Traditional Craft

Making and Remodeling Muzzle Loading Pistols Part 2

Part I of this series presented alternatives for solving one of the most vexing problems in the making of a muzzleloading pistol”: “There is little difference between making a rifle and making a pistol-except: how does a smith hang onto a pistol stock while working on it?”

Preserving the "Journal of Historical Armsmaking Technology" Book Series

Preserving the "Journal of Historical Armsmaking Technology" Book Series


First published in 1985, this series provides a scholarly approach to understanding the technologies which have comprised the gunmaking trade since its inception.

Making and Remodeling Muzzle Loading Pistols Part 1

Making muzzleloading pistols is a much-maligned craft. “To a gunsmith, Kentucky pistols leave a lot to be desired. Pistol making is time-consuming and challenges all of the skills required to make a good rifle. A barrel, breech plug, and lock have to be inletted. Triggers, thimbles, nose cap, butt cap, side plate, bolts, screws, sights, ramrod, and stock all have to be created just as they must for a longrifle. To be of use, the hardware has to be of rifle quality.

Tools of the Trade: The work of Chris Crosby

Seems like people just have a natural talent for doing stuff...making things. Things that aren’t merely functional, sturdy, more or less historically accurate and get the job done – things that look like somebody just ripped them out of 250/260 years ago and stuck ‘em right up in front of your face. Weapons, clothing, accouterments that grab you by your heart-strings and whisper; “Hey, you need to buy me – now”! My friend Chris Crosby is one of those supremely talented, tremendously motivated sort of craftsmen

Virginia Shot Pouch Class with Jeff Luke [VIDEO]

Virginia Shot Pouch Class with Jeff Luke [VIDEO]

In April, 2021 the NMLRA was excited to be hosting another leather pouch construction class with Jeff Luke. Jeff has been a great supporter of the NMLRA Education Program and having him back was a lot of fun.

Simple Longrifle Stock Carving and Mouldings for your Muzzle Loader Kit

Step into the classroom as Mike Brooks and Wayne Estes teach students how to assemble their own Kibler Longrifle Kits. In this video, we follow along as Wayne Estes shows a student how to carve an incised line stock moulding along with some traditional chip carving techniques.

A Traditional, NON CORROSIVE Longrifle Hardware Finish

Step into the classroom as Mike Brooks and Wayne Estes teach students how to assemble their own Kibler Longrifle Kits. In this video, we follow along as Wayne Estes shows a student how to fire blue the metal hardware for their Kibler Southern Mountain Rifle Muzzleloader kit

Young Adult Iron Mounted Colonial Longrifle Class with Ian Pratt

Students will build an Iron mounted colonial era flintlock longrifle from a blank.

Students will have a choice of wood, barrel profile, caliber, and lock. Included with the class will be a hand forged trigger guard and buttplate from Ian Pratt.

Powder Horns and Flasks from the Valley Forge National Historic Park

The Valley Forge National Historical Park has shared a great PDF about the powder horns and flasks in their collection from the 15th to 18th century.

Check out the document at this link, or embedded down below.