The Gun That Shaped a Continent: The Northwest Trade Musket | History | Black Powder

Peter was handed an original Northwest Trade Gun and dives deep into what makes this humble musket such a defining tool of the fur trade. In this episode he examines a stamped 1826 example, points out conversions and repairs, and compares original barrels and stock proportions to modern replacement barrels — all while explaining why these light, easy-to-handle muskets became the weapon of choice for Indigenous hunters, trappers, and traders across early Canada and the Great Lakes. You’ll hear the practicalities of the trade gun — from side plates and trigger guards to why so many were short-lived — told in Peter’s relaxed workshop style as he measures the original to recreate an accurate scratch build.

Using the original as a template, Peter also discusses manufacturing centers like Birmingham, the Hudson’s Bay Company standardization, and the surprising survival stories of these guns (plus the rarer “Chief’s Gun” presentation models). If you love woodworking, living-history builds, or black-powder firearms, watch as the old metal and wood inform a faithful reproduction — including the challenges of matching barrel thickness, balance, and period-correct walnut.

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📺 Featuring: Peter Kelly
🎥 Videography - Catherine Wolfe
Production & Editing: Catherine Wolfe

🎵 Music Courtesy Of: Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald
Mandolin instrumentals: Michael Righi
Violin music: Meghan Balogh
Guitar played by Koen Tholhuijsen. Music composed by Marcel La Haye
Full album: Mundo de Dialogo

Video Publishing, Shorts & Social Media: Shane Kelly

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