The 100th National Skirmish is a milestone event, coming on the cusp of a new millennium the way it is and all, and I'm looking forward to enjoying three or four days of top notch skirmishing.
The "Grand Review" is scheduled for Saturday morning, and by the time you read this in late August, registration will be closed, or very close to it. All three or four of the guys who read this column should plan to be there to witness this celebratory walk, and I know that the N-SSA is hoping lots of teams will participate.
when Congress returns in September, your request is on their desk(s). I have
always purchased lead in three digit quantities, so a 10 pound limit would mean
a whole lot of trips to my scrap yard for this ol' shooter. Hopefully, the r
egulations as drafted and published in the Federal Register will be amended
before implementation. But, not if you sit on your duff and don't speak out.
Three calibers are planned for production, including versions in 56-50, .44
Russian and .45 Scofield(.45 S&W). For skirmishing the 56-50 sounds just about
right, but I know a lot of cowboy shooters who will want the Russian and
Scofield models.
All versions of the carbine will come with 20 inch barrels with 6 groove rifling and an overall length of 37 inches. Military swivels will also appear on all three versions, which will feature case hardened metal parts and an American walnut stock and forearm.
I couldn't nail down a firm price in time for my deadline, but scuttlebutt is that the Spencer will sell for less than $1,000. This put's it in the Henry repro range, and a lot of skirmishers are going to have a hard time picking between those two repeaters. I know I can't wait to see one, and at that price, it is going to be hard not to own one as well.
A prototype is scheduled for delivery to the next session of the N-SSA Arms Approval Committee, which unfortunately will not meet for new approvals until January 2000. I would be surprised if it were not approved, particularly since the 56-50 caliber is the military caliber from the later years of the War of Northern Aggression. Look for a prototype to be somewhere around the Sutler area at the Fall National, and on the shelf of many sutlers by the next Spring National. I'm sure Joe or I will sniff one out and get a snapshot, so keep your eyes peeled to our Fall Skirmish reports.
As an aside, I must say that Taylor's & Co. has been a leader in providing acceptable alternative arms for reenactors and skirmishers alike. They provide the .69 Musket in smoothbore and rifle, and now the Spencer Carbine. When I started corresponding with you, there were two basic Muskets available - Springfield and Enfield. The demand for realistic, safe and historic arms has been recognized by many dealers, and we have so many more choices now than just the two "fields". I encourage reenactors and skirmishers alike to continue to demand choices. Someone is listening out there.
made it up for one of the work skirmishes, I salute you. These events never fail
to bring out the best skirmishers, and it is the one skirmish where y'all deserve a
medal. Things got painted and fixed and repaired and all gussied up because
the men and women of the N-SSA are decent, hard working folks. On behalf of
all the skirmishers and visitors who will enjoy your efforts, "thanks."
Are you ready for the 100th National Skirmish? I will be, and I hope to see you there with a smile on your face. Until then, please promote responsible gun ownership, shoot safe, and have fun.