When it first started, it was just a "historical" interest. One small 2-band Parker Hale Enfield. And a mold. Or two. And a lead pot and ladle. But what if a .578 shoots better than a .577? 'Nother mold. We're cavalry. Need a sidearm. 1858 Remington Cavalry carbine double barrel smoothbore. Sweet, no harm in that, they told me. That was in New Jersey. For a few years, it was manageable.
Then I relocated to North, towards Canada. Not much call for WBS, but I should hold on to them just in case.... Then there's the New England Fowler. The Early Virginia; the Early Lancaster. The Late Lancaster. The Southern Mountain rifle. The Tennessee squirrel gun. Heck, we don't even have any Tennessee squirrels within miles of here!!!
The 62 Fowler. Turkey defense. They're everywhere, and we must be prepared!! The .62 Rifle. Shoots the same ball, after all!!!! Efficient! Stories, excuses, hiding cash in undisclosed accounts. It's a progressive disease...from .32 to .36 to .45 to .50 to 54 to .58 to 62... Where does it stop????
By the time I hit the wall, it was a massive heart attack. Nearly died. Months of rehab. Diet changes. Promised the wife I would cut down some. If 11 flintlocks is too many, perhaps, with some professional help, we could wean me off a little. I sold two. She was pleased. There was hope.
Then she took a job with some travel. It's not my fault, she left me alone! One more wouldn't hurt, would it? It's still less than I had. It made me feel alive again!! Now I am plus 5. And awaiting that "final" flintlock...a French-influenced Tulle.
I know I should quit. At least I' in better shape than a lot of those poor guys. I have heard that in the depths of despair, some have even resorted to cap locks...and Pyrodex...and 209s!!!!
It's a slippery slope, my friends. But better to have flinted and lost, than never to have flinted at all.
ADK Bigfoot
