In the mid-70's I got into muzzleloading. Started with a Thompson Center 54 Hawken like a lot of others. I was stationed at Fort Campbell at the time. As my interest in the mountain man grew I wanted a full stock flintlock. So one winter I bought a giant block of walnut, a long 1 1/8" 54 cal barrel, a lock, triggers, and all the iron components and spent the winter carving on that walnut and hand swamping the barrel in our living room. It was ugly but boy could it shoot, weighing in at 12 pounds. I went to Friendship a couple of times and perhaps that's where I was introduced to the AMM, I don't really remember. I was invited to join and had a blast improving my knowledge, my clothes, everything, and of course hanging out with my brothers at Eastern Rendezvous and just get togethers in the hills of Kentucky. Finest men I've ever known to be sure.
Apparently eventually one or more of my brothers took pity on me and introduced me to Hershel House. The name meant nothing to me at the time but I sure drooled over his work. In particular a 54 long rifle that he'd built. Of course I was just a poor Sergeant in the Army, no way I could buy this thing of beauty. And that's when one of my AMM brothers stepped in and loaned me the money. You can imagine how proud, thrilled, and greatful I was to go from my ugly creation to his work of art.
Of course all things come to an end. I left the Army and became even poorer and had to sell that rifle along with the one I'd built and the Thompson Center, along with my entire outfit. No idea what became of it.
Hershel is now with the other members of my brigade that have gone under, all good friends for sure. One of these years it will be my honor to join them.