy, especially during the winter. Learned that one the hard way.
For ACW, fingerless gloves seem to be the most historically correct choice. (from what I've seen)

[kpetschulat]

Definitely Federal. So, I'd probably grab a Springfield 1852 Model or something. Since, that was most commonly issued to the Federal Troops.

[Dordak_the_Lost]

Yeah, I think I'm going to stick with ACW. It seems to be far more cheaper, and far more popular here in the States.

What would a good musket cost? Also, how does the shooting work? Do you actually shoot like pellets or something? Or, is it just blanks, and people decide to drop dead or fall down when they feel like it?

A good musket would be $750-1000.

Definitely Federal. So, I'd probably grab a Springfield 1852 Model or something. Since, that was most commonly issued to the Federal Troops.

Do the research on the unit you are joining and see what they were issued. I would recommend a 61 Springfield or an Enfield for federal.

[Dordak_the_Lost]

All reenactments use blanks, so it's the honour system.
In WWII reenacting we do it like "if the enemy's gun is pointing at you, and it fires, you should probably die or get wounded". This is of course, due to the accuracy of the guns during the mid-20th century. So for Civil War/Rev War/ Nap War etcetera, it would probably be somewhat similar, but a bit looser. (my guess)

And Dordak, thanks for pointing that out. Where would you recommend getting equipment from?

These are the sutlers I buy from.

http://www.cjdaley.com/
http://www.wwandcompany.com/
http://www.cwquartermaster.com/
http://www.ldhaning.com/
http://www.duvallleatherwork.com/
http://www.dellsleatherworks.com/
http://www.njsekela.com/OSCommerce/catalog/
http://www.dirtybillyshats.com/
http://www.benderhats.com/
http://www.missouribootandshoe.com/
http://www.robertlandhistoricshoes.com/servlet/StoreFront
http://www.ss-sutler.com/


Regimental quartermaster has some decent items. I bought a hot dipped tin cup from their "Campaigner section" and it was made by a quality sutler.(Axel Ulrich)
Their campaigner section is their selection of more authentic items usually made by a better sutler.



Bender hats makes the BEST 1858 dress hat(hardee)
Robert Land makes excellent brogans for the same price as regtqm
SS sutler makes pretty good gear but is over priced in my opinion.
Daley makes outstanding uniforms but takes ages. I've been waiting almost a year for an order I placed last March.

[Millander]

Bear in mind I recommend doing a reenactment before buying gear. Most units have loaner gear.

I would recommend crescent city sutler's full uniform package.
http://www.crescentcitysutler.com/packages.html

Also I recommend picking up leathers.

If you get into it I recomemnd picking up better gear. This package is meant as a template. Howeveer the forage cap is horrible.

[Rejestone]

Instead of making a new thread i'll just put it here, I'm also interested in reenacting but i want to do like WWII, and probably as a German considering my ancestors were German.