If a Ban came...

[Billybob]

There was a fire on the battlefield in 1982 and an extensive excavation of relics was performed. Some of the remains were sent to Dr. Clyde Snow at the University of Oklahoma for examination.

Many cartridge cases were discovered, and as the Henry repeating rifle made an individual identifiable strike on the casing, the position of the shooter and his movements could be traced fairly accurately. Some casings had two or even three strikes on them which ment they were cycled through the gun again and again if they failed to fire. The rimfire cartridges used in the Henry at that time were not known for reliability. Also, it's surprising how many of the Indians were actually still using the Leman Trade Rifle.

There was approximately a 3.4% failure rate among the Springfield 1873 casings discovered. These were basically a failure to extract due to the copper casing being used at the time.

An excellent "read" on the subject is "Archaeological Perspectives on the Battle of the Little Bighorn" by Douglas Scott, Richard Fox, Melissa Connor and Dick Harmon. There is also a chapter by Dr. Clyde Snow. I picked my copy up on "the battlefield" itself at the museum in 1991 after hunting the Bighorns.

Dr. Snow was the Forensic Anthropologist who identified the remains of the Nazi --- Dr. Joseph Mengele. This was just one case among many other famous cases he's worked on. He's an extremely nice gentleman and I had the pleasure of meeting him at "Borders Book Store" in Norman in 1999. He had just returned from Bolivia on an unsuccessful attempt to identify Butch Casidy and the Sundance Kid's remains.

Of course any speculation as to what led to Custer's defeat is just that -- speculation. After years of studying the event and several trips to the battlefield my conclusion, and it's just that -- my conclusion, is that the number one factor was the inexperience of the troops. They were not the professionals that dime novelists and movies have portrayed. Most were just kids and many panicked and committed suicide. These were for the most part rookies facing a superior foe of battle tested Sioux and Cheyenne Warriors.

It should also be pointed out that troopers were sent back the morning of the battle to retrieve some lost packs and discovered Indians opening them. The Army erroneously assumed that these Indians were heading for the encampment when actually they were heading the opposite direction. Army positions had not been discovered and reported. As a result of this event, the attack was launched immediately instead of waiting until the next day.

It's much easier to look back today with what we know now and make assumptions about this or that mistake. One must put himself in the "shoes" of the person at that time and make assumptions based on the knowledge available to him at that time and not factor in events that have now come to light.

If you've ever been on the battlefield and observed the terrain it's easy to see how in many cases the "bow" was superior. You could easily stay hidden and launch dozens of arrows overhead.

One must also take into account Benteen and Reno's failure to follow orders. What commander goes into battle expecting his two subordinate commanders to disobey orders? An elementary rule at that time in the Army was that in a conflict such as this, and in the absence of orders, to march to the sound of firing.

"Gall" himself said in an interview years after the battle that if Reno would have kept up his "charge" at the lower end of the village the resulting battle would have turned out much different.

I'm not taking Custer's side here or saying what was done here against the American Indian was right; in my opinion it was wrong and one of the great tragedies in our history. But, it must also be remembered that Custer was a soldier following orders from above.

His conduct at "Gettysburg" very possibly saved the union, but that's another story. Anyway, if you're ever in the area the Little Bighorn Battlefield is a very worthwhile stop and expect to spend the whole day there. The museum is fantastic.

My apologies for getting off the topic of the "thread" here but the Little Bighorn Affair is quite an interesting study.

Very interesting info. History is always cool.

 

[nofearfactor]

History is always cool.

Having kids and watching them learn our history lets you be wowed again by it yourself.

 

[Billybob]

Having kids and watching them learn our history lets you be wowed again by it yourself.

Yes, hard to believe some think history is boring.

 

[TwoForFlinching]

I'm a pessimist when it comes to this whole "gun ban" issue. I'm convinced, at a minimum, We're looking at magazine capacity restrictions, evil pistol grip conditions, and those dangerous flash hiders are unquestionably out the door...

So why not fight fire with water??? Why not convince pro-2A legislators to compromise a gun ban with national constitutional carry of non-ban firearms? If the Feds can overstep state laws to restrict owner rights, why can they not smash state rights on carry???

Would that be a willing compromise?

 

[AKguy1985]

Hell no!!! Don't tread on me!

 

[abajaj11]

I'm a pessimist when it comes to this whole "gun ban" issue. I'm convinced, at a minimum, We're looking at magazine capacity restrictions, evil pistol grip conditions, and those dangerous flash hiders are unquestionably out the door...

So why not fight fire with water??? Why not convince pro-2A legislators to compromise a gun ban with national constitutional carry of non-ban firearms? If the Feds can overstep state laws to restrict owner rights, why can they not smash state rights on carry???

Would that be a willing compromise?

No compromise on any gun rules. Just make sure they know it's a vote loser and ANYONE who votes for ANY further 2A infringement will be voted out the next election.
Join the NRA< our politicians seem scared by it.

 

[J.T.]

When was the last time, if ever, that an armed civilian ever fired more than 30 rounds while engaging multiple attackers in a self defense shooting? Instead of investing in hi-cap magazines you'd be better off buying some quality body armor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waco_siege



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_Ridge

 

[chuter]

Hell NO!

I have the right to own the best tool available to fend off multiple attackers, and I've decided a 30 rnd mag is what I need.

 

[nofearfactor]

Legal weed and gun bans, man, I did not see this coming...

 

[uncle money bags]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waco_siege



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_Ridge

SNAP! I wasnt gonna be the one to say it, im already on every list except the USDA, and the stuff you gotta do do get on that one is down right objectionable.