Horn and Shot bag makers

[warren5421]

If you were buying a horn and bag for display with a copy of a John Young rifle what style would you buy and who would you ask to make it?  I am just getting started so have no history of usage of items.  I have a SMR coming, have a cheap powder horn and priming horn from the 70's to use for hunting, but am having a copy of a John Young rifle made from a blank.  Never knew that a flintlock would cost more than a Sharps.

[Tim Crosby]

 For the horn I would suggest a Northampton/Lehigh screw tip.

    Tim C.

[MuskratMike]

.....and have Tim Crosby make it. Two bag makers I can highly recommend for period correct bags are Curt Lyles and Charlie Brown.

[Bull Shannon]

If you're not going with a full custom horn but want something nicer than the India made water buffalo horn then check out Powder Horns and More. Contact the owner and let him know what you've got and he may have some suggestions that would work. I have a reproduction Hawkins rifle and he made me a nice buffalo corn to go with it.

The bottom horn; buffalo with cherry plug.

There are also some very talented horners out there so you will find what you want.

[Marcruger]

Just a quick note about bags.  I see many folks today with fine rifles, beautiful horns, but bags that look like they were made from roadkill.  Like in the "mountain man" days in the 1970s, some people tended to follow like sheep and there were a lot of raw looking buckskin bags with long fringe.  Likewise today we see many people buying primitive bags that look like they were done by someone living in a cave with no resources.  If someone could afford a nice rifle, they could afford a nice bag.  Think that through before deciding on a bag. 

Since Young was from Easton, PA, a primitive Appalachian bag would not be appropriate. 

My suggestion would also be to go with a fairly plain bag.  If you pick plain, you won't likely be called out as "historically incorrect" in time or place. 

For horns there are many good makers, but Tim Crosby mentioned here and Ron Hess would be good to contact.  I have several from each, and they are all delightful.  Keep in mind you'd most likely want a PA style horn. 

For bags Darrel Lang and Lawrence Fiorillo would be good to investigate.   They both make fine bags.  At the top of the heap is James Rogers.  His bags are works of art, but he may have a waiting list now. 

I hope this helps.  God Bless,  Marc

[MuskratMike]

Only Marc's modesty kept him from adding his name to the bag makers list. If you're having a fine rifle made you can do no better than having Marc make your bag.

[bigsmoke]

Two things about Powder Horns and More, OK, maybe 3.
1)  Gerry makes a nice horn in a variety of styles
2)  His prices are reasonable, and won't break the bank
3)  I taught him well.

With all that said, Tim Crosby and Ron Hess make very nice powder horns, not to fail mentioning Steve Vance.  All talented horn makers.

John (Bigsmoke)

[Bull Shannon]

Two things about Powder Horns and More, OK, maybe 3.
1)  Gerry makes a nice horn in a variety of styles
2)  His prices are reasonable, and won't break the bank
3)  I taught him well.

With all that said, Tim Crosby and Ron Hess make very nice powder horns, not to fail mentioning Steve Vance.  All talented horn makers.

John (Bigsmoke)

Sage words.