Help finding trade shows or Rondezvous

[Stonecove]

Hi Guys, I am new at this muzzle loading sport and need to learn more before I make mistakes buying the wrong stuff.I would like to have a nice flintlock and appropriate accoutriments for a certain period. I attended the Kalamazoo Living History show in March and it was fantastic. You could view every kind of gun, powder horn, pouch immaginable. I would like to attend other such trade shows or Rendezvous in the Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Penn. area. Is there a 'Master Schedule' of events that is posted somewhere on the net. I just spent a half hour on the net searching and came up with nothing but shooting matches. Can you suggest somewhere to look for more information or other ideas on how to research the subject.
Thanks for your help.
Stonecove

 

[Bearclaw]

One of the best things you can do for yourself is join the NMLRA. That's the National Muzzleloading. Rifle Association. Visit their website. Also, another site called American Longrifle Association.
Welcome aboard! :hatsoff:
Bearclaw

 

[***Sean***]

Here is one in you neck of the woods...

May 20, 21
Horse & Buffalo
Childs Place Buffalo Ranch Spring Rendezvous
Childs Place Ranch, 12770 Roundtree Rd., Hanover, MI
Bull (517) 458-1722 or email [email protected]
Website

 

[Toomuch_36]

Hi Guys, I am new at this muzzle loading sport and need to learn more before I make mistakes buying the wrong stuff.I would like to have a nice flintlock and appropriate accoutriments for a certain period. I attended the Kalamazoo Living History show in March and it was fantastic. You could view every kind of gun, powder horn, pouch immaginable. I would like to attend other such trade shows or Rendezvous in the Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Penn. area. Is there a 'Master Schedule' of events that is posted somewhere on the net. I just spent a half hour on the net searching and came up with nothing but shooting matches. Can you suggest somewhere to look for more information or other ideas on how to research the subject.
Thanks for your help.
Stonecove

Check this site out:
[url] NRLHA.org[/url]

Toomuch
..........
Shoot Flint

 

[susie s]

Lots of stuff going on in Michigan. You can contact Sharron Smith, NMLRA secretary, at [email protected] She's a long time shooter from Beaverton, MI and generally knows every thing going on in that state! Good Luck in your endeavors! Susie

 

[hack]

Give me a call, I live in hudson and will be more than happy to help.

 

[Tommy Bruce]

Stonecove, I subscribe to smoke and fire news, I believe it's 18.00 a year and you get an issue each month. It's basically a newspaper full of listings of reenactments, rendevous, shoots ect from medival times to the 20th century. I believe the website is[url] www.smoke-fire.com[/url] If that doesn't work just do a search for smoke and fire and it should come up. They are also a sutler for 18th and 19th century goods.

 

[Slash]

You mention IN. and PA.. There are shows (not rendezvous) coming up at both. Friendship, IN is the NMLRA spring shoot in June. Dixon's Gun Fair is in July. Check[url] www.dixonmuzzleloading.com[/url]
Both are excellent places to see new things and learn. They have free seminars and everyone is glad to aswer your questions.
Slash

 

[Stonecove]

Hey guys,
Thanks so much for the feedback. I want to learn more buy not sure about the period dress required to attend some of the rondezvous. I am just getting into this. I am making a powder horn and have patterened it after my GGG Grandfather who migrated from Genesee County NY to Jackson, Michigan in 1833. Would he have had a flintlock or a cap lock?
These are the basic kinds of things I would like to learn.
Again thanks, and I will lok into the events.
Best Regards,
Stonecove

 

[Tommy Bruce]

As was suggested earlier, join the NMLRA, they also have a great magazine in Muzzleblasts. Other good publications to check out are Muzzleloader and On the Trail. There are a lot of good how to articles in these. Some may not fit your persona or time period but excellent reading none the less. Don't be afraid to go to some events as a spectator and ask questions. Most folks in this hobby are friendly and many cases enjoy helping out. Heck everyone was new at one time or another. This message board is another great place for advice. Most importantly, I'd focus on a time period, and start reading and doing research. It's a great way to pass the winter months.
Good luck and above all have fun!!

 

[Tommy Bruce]

Oh yeah, I'd say you'd be safe in going with either as far as a flintlock or capper. Personally I don't think those new fangled caps will ever catch on :rotf: :rotf: , but hey to each their own. By the 1830's I'd venture to say the flintlock was still common but probably being gained on in popularity by the caplock.