by James C. Fulmer | Past President, NMLRA
Jason Schneider from Rice Barrel Company at the 18th Century Artisan Fair in Lewisburg, PA.
The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association attends many events throughout the year and February is its busiest month, especially in Pennsylvania where there are many events on the same weekend.
The National Rifle Association hosts the Great American Outdoor Show at the Harrisburg Farm Show Complex, in Harrisburg, PA. This year the event was celebrated February 6 to 14. It has immediately become a must-attend event for all outdoor enthusiasts and supporters of the NRA. The facility features over 650,000 square feet of exhibit space and there are over 1,100 exhibitors, including the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association. The NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show has a wide range of vendors from fishing and hunting outfitters, boats, trucks, shooting manufacturers, campers, even log homes—if it has something to do with the outdoors you will find it at the Great American Outdoor Show.
Alan Cors, NRA president, giving opening remarks at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA.
For me, it is always a welcome sight to see Rightnour Manufacturing from Grove City, PA, at this event. They are the largest muzzle loading supply booth (I think maybe the only one) at this event. They have everything from flints to complete muzzle loaders with a complete line of shooting supplies at their booth.
At this year’s show I also had an opportunity to talk to the fellows from G.I. Bow. Hunter, Justin, and Brendan are all partners in this bow business and they are nothing but enthusiastic about their bows which they make out of hickory. They make affordable traditional bows that can be used at many muzzle loading events I go to where traditional bow is also shot. My wife Linda bought a bow from them last year and has enjoyed it so much that I went over and bought some for the NMLRA’s 18th Century Fall Rifle Frolic held near Ft. Roberdeau, PA, in October for prizes. At the Great American Show there was an indoor range where you could shoot different bows to try them out and people from all ages where enjoying the opportunity to shoot.
You may have heard about some other February events in other publications. The 18th Century Artisan Show in Lewisburg, PA, which was held this year February 5 and 6, is one of these shows. Many people come from all over the country to attend this event. This show has 100 tables of the finest contemporary American folk art you may ever see. Some of the best muzzle loading rifles, powder horns, hunting bags, knives, and other accoutrements, are on display and for sale at this event. There are also all sorts of other 18th century reproduction items on display and for sale, including copperware, tinware, silver work, art, pottery, books, and more. There is a separate room just for muzzle loading gun parts and supplies, and two of the finest muzzle loading barrel makers in the country are there—Getz and Rice barrel companies. You can purchase every item you will need to make your custom muzzle loading rifle at this event. The NMLRA has their booth in the muzzle loading room. At this event, because of its ties to the 18th century reproduction products and muzzle loading, the NMLRA generally sells twice as many memberships a day as at any other show or event we visit except for maybe Dixie’s Gun Maker’s Fair.
John Getz the owner of Getz Barrel Company
Those were two great events in February. Now I am going to fill you in about an upcoming event that will happen May 19-22, 2016, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. That is the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. The NMLRA has supported the NRA at this annual event longer than I can remember. The NMLRA booth number at this year’s event is #3908. Stop by and visit if you attend. John Schippers will be doing engraving demonstrations and will be on hand to sign copies of his book, Engraving Historic Firearms. Admission to the exhibit hall is free for NRA members, uniformed military, law enforcement, and organized youth groups. The exhibit hall hours are Friday and Saturday 9 am – 6 pm and Sunday 10 am-5 pm. This is truly a one of a kind event. You will see the latest in firearms and accessories. There is a section for just collectors exhibiting priceless gun collections that you may never have the chance to see other than at this event.
The show is only 75 miles from the Walter Cline Range in Friendship, IN—the home of the NMLRA. If you need an excuse to go to Friendship and the NMLRA headquarters, this may be the time. The Walter Cline Range is situated almost evenly between Louisville, Indianapolis, IN, and the Cincinnati, OH, airport. It is easy to get to and now you have an excuse to visit.
The reason the NMLRA goes to shows and sets up booths is to share our love of muzzle loading and our muzzle loading heritage. There are many people who hunt with a muzzleloader or love the history of that time period who don’t even know the NMLRA exists. We seem to be the best kept secret out there. The NMLRA must change that—muzzle loading must be passed on to the next generation.
Stop by booth #3908 in Louisville, meet the officers of the NMLRA, and let us tell you what the NMLRA means to us. You won’t be sorry.
