Author Archives: Gabe the Shootist

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About Gabe the Shootist

I am retired from public service, a trained gunsmith, pump mechanic, an old pipeliner, passable electrician, carpenter, truck driver, amateur blacksmith, proof reader, experienced hunter, shooter, reloader, avid canoeist, Renaissance man, jack of all trades, all around good guy (with the caveat: I won't be insulted, lied to or laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I require the same from them.).

Brain Tan Leggins

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

I made a second set of brain tan leggins.  These are full length and have a broad loop at the top for my belt.  I can wear these over cloth trousers or with a breech clout.

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Swan’s Down Vest

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

I have seen several mentions of a Swan’s Down Vest.  My research revealed to me that “Swan’s Down” was a very soft wool fabric used for vests and baby clothes.  I found a very soft blanket material and using the … Continue reading →

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Summary Comments on the Works of Alfred Jacob Miller.

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

In studying the artwork of Miller, I have seen many wonderful references to the material culture of the Rocky Mountain fur trade.  I will use his artwork and notes to develop and justify many of the items I use in … Continue reading →

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“On Your Own Hook”

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

Miller says there are three classes of trappers – the hired, the free and the trapper “on his own hook”.  Does any one know the difference between the later? A friend responds:  ‘Miller is probably describing engagee trappers (hired), free … Continue reading →

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A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing!

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

Human nature can be very irritating.  It seems when we learn a little something about a subject all of a sudden we become experts!  These “experts” not only will tell you what they have learned about a subject (usually without you even asking them), … Continue reading →

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Observations on Miller

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

The following comments are based on the sketches by Alfred Jacob Miller as found in the Parke-Bernet Galleries sale book from 1966. #1 – Antoine Clement had a white dog with lop ears.  His leather shirt has long fringe and Indian quill … Continue reading →

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The Dog Travois

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

Last summer, I built a couple of travois for my dogs and started training them to pull them with some of my gear on them.  They have done very well.  Cole can carry up to 35 lbs. on his travois, … Continue reading →

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Spurs

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

I made a pair of spurs to wear over my moccasins.  The life of the Mountain Men was a life on horseback.  When you spend some time on a horse or a mule you come to understand the value of … Continue reading →

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Mountain Man Axe

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

Recently I found a axe head that matches the axe head depicted in the “Mountain Man Sketchbook Vol 2.”  I found a straight handle 28″ long at House Handles and put together my own mountain man axe.

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Trousers & Pantaloons

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

I wear cloth trousers & pantaloons as well as leather.  These have either a drop front or a buttoned French fly as shown in the picture.  Rex Allen Norman in his 1837 sketch book says “cloth trousers were….mostly in blue”. … Continue reading →

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