Thank you all for your patience this past month when it comes to scores. We are taking a serious look at organizing them as much as possible for the 2020 NMLRA Season.
Reliving History by Surviving in a Dugout Canoe
We sit down with living historians Eli Froedge and Jason Jacobs at the 2019 Feast of the Hunter's Moon to talk about their dugout canoe expedition of the Wabash River.
Eli and Jason are dedicated to living the history of our forefathers, crafting their clothing, tools, and accouterments for their historical treks into the wilds of Indiana. Some may refer to them as reenactors, but they prefer "living historians", following the guides set by books and journals from early America.
Additional photos and videos of the expedition provided by Jason Jacobs, Eli Froedge, and Heath Hoffman. Thank you for letting us use your photos and videos!
The October Miami Black Powder Cartridge Match
We had a great weekend in Friendship!
Here are the scores from Sunday.
Congratulations to our Match Winner, Mel Barnell.
Also, thank you to the Miami Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Club for providing lunch for everyone on Saturday. We appreciate all you do.
Good shooting everybody
The 2019 NMLRA Tennessee Muzzleloading History Event
The conclusion of a great day ended with a special ending. Youth winner Joshua B. of Strawberry Plains, TN won the Knight Rifles Rifle.
The winner of the Tennessee Iron mounted Flintlock was Stephen Tucker!
Special thanks to Robin Henderson for building the rifle
Some photos of the displays and people who have a vested interest in History and specifically MuzzleLoading in Tennessee - they sacrificed their time to display and share with others.
John Hitt - Knoxville
Dave Adams - Maryville
Rod England - South Carolina
Al Roberts - Alabama
Robin Henderson- Smyrna
Pat Lakin - Kentucky
Sherman Mays - Tullahoma
Bob Levine - Tullahoma
Rick Lambert - Nashville
Knight Rifles - Athens
Don Anthony - Strawberry Plains
Tim Prince - Nashville
Bill Smith - Kentucky
Randal Pierce - Maryville
Mary Watkins - Nashville
Lora Iceberg-Parks from the NMLRA staff for her hard work and organization..
Thank you all for your contribution!
Muzzle Blasts at Mississinewa 1812
It’s been a busy weekend for the NMRLA and Living History. With events in Indiana, Tennessee and Pennsylvania, our Muzzleblasts reporters are excited to share photos and videos from these events.
Reporting in first are some photos from “Missisissinewa 1812” a living history event and battle reenactment near Marion, Indiana. This event honors those who fought in the war of 1812, the historic battlefield is just miles away from the reenactment site.
“ ”An early search and destroy mission, the battle of Mississinewa was one of the major engraftments fought during the war of 1812. It marked the first offensive victory of the American army during the conflict.””
This was the 32nd year for the Mississinewa 1812 event, which draws 30,000 people each year to watch the battle, learn from craftspeople as well as shop and eat thanks to all of the reenacting vendors.
Find out more at www.mississinewa1812.com
The 2019 Boy Scout Camporee Photos & More
The leaves are beginning to turn here in Southern Indiana, it made for a perfect weekend to host the scouts at the Walter Cline Range.
We’d like to thank Angie Adelsberger for sharing her photos with us from the weekend. She shot over 100 photos and short clips of the scouts having a blast.
Announcing the 2019 Longhunter Society Muzzleloading Photo Contest!
With hunting season on its way here in Indiana, we at the NMLRA are getting excited about the chance to get back into the woods with our muzzleloaders. With this excitement, we put together “The Longhunter Society 2019 Muzzleloading Photo Contest” as a way for us to give back to our hunters and share our love of hunting.
This photo contest has a class for flintlocks, caplocks, inlines, as well as an open class for those of us who might not bag a nice buck but still had fun anyway.
Post your Longhunter Photo to facebook or instagram using the hashtag “#NMLRALonghunter2019” and tag us in your photo (@NMLRA on Facebook and @muzzleblasts on Instagram), you can also email your photo to media@nmlra.org with the subject line “ NMLRA Longhunter 2019 Entry”
To see the rules of the contest, head over to nmlra.org/longhunterphotocontest to learn more.
Happy Hunting!
Muzzleblasts at the Feast of the Hunter's Moon 2019
It was a beautiful weekend for living history at the 2019 Feast of the Hunter’s Moon in Lafayette, Indiana.
With an expected 40,000 visitors from the public, the TCHA put on another wonderful event this year. All weekend we saw bright smiling faces from the reenactors and visitors as they explored Fort Quiatenon grounds and traveled back in time to the mid-1700’s.
If you’d like to learn more about the event, or get involved, check out their website
We’d like to extend a special thank you to the TCHA for allowing us to come in to film and photograph at their event.
An Update to The National Championship Scores
We have updated the scores page to include Rifle Aggregate winners, as well as Woodswalk, Running Boar and Primitive Rifle Matches.
Thank you for your patience.
Awards from the Rifle Line Awards - September 2019
Ann Reed - Aggregate B - Women's Rifle Championship Winner
Carl King - Aggregate TS - Paul Griffith Memorial Table Shoot Championship Winner - Carl also sat a new record score with this aggregate.
Darrell Vigue - Aggregate JJ - Sighted Smoothbore Championship Winner
Dave Vanderbos - Aggregate SS - Light Bench Championship Winner
Deb Bolen - Aggregate CC - Women's Bench Championship Winner
Donnie Black - Tied his 5th record on the Primitive Bow Range
Doug Schwartz - Aggregate IH - Inline Hunter Championship Winner - Doug also sat a new record for this aggregate
E. Branch Meanley - Aggregate R - Susan Johnston Memorial Championship and Aggregate J - Phil Orem Memorial Slug Gun Championship Winner
J.L. Hargis - Aggregate A - Unlimited Rifle Championship Winner, Aggregate E - Flintlock Championship Winner, Aggregate KK - One Gun Championship Winner, Aggregate V - Round Ball Bench_Any Sight Championship Winner
Jeremiah Nunn - Aggregate NN - Sub-Junior Aggregate
Keith Ethington - Aggregate MM - Traditional Offhand Flint Hunting Rifle Non-Jacketed Championship Winner
Lowell Crane - Aggregate DD - Tom Schiffer Schuetzen Championship Winner
Mary Amelia Taylor - Crosley Winner
Morgan Greenlee - Aggregate Z - Unlimited Longhunter Championship Winner - Morgan also broke the record for this aggregate and ranked as a distinguished master.
Neil Eddington - Aggregate C - Flintlock Bench Championship Winner
Robert & Deana Shepherd - Aggregate EE - Husband and Wife Championship Winners
Robert Dickson - Aggregate M - Roundball Bench Championship Winner
Theresa Van Epps - Aggregate N - Women's Buffalo Championship Winner
William Wonning - Aggregate II - Lee Good Memorial Chunk Gun Championship Winner
Congratulations to all of our competing marksmen for their hard work and dedication at the 2019 NMLRA National Championships!
Photos from the Skeet Range Awards - September 2019
NMLRA Throwback Thursday October 3, 2019
We'd like to thank Judy Morgan of Kenockee Tradin' Post, LLC for submitting today's #NMLRATBT
Pictured here is Maxine Moss, Editor of Muzzleblasts Magazine, in front of the Rand House in 1977.
1 of 1000 Endowment Update, October 2019
The 2019 National Championship Shoot was a busy time for the 1 of 1000 Endowment. We currently have 720 members as we strive to reach our minimum 2019 goal of at least 750 members. When we reach 750, we will be three quarters of the way to our ultimate goal of 1000 members. As the saying goes, the train is moving; it is time to get onboard.
The 1 of 1000 Match was held immediately after the opening ceremony, at noon, on Saturday. Thirty five shooters participated. The beautiful wooden target was provided by Arlie Thayer, 1 of 1000 member # 3, and winner of the 2018 1 of 1000 Match. Arlie, assisted by his wife Judy, created an outstanding target. Andy Larson and his wife, Susy, helped keep the match running smoothly, Andy plotting hits and Susy loading her rifle for any member wishing to use it. Some shooters used their own rifles. Sixteen shooters chose to use Max Vickery’s .54 caliber Hawken. When the smoke all cleared and the hits were compared to the secret winning spot, Joe Hill, NMLRA President was declared the winner. Joe received a beautiful banded powder horn, created and donated by Reddick, Master Horner of The Honourable Company of Horners, and a fine handcrafted wooden chest, made and donated by Dick Truex, 1 of 1000 member and NMLRA Black Powder Hall of Fame member.
The 1 of 1000 Reception was held at the Rand House, 6 to 8 P.M., Saturday evening. Forty plus members enjoyed a pleasant evening visiting with fellow members and enjoying good food and drink. Eric Blanton and his wife attended from Illinois. Eric was the lucky winner of the drawing for the 2018 1 of 1000 Powder Horn at the Spring Shoot in June. He brought the horn so that others could see it. The highlight of the evening was the drawing for the door prize. The door prize was a wonderful shooting box, painstakingly handcrafted and donated by 1 of 1000 member Pete Wygant. Pete, generously, regularly donates his shooting boxes in support of the NMLRA. Pete’s shooting boxes are highly sought after and valued accordingly. The lucky winner was Dave Ehrig, Muzzle Blasts Editor.
Inline Silhouette Match - November 2, 2019
We’re excited to be hosting an Inline Muzzleloading Silhouette Match this fall! Stop by the Walter Cline Range in Friendship, Indiana on November 2nd for a day of Marksmanship!
For more information, contact Dan Thomas at 812-667-0015 or email him at dthomas@nmlra.org
Camp Atterbury Longrange Match Report from Ray Hopkins
This past weekend, September 14th and 15th, the five ten shot 1000 yards match was held. There were three relays of ten shots on Saturday and two relays on Sunday.
Kenn Heisman was in first place in the muzzle loading class, followed by Dan Bredberg in second. Ian Egbert was first in the cartridge rifle class. Second was Jim Davis followed by his son Jim W Davis. Forth was Kim Kelly and Willard Lamb in fifth.
There were two Muzzle Loading shooters. One was shooting an original Ingram rifle and the other was a replica of a Gibbs made by Pedersoli. The remaining ten shooters were shooting cartridge rifles, from what I saw all were 1874 Sharps Rifles.
Camp Atterbury's mist in the morning cleared and we proceeded to shoot the first three relays of the day. The humidity had relented and with a few clouds, had a nice day for shooting. The next day started well and we were done by 01:30 hours with all then heading to Friendship for the fall shoot.
Since this is a new match, records were set for muzzle loaders and cartridge shooters. The record for aggregate for the muzzle loaders was set by Kenn Heismann with 309-3. He also set the 1000-yard record of 78-1. A new shooter at Camp Atterbury, and he shot with a cartridge rifle, was Ian Egbert. He had an aggregate of 431-7 and a 1000-yard record of 92.
Kenn Heisman was in first place in the muzzle loading class, followed by Dan Bredberg in second. Ian Egbert was first in the cartridge rifle class. Second was Jim Davis followed by his son Jim W Davis. Forth was Kim Kelly and Willard Lamb in fifth.
I do have to say that Dan Bredberg was a great help, he took the Camps' range safety course. He also came in early and helped prep the Connex container that Camp Atterbury provided. Then helped with setting up the range set up and take down.
The Spring shoot will consist of an 800, 900, and a 1000-yard, ten shot relays on Saturday and two 1000 yards ten shots relays on Sunday.
Next year’s fall shoot will be the same as this year. If I can have people contact me at my email address (mrhoppy1@netzero.com) I can send them information about each shoot, besides being put on Camp Atterbury's gate list.
This coming Joe Hepsworth's Memorial will remain the same as it has in the past and anticipate the same for next year. Which will be the tenth anniversary.
Ray
Don’t forget! The Joe Hepsworth Match will be held at Camp Atterbury October 12-13, 2019! You must call 10 days prior to register. Call Ray Hopkins 740-868-2474 or 740-616-6627
Thank you Ray Hopkins for your continued efforts to organize matches at Camp Atterbury and for your writing of this report.
39th Annual NMLRA/WKU Gunsmithing/Longrifle Seminar
Wednesday June 3rd through Friday June 12th, 2020
At Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Schedule of Classes
3 Day Classes
Beginner 18th Century Quill Work – Lally House
A study of quill working techniques, period dyes and completion of a neck pouch.
Materials will be provided to participants at a minimal cost by Lally.
A study of the Rifle Guns Made in the Valley of Virginia - Wallace Gusler
The study will cover seven early groups, explaining details that define each group, from wood boxes in the pre-Revolutionary era to metal examples of the 1770’s and 80’s. The second half of the class will track these groups as they develop and expand geographically into twelve to fifteen schools by the 1830-40 period. The class will examine in person several early original rifles and some excavated examples. Most of the rifles will be illustrated in slides or Power Points while also using 8 X 10 photographs. No materials are required; a drawing book or notebook is suggested.
6 Day Classes
Assembly and finishing of a 1760’s Colonial Kit Rifle by Jim Kibler - Ed Wenger
Participants will be provide instruction on the assembly and finishing of the kit rifle. Rifle kits need to be ordered in advance of the class by searching “kiblerlongrifles” in late March. Ed Wenger is covering the kit class while Jim Kibler will be teaching a carving class at the seminar.
Intermediate Quill Work Leading to the completion of a period correct artifact of the participants choosing – Lally House
Lally will supply materials for the class at a minimal cost to the participants.
18th Century Carving Practices and Techniques – Jim Kibler
Students have the option of carving on a pre-shaped Quaker butt stock or an assembled kit rifle in the white. Jim Kibler needs to be contacted in late March if a “Quaker Stock blank” is need for the class or if your intention is to carve on a assembled kit rifle in the white. Quaker butt stocks can be provided at a minimal cost and a detailed listing of tools and materials will be provided once registration is complete.
A study of patch box designs – Wallace Gusler – New for 2020.
Beginning with the sliding wooden box and extending to 2 and 4 piece designs along with related release mechanisms. Students will actually assemble an example or samples of their choice. Participants will be provided with a list of tools and materials needed for the class once registration is complete.
Making a period correct Powder Horn - Art DeCamp
Making a period correct Powder Horn including scrimshaw work and related finishing techniques. Samples of other period artifacts made of horn will be shown along with related presentations by Art DeCamp. Horns will be provided to the class for sale at a reasonable cost. A listing of other tools and materials will be sent to the participants in advance of the class.
9 Day Classes
Woodbury School of Gunmaking and Forging of Related Accoutrements – Hershel, Frank and John House
A unique class where participants are given to freedom to work on various aspects of longrifle making from forging gun mounts, to lock and patch box making and casting a pewter muzzle cap. Some participants actually stock up a rifle while others work on their forging skills by making a knife or other related accoutrement. Participants will be responsible for a fee to cover the cost of coal and metal forging supplies. A listing of tools and suggested materials will sent to all in advance of the class once registration has closed. This class is taught at the home of Hershel House in Woodbury, Kentucky – 25 miles from Western’s campus.
Stocking the Pennsylvania Longrifle, or Finishing What You Started – Jack Brooks
Jack has covered this class for several years with great success! For those participants desiring to stock up a rifle, you need to contact Jack in advance to obtain his advice on period correct furniture and materials to complete your project. For those completing a rifle in process, you may also want to contact Jack about your project to make sure you have all materials and tools necessary for completing the rifle. Students will learn historically correct stock architecture for a regional style rifle such as Christian’s Spring, Allentown, Bucks County, Reading, Lancaster, York and others with which Jack is familiar. Students will develop skills in inletting a swamped barrel, fitting the lock, butt plate and trigger guard along with other mounts as time permits.
Advanced 18th Century Porcupine Quill Work – Lally House
Covered in class where participants have the opportunity to complete period correct projects of their choice. Lally will be including birch bark box applications with appropriate period quill work (new for this year). A listing of supplies and materials will be sent to participants in advance of the class while Lally and Crazy Crow will have quilling materials for purchase at a reasonable cost.
Building a period Jaeger Rifle from a Study Piece for students to work from – Ron Scott
Ron Scott has a very well preserved 1740’s Jaeger Rifle that will serve as a model for this class. The rifle will be present during the seminar for examination. Molds are being prepared to reproduce the mounts and lock parts. Students will have the option of preparing a lock from castings or acquiring a Chris Laubach Jaeger lock. Barrels made to original dimensions will be available in a variety of calibers. Ron has a very large collection of European Walnut stocks, and will make them available to seminar members at a discounted rate. Part of the materials package will be multiple photos for study, plus casts of carving and engraving. As in previous seminars, Ron will be available for mentoring on this project though its completion. Please call with any questions at 541-941-0395. A listing of necessary tools and materials will be sent to participants.
Learning the Basics of Sheet Inlay in both Wood and Metal, along with Wire Inlay – George Suiter
George will cover related design applications along with related tools and materials used for the inlay process. Students will actually make wire inlay tools in class. Participants will have the opportunity to purchase a pipe ax head and haft to practice their inlay skills on, or the opportunity to bring the necessary stock blank materials to class to support the learning process of inletting wire and sheet material in both wood and metal.
Important Dates and Information to Remember
Seminar Dates – Classes begin at 1:00 pm CST on Wednesday, June 3rd and end on Friday, June 12th at 1:00 pm, CST 2020. 3 day classes run Wednesday, June 3rd at 1:00 pm through Saturday, June 6th at 1:00 pm. 6 day classes begin on Sunday, June 7th at 8:00 am through June 12th.
Picnics: Saturday, June 6th at 5:00 pm CST at the Leeper farm, and Wednesday, June 10th at 5:00 pm CST at the home of Hershel House. Picnic cost included in registration fees.
Cost of all classes is $120 per day.
Early Registration for PREVIOUS ATTENDEES ONLY – contact Brenda Hooton at the NMLRA at 812-667-5131 (ext. 223) beginning October 9th, 2019 – no registrations will be accepted before then. Please decide on your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice of classes. Minimum deposit of ½ the class cost and Membership in the NMLRA. Brenda's email -
Official Registration – begins on October 30th, 2019 and runs through February 19th, 2020 on a first come first serve basis. A minimum deposit of ½ the total cost of the class or classes and membership in the NMLRA. Please select your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd or no other choice of classe(s). Contact Brenda Hooton at the NMLRA (812-667-5131 – ext. 223) with your selection(s). Brenda's email -
Full Payment – for all classes required by February 19th, 2020
Cancellation – on or before February 19th, 2020 will result in $150 being kept along with your membership fee to the NMLRA with the balance returned to the individual.
Cancellation after February 19th, 2020 – will result in KEEPING full payment for all 3 day classes, and $500 for both 6 and 9 day classes – there will be NO EXCEPTIONS since the instructional team has been confirmed.
Final Enrollment Notification – will be made to participants by March 25th, 2020 based upon enrollment date and class preferences (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or none). Notification will be by email or USPS if preferred – please advise at enrollment regarding USPS restriction.
Negotiations for Group Lodging – is being made in Bowling Green at the Red Roof Inn “economy” (270-781-6550), and “enhanced lodging” at Western’s Hyatt Place (4 blocks from instruction with hotel transportation) 270-467-0001. Morgantown – House brothers – under discussion.
Lodging updates – will be posted on the official seminar website at: nmlragunsmithingseminar.org and on the NMLRA Educational Web site.