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.).

Blue Coat

I wear a blue cloth coat as documented by Alfred Jacob Miller.

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My Hat

I wear a hat very much like Pierre’s hat.  Pierre was a mule riding half breed with Stewart’s party to the 1837 rendezvous.

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Buckskin leggins

I recently completed some buckskin leggins.  They are made from a brain tanned deer hide.  They have a slightly greasy feel to them, so I did not add anything to them.  I’m sure they will darken with use.  I got … Continue reading

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Bent’s Fort Christmas Celebration

We had a great time at Bent’s this Christmas.  I worked the carpenter’s shop during the day and stood guard duty on the front gate at night.  We had some weather Friday night and Saturday, then it cleared off to … Continue reading

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Some Thoughts on Smoke

We live in what is rapidly becoming a smoke-free world.  No smoking of cigarettes.  No more smoke from power plants.  Warnings from the State as to whether you can build a fire in your fireplace or not(blue days, red days). … Continue reading

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The World Market of the Mountain Men

During another online chat about the clothing of the Rocky Mountain trapper, my friend Scott made a great comment about the world market of the American West: Scott:  “My only point about settlement clothing, and it’s just my two cents: Be careful … Continue reading

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We All Came From Somewhere.

During an online chat about authentic clothing and gear, a friend of mine made a comment about your back story being an influence on your preferences for the type & style of the clothing and gear you use as a … Continue reading

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Souliers de boeuf

Years ago, when I was involved in the Great Lakes Fur trade I became very fond of  my heavy cowhide moccasins.  This type of moccasin was made in Montreal for use by the voyageurs.   The cordonniers of Montreal also used … Continue reading

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Side seam moccasins

Here are a pair of side seam moccasins, I made recently.  These were the most common style of moccasins in the Rocky Mountain west.  Alfred Jacob Miller described the mountain men leaving rendezvous as having “twenty pairs of moccasins” packed … Continue reading

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A New Bag

This weekend I made myself a new bullet pouch.  It is a two compartment pouch from the Mountain Man sketch book vol 2.  The flap is covered with hair on bear hide as pictured in the sketchbook on Mariano Modena’s bag.  I … Continue reading

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