How to Load a Muzzleloader

We wanted to bring this illustration out from the Muzzle Blasts Magazine archives. Commissioned in 2015, we’d like to thank Larry Small for illustrating this great diagram.

How to load a Muzzleloader

1. Make sure the bore is dry by using a ramrod with a cleaning jig and a clean, dry patch.

2. With the hammer down for safety, clean the frozen, pan, and flint (watch out for the sharp edges of the flint). Be sure the flash hole is clear of obstruction by inserting a vent pick, paper clip, or pipe cleaner. Load a flintlock with the frizzen and hammer all the way forward.

   1. For a percussion firearm, inspec the nipple for obstruction by using a nipple pick or paper clip. With an unloaded firearm, snap a cap or two. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3. Pour the powder from a powder horn or flash into a measure. For safety, never pour powder directly into the bore from a horn or flask.

4. Pour the measured powder charge down the bore. Avoid placing your hands or face directly over the muzzle.

5. Center a lubricated or moistened patch over the bore and place the lead ball onto the patch.

6. With the short end of a short starter, set the patched ball into the bore. Use the Pam of your hand to press the ball into the muzzle.

7. Push the ball deeper with the long end of the short starter by using the palm of your hand.

8. Firmly seat the load against the powder charge by using short strokes with your ramrod. NEVER fire a muzzleloader if the ball is not firmly seated on the powder charge.

9. Use a pencil to make a reference mark on your ramrod when the lead ball is correctly loaded.

10. Remove the ramrod and store it under the barrel.

11. For a flintlock, fill the pan 1/4 to 1/3 full of priming powder, place the hammer into the half- cock position, and close the frizzen. When ready to shoot, bring the hammer into full cock position.

    1. For a percussion muzzleloader, bring the hammer into the half-cock position and place a cap firmly onto the nipple. When ready to shoot, place the hammer at full cock.

12. Be certain of your target and what lies beyond. Aim and fire.

13. Run a damp cleaning patch down the bore and begin the process again, no need to repeat step #9

Black Powder Friday at the NMLRA

It’s that time of year once again, the muzzleloaders in your family are teetering on the line between naughty and nice, and you don’t quite know what to get them. We’re here to help, with Black Powder Friday deals on NMLRA Merchandise and Membership!

SHOP THE DEALS

Discounts on Books, apparel and more, free NMLRA License Plate with every purchase!

sale

The History of the NMLRA

Sale Price:$60.00 Original Price:$69.95

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sale

Engraving Historic Firearms

Sale Price:$85.00 Original Price:$129.95

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More items on sale in the store

The Muzzle Blasts Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts

We’re very excited about another step forward for the NMLRA, our new podcast is now live on Apple Podcasts, the largest Podcast platform in the world! Be sure to subscribe to us on apple podcasts if that’s where you get your podcasts. If not, don’t fret, we’re also on Spotify, Google podcasts, and more.

Shop Small this year with NMLRA Craftsmen and Vendors

By Dave Ehrig and the Muzzle Blasts’ Staff

Call the place “Commercial Row,” the “Sheep Sheds,” or some other affectionate name, there is no denying the fact that when you arrive at the National Range for the first time, or the 100th, you feel like you have found a home!

With humble beginnings of roofed sheds with no sides, built by the exhibitors “sweat equity” in cooperation with the NMLRA, they came into existence in November 1961; and, just in time for Christmas!

If you have ever visited this iconic corner of the Walter Cline Range, you have probably been overwhelmed with all of the merchandise being offered. There are untold numbers of muzzleloading rifles, shotguns, pistols; leather hunting bags for a myriad of accoutrements. Powder horns, some in the green and others gloriously finished with fine scrimshaw/engraving, tease the eyes and jog the mind’s historic memory banks. Brass accoutrements for the most discretionary competitors, hunters and collectors glisten in the light; while bone and antler handled patch knives, larger hunting knives, and all manner of collectible Damascus blades beckon the buyer.

My first purchases took place way back in 1978, my first visit to Friendship, Indiana, from eastern Pennsylvania. As primitive rendezvousers were coming to the forefront of primitive camping with their teepees, wedge tents, formal marquees and wall tents, I found it difficult to find the lodges, clothing, shoes, hats, bags, and everything “Fur Trade” at local muzzleloading shoots. But Friendship, that magical little kingdom along the Loughery Creek, had it all in Commercial Row. And nothing has changed; it just gets better each year!

I remember well my regrets after leaving the shining times in “the Row,” and they were very regrettable, that I didn’t have the contact information for each shop so that I could order what I needed . . . once home.

And now we face every competitor’s and each Longhunter’s scariest month on the calendar: December. Why? Simply told, every shooter is asked by their spouse at the beginning of that month, “What would you like for Christmas!”

Knowing thin ice when you are about to “step into it,” we tread carefully and respond. We mumble with an often heard reply, “oh a shirt, sweater, tie, jacket, pajamas might be nice . . . or some other mundane object that we really don’t want or need. Well, after you read this issue, you will have all the answers to the gifts that you secretly really wanted and knew that no local big box store would carry them. You will be armed with contacts to the world of muzzleloading guns, gadgets, and gear. You will see the faces of the merchants, know how to get into contact with them, and while making your spouse happy because they are actually procuring something that you really want, it will be easy!

So sit back, reread your Muzzle Blasts with a pen and paper in hand, and begin to take notes. It might lead to the Merriest Christmas that your family ever experienced!

Art Seymour

Art’s history with the Sheep Sheds began after doing several years of Rendezvous out West. He was trading in chevron beads when he met Sherry of the Timberline Traders. Thanks to her inviting stories of the NMLRA, I finally came to Friendship for the first time in 1991. And guess what? I have been coming here ever since!

I hand craft all of my chevron beads; plus, I make a lot of other bead varieties. Each one is made from blown glass and that includes the historical bottles and art glasses. My specialty items are chevron beads, bottles and western sage. If interested, you can contact me at juniperneveda@gmail.com; 775-629-9079; or visit my website: www.seymourchevron.com

Bill Keeler

“Beaver Bill” has been coming to Friendship since 1958, but his first year in to offer his tomahawks and knives was 1985. Muzzleloaders quickly noticed the quality of his craft and starting demanding more, so in 1995 he quit his day job and became a full-time knife and hawk artisan purveyor.

If you are a reenactor, rendezvouser, competition thrower, or just appreciate authenticity, Beaver Bill has the tools you need. His offerings include Pipe Tomahawks; Throwing Tomahawks; Throwing Knives; Belt Knives; Scalping Knives; Spike Axes; Ranger Hawks; Belt Axes; Bag Axes; and Hammer Poll Axes.

You can contact Bill at Beaver Bill Forging Works; phone 513-756-1983; beaverbill@zoomtown.com; or check his website at www.beaverbill.com

Mark and Afeelea Nevling

Mark and Afeela have been coming to Friendship since 1999, but found their way into the Commercial Row by 2002. Feeling the pull of history because one of his ancestors fought and died at the Battle of Brandywine (Pennsylvania) during the American Revolutionary War, Mark began crafting his specialty, “Burr Oak Knives.”

You can see the difference in my knives, they are made with handmade Damascus steel; a very specialized steel. Mark likes to use fossil mammoth ivory and fossil walrus ivory for the unique handles. Not only are the knives artistically handcrafted, he also makes every sheath unique to the custom knives.

Afeelea Nevling not only contributes to working the business end of Burr Oak Knives, she makes her own specialty line of organic soaps and no artificial colors or ingredients.

Contact them at 989-472-3167; or visit their website: www.burroakknives; or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Scott Pobjoy

The founder of Cash Manufacturing, Tedd Cash, had been coming to Friendship since the 1960s. His brass accoutrements are well known and in most shooters’ pouches and loading boxes across the country. Scott has worked with Ted for 17 years and when Tedd was ready to retire, Scott purchased the company in October 2005. He added all the Firekit items as well as many other accoutrements. Scott most recently improved Universal Straightline Capper.

The company offers brass Cappers; Gun Hangers; Funnels; Powder Measurers; Ramrod Pipes; Nosecaps; Survivalist Items; Trekker Lanterns; a variety of brass, German Silver and copper Boxes; and many more items for the discerning shooter/hunter. The new and improved Universal Straightline Capper, Swivel and Flip Top powder measurers are much sought items.

Cash Manufacturing Co. Inc. can be contacted at 606-849-5664; office@TDCMFG.com; or visit the website for a full array of the product line at www.TDCMFG.com

Curt Johnson

The “Gunmakers of Illinois, Etc.” has been an NMLRA member since 1968. The booth existed under a former owner, George and Dorothy Shumway, until George passed away. Then it was operated as Curt’s booth until now. Curt Johnson is also the author of Gunmakers of Illinois, 1683-1900, volumes I and II.

Curt carries books on Antique Firearms and Related Items; Antique Firearms & Parts; Trade Silver; Tang Sights for percussion target rifles; Guide Bullet Starters for percussion Rifles are made to order.

Curt makes reproduction “lollipop” tang sights for the countless percussion target rifles that no longer have them. He makes them in various diameters and thread sizes. Custom made guide bullet starters are made to fit those same rifles. Curt Johnson is always interested in buying or photographing guns from early Illinois makers.

Curt can be contacted at 815-915-6971; or email at ilgunmkr@yahoo.com

Lee Fry and Charles Kirkland

Dixie Gun Works is a household name to everyone in the muzzleloading culture. Their catalogues of 620+ pages are required reading for all who want to know anything about the sport. The founder Turner Kirkland has been coming to Friendship since the 1950s, selling items out of his car’s trunk before the Sheep Sheds and Commercial Row came into being. The company has been in Commercial Row for many years. They are open for the Spring and Fall Shoots to take care of customers’ many needs.

As you can see from Margaret Miller holding the new Pedersoli Double Barrel Flint 20 Gauge Shotgun, Dixie is a knowledgeable and fun place to visit at the Friendship Sheep Sheds. They stand ready to share shooting supplies, antique gun parts, black powder guns and accessories.

Contact Dixie Gun Works at 1-800-238-6785; Lee.fry@dixiegunworks.com; or visit their website at www.info@Dixiegunworks.com

E. T. Harrison

Little Creek Long Rifles has been coming to Friendship for 17 years. We supply Long Rifles, Smooth Bores, Flint Locks and Jewelry. Our specialty is to provide fine Rifles and Smooth Bores for competitors and hunters.

Contact E. T. Harrison at 731-926-6418; or email tngunmaker@gmail.com

Charles Burton

FCI Barrels (Flintlock Construction Inc.) was established by Burton in 2007. He creates custom muzzleloading rifle and smoothbore barrels that are made from 12L14 steel and are shot for group before shipping. Caliber sizes range from .29 to .69, depending on the size and type of barrel ordered. Smoothbore Trade Gun barrels with shorter octagons, 2 wedding bands and double taper to thin muzzle up to 48 inches long are available. Pistol barrels are available straight octagon rifled; tapered octagon rifled; swamped; octagon to round smoothbore; tapered round smoothbore; with limited brass barrel inventory (call for availability.)

Contact Burton’s FCI /Barrels at Charles Burton, 250 S. Liddie Way, Morehead, KY 40351; phone 606-780-7709; FLINTLOCKCALB50@HOTMAIL.COM

Flint and Judy Anderson

Flint and Judy Anderson like to state: “We have no business, we just stay busy.” Flint’s dad, Jim Anderson has been coming to Friendship since the 1960s and won in 1973 with a flintlock that Flint was named after. He likes to tell people that he has been there his whole life!

They sell fine gun stock wood in “Spalded Maple, Walnut and Ash.” They also are purveyors of great knives and other interesting items. “Shooters Night” is a big night for us on Monday night in Commercial Row. Come see Judy and Flint and they promise that you will enjoy their booth. We make it fun. You can contact us at 317-509-9731, or email flintanderson@gamail.com

Jack Lewis/Marie Taylor

The Fort Lewis/J.Lewis MFG. Arms began at Friendship in 1948 when they traded and sold out of the back of their car or on trade blankets. The Deer’s Sheep Shed was built in 1964 and they have had the same booths 39&40 since that time. They have raised a family here at the NMLRA in Friendship, Indiana. My daughters helped to raise money to build the first playground. Daughter Marie Taylor and Jack now make the shows together. They are at the same campsite (A4) since 1964. Jack and wife Faye along with their family have had many wonderful times on site, or as he states, “its home away from home for us.”

They deal in Antique Guns; Antique Parts; Bowie Knives and Pocket Knives. They also have some unique display items that include Springfield Locks from 1795-1864; Bayonets; and a .45-70 Trapdoor. Their specialty item is a percussion pistol in most calibers that Jack created in 1966. He only made them 100 of them. J. Lewis Mfg. Arms percussion pistols were shot at the Walter Cline Range firing line and won championships for five years in a row.

You can contact him or Marie Taylor at 740-858-6400; or email marietaylor903@gmail.com

Gary Nebel

“Gary’s Gunsmith Shop” has been onsite in the NMLRA Commercial Row for 51 years. Gary proudly states that he never missed one! His large inventory includes Leather, Buckskin Clothing, and Shooting Bags; all of which are manufactured in his shop. His specialty items include Leather Bags; Buckskin Clothing; Buckskin Pants, Buckskin Shirts, and Buckskin Leather Dresses.

You can contact Gary Nebel at 765-763-6896; email gnebel1@frontier.com; or visit the website www.garygunsmithshop.com

Harvey Brumfield

Harvey’s first trip to Friendship was in 1960 when he was 20 years old. He liked all of what Friendship stood for and offered, so he has been coming back ever since. Four years ago he rented a booth on Commercial Row to sell his guns that were collected over 75 years, as well as to sell friends collection that lost a battle with cancer.

Harvey Brumfield sells Custom Flintlock Rifles, Custom Made Knives, accessories and related items. His specialty is Custom Flintlocks. You can contact him at 859-548-2612; or email at field66@windstream.net

Jim Chambers Flintlocks, Ltd.

Jim and Barb Chambers are familiar faces to flintlock builders everywhere. More than just a pleasant family demeanor, they are skillful purveyors of Original Siler Locks with 22 historically accurate Lock Styles. The locks are also hand tuned with a limited lifetime guarantee. They also offer historically accurate rifle, fowler and pistol kits.

They have had a long history with the NMLRA and Friendship’s Commercial Row. Barb literally grew up with the business. She points out that everything is American made and that they proudly employ U.S. Veterans in their Canler, North Carolina business.

Contact the Chambers at 828-667-8361; email CHAMBERS@FLINTLOCKS.COM; or visit the website www.FLINTLOCKS.COM

Poppen Mocs

The Poppens have witnessed two generations of selling at Friendship’s Commercial Row. With more than 30 years of face-to-face sales and sharing information, they have built a following of NMLRA members. They accept orders for custom-made, hand-sewn moccasins. But they also offer an offering of historical knives from the 1640 to 1840 era of the American frontier. Moreover, they offer historical blades, quillwork, bows and arrows.

Judith likes to highlight their handmade knives as her husband Paul has been making them for 51 years.

Contact the Judith and Paul at 218-349-8545; or write Poppens Mocs at P.O. Box 682, Satsuma, FL 32189.

Kevin/Marsha Killelea

Kevin and Marsha began primitive rendezvous camping in 1978. For years they did trading from a blanket but now are in a Friendship booth at Commercial Row. Kevin had back surgery in 1987 and began scrimshawing powder horns. But now, his horns are much in demand. His horns are historically accurate, depicting the time period from 1700 forward to the 1890s. He and Marsha also deal in antiquities. His specialty includes scrimshawed powder horns and accoutrements.

The Killeleas can be contacted at 815-434-7635; or email keomark2000@hotmail.com

L&R Lock Company

Another familiar face to the muzzleloading gun builders of Friendship is L&R Lock Company from Sumter, SC. Currently they are featuring their Jacob Dickert of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Dickert made his own locks from 1755-1822, but he also built complete flintlock rifles as well. Dickert also supplied locks to other gun makers. The Allentown-Bethlehem, Lancaster and Bucks County Schools and the makers within these schools such as A. Verner, J. Moll, Herman and John Rupp, John Knoll, Melchoir Fordney, Abraham Schweitzer and J.P. Beck utilize this style lock.

But L&R also offer 47 other models as well as triggers.

They can be contacted at 2328 Cains Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29154; phone 803-481-5790; or visit their site at www.lr-rpl.com

Larry Landrum

Larry has been a competitive pistol shooter for more than 40 years, as well as a primitive camper at Friendship. His corner of the sheep sheds is filled with a delight potpourri of unique tools and exciting findings. He offers jewelry; pre-Civil War books; Primitive accessories; fur/leather; wooden boxes; blankets; black powder rifles; BP Cartridges; ML Rifles; ML Shotguns; and Tri Pods.

Cover Enterprises also has a very unique specialty item: Pre-Civil War Medical Books. To contact Larry, phone 317-460-5192.

Rick & Liza Kindig

Log Cabin Shop has been involved with the NMLRA almost from the beginning. Wes Kindig was instrumental in the beginning of Commercial Row. Dan Kindig is a past president of the NMLRA. Both Wes and Dan are in the NMLRA Hall of Fame. Friendship National Matches and the NMLRA continue to be a huge part of the Log Cabin’s plans, now and into the future. They look forward to the comradery and fellowship with the muzzle loading community every year. They say, “See you in June!”

Log Cabin stocks a full line of shooting supplies; Patches; Round Balls; Caps; Powder; Bullet Molds; Ramrods; Oils and Cleaning Supplies; Components for the Gun Builder; Locks; Stocks; Barrels; Triggers; Chisels and Gouges; Stains and Finishes; Books on Historical Arts (Gun Building; Horn Making; Fabric Arts;) Early American History Books and many more. Rifles from Lyman and Traditions are offered, as are used custom made rifles. Antique rifles are a specialty.

Specialty items include: 62-inch long padded gun cases with full zipper and sturdy handles; machined mainspring vises for removing the frizzen and mainsprings (which are made in the USA from gun barrel quality steel; “Trade Silver” Gift certificates for the hard to buy for shooter.

Contacts: phone 330-948-1082; email logcabin@logcabinshop.com; or visit the website www.logcabinshop.com

Michael Eder

As soon as one enters the gates to Friendship’s Walter Cline Range, eyes wander to the left at the complex of shops known as Commercial Row and also as the Sheep Sheds. On the corner of that complex is a large shop called Flintlocks LLC. Brightly lit with employees having just as big smiles is the Eder family. A 2nd Generation business, it was started in the early 1960s at Friendship. The business moved to the front of Commercial Row in the early 1980s and serves as an anchor for the business community at the NMLRA Range.

Flintlocks LLC offers a ‘must see” of “stuff.” Offerings include: shooting supplies; balls; patches; caps; flints; cleaning supplies; Moose Milk; cleaning patches; Ballistol; ML rifles, shotguns, pistols; parts to build the same; cutlery supplies; knife blanks and knife handles.

To contact Mike and Flintlocks LLC, phone 317-683-5102; email sales@myflintlock.com; or visit the website www.myflintlocks.com

Jason Gatliff

Historical Enterprises, LLC is a publisher of Muzzleloader Magazine, books and DVDs and Jason is its Editor. Jason first attended Friendship in 2001 and is now a Life Member with the NMLRA. Many of the faces at Friendship have graced the pages of his magazines, books and DVDs. Special items from his booth in the Sheep Sheds include New DVDs like “Building the Daniel Boone Rifle” and “Relief Carving” featuring longrifle builder Mike Miller.

To contact Jason, phone 615-230-9853; or email Custserv@muzzleloadermagazine.com; or website www.muzzleloadermagazine.com

Randy Grunkenmeyer

Currently a Life Member with attendance dating back to 1980, Randy is a full-time gunsmith and registered shooter. Randy Grunkenmeyer has been a vendor participant for years at his booth “RG Gunsmithing.”

Since most of the items for sale are handcrafted and custom built, inventory is limited to orders, but I do have completed shop items that include powder/shot dispensers; and “Georgian Pistol” books by Norman Dixon.

Randy works closely with his customers to ensure that all of their needs are met. His focus is on “fine quality and well-performing firearms” that future generations will cherish and appreciate.

RG Gunsmithing can be contacted at 812-934-6412; email grunkrsj@frontier.com; or website www.rggunsmithing.com

Rice Barrel Company

Rice Barrel Co., Inc. produces Match grade quality muzzleloading barrels. They are traditionally “cut rifled” on a proprietary state of the art CNC rifler. They produce straight barrels to 44 inches lengths; swamped barrels to 48 inches in lengths; rifled or smooth (any twist) square or round grooved rifle barrels.

Contact phone 336-492-2614.

Lester Salisbury

Lester has been a Life Member of the NMLRA for about 25 years and a vendor in Commercial Row for 16 years. He has served on the Board of Directors. His parents brought him to Friendship as a child and now he brings his children and grandchildren there.

Items from the S&S Muzzleloading Shop LLC include Custom Built Guns; Knight Rifles; Henry Rifles; Used muzzleloaders; Scopes and Mounts; Bipods; Bullets and Sabots; Roundballs; CCI Primers/Caps; Powder Measurers; Cleaning Patches; Clenzoil; Black Solve; Bore Butter; Blacksights; Barrel Blaster; Solvent Spray; Rigs; Cannon Fuse; Speed Loaders; Nipple Wrenches; Breech Plugs for inlines; Nipples; Breech Plug Grease; Ram Rods; Wedges; Jags; Hodgdon Powder (both loose granulations and pellets;) Wonder Wads; Bore Lights; Ball Starters; Dixie Catalogues; Cappers; and more.

Contact Lester Salisbury’s S&S Muzzleloading Shop at 419-852-2661 or 419-942-1808; or email salbr@bright.net

Angela Jacobi

Angela started coming to Friendship in 1974 as a kid. Dad (Larry Stinsman) had a booth in Commercial Row and I terrorized the masses who passed by! (After all, everyone has a job to do ) I met my best friends down here. There’s no family like your Friendship family. I raised my kids here and now my grandchildren are coming to the NMLRA. Best place in the world.

Angela Jacobi repairs jewelry and eye glasses. She also creates jewelry and rendezvous medallions. The “Silver Butterfly” booth also sells rings; bracelets; necklaces; pendants; earrings; and belt buckles. She also creates silver side plates; thumbguards and sideplates with .999 Sterling inlay pieces for high-end custom built guns.

Angela’s special items include NMLRA Rings; the 1 of 1000 pins; and custom jewelry. If you can think it, I can draw it and create it in precious metal. It will become a cherished piece to hand down for generations.

The “Silver Butterfly” can be contacted at 317-966-5071; or email Customsilversmithing@gmail.com

Everett Smith

Everett “Smitty” Smith has been a member of the NMLRA since the 1970s. He is also a former NMLRA Field Rep for Oklahoma. “Smitty’s Engraving” has displayed his craft for more than 20 years at the Western Nationals on Trader’s Row; and for the last 10 years, Smitty has plied his craft at Friendship’s Commercial Row. His classified ad in Muzzle Blasts has run for 30 years; a testament to his full-time, skillful engraving artistry. Smitty engraves cappers; tobacco boxes; tinder boxes, percussion cap boxes; turned pens and more.

His specialty is custom engraving on muzzle loading guns, as well as modern. You can contact Everett Smith at 405-226-0251; email ersmitty99@yahoo.com; or visit his website at www.smittys-engraving.us

Tim Tressel

Gene Davis was an early member of the NMLRA. He began the lock and trigger business. Gene had other mounts and gun building supplies. Jerry Gutchless continued to build on other locks, triggers and mounts. Today, R.E. Davis Company builds quality locks, triggers, mounts and building supplies for your Authentic American Tradition.

Tim Tressel can be contacted at 419-833-1200; email redavis@redaviscompany.com; or website www.redaviscompany.com

Bob & Sherry Moore

Timberline Traders has been a clothing merchant at Friendship since the mid-1970s. We specialize in Ladies and Men’s clothing from x-small to XXX-large. Are specialty items include Men’s Rifleman’s Frock and Shirts; Ladies Bed Jackets, Chemises and Skirts.

To contact Bob and Sherry’s Timberline Traders, phone 941-276-0215; or email whalebone33950@yahoo.com

Tip Curtis

Tip Curtis has been a Life Member of the NMLRA since 1962; on the Board of Directors for four years, and is the Manufacturers Match Coordinator.

The Tip Curtis Frontier Shop at the Friendship side of Commercial Row is a busy spot for new and experienced muzzle loading gun builders. There is a large supply of stocks and barrels on the walls, as well as all the parts necessary for building. For inexperienced builders there are Straight Barrel Rifle Kits; Smoothbore or Fowler Kits; Swamped Barrel Rifle Kits; Rifled and Smoothbore Pistol Kits. Tip offers Custom Muzzleloading Rifles for sale in Finished Custom Flintlock or Percussion ignition.

The Frontier Shop can be contacted at 615-654-4445; or email tipcurtis@bellsouth.net

Whitey

Whitey has been coming to Friendship since 1986 and joined the NMLRA in 1999. He has been a vender in Commercial Row since 2002, active in shooting competition, and is a 1 of 1000 Member.

Whitey has an antique Joe Baron Rifle and all the shooting supplies cased for sale, as well as a 1965 History of Gun, Challenge to any who would beat his score of 100 shots and would the winner $500. The mint-condition rifle is in a display case. He also has a collection of black powder rifles, shotguns and other collectables.

Some specialty items include the Joe Baron side slapper rifle; an entire history in 1965 Muzzle Blasts; a rare Hall Rifle Prototype/Bayonet in case; and a Rigby Rifle in mint condition.

Whitey can be contacted at 812-926-4569; email whudie@comcast.net

The Romance of the Smoke -Longhunter Record Breaking Pronghorn with Eric Stanosheck

We’re excited to announce a new episode of the Muzzle Blasts Podcast this week. For this episode, we’re talking to big game hunter and Longhunter Society Record holder Eric Stanoschek about his record-breaking pronghorn trophy.

 In this episode, Eric recounts this record-breaking pronghorn hunt, but also his history with modern high power rifles and his eventual conversion to hunting exclusively with muzzleloaders.

For Eric there is something special about the one-shot challenge of muzzleloader hunting, he calls it “The Romance of the Smoke”.  This love of hunting and muzzleloaders runs in his family, three of his four kids and his wife hunt with muzzleloaders.

We're excited to announce a new episode of the Muzzle Blasts Podcast this week. For this episode, we're talking to big-game hunter and Longhunter Society Record holder Eric Stanoschek about his record-breaking pronghorn trophy. In this episode, Eric recounts this record-breaking pronghorn hunt, but also his history with modern high power rifles and his eventual conversion to hunting exclusively with muzzleloaders.

 Having hunted with muzzleloaders since the early 2000s, Eric has gone on 66 big game hunts and has 42 animals recorded in the Longhunter Society program.

  For him, hunting and using Muzzleloaders is about the relationship with the gun. Unlike modern firearms, muzzleloaders can be a little tricky, and that’s what Eric likes. He says, “For me, hunting with a muzzleloader is about how close I can get and how much time do I get to spend with the animal.”

Muzzleloading Instructor Course with Klint Macro - June 2020

We have scheduled another Muzzleloading Instructor Course with Klint Macro of the Trigger Pressers Union June 10, 11, and 12, 2020!

In these classes, Klint Macro focuses on working with each and every student to fully understand the NMLRA/NRA Muzzleloading Instructor Course curriculum. You’ll walk away with some great knowledge and the confidence to safely share your love of muzzleloading.

You can register for the class at the NRA website or by contacting Klint directly.

Recording 75 years of NMLRA History | A conversation with Author Thomas Schiffer

Mr. Schiffer and his camera have been a staple of NMLRA Events for decades now, but in his latest book, he reaches back in time to unearth and organize photos, documents, and stories from the NMLRA's beginnings in the 1930s.

Jeff Luke's Leather Bag Class - Videos on Youtube!

Couldn’t make it to the class? Don’t sweat it, we’re bringing more NMLRA Classes and educational programs to you. In this new weekly series, follow along as Jeff Luke of PoBoy Gear guides these students through the world of “Homespun” hunting pouch creation.

We are beginning a new series of courses at the NMLRA Education Center over the coming year. Our first new class was held with Jeff Luke of "Po Boy Gear". In this first video in this new series, Jeff begins the class with some introductions to historic leather bags, their design and more.

In this first video in this new series, Jeff begins the class with some introductions to historic leather bags, their design and more.

Jeff has decades of leather-working experience from wallets to motorcycle seats, but now has a passion for historically accurate bags and pouches from American History.

Photos from the Middle Tennessee History Coalition's "Tennessee History Trail"

We’re happy to be sharing these great photos from the Middle Tennessee History Coalition’s "2019 Tennessee HIstory Trail” event.

“In its fifth year, Tennessee History Trail is a unique heritage timeline event created in conjunction with Tennessee State Parks. This event is held each October at Bledsoe Creek State Park. It spans Tennessee history from 1500 to 1800 and offers programming not otherwise offered in middle Tennessee. It also helps visitors grasp the concept of the past shaping the present, and create a personal connection to the past. In addition to the annual event in October, smaller programs are offered the third Saturday of each month between January and May. Hope to see you on the History Trail.”

— Middle Tennessee History Coalition Website

Checking out the event website, the Tennessee History Trail offers a variety of interpretive stations for guests and living historians to enjoy. Among the interpretations you’ll find Pre contact Woodland Native Americans, fur traders, Tennessee longhunters, and settlers of the Cumberland Region.

Learn more about this event and the Non Profit behind it at www.midtnhistory.com

These event photos were shared by Marc McMullen to the NMLRA Muzzleloading and Living HIstory group. We are sharing with Marc’s permission. Thank you Mark for sharing these photos and this event with us!

A Reminder on the CLA Show Dates in 2020

This announcement comes straight from the Contemporary Longrifle Association facebook group. Please plan your trip to the show accordingly.

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Hello C.L.A.

JUST A REMINDER !

THE ANNUAL CLA MEETING AND SHOW DATES HAVE BEEN MOVED for the 2020 show due to remodeling of the Rupp Arena. The date has been changed from our traditional date in August to a ONE YEAR ONLY date of OCTOBER 29-30-31 ......

This was necessary for the remodeling of the ballroom we normally meet in. We will still be at Rupp Arena but in a temporary and newly remodeled room.

We weighed other options carefully and feel this is by far the best for our membership.

There are several advantages, the weather should be great,all exhibitors will be in one room and this arrangement will offer more booth space as well as the opportunity for additional tables !

Rupp Arena has been a great venue for many years and will be even better in the future. This may be a small inconvenience this year but we are looking forward to 2021 when we will be in BRAND NEW GRAND BALLROOM !!!

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE,

C.L.A. SHOW COMMITTEE

The NMLRA on Shooting USA! Tonight on the Outdoor Channel!

Tonight! Thank you Jim Scoutten's Shooting USA for featuring us on tonights episode!

(AmmoLand.com)- We’re slowing things down for Muzzle Loading in Friendship, Indiana at the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Nationals. It’s one part competition and one part living history from the 1820s. And we’ve got George Sutton – Mr. Flintlock from Impossible Shots – as our guide to the people and the competition that draws folks to black powder.

Plus, the long story of the 1911s that are now History’s Guns.

Then, John reports from Hollywood with the cowboy guns from the movies.

And JP shows you how to choose and set your zero. More Info…

USA AIR TIMES
Wednesday 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central on Outdoor Channel
Shooting USA is listed as a one-hour show in your cable menu.

AND NOW IN CANADA
On the New Sportsman Canada Channel
Our Same Show, the Same Week, as in the USA

Sportsman Canada Channel is available in 750,000 Canadian Households.  Find the channel and find us north of the Border.

Subscribe to see all shows as often as you like at www.ShootingUSA.com

Jim
Defending the 2nd by Example in the 26th Year

End of the 2019 season for the Miami BPCR club

We had a great end to the season for the Miami Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Club!

Here are the scores from Saturday and Sunday at Friendship.

Saturday Keith Ux took the win with a 29 and 5 chickens! He was also our chicken pool winner for both Sat. and Sun. Good shooting as always Keith!

Sunday our friend Steve Decker, from Michigan, was our match-winner with a 28! Our King of the Hill high animal champion was Jim Lemon with 353 animals. Congratulations Jim.

Thank you to everyone and look forward to seeing you in March!

Muzzle Blasts is Growing - Exciting new announcments from the NMLRA

Muzzleloading and Living History aren’t dying, they are evolving.

We’ve been publishing “Muzzle Blasts” magazine in one form or another since 1930. Muzzle Blasts is the Original MuzzleLoading, Traditional craft, and Living History Magazine. Delivered to your door or email every month, each issue is packed with content about muzzleloader shooting sports, living history, traditional craft, tutorials, stories, and accouterments.

To expand on the quality Muzzle Blasts delivers each month, the NMLRA has launched a new media initiative to bring you more of what you love.

We’re going to take you inside events and classes like you’ve never seen, and we are able to do all of this thanks to the members of the NMLRA.

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New Platforms

We are excited to share the launch of the "Muzzle Blasts" Podcast, a new radio-like show from the NMLRA where we meet with all sorts of known and unknown people in the world of Living History.

In our first episode, we were excited to sit down with a representative from Goex Powders and Deer Creek Products to discuss the evolving world of Muzzleloading.

With aging members, many in the muzzleloading and living history communities are worried about the future of the sport. We sit down with Anita Vincenti from Goex Powder and Jim Christie of Deer Creek Products to discuss the future of muzzleloading and why it's not dying, it's evolving.

We Love Muzzle blasts

We know you love Muzzleblasts Magazine, and we want to bring you more of what you love each week.

Our dedicated Media Team will be covering not NMLRA events and classes, but muzzleloading and living history events across the country to show you that Living History is not dying, it’s evolving.

Muzzle Blasts on Social Media

We’re bringing daily updates from the world of the NMLRA to you through social media. We love hanging out around the campfire with our friends during an event, but now we can hangout everyday! With the NMLRA’s new media efforts we are bringing you the quality of Muzzleblasts right to your phone, tablet, or computer each day.

Follow the NMLRA on Facebook

Follow Muzzleblasts on Instagram

Follow the Longhunter Society on Instagram

The NMLRA on Pinterest

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NMLRA Relief Carving Class 2019

Our 2019 education series continued this past September with a course on Relief Carving and Silver Wire inlay!

Check out some of the photos below from the class, the students, and their great work. We can’t wait to see some of the beautiful Muzzleloaders built with these new skills.

November 2nd Inline Silhouette Match at the Walter Cline Range

Congratulations to Bob Wetzler for taking top honors today at NMLRA inline silhouette match.

Some incredible shooting today by all competitors.

3 shooters went 19 for 20 and came down to shoot off for the win.

Course of fire was

5 chicken 200m

5 pigs 300m

5 Turkey 420yds

5 rams 500 yds

Shoot off at 500 yds was

Ram,Turkey, pig,chicken first to miss was out and Bob put on a shooting lesson all fell out at Turkey at 500 except Bob smoked it.

Special thanks to Dan Thomas and Rod Scobee for there time to host match and Walter Cline Range

Thank you to Be Still Custom Creations Muzzleloaders for providing us with this coverage of the Inline Match on Saturday.

Flintlock tips for the field from Ramshackle Homestead with Keith and Jen

We love following Ramshackle Homestead with Keith and Jen on Instagram, and they've just released a new video on Flintlock tips for the field!

Check it out -

Easy tips, tricks and pointers to make hunting with a flintlock a little smoother.