Well, I've been registered here for a few days and just generally browsing around, so I guess it's time to introduce myself. My name Is Claude (Yeah, I know, that name is taken!). I'll be real easy to differentiate from the same-named moderator because I am just about completely unknowledgeable about muzzleloaders.
I can't say that I'm here because of a special passion for muzzleloaders, but I have a passion for firearms in general, rifles in particular and muzzleloaders certainly qualify.
I live near Joliet, IL and my wife and I operate a bookkeeping/tax service there. I spent quite a few years living downstate in Macoupin County, but I've been back upstate since Jimmy's recession. I'm active with the Illinois State Rifle Association and with the ISRA Range at Bonfield, IL.
My greatest interest is Conventional High Power Rifle competition - specifically Service Rifle. I can't resist a sweet .22 rifle or a milsurp center-fire, I have a pretty fair sampling of handguns and more shotguns than I have any use for since I don't have any aptitude for wing-shooting at all.
I have a Ruger Old Army I've fooled around with just enough to know it is highly functional, but I sought out this site because I've just acquired a .58 caliber Cabela's Hawken rifle. I've known I needed a muzzleloader to expand my deer season and 'just because', but something else always said "Buy me!" a little louder. Then I had a chance to buy this used Cabela's rifle in 99% condition at a fundraising auction and I snagged it. On the appropriate pages, I'll be seeking general info to get me up to speed on this rifle because I'm pretty green in this area.
I'm really tickled to finally be over the hump and have a front-stuffer to play with. I've always noticed that the NMLRA guys seem to be having a whale of a good time, and the denizens of this site seem to be cut from that cloth.
I've read enough about traditional muzzle-loading to be highly impressed with how far our forebears brought the technology, so I'm really looking forward to learning from you all and seeing what can be done with my new old rifle.
That's my Howdy!
I can't say that I'm here because of a special passion for muzzleloaders, but I have a passion for firearms in general, rifles in particular and muzzleloaders certainly qualify.
I live near Joliet, IL and my wife and I operate a bookkeeping/tax service there. I spent quite a few years living downstate in Macoupin County, but I've been back upstate since Jimmy's recession. I'm active with the Illinois State Rifle Association and with the ISRA Range at Bonfield, IL.
My greatest interest is Conventional High Power Rifle competition - specifically Service Rifle. I can't resist a sweet .22 rifle or a milsurp center-fire, I have a pretty fair sampling of handguns and more shotguns than I have any use for since I don't have any aptitude for wing-shooting at all.
I have a Ruger Old Army I've fooled around with just enough to know it is highly functional, but I sought out this site because I've just acquired a .58 caliber Cabela's Hawken rifle. I've known I needed a muzzleloader to expand my deer season and 'just because', but something else always said "Buy me!" a little louder. Then I had a chance to buy this used Cabela's rifle in 99% condition at a fundraising auction and I snagged it. On the appropriate pages, I'll be seeking general info to get me up to speed on this rifle because I'm pretty green in this area.
I'm really tickled to finally be over the hump and have a front-stuffer to play with. I've always noticed that the NMLRA guys seem to be having a whale of a good time, and the denizens of this site seem to be cut from that cloth.
I've read enough about traditional muzzle-loading to be highly impressed with how far our forebears brought the technology, so I'm really looking forward to learning from you all and seeing what can be done with my new old rifle.
That's my Howdy!
