I Love Muzzleloading

Follow Matty's work on facebookToday we're talking with Matty Ward about his history in muzzleloading and living history, how his interests have changed and how he balances 21st century life and being a father with his passion for history. Matty Ward is a maker devoted to needle, thread, and the quiet art of handwork. Each piece I create is stitched by hand, guided by historical practice, patience, and a deep respect for the craft as it was known centuries ago. The Stitched Waldo creates custom, hand-sewn men’s and boys’ garments inspired by the 18th century.Pre-order a "Ditch Rat Mess" Sticker hereLearn more about this and many other things related to muzzleloading at ILoveMuzzleloading.comDon't miss the Kalamazoo Living History Show, March 21-22, 2026. Learn more at KalamazooShow.comMusic by Hawken Horse and used with permission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something that started as a "side business" has turned into a second career for Chris Laubach of Pennsylvania. Trained as a Tool and Die maker turned product development designer, Chris' focus has turned to his boyhood time in the shop with his father where he designs and manufactures locks, sights, and other muzzleloading accoutrements for today's enthusiast.In this episode we talk about Chris' background, being a student of icons like Wallace Gusler, and how this recent leap of faith has changed everything.Follow Chris here:https://williamsburgforge.com/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077024997427Learn more about this and many other things related to muzzleloading at ILoveMuzzleloading.comDon't miss the Kalamazoo Living History Show, March 21-22, 2026. Learn more at KalamazooShow.comMusic by Hawken Horse and used with permission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're talking with Chris Supinger about his story in muzzleloading, how he got started in the 80s and how he kept his passion going while raising a family. Chris passed his love of history to his daughter and now they share research and ideas back and forth. Chris also works with a local site and group of volunteers to give others the opportunity to fall in love with history just as he did. Learn more about this and many other things related to muzzleloading at ILoveMuzzleloading.comDon't miss the Kalamazoo Living History Show, March 21-22, 2026. Learn more at KalamazooShow.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I share some stories from my friend Max, who got into muzzleloading in 1962, on the cusp of a cultural wave that would define the next 30 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're talking with 21 year old Ben Starnes about his muzzleloading story. Ben got his start at a young age as a lover of history, books caught him first, then local museum programs showed him what it could be like to re-create history; from there, he was hooked. He's participated in American Civil War events, but currently focuses on the American War for Independence where he is a member of the "Lincoln County Militia" representing a unit from the Carolina backcountry. Militia impressions are quintessential Americana, but he doesn't stop there. Ben and his Unit can also portray British Light Infantry if the need is there, showing their dedication to history and a passion for sharing it with others.Ben is a young man in a community of "grey hairs", I hope you enjoy his story and perspectives on muzzle loading and living history. Follow Ben's Unit: https://www.facebook.com/LincolnCountyMilitiahttps://www.instagram.com/lincoln_countyregt?igsh=N2gybGd2eWlpMGY2Learn more about this and many other things related to muzzleloading at ILoveMuzzleloading.comDon't miss the Kalamazoo Living History Show, March 21-22, 2026. Learn more at KalamazooShow.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Read the full press release: https://www.ilovemuzzleloading.com/blog/estes-energetics-owner-of-goex-blackpowder-plant-acquired-by-voyager-technologies Voyager Technologies announced Nov. 20 it acquired Estes Energetics, a supplier of solid rocket motors and energetic materials. The move underscores Washington’s push to rebuild domestic production lines for critical defense components. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we talk with author and historian Jay Hopkins about his history in collecting muzzleloaders and how a lifetime of learning and losing mentors inspired him to write 3 books collecting his knowledge of southern horns. Learn more at https://www.ilovemuzzleloading.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we catch up with Jake Book and chat about his latest immersive event, "Dark and Bloody Ground". Jake and I chat about the event, it's planning, and what he's learned for the next one. I hope this conversation provides some context for immersive events and helps you understand another part of this community to ultimately get involved and have some fun.Read Jake's blog - https://shirttailmess.blogspot.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're talking with Dave Person and Maria Gray about the work their doing at Braintree Hill. Dave and Maria specialize in British arms from the muzzleloading period, but enter other avenues as we discuss. Dave and Maria are a unique pair, aged more than 50 years apart, the story of how they met, and how they continue to work together is a special one. I'm excited for you to hear it today. The Gunshoppe at Braintree Hill is composed of two artisans recreating historically accurate firearms from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. We are dedicated to creating examples of the finest flintlock firearms of the period that merge art with function.Follow their work online: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571370634703, https://www.instagram.com/bh_vt_gunshoppe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join to get access to perks & support the program: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7OQvf6lnzYUw8_g7ehxR_Q/joinToday I'm talking with Jeff Warner about his and the PA Federation of Blackpowder Shooters initiative to ADD flintlock muzzleloader hunting to the early Pennsylvania hunting season. Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/implement-a-fall-flintlock-only-hunting-season-in-pennsylvania Learn more at https://www.ilovemuzzleloading.com/ Click here to SUBSCRIBE - http://bit.ly/ILMvideo Videos also available on Utreon - https://utreon.com/c/ILoveMuzzleloading/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join to get access to perks & support the program: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7OQvf6lnzYUw8_g7ehxR_Q/join I've been itching to get into more research-focused projects and this is my first go at that. Trade Guns are a class of firearm made in northern Europe during the early 17th century. These guns were made specifically for barter to the natives of sub-Saharan Africa, North America, and South America By 1670 they had earned a reputation for being the “Cheapest, most dangerous to use firearm that money could buy” - SJ Gooding We’re going to look at how these arms went from being cheap trade trash to some of the finest, notable arms made before the 20th century When this was just an idea, I had a simple view of the NW trade gun. After researching, I’ve found a whole lot more that really shifts what I thought the North West trade gun was and is. It’s a fascinating story, this is just scratching the surface. CHAPTERS 0:00 An Introduction to the Northwest Trade Gun 11:32 The Evolution of the Northwest Trade Gun 12:27 The Hudson Bay Company 18:41 The North West Company 24:30 The Late 18th Century 31:10 Government Gift Guns 37:31 The 19th Century 41:22 The Last Flintlocks 43:08 Research Sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk with David Stavlo from Lodgewood Manufacturing about his story in muzzleloading and how he left college and purchased an aging business with no safety net. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're talking to Eddie Davenport about some of the muzzleloading news coming out of the SHOT Show 2025. We'll cover the Pedersoli Baker, Traditions, CVA, Thompson Center and a few more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a bit of a deviation from my information focused format, today I'm sharing some of my thoughts on muzzleloading news, trends and culture. I try to pose some questions and thoughts to get all of our gears turning to capitalize on the new year where we can. Let me know your thoughts anytime in the comments or via email. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join to get access to perks & support the program2024 was generally light on muzzleloading news, apparently saving it for the last few weeks. In this edition of Muzzleloading News, we touch on the big stories of the end of 2025 and some exciting news coming from the first week of 2025. Learn more at https://www.ilovemuzzleloading.com/ Click here to SUBSCRIBE - http://bit.ly/ILMvideo Videos also available on Utreon - https://utreon.com/c/ILoveMuzzleloading/0:04 GOEX Updates, or lack thereof. 1:14 Percussion caps 5:21 Thompson/Center Updates 7:38 New Lock from L&R 9:02 InvestArm Quality Issues 11:18 Kibler Hawken Updates 13:07 Events Season Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I sit down with Alison and Tom Hall to talk about their history with muzzleloading, what Traditions is all about, and what they have planned for the future. Tom is a muzzleloading industry veteran, it was great to talk with him about contemporary muzzleloading history and about how the industry has changed since the 1970s. Alison is the marketing manager for Traditions and brings her own perspective about the sport, its history and how the industry has changed. She shares the story of her first hunt and what it's like working in the muzzleloading industry. I'd like to thank our sponsors for their support:ThorBullets - Visit ThorBullets.com to learn more.Muzzleloader Magazine - Visit MuzzleloaderMagazine.com to learn moreGet your own "I Love Muzzleloading" Hat hereClick here to SUBSCRIBE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we talk with Alex from the Frontier Trading Company about his experience at the 2024 NMLRA Spring National Shoot, hear about his upcoming projects and discuss what his mindset is heading into hunting season.I'd like to thank our sponsors for their support:ThorBullets - Visit ThorBullets.com to learn more.Muzzleloader Magazine - Visit MuzzleloaderMagazine.com to learn moreGet your own "I Love Muzzleloading" Hat hereClick here to SUBSCRIBEFollow the Frontier Trading Company on YoutubeCheck out the Frontier Trading Company Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re talking with Gregg Ritz about the long awaited return of Thompson/Center. Many, myself included thought the news of Thompson/Center’s divestment spelled out the end of the company and an American Legacy, but thatnks to Gregg and his team, that isn’t the case.I’m asking Gregg some of the questions you want answered. We’re talking about timelines, production schedules, what will be made first, and when we can expect to see a Thompson/Center Hawken back in the hands of muzzleloading enthusiasts.I'd like to thank our sponsors for their support:ThorBullets - Visit ThorBullets.com to learn more.Muzzleloader Magazine - Visit MuzzleloaderMagazine.com to learn moreGet your own "I Love Muzzleloading" Hat hereClick here to SUBSCRIBEAbout GregGregg Ritz® is a highly respected household name in every arena of the outdoor industry. His extensive and diverse role in television has led to success in other avenues, including personality endorsement, brand management, mergers and acquisitions, and many other industry-shaping pursuits.Gregg is also one of the industry’s most accomplished hunters, with a long list of record book-caliber accomplishments across the globe. For the past 30 years his dedication for adventure hunting is unmatched, his technical muzzleloading expertise and passion for archery is world renowned, his scouting and land management skills are second-to-none, and his use of innovative hunting tactics has made him an authority on big game hunting worldwide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I talk with my wife Paisley about our first family living history experience, what we learned and what we plan on doing to improve our impression and equipment for next time. Paisley and I have day-tripped to events since we were dating but things never lined up with work to become participants at an event, that all changed this year where we are planning on being out almost 10 weekends in 2024.We aren't professionals by any means and we are still learning, but we wanted to share some of the planning we did to do our best to make sure we, and our toddler had a great time in the 18th century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian LaMaster is a master gunsmith, craftsman, and artist. He handcrafts early rifles and fowlers, offers fine restorations, and is an expert in Kentucky rifle styles. An appraiser, consultant, advisor, restorer, creator, and historian, Brian’s knowledge, experience, and work is highly valued. A true enthusiast, Brian’s interest in all guns is lifelong—and he believes every gun, in any condition, reveals something to be learned. In addition to 18th and 19th century rifles and fowlers, he collects bags, horns, tomahawks, swords, furniture, tools, and Native American trade guns. He learned under the tutelage of Keith Casteel in Woodstock, Virginia in 1985, becoming a full-time master gunsmith in 1992.I'd like to thank our sponsors for their support:ThorBullets - Visit ThorBullets.com to learn more.Muzzleloader Magazine - Visit MuzzleloaderMagazine.com to learn moreGet your own "I Love Muzzleloading" Hat hereClick here to SUBSCRIBEVist Brian's Website - https://lamasterarms.com/Brian's Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@LaMasterArmsBrian's Seminar from the 2023 Gunmakers Fair at Kempton - https://youtu.be/bq-DvvpTvDk?si=HkfTlyujHOVvtob6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.