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.).

Coffin Handled Bowie

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

Alfred Jacob Miller described the trapping brigades as they were leaving the Rendezvous of 1837 as each trapper having twenty pairs of moccasins, a Bowie knife and some even carried hatchets.     I am sure the phrase “Bowie knife” … Continue reading →

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My Russell Barlow Knife

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Gabe the Shootist

For Christmas a couple of years ago, I received a new pocket knife from a good friend of mine.  It is a Granddaddy Russell Barlow and it is perfect for historical re-enactment. According to Edson Barlow “John Russell is usually … Continue reading →

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My first “Buckskins”

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Gabe the Shootist

In 1977 I went down to the Berman Buckskin warehouse on Hennipen Ave in Minneapolis, Mn and bought some split cowhide.  I took it home and made a fringed hunting shirt and some leggings.  Here is the shirt/jacket.  Mom brought … Continue reading →

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Has Congress Changed at all since 1830?

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Gabe the Shootist

This is an excerpt from Edward S. Ellis’ 1884 book entitled the Life of Colonel David Crockett.  It is an interesting story about how congress works and how it has strayed from its prescribed path. LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Liberty & Freedom, Miscellaneous, Pet Peeves & Other Rants! | Tagged | Leave a comment

Bent’s Fort

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Gabe the Shootist

Sept 17-18, 2011 I spent at Bent’s Old Fort recreating the life of a Fort carpenter.  It was a wonderful weekend.  We interacted with well over 1000 guests during the course of Saturday and Sunday.  I hope this is the … Continue reading →

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Gabe the Shootist

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Gabe the Shootist

When I was growing up many of us had nicknames.  Not from our parents but names our friends called us.  Similar to today’s camp names that folks get at a rendezvous.  It was a term of endearment.  It showed you were … Continue reading →

Posted in As we get Older, Historical Clothing and Equipment, Hunting & Trapping, Miscellaneous, Shooting | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Influences that made me want to be a Mountain Man.

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Gabe the Shootist

Back during the Middle ages when I was an impressionable youth, several things came together to make me want to become a Mountain Man. When I was 12 years old I joined the Boy Scouts for the second time.(The first … Continue reading →

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My Tent

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Gabe the Shootist

The tent I use at rendezvous gets lots of comments.  Some people are looking for former owners or other folks who have one similar to it.  Others talk about how it is a great Rev War or F&I War tent. … Continue reading →

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Steamship “Arabia”

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Gabe the Shootist

The Steamship “Arabia” plied the Missouri river in 1855 and 56 until she hit a snag and sunk a mile or so downstream of Parkville, Missouri.  She was not recovered and salvaged until 1988.  When they uncovered her she proved … Continue reading →

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Coalition of Historical Trekkers 2011 Annual Gathering

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Gabe the Shootist

April 13-17, 2011 I attended the CoHT Annual Gathering at Fort Osage near Sibley, Missouri.  I was joined by some of my close friends for the event.  We had a great time!  The weather was less than ideal and the … Continue reading →

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