Muzzleloading as told by ML'ers....

Well, ya’ll get to read about what I think every week, and I’ve written a little (actually, a lot) about my flintlock, muzzleloaders in general, and Muzzleloadingforum.com.

So this week I handed the reins over to forum members to hear what they think. I’ve only got room for a few of their comments in this column, but check out the “General Muzzleloading” section of the forum for the rest of the post….

I posted some basic questions such as how folks got into ML’ing, what the present issues are, why you like it, what they’d like to share….

“I feel you are looking for science and facts to discuss an emotional issue. I fish with dry flies and long fine leaders. Why? There are books full of talented authors trying to explain the fascination. It sure isn't the most productive way to put fish on the table. I think the same goes for shooting traditional black powder firearms.” – Graybeard.

“The biggest issue is the decrease in interest by the general public and younger folks in particular. Shooting as a sport seems to be falling by the wayside which is a shame. There are so many things that marksmanship can teach.... I think that the media has made shooters out to be some kind of blood thirsty moron or back woods hick. That is simply not the case. Shooting is a skill and most shooters are disciplined and careful.” – Pork Chop

“There are several as I see it. Lack of knowledge about traditional ML, the general unavailability of black powder and ML supplies….” – GeorgeC

“I did it before it became popular, will do it if it no longer is, either way has no bearing on my decision.” – TANSTAAFL

“Most people who don't shoot traditional muzzleloaders are missing out on a very satisfying experience. It's not as difficult or as much of a hassle as people who have never tried it out, think it is. For me it is one of the most relaxing things there is to do.” – Shortjack

“I, like a few others started because of the extra week of deer season…. but the biggest draw to me was the people…. The help and the knowledge to get me started floored me…. much like this wonderful forum we have here.” – RC

“How about trying to put “Primitive” back into “Primitive hunting seasons”?” – CrackStock

OK, John here jumping in for a moment…. In a lot of places muzzleloaders get a little longer hunting season and this has drawn some folks to ML’ing. But it has also spawned a new type of firearm: inlines.

These rifles are loaded from the muzzle but fired using more modern systems that are in line with the barrel, rather than the traditional flint and caplocks mounted on the side of the firearm.

A lot of traditional muzzleloaders feel something is lost by this….

“If someone wants to bypass the challenge and history with an inline that's their choice; but we're here to help them or anyone who wants to go backwards when they stop worshiping technology.” – Stumpkiller

“I would have to say that the biggest issues facing traditional frontloading are the increasing difficulty of obtaining black powder and the inlines seemingly taking over the sport.” – 41Aeronca

“Let the public know the difference between traditional muzzleloading and what is perceived by the public as traditional. There is absolutely no tradition behind 'inlines', yet they are grouped with us when muzzleloading is thought of by the public.” – Snake-eyes

“If there is an inverse snob appeal to our sport, it comes from the supreme personal satisfaction of shooting an old style of firearm, while others around us shoot the latest wonderguns, sending more ammo downrange in 10 minutes than we will fire all day long.… Let us all try to help a new shooter come to our sport.” – Paulvallandigham

“Breakaway from your pressures and worries and step back in time to a simpler era. Don’t read about Lewis and Clark, Bridger, Wyatt, ect... LIVE IT!” – Brett Sr

“Muzzleloading is a history lesson wrapped up in fun.” – Plink