This website is about traditional, black powder muzzle loading firearms of the types commonly used in America during the early 1700’s through the mid 1800’s. The purpose for this project is to promote the use of those guns and modern day reenactments of that time period in American history.
The information and knowledge presented in the articles here is the result of several decades of research, testing, collaboration, and field work. My goal here is to make this knowledge more easily accessible than it was when I first started shooting muzzle loaders. Towards that goal the articles published on these pages include instructional information necessary for the first time beginner to safely and successfully load and shoot a muzzle loading firearm, the hunter who wants to take game with a muzzle loader, or the black powder match shooter who would like to improve his scores.
Those who enjoy early American history and primitive camping will find interesting and entertaining articles as well as contact information for reenactment groups and how to get started in that hobby. Additionally, I am happy to provide a forum for those groups to promote their organization and events. I hope you enjoy this site.
Latest Articles
Traditional muzzleloader is now on Youtube
click on the following links to view the videos
Flint and steel fire starting How I make charred cloth for fire starting competition.
Loading the shotgun for optimum patterns The double barrel percussion shotgun for birds or clay targets.
Shooting the Flintlock Rifle Shooting in the Gilia National Forest
Muzzle loading pistols and Deringers
Hawken Classic highlights 2022
Modifying the Pietta Remington revolver. Modifications to allow the use of conical bullets and paper cartridges.
The Double Barrel Muzzleloading shotgun Shooting clay birds with the percussion double barrel shotgun
Smoothbore Trade Gun Shooting demonstration of the Chiefs Grade Trade Gun in the Gilia Nat. Forest
The Kentucky rifle shooting and loading demonstration in the Cibola National Forest
Disassembly and cleaning of a flintlock Tutorial on the disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly of a flintlock.
Flintlocks - The secret they don't want you to know Realiability issues with flintlocks.
Putting the flint in flintlock Demonstration of installing the flint into the lock and knapping a sharp edge onto a dull flint.
The Hawken Rifle - shooting and loading demonstration
A Masterclass on the Muzzle Loading Percussion Rifle - a five part series
1858 Remington Army Revolver - shooting and loading demonstration with the Johnson and Dow bullet
Moose Milk
Mose Milk can now be found on Amazon.
Have an article, photo, or event to share?
email me at: stevesells1955@gmail.com