Powder horn attachment

shaman · Aug 1, 2022

I have a kind of off-the-wall question, but I figure you guys would know the answer.

I've never worked with a powder horn before. My previous MLs have always been serviced from a brass flask.

I'm putting together the kit for my Pedersoli Brown Bess, and I found a nice possibles bag, and fell into a horn. The horn is serviceable, but it came with a really short sling.

This got me to thinking: do I really want to sling two straps over my shoulder when one would do. I could easily attach the horn to the possibles bag strap. I've seen it done.
If so, is it better to make a 1-point attachment or cut the strap and do a 2-point attachment? My guess would be the latter and have it hang down so the horn rides just below the flap.

What are y'all's thoughts? I've got plenty of time on this.

Rifleman1776 · Aug 1, 2022

No rules, whatever you like and works best for you.

Brokennock · Aug 1, 2022

There is historical precedent for attaching the horn straps to the shot pouch strap, usually thought to be a later practice. However many who have tried this go back to slinging them separately so the two items can move independently.
Also, maybe it doesn't matter to you, and that's okay, but your 'Bess would have been served from a cartridge box instead of a shot pouch and horn.

Also, you say the strap is short. Is it too short? Slinging your pouch and horn high under the arm prevents excess swinging and flopping. It is easier to control the items while moving.
If you are only shooting on the range it probably doesn't matter and lower will be easier to access. Trade offs with everything.

shaman · Aug 1, 2022

Brokennock said:
Also, maybe it doesn't matter to you, and that's okay, but your 'Bess would have been served from a cartridge box instead of a shot pouch and horn.

Also, you say the strap is short. Is it too short?

Yeah, it's short-- like barely goes around my neck short. I'll have to do something to make it work.

I may very well end up with just a cartridge box. I'm still kind of playing this by ear. For load development, I've got an MTM 12 GA box that holds 2 dozen rounds.

I really don't know how it's going to net out. I have no grand desire to play dress-up to hunt deer. The deer don't care, and when I'm in full drag, I'm in a full Hunter Orange Clown Suit-- the only thing missing is the orange squeeky nose.

Brokennock · Aug 1, 2022

If, you attach it to the shot pouch straps, I would do so by attaching buttons to the shot pouch straps, cutting the horn strap in two, and cutting button holes in the horn straps. Tandy sells metal buttons that attach with a spike that pokes through from the back of the leather, then the button head gets tapped down on the spike. They don't call them buttons though, maybe small conchos?
Duluth Trading Company also sells replacement buttons for their clothing that attach the same way, they are inexpensive, and, they do call them buttons. Downside is that I think they have the company name in them. But, I bet one could hit the face of the button with a little sand paper, then epoxy on some small slices of deer antler to dress them up.

Larry (Omaha) · Aug 1, 2022

shaman said:
I have a kind of off-the-wall question, but I figure you guys would know the answer.

I've never worked with a powder horn before. My previous MLs have always been serviced from a brass flask.

I'm putting together the kit for my Pedersoli Brown Bess, and I found a nice possibles bag, and fell into a horn. The horn is serviceable, but it came with a really short sling.

This got me to thinking: do I really want to sling two straps over my shoulder when one would do. I could easily attach the horn to the possibles bag strap. I've seen it done.
If so, is it better to make a 1-point attachment or cut the strap and do a 2-point attachment? My guess would be the latter and have it hang down so the horn rides just below the flap.

What are y'all's thoughts? I've got plenty of time on this.

My thoughts: Do as you like, it is your gear! IF you do a bag attachment: Consider if you will move your measure to a lower hanging horn, or will you have enough strap to bring the horn up to your measure? I personally like the horn reaching my measure.
Larry

Semisane · Aug 1, 2022

shaman said:
when I'm in full drag, I'm in a full Hunter Orange Clown Suit-

shaman said:

Last fall I was wondering what that orange glow in the sky was to the north of me.

ohio ramrod · Aug 1, 2022

Just make sure the horn hangs with the spout end up in case the plug comes loose. I have seen people loose their powder when the plug comes loose.

Acorn Mush · Aug 1, 2022

ohio ramrod said:
Just make sure the horn hangs with the spout end up in case the plug comes loose.

I'll second this suggestion as well as agree with others to fit-out as best suits you.

By the way, are your orange boots on order at Cabela's or Bass Pro to replace those camos?

oldwood · Aug 1, 2022

Suggestion........part of the fun of the m/l game is learning what works for YOU. Most in the sport do it that way. I beg you........loose some of the orange. Pa.'s law says 250 SQ. inches is all needed , and most use camo orange to break it up. The pumpkin suit you have , most likely has generous pockets. If so , may I suggest premeasured powder tubes ,and a wooden bullet board with lubed patch round balls in it. Suit your self. It's all good , enjoy the hunt.................oldwood

shaman · Aug 2, 2022

Years ago I had a battle going on with a certain purveyor of anti-UV spray. I had gone on record as saying UV spray was every bit as useful as elephant repellant. They retaliated by trying to get me kicked from my pro-staffer gig at one of the magazines. I finally made the challenge that I could kill more deer wearing a UV-radioactive orange clown suit than I could wearing their product. Somebody sent me the suit.

As a matter of fact, I did. I had a run of really good luck and nailed some fine deer. It became a habit.

I've had several crusades like that over the years, but it was my battle with the anti-UV people that really got notice. It all started back in 2008, but my articles are still being read.

I've softened up in recent years. I still wear the clown suit quite a bit, but I usually just save it for the morning hunts; it's so damn warm. I'm much more likely to kick it up old-school in the afternoons.

Just so you know, KY states the minimum is a hat and vest and it has to be solid orange. Around my neighborhood, the hunters outnumber the deer and the Opener sounds like WWIII. One of the reasons I don't go in for the whole buckskin scene is that somewhere in all that leather and fringe I have to fit an orange vest and hat into the ensemble.

shaman · Aug 2, 2022

Thanks Oldwood.

You know, I'm glad I started this thread. I had a good hard look at that second picture, and I got to thinking how thoroughly goofy a powder horn was going to be hanging next to that orange vest. That's waaay too much of a clash.

I had a similar epiphany last week when I was seriously contemplating a capote from NW Traders. They look really cool, and NW Traders is located just up the road from me near Springfield, Ohio. I could drive up for a custom fitting. Then I got to thinking how one of those would go over walking into Dana's Place in Brooksville for a plate of biscuits and gravy. I'd certainly be the best-dressed man in the place, but. . .

Nazgul58 · Aug 2, 2022

The horn strap/mounting is however you prefer it. I am right handed and wear my horn on the left side. It is convenient for me to hold the measure with my right hand and use the horn with my left. The horn can then be pushed back out of the way after loading.
What ever works for you.

Don

Snake Pleskin · Aug 2, 2022

shaman said:
Yeah, it's short-- like barely goes around my neck short. I'll have to do something to make it work.

I may very well end up with just a cartridge box. I'm still kind of playing this by ear. For load development, I've got an MTM 12 GA box that holds 2 dozen rounds.

I really don't know how it's going to net out. I have no grand desire to play dress-up to hunt deer. The deer don't care, and when I'm in full drag, I'm in a full Hunter Orange Clown Suit-- the only thing missing is the orange squeeky nose.

better than getting shot by someone not paying attention etc. Would be hard for anyone to ay they didn't see you!!!

Snake Pleskin · Aug 2, 2022

I use both methods. First pic has small horn attached. Vey comfortable and unobtrusive. Second pic shows seperate bag and horn, but there is a patch knife sewn on the bag strap.

Loyalist Dave · Aug 2, 2022

shaman said:
This got me to thinking: do I really want to sling two straps over my shoulder when one would do. I could easily attach the horn to the possibles bag strap. I've seen it done.
If so, is it better to make a 1-point attachment or cut the strap and do a 2-point attachment? My guess would be the latter and have it hang down so the horn rides just below the flap.

So there are several "schools of thought" on this. One is you attach small straps from the horn to the rifle bag strap, so all that you need do is grab the bag and the horn is right there too.

The second is two straps, one for horn, one for the bag, but you wear the horn on side opposite from where you shoulder the flintlock. This puts the horn as far from the flash of the pan as possible, and some folks like that. I'm right handed so holding a horn from my left side means I'm holding the spout over the barrel of my Bess or my rifle, to prime the pan, and that interferes with my observation of the pan and how much powder is pouring into it.

The third is again two straps, but the horn is on the same side as that used when shouldering the rifle or the smoothbore, and the bag is on the opposite side.

The fourth method is two straps, with the bag and the horn on the same side. What this does is to allow the shooter to move the horn farther toward the shooter's back, while working with what is needed in the rifle bag, and when shooting. It allows for quick donning of the bag and the horn with a single step. The horn may be shifted farther onto the shooter's back area when accessing the rifle bag for patch and ball or tools, etc. Being right handed, when shooting my left arm supports the rifle or the musket, and anything like a horn or shooting bag is then free to move forward on my left side from gravity. That's disconcerting and can throw off a shot if it happens at an unfortunate moment.

I have found that the horn on it's own strap and the bag, are prevented from moving when on the same side that I use to shoulder the rifle or musket, because the natural position of the arm on that side prevents the horn or the bag from moving forward.

I also wear the horn under my right arm, right at the elbow joint, the bag between the horn and the body. This looks "high" to a lot of folks. This position prevents the horn and bag from moving about a lot, or banging against my hip when walking, making noise, and spooking the deer, if not annoying me by constantly bumping my side.

LD

Snake Pleskin · Aug 2, 2022

Loyalist Dave said:
So there are several "schools of thought" on this. One is you attach small straps from the horn to the rifle bag strap, so all that you need do is grab the bag and the horn is right there too.

The second is two straps, one for horn, one for the bag, but you wear the horn on side opposite from where you shoulder the flintlock. This puts the horn as far from the flash of the pan as possible, and some folks like that. I'm right handed so holding a horn from my left side means I'm holding the spout over the barrel of my Bess or my rifle, to prime the pan, and that interferes with my observation of the pan and how much powder is pouring into it.

The third is again two straps, but the horn is on the same side as that used when shouldering the rifle or the smoothbore, and the bag is on the opposite side.

The fourth method is two straps, with the bag and the horn on the same side. What this does is to allow the shooter to move the horn farther toward the shooter's back, while working with what is needed in the rifle bag, and when shooting. It allows for quick donning of the bag and the horn with a single step. The horn may be shifted farther onto the shooter's back area when accessing the rifle bag for patch and ball or tools, etc. Being right handed, when shooting my left arm supports the rifle or the musket, and anything like a horn or shooting bag is then free to move forward on my left side from gravity. That's disconcerting and can throw off a shot if it happens at an unfortunate moment. I have found that the horn on it's own strap and the bag, are prevented from moving when on the same side that I use to shoulder the rifle or musket, because the natural position of the arm on that side prevents the horn or the bag from moving forward.

I also wear the horn under my right arm, right at the elbow joint, the bag between the horn and the body. This looks "high" to a lot of folks. This position prevents the horn and bag from moving about a lot, or banging against my hip when walking, making noise, and spooking the deer, if not annoying me by constantly bumping my side.

LD

I use method #3. I have no problem with the bag moving etc, and since I use a loading block and antler measure that hang outside the bag. i rarely need to go into it. I always load horn to measure to be safe, never horn to gun. Whether or not it helps I don't know, but it makes me feel better!

Togo · Aug 2, 2022

If I am just deer hunting, I'll grab a few of those plastic things that flip open on both ends, color coded per caliber, patched ball on one side, pre measured powder on the other side. 3 of those along with my capper and ball starter in my coat pocket and I'm set. My bag becomes my drink and snack holder.

oldwood · Aug 2, 2022

When I hit 65 yrs. , I went lighter for hunting deer. 6 1/2 lb. flint rifle , .50 cal. , Loading block for PR Balls , powder in pre-measured vials , still use a traditional shot pouch , to transport the minimized amt. , of stuff.

ord sgt · Aug 2, 2022

Loyalist Dave said:
The third is again two straps, but the horn is on the same side as that used when shouldering the rifle or the smoothbore, and the bag is on the opposite side.

That's the way I have carried my powder horn and shooting bag. Been right-handed my entire life. The bag was made for a left-handed person, but I made it work for me.
The strap for the horn was made on an Inkle loom and the bag strap is leather.

Powder horn attachment

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