by James C. Fulmer | Past President, NMLRA
Carl Rumpke (left) presents the 1 of 1000 powder horn to Jim Fulmer (right) Past President of the NMLRA. (Photo courtesy Rick Sheets)
The year is flying by with so many events spilling into the next. It seems like it was yesterday the Honourable Company of Horners were holding their annual conference at the US Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA, last March. The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association and the Honourable Company of Horners (HCH) have had a good working relationship dating back to 2007. The HCH has provided powder horns to be used to promote the NMLRA’s “1 of 1000” Endowment Program. The purpose of the endowment is to create an account with $1,000,000 to help support the long term stability of the NMLRA. Only 75% of the interest earned on this money can be used to support new and innovative programs that will help the NMLRA grow and prosper. Each person who contributes $1,000 will receive a personalized certificate and a pin recognizing their contribution and an opportunity to win a “1 of 1000” powder horn. This year’s powder horn was presented to the NMLRA by Guildmaster-Elect Carl Dumke. It is a beautiful powder horn made by a master craftsman that anybody would love to own. Again, thanks to the HCH for their continued support of the NMLRA.
Walter Malbry with the horns he made representing Tim Tansel powder horns.
What I have started doing in my column is to write about upcoming events the month before or even that same month because Muzzle Blasts and TheGunMag usually has enough lead time so you can attend an event. That is how NMLRA member Charles Kuhn showed up at the HCH meeting last March. I had written it up in the magazine that the NMLRA would have a booth there, so he came to visit to see what was happening. I forget so many times that the only contact many people get from the NMLRA is through Muzzle Blasts. So here are a number of events for July—some are brand new and some are old, but all are happening this month. Some attract people from all over the country and, yes, even the world.
The 35th Annual Dixon’s Gunmakers Fair is one of the great muzzleloading events. Located near Kempton, PA, it is not a shoot, but rather one of the largest gatherings of people interested in building muzzleloaders and making accouterments that is held in the US. There are parts manufactures for your lock, stock, and barrels, and all kinds of parts and accessories to make your muzzleloader. Many people come for the expert seminars which cover everything from inletting to Dutch oven cooking. The Hartranfts (Mel and Paul) will be down in the basement showing rifling on an 18th century style rifling machine. The event runs July 28-30; it is always held the last full weekend of July. Here is also where people will bring their rifles from all over the country to be judged on their craftsmanship. It started mostly with muzzleloading firearms, then knives, tomahawks, shot bags, and powder horns were added to the competition as well. So many HCH members come to this event that they hold a summer reception at the same time as Dixon’s nearby to the event. If you want to meet many of the Honourable Company of Horners they will be at this event. Tom Ames the current Guildmaster of the HCH will be there helping to judge accouterments. You can meet the who’s who of the muzzleloading world at Dixon’s.
Left to right, Dean Freund and Daniel Boling with the Journeymen horner papers they received; next step is Master Horner.
July is a busy month in Pennsylvania for the NMLRA with the 2017 NMLRA Territorial Matches going on July 14-16, at Blue Mountain Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in Shartlesville. The range is located just off route #78, the first exit west of the Cabela’s Store in Hamburg. July is also a popular time to shoot the NMLRA territorial matches in Alaska, Maine, Missouri, and Oregon. Colorado also shoots their trap and skeet program in July. For more information on the NMLRA Territorial Matches and other muzzleloading clubs in your area check out their locations at NMLRA.org.
Speaking of the Cabela’s in Hamburg, PA, check out their website on upcoming events. The NMLRA will be setting up a pre-1840 encampment there July 22-23. Here is where the NMLRA will give the public a glimpse back into history with blackpowder matches and primitive archery. There will be displays and seminars on cleaning and maintaining both traditional and in-line muzzleloaders. There will be demonstrations on muzzleloading rifles, shotguns, and revolvers. In addition, primitive archery will be set up for demonstrations. If anybody is in the area, stop by and visit; it will be fun and you will get to see what all the NMLRA has to offer to people who love to camp, hunt, and shoot. If this weekend event is successful, hopefully it will be duplicated at different stores across the country. There is a need to promote the shooting sports to the public and muzzleloading is a good way to do it with the combination of history, nostalgia, and for most states another season to hunt. It is not just the NMLRA’s duty to keep our history and sport alive; it is every member’s duty.
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. Everybody, and I mean everybody, needs to be read this document. Get on line and print out a copy that you can read in boldface. Make sure you have a copy that follows the same spelling and punctuation as the original parchment. Read it carefully and feel the passion that comes from these words. These words are just as important now as they were in 1776. We must keep the spark alive for the next generation. Enjoy your 4th of July and pass on the love of freedom and muzzleloading.
