Muzzle Loading Snowshoe Biatholon Cancelled

6th Annual Snowshoe Biathlon, sponsored by the Hanson Rod & Gun Club of Hanson, MA, has been cancelled. Contrary to advertising you will see in the December '09 and January '10 issues of Muzzle Blasts, the January 23rd and 24th event has been cancelled. Any questions, please refer to the club's website at www.hansonrodandgunclub.org.

Shooting Contest!

The History Channel is looking for the ultimate marksman to win $100,000!


If you are skilled with a pistol, rifle or any other firearm, you could win $100,000 in prizes on TV’s first marksmanship competition show. The History Channel and the producers of The Ultimate Fighter are looking for anyone with mind-blowing shooting skills and a big personality to take on exciting physical challenges with multiple guns and mystery projectile weapons.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a professionally trained shooter or a self-taught, average Joe (or Jane!). As long as you’re in good physical shape, have mastered a firearm and can adapt to new weapons and demanding physical situations, you could be America’s first “Top Shot.”

APPLY TODAY!

To apply, email TopShotCasting@gmail.com with your name, city/state, phone number, a recent photo of yourself and a brief explanation of why you should be on the show. Deadline to apply is January 18, 2010. For more information, visit www.pilgrimfilms.tv and click on “CASTING” or call 818-728-3729 TODAY!

* Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, a resident or citizen of the United States and reasonably proficient with shooting and marksmanship

    So there you have it, now lets get the Muzzle Loading commmunity well represented in this contest!

NMLRA Hosts National Matches

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in Friendship, Indiana will hold its annual Fall National Championship Shoot, celebrating the muzzle loading sports and our Early American heritage, September 12th-20th. Enjoy the beautiful, blazing autumn colors of southern Indiana as you watch black powder shooting competitions and amble through the “living arts” historical crafts demonstrations featured in the Living History Center/Primitive Encampment. Opportunities abound for young people, from learning how to shoot muzzle loading firearms under the tutelage of trained instructors, to exciting “hands-on” craft activities designed especially for them! The event grounds are located in southeastern Indiana about forty miles from Cincinnati, Ohio. Public attendance is welcome and encouraged!




The NMLRA’s Mission

The NMLRA exists to promote, support, nurture, and preserve the NMLRA’s and our nation’s rich historical heritage in the sport of muzzleloading through recreational, educational, historical, and cultural venues such as match competition, hunting, gun making and safety, historical reenactments, exhibits, museums, libraries, and other related programs.



The History and Heritage of Early America and Muzzleloading

At the Living History Center/Primitive Encampment, an interactive and engaging “living history” area on the grounds, visitors can learn, laugh, listen, participate, and have fun. Located on the banks of Laughery Creek, the Living History Center serves to remind both visitor and participant alike of the importance of the historical heritage behind the sport of muzzleloading. At various times throughout the Nationals, visitors might be treated to the sounds of a hammered dulcimer, fiddle or bagpipe music. Travelers Dream, a duo specializing in the French Canadian songs and sea shanty sounds of the 18th century will be appearing, as will Jim’s Red Pants, a perennial favorite at Friendship, with their own special style of interpreting our Early American musical heritage. Tim Schaiper, an outstanding hammer dulcimer player well known for his powerful and lilting renditions of historical music, is scheduled to play. Traditional artisans and craft demonstrations include woodworkers, powderhorn making, basketmaking, weaving, soapmaking, gunsmithing, and many more living history interpretations in camps scattered throughout the Living History Center. Classes include ones devoted to the arts of making beautiful painted floor cloths (the precursor to carpeting!), bowmaking, leatherworking, and blacksmithing. Several classes require pre-registration, so please see our website for details.



Special activities are planned for children, including butter churning, glass bead stringing, an archaeology class, a “Frontier Naturalist” program, a “Children’s Trading Blanket” activity, a costume try-on booth, and candle dipping. Additional children’s programs include “Play with Clay,” where kids learn how to make a Native American-style pinch pot, and “Rub-A-Dub-Tub” where kids, combined with cold water, homemade soap, and an old fashioned washboard, create lots of fun with bubbles! And what end of summer gathering would be complete without a watermelon seed spitting contest? Pucker up!



Rand House Museum Exhibits

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Rand House Museum will host several interesting collections of firearms, swords, and Native American stone artifacts.



An exhibit of different types of pistols, on loan from the Tippecanoe County Historical Association of Lafayette, Indiana, has several unique pieces, including an extremely rare circa 1860’s air pistol by Schemann and Wirsling of Cincinnati, Ohio, a Remington-Beals 1st model revolver, and a Bacon 2nd model revolver, with an estimated production of 3,000 pieces. The Historical Association is also sending some other firearms, including a full stock/percussion/curly maple, circa 1850, a half stock 410 gauge shotgun with a checkered/carved stock, showing several repairs, a Bixler and Iddings double barrel shotgun with a checkered wrist, and a full stock percussion Kentucky rifle with a four-piece brass patchbox.



There will also be a collection of swords from the Historical Association. Several Civil War and pre-Civil War military swords, including a Confederate “Fort Sabre” by Griswold and Company, New Orleans, several 1840 Heavy Cavalry sabres, otherwise known as “the wrist breakers,” and a probable Nathan Starr cavalry saber, circa 1812.



Native American stone tools are often of great interest to those who study the early history of our country, and the Rand House Museum will host a large collection of these artifacts. Many of these pieces and large parts of the collection have won top state and national awards from various archaeological societies and numerous photos of these pieces have been published in various journals, books and magazines across the country. This collection is considered by many to be one of the best of its kind in the country.



A number of photos from the NMLRA archives that have not previously been exhibited are scheduled to be on display, and a special area will be set up with activities and museum handling materials for children. The NMLRA library will be open for visitors and NMLRA members to browse through the extensive collection of books on muzzle loading history and Early American lifeways and crafts. A special “Children’s Nook” will be set up with crayons and an “NMLRA Kids Coloring Book.” Museum hours for the National Championship Shoot will be posted on the NMLRA website at www.nmlra.org.





Exciting Firearms Competitions

National-class competitive muzzle loading shooting is a strong focus of this gathering. There are so many matches that there is truly something for shooters of all skill levels, and with all types of muzzle loading equipment. Win, lose, or draw, all the matches are enjoyable, and a great opportunity to learn by shooting with the best. A special feature of the competition area is the Youth Range, developed by the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association as a way to safely teach children how to shoot muzzle loading firearms and get them involved and engaged in the sport at a young age!



To see truly fine examples of craftsmanship, visit Gunmaker’s Hall during the Nationals. Exhibited at this facility are some of the finest examples of modern gunbuilding by today’s master craftspeople. Gunmaker’s Hall is offering a number of classes and lectures, including several on gunbuilding techniques and tips. Eric Bye, editor of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s internationally circulated magazine “Muzzle Blasts,” will also be onsite at Gunmaker’s Hall to answer questions and share his vast muzzle loading knowledge.



Shopping Opportunities

The Commercial Vendor area features a myriad of muzzle loading guns and supplies for the serious shooter or the enthusiastic beginner. Many rows of booths offer merchandise ranging from guns and gun parts to books, period clothing, leather goods, and other supplies relating to the sport. The Commercial Vendors offer a wonderful opportunity to listen and learn from the experts in the hobby. In addition, the Living History Center/Primitive Area on the event grounds provides for some interesting browsing and buying amongst the quality vendors of period merchandise and historical crafts.



Handicap parking is available. No pets are allowed except assistance animals. Gate hours are 8 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EDT September 12th-20th. Admission is charged for visitors 16 and up, and part of the parking fee benefits the American Legion. For more information on the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s National Championship Shoot, the living arts programming, and for program and class times, please contact the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at 1.800.745.1493, www.nmlra.org.



Visitors attending the National Championship Shoot might also be interested in another area attraction, the two Flea Markets that are adjacent to the NMLRA’s’s event grounds. Flea Market activities are ongoing throughout the National Championship Shoot and hours vary. For information in regards to the Flea Markets, contact the Old Mill Campground and Flea Market, Gary Stutler, 812.667.5322, and the Friendship Flea Market, Jan Schnell, 859.341.9188, or 812.667.5645, www.friendshipfleamarket.com.



For directions to the site, and information about hotel and motel facilities and other area attractions, contact the Ripley County Tourism Bureau offices, 1.888.747.5394, www.ripleycountytourism.com.



####

NMLRA will be at Kohkomah Foster

“The NMLRA has been invited to have a promotional tent at the Kohkohmah Foster living history reenactment, held September 19th-20th, 2009, outside of Kokomo, IN. We will have an opportunity to “spread the word” about all the wonderful things the NMLRA can offer black powder enthusiasts and living history reenactors. This French and Indian War event draws over 1,000 participants and 5,000 visiting public, so it should be a great opportunity for the NMLRA. The event organizer, Bob Auth, has made the NMLRA’s presence at the event a major focus of pre-event publicity! The event’s website is www.kohkohmah.com. We will be able to pass out brochures, meet and greet, and sell memberships.”

Noted Artist David Wright Donates Painting as Fundraiser for the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association

Several years ago, in recognition of the importance to our nation of the history and heritage of the sport of muzzleloading, the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association began an endowment program entitled “1 of 1000.” The endowment fund’s purpose was to support the long-term financial stability of the Association, perpetually preserving the principal while at the same time generating sufficient interest to be used for the furtherance of the NMLRA’s education goals. The premise was to recruit 1,000 members to each contribute $1,000, thereby funding the program with one million dollars. NMLRA member, Bob Copner, is currently leading the fundraising campaign.




Artist David Wright, an NMLRA Life Member who is well known for his artistic renderings of the American Frontier and early American life, has graciously given of his skills and talents in support of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s 1 of 1000 Endowment. He has donated a large, specially commissioned original oil painting entitled “The Spirit of America,” from which limited edition, signed and numbered prints and canvas giclees have been reproduced. States Wright, “Bob and I wanted to depict a subject that would represent the rich heritage and unifying spirit that enabled our forefathers to settle our country. The painting depicts a group of self-reliant settlers as they take the country westward. Each and all, in their indomitable ways, represent the unique spirit that has always characterized the American people. As they faced forthrightly the unknowns, as they stared down life-threatening risk, as they challenged the wilderness frontally, as they heard the hum of arrows, they persevered; they planted their flag. They carried freedom and democratic ideals on their backs and have earned the gratitude of the generations that have followed. They epitomize the spirit of America. It is an honor to create this painting for the 1 of 1000 Endowment, and to be part of this worthy fundraising endeavor. It is my hope that this may help assure the perpetuity of the NMLRA.”



Mr. Wright is an accomplished artist, who received formal professional training with advanced study in Italy. He joined Graystone Press in 1973, and remains with them. He has produced works for many historical sites and not-for-profit organizations, including Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Wilderness Road State Park, the Lincoln County Historical Association, the World’s Fair Arts Pavilion, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. He has also won many prestigious awards, including the “Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award,” the “Victor Higgins Work of Distinction for Best Individual Work,” and the “Patrons Choice Award.” Wright’s paintings have been featured in numerous television documentaries, and his articles have appeared in journals, magazines, and books. He has served as an historical consultant in several television documentaries, and has served as Art Director for Native Sun Productions.



Wright will relinquish any royalties from the sale of the prints, and has agreed to attend the NMLRA’s National Championship Shoot in Friendship, IN on Sunday, September 13th. He will be on hand at 2:00 p.m. in the Media Room at the Clubhouse to personally sign copies of the prints and giclees which will be made available to the public at that time. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the artist and purchase a print, or to join the 1 of 1000 Endowment and receive a free print!



For more information on purchasing the “The Spirit of America,” or on joining the 1 of 1000 Endowment program, please visit the NMLRA’s website at www.nmlra.org, or call the NMLRA offices at 1.812.667.5131.

Veterans protest Gettysburg gun law

The following article appeared in the Evening Sun:

About 30 uniformed veterans showed up to the Gettysburg Borough Council meeting on Monday to protest what one called an "unfair, if not illegal," ordinance adopted by the borough in June.
Under Gettysburg's newly amended firearms ordinance, re-enactors and veterans' organizations that routinely discharge firearms in Gettysburg are now required to pay a fee, obtain a permit and show proof of insurance before firing blanks within the borough.
At the time the ordinance was adopted, members of Borough Council were reassured that the new requirement should not break the bank for any organizations - particularly those that perform military funerals - because the $20 fee is paid only once a year and will cover all of a permit holder's events for that entire year.
It's the principle of the matter, however, that packed the room with veterans on Monday.
As the group's representative, Gettysburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 15 Commander Bob Finch asked the council to waive the fee requirement for organizations that perform military funerals.
"We ask this not because it costs $20, but because levying any fee against this venerated ceremony speaks the wrong message and a waiver to this ordinance portrays the proper respect to those fallen service members," Finch read from a prepared statement.
Finch - who said he represented 10 "congressionally-chartered" military organizations in Adams County - said he had reason to believe the fee requirement also violates federal law.
That's because service organizations that perform military funerals do so as a representative of the Department of Defense and are therefore covered by government-provided liability insurance. He also pointed out that all eligible veterans are entitled to a funeral with military honors and that that responsibility is delegated to organizations like the VFW and the Adams County Allied Veterans Council.
"We believe this ordinance to be unfair, if not illegal, to our service organizations and inadvertently a measure of disrespect to our fallen brothers and sisters who have honorably served," Finch said.
He said about 70 military funerals were performed in Adams County last year and that more than 25 have been conducted so far in 2009. With "extreme reservation," the veterans council already paid the fee for 2009 "because we respect the law."
Borough Council President Dick Peterson responded by saying the council made a "very difficult decision" and that the matter would be revisited in the Finance Committee.
Councilman Robert Krummerich, who chairs that committee, said the ordinance was passed in an effort to protect residents from potential lawsuits because firing blanks can be dangerous and the borough could be on the hook for liability.
Out of fairness, council decided not to single out any groups - such as veterans, police or firefighters - for fee exemptions, he said.
"We wanted to make this as uniform and objective as possible," Krummerich said.
The ordinance amendments were proposed in March by Mayor William Troxell, who said the borough's existing law neglected to address the longtime Gettysburg tradition of discharging guns during re-enactment events and military ceremonies.
Before it was amended, the ordinance dated back to 1968 and simply read, "No person shall, except in defense of person or property, fire or discharge any gun or other firearm within the Borough of Gettysburg."
That vague description left a lot to interpretation.
Some officials also saw the amendment as an opportunity to regulate a potentially dangerous activity by requiring permit applicants to show proof of insurance.
Council had cited the pending criminal case of a 44-year-old re-enactor, who is charged with two counts of aggravated assault for allegedly shooting a 17-year-old re-enactor with an unloaded black-powder rifle at point-blank range. The shot resulted in powder burns to two of the teen's toes and the partial amputation of one, according to court documents.
ejames@eveningsun.com

Rand House Museum Exhibits Announced for the National Championship Shoot

The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association’s Rand House Museum will host several interesting collections of firearms, swords, and Native American stone tools for the National Championship Shoot scheduled for September 12th-20th, 2009.

An exhibit of different types of pistols, on loan from the Tippecanoe County Historical Association of Lafayette, Indiana, has several unique pieces, including an extremely rare circa 1860’s air pistol by Schemann and Wirsling of Cincinnati, Ohio, a Remington-Beals 1st model revolver, and a Bacon 2nd model revolver, with an estimated production of 3,000 pieces. The Historical Association is also sending some other firearms, including a full stock/percussion/curly maple, circa 1850, a half stock 410 gauge shotgun with a checkered/carved stock, showing several repairs, a Bixler and Iddings double barrel shotgun with a checkered wrist, and a full stock percussion Kentucky rifle with a four-piece brass patchbox.

There will also be a collection of swords from the Historical Association. Several Civil War and pre-Civil War military swords, including a Confederate “Fort Sabre” by Griswold and Company, New Orleans, several 1840 Heavy Cavalry sabres, otherwise known as “the wrist breakers,” and a probable Nathan Starr cavalry saber, circa 1812.

Native American stone tools are often of great interest to those who study the early history of our country, and the Rand House Museum will host a large collection of these exhibited by an anonymous collector. Many of these pieces and large parts of the collection have won top state and national awards from various archaeological societies, and numerous photos of these pieces have been published in various journals, books and magazines across the country. This collection is considered by many to be one of the best of its kind in the country.

A number of photos from the NMLRA archives that have not previously been exhibited are scheduled to be on display, and a special area will be set up with activities and museum handling materials for children.

The Rand House Museum thanks guest curators Jeff Jaeger and Rick Conwell for their assistance.

Museum hours for the National Championship Shoot will be posted on the NMLRA website at www.nmlra.org. For more information on the Rand House Museum, or if you are interested in exhibiting at the museum in the future, please contact Leslie Martin Conwell, NMLRA American History Events Coordinator, 765.563.6792, nmlraevents@seidata.com.

NMLRA Recieves NSSF For Territorial Program

To: ALL MEDIAFor immediate release
July 27, 2009
For more information contact:
Bill Brassard Jr.bbrassard@nssf.org203-426-1320
National Shooting Sports Foundation Awards $245,000 in Grants to Shooting Facilities
NEWTOWN, Conn.—To encourage the development of new marketing strategies that will motivate people to go target shooting and hunting, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has awarded grants totaling $245,531 to 12 shooting facilities around the country. This is the second year that NSSF has distributed funding to qualifying target ranges through its Range Partnership Grant Program.
“Research tells us that millions of Americans would like to try target shooting and hunting, and the place to get started is at one of the thousands of shooting ranges across the country,” said Steve Sanetti, president of NSSF, trade association for the firearms industry. “These grants will help shooting range managers implement creative marketing strategies that will introduce newcomers and reactivate former shooters so they can enjoy lifetime activities that are fun and can be shared with family and friends. Time and again we see that when newcomers go target shooting, they like it—a lot. We just need to help get them started.”
Said Melissa Schilling, NSSF's manager of recruitment and retention, “These grants will help to test measurable projects that, if successful, will be shared with shooting facilities around the country.”
Thirty-eight proposals in all were submitted by shooting facilities nationwide. Some of this year's grant recipients proposed projects in partnership with organizations and agencies associated with recreational shooting and hunting.
The 2009 Range Partnership Grant Program recipients are as follows . . .
Wyoming Antelope Club, Florida Chapter, Saint Petersburg, FL--$13,594
Project: Increase the number of recreational shooters by marketing training and shooting programs utilizing cable television.
Turcotte Education and Shooting Facility (partnering with Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation), Jackson, MS--$12,250
Project: Develop program to introduce new shooters, with an emphasis on women and youth 12 and over.
Pocono Pistol Club, Stroudsburg, PA--$33,213
Project: Develop classes designed for women interested in becoming familiar with handguns, safety and shooting techniques.
The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, Friendship IN--$13,500
Project: Build increased awareness and interest in the shooting sports and muzzle loading through the development of new promotional materials and stepped up outreach through the association's Territorial and Charter Club program.
West Coast Armory Indoor Range, Issaquah, WA--$23,034
Project: Increase awareness of the positive benefits of shooting using Web, cable and radio advertising to reach market segments within local communities.
Grizzly Ranch (partnering with California Waterfowl Association), Sacramento, CA--$21,540
Project: Promote and host hunter education camps, shooting clinics and mentored hunting opportunities at Grizzly Ranch.
Mid-Carolina Rifle Club, Rocky Creek, Harris Springs Sportsman's Preserve and Little Mountain Gun & Supply, Inc. (partnering with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources), Columbia, S.C.--$67,000
Project: Develop model methods for improving public awareness of, and accessibility to, shooting ranges in South Carolina.
Seymour Fish & Game Club, Seymour, CT--$500
Project: Use new media marketing to engage local newcomers to the shooting sports through a singles social networking site. Event will be free to participants and will follow the guidelines of NSSF's First Shots Program.
Cardinal Shooting Center (partnering with U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance), Columbus, OH--$26,000
Project: Launch an integrated marketing plan to establish the range as a recreational alternative for youth, families and businesses that can combine meetings with a target shooting activity.
Border Tactical Range, El Centro, CA--$17,000
Project: Develop targeted marketing initiative to attract non-shooters and lapsed shooters, teach firearms safety to youth and present the shooting sports in a positive light through radio, television and print ads and social networking sites.
Silverton Sporting Ranch, Canaan, ME--$5,000
Project: Create a television show that will expose potential participants to the possibilities of where to shoot and how to enjoy the shooting sports as a family.
Openrange Inc., Crestwood, KY--$12,900
Project: Encourage the 20-35 year-olds market to add target shooting to their regular entertainment/recreational activities, with a goal of increasing membership in this category by 50 percent.
Formed in 1961, the National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.
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Running Boar Raffle

>> *2^nd Alaska Sweepstakes for a Running Boar Range Continues*… by >> Keith Bayha>>>> You may recall that two years ago we launched a campaign to raise>> $10,000 to build a running boar range at Friendship [See the September>> issue of /MuzzleBlast/]. The prize was $3000 for a facilitated trip to>> Alaska, or any other purpose the winner decided upon. *Tickets are $20>> each or 6 for $100*. _The winning ticket will be drawn at the next>> national shoot to follow attaining our goal._ Inquiries about the status of>> this project have prompted this update. To date this program has raised
over $5000 for the project.>>>>>> This past spring we arranged to sweeten our prize and increase interest>> in the 2^nd Alaska Sweepstakes. Through the generosity of Clint>> Hlebechuk, his Hallo Bay Bear Camp has donated a bear viewing experience>> for one person at Katmai National Park, as follows:>>>> · The following would be the Donated/Sponsored Tour for 1 person>> (additional persons double occupancy fares can be purchased for $2850.>> And 20% of any additional booking for the winner’s party would go to the>> NMLRA running boar range project.)>>>> *_7 Days/6 Nights of Alaska Adventure for 1 Person--a $3500.00 value_*>> *Round Trip Air Transportation from Anchorage to Homer on Grant Air.(no>> restrictions) Value $250.00>> http://www.flygrant.com>> *2 Day Car Rental with Adventure Alaska Car Rental in Homer. Value $200>> http://www.adventurealaskacars.com>> *2 Nights lodging in Hoedels B&B or Alaska Bed & Bears in Homer Value >> $300.>> http://www.homerbedandbreakfast.com>> *1 Day Fishing Charter for Halibut or salmon with Memory Maker Charters>> out of Homer. Value $250>> http://www.memorymakerfishing.com>> *Round Trip Bush Plane Transport from Homer to Hallo Bay Bear Camp in>> Katmai Value $550.>> http://www.smokeybayair.com>> *3 Days/3 Nights at Hallo Bay Bear Camp in Katmai, lodging, all meals>> and guides. Value $1800.>> http://www.hallobay.com>> *1 Night Lodging at Ocean Shores Inn, Homer or Alaska Bed and Bears.>> Value $150>> http://www.oceanshoresalaska.com>>>> · There are no black out dates, booking is based on space available.>>>> · The usual gratuities, meals while in town, fishing license, fish>> shipping, etc are not included, but all taxes are included.>>>> · The donated tour must be utilized by September 15th, 2010, but other>> arrangements may be possible. The winner will be able to negotiate>> changes as desired for his/her party.>>>> · For more information on this exciting addition to the sweepstakes>> prize check out their web site www.hallobay.com >> <http://www.hallobay.com> .>>

Pennsylvania Longrifle to become new State Symbol

The Pennsylvania Longrifle was introduced into the Pennsylvania Senate two weeks ago by PA Pat Browne of Allentown, as a resolution declaring it a new Pennsylvania Symbol. Why is this significant? Because the PA Flintlock Longrifle was more than a tool, it was defined as one of the finest examples of folk art to have ever come out of the 13 Colonies. The flintlock long rifle fed, clothed and protected the families of Pennsylvanians, and later continued to serve as a significant contribution to the War of Independence and westward expansion of the United States. To that end, the Jacobsburg Historical Society's members are volunteering at the Kutztown Folk Festival (June 27 to July 5; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to share the legacy and history of the Pennsylvania Long Rifle Museum at Boulton. NMLRA Longhunter Chairman, Dave Ehrig, is the current President of the JHS PA Longrifle Museum. For more information, contact the Jacobsburg Historical Society at www.jacobsburg.org; 610-759-9029.

NMLRA Scholarship Program

The deadline is quickly approaching to qualify for an NMLRA Scholarship in the 2009 cycle so you need to get your applications sent in! This year the NMLRA will be making some changes to its Scholarship Program, we will be giving out two, $1000 Scholarships in the fall only. This program is for members and their immediate family. You can download the form from the NMLRA web site at NMRA.org or request one from the NMLRA office. Go to NMLRA Programs on the website and click on Scholarship Applications. Be sure to follow directions carefully, include all materials indicated, and make sure the application is complete. You must be a graduating senior, enrolled in some form of higher education, or already going to college to qualify. You must also have an ACT or SAT score included, even if you are in college. If you have any questions about or would like to make a donation to the NMLRA Scholarship Program please contact Susie Szynalski via email at sszynalski@yahoo.com or call her at 574-772-4707. Enjoy the summer shooting season!

National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association. Who are we?

The pie chart is a result from a National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association questionnaire that was sent out as a part of a fourth reminder for renewals to the Association. The results were taken from May 2008 to May 2009. These results show that the NMLRA has something in it for everybody. NMLRA members are diversified and have many interests but all are based around that one common object, the Muzzle Loading Firearm. While NMLRA represents many different groups of Muzzle Loaders the key is that the NMLRA has been here for them over the past 75 years. The fight against ever increasing restrictions on black powder is always on going and the NMLRA has been a leader in this area and will continue to do so but now a new front is opening up against the Muzzle Loading enthusiast. Lead is being banned for hunting in many states and across Europe, it truly is time to "join or die" . If you use lead round balls or bullets for any of the activities listed in the pie chart or you just want to make sure others can it is time to join the NMLRA. Go to NMLRA.org and join us in the fight to keep our shooting sport alive for generations to come.

NMLRA Youth Shoot

I would like to personally invite you to attend the NMLRA 2009 National Youth Shoot being held in Friendship, Indiana from July 18-19.

We are a few short weeks away from the event and here are some of the highlights:

* A custom built rifle, hunting bag and powderhorn will be given in a drawing to one of the luck registered shooters (see picture in attached article of rifle donated by Ray Franks of Sitting Fox Custom Muzzleloaders).

* Ages 1 to 21 welcome - we have something for everyone
* Every shooter gets a prize with the top shooter winning a rifle
* Free camping
* Food venders will be available
* Muzzleloading, Woodswalk (22 Cal), Pistol (22 Cal), Shotgun (20 gauge), Archery, Paintball, Tomahawk, Candle Dipping, Air Rifle

Invite your kids, grandkids and neighbors. It is a great weekend! <>

For more details, go to www.nmlra.org
Questions, email nmlrayouth@seidata.com or call Scott Mings at 317-364-0120.

NMLRA host NRA Blackpowder Championships

For the first time ever the NMLRA hosted the NRA Blackpowder Championships during its Spring National matches! The NMLRA hosted these matches as part of its matches to give the opportunity to more shooters to compete in both matches and it was a great success. With over a quarter of mile of covered firing line plus trap,skeet and sporting clays fields there plenty of shooting for everyone! Look forward to this event again next spring and check out the NMLRA website at NMLRA.org for more matches and events held at the Walter Cline Range.

Welcome

Welcome to the official blog of the NMLRA! Put this site in your favorites as the premiere site for all things Muzzle Loading!