New look Muzzle Blast

[tecum-tha]

I enjoy the new MuzzleBlast more with the new full color photos.
I think the quality in articles increased.
At Friendship there are maybe 2 hand counts of unmentionable front stuffers. The rest is traditional.
I can see clearly why there is less interest with younger shooters:
Not enough mentors
And
Not enough affordable traditional quality ML guns.
The unmentionables can be had everywhere for not much money. These are quality firearms and dirt cheap for their performance.
Barrel coating and stainless steel barrels make for easy maintenance.

 

[coloradoclyde]

I can see clearly why there is less interest with younger shooters:
Not enough mentors
And
Not enough affordable traditional quality ML guns.

I'll agree with that....It's about access.
A lack of access is........... :hmm:

 

[Gene L]

ML have always been pretty expensive. As I remember, I mean not awfully expensive, but if you had to buy one, you'd have to scrimp.

More than expense, I think shooting in general except for combat shooting has declined. For the following reasons: more people are living in towns and cities now, and range opportunities are very limited, especially for BP. Not indoor-range friendly.

Also, growth in population has closed down a lot of hunting areas. Used to when I was a kid, a long time ago, hunting for me was a quarter-mile walk. At most. Now, in the same area, there are houses and posted property.

People are not as gun-friendly as they were. Nowadays, three kids with rifles who are walking down a road to hunt, they're reported as a "gang."

I don't know about MLs, maybe they're immune from the last paragraph. Mentors, sure, I suppose they're hard to come by. Destruction is the insistence by some that every damn thing must be Period Correct. Most young people can't afford to be PC and yet they are criticized if the lock on their rifle is anachronistic.

 

[coloradoclyde]

I don't know about MLs, maybe they're immune from the last paragraph. Mentors, sure, I suppose they're hard to come by. Destruction is the insistence by some that every damn thing must be Period Correct. Most young people can't afford to be PC and yet they are criticized if the lock on their rifle is anachronistic.

I guess I disagree with most of that....
Clothing was just as expensive if not more so back in the hay-day....

One thing that I have noticed, is that many events are still run by the same who started them back in the 70's.....
Old, tired, and sometimes general disgusted with today's youth, they are not the best spokespersons, ambassadors or recruiters.
There is a huge disconnect between the older generation and the new generations....There is also a serious lack of digital online presence...
The lack of online media is astonishing....
Sure! there are a few torch bearers....

There is no doubt that some kind of reinvention is needed....and I have some thoughts on that...

One thing is absolutely certain....Discarding the keepers of historical and period correctness will make this sport disappear faster than anything..

One does not have to be 100% perfect to play....But the HC/PC crowd keeps us from wandering off into the abyss....

If this sport truly wants growth, then it needs to appeal to a "never before" demographic. It needs to disassociate itself with those things that are deemed "unattractive".

Once, there was a time when a Doctor, lawyer, or CEO wouldn't be caught dead riding a Harley... :hmm:

 

[meanmike8665]

Don't leave us hanging... what are your thoughts to save muzzle loading?

Michael

 

[Gene L]

A pair of bluejeans is cheaper than a "period hunting outfit." I doubt we're near the abyss with wearing modern clothing.

Side lock rifles are to me important. What one is wearing when shooting a side lock is not. I oppose the "club" mentality, maybe because it seems to be a relatively current thing. When I was a teen lusting for a ML, at the Hiawasse Fair shoot, NO ONE dressed in period clothing. This was a long time ago and the event is no longer held. It was about shooting MLs, many of which at that time were original or custom made since the market was specialized. This was 55 years ago and period dress would have been looked upon as dramatic. It was a great event with folks having a good time.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Besides yourself, who is stopping you from shooting in blue jeans?
Sounds like a self imposed barrier to me...
The only events that require period dress are reenacting shoots, Because they are part of reenacting.....There are still plenty of Blue jean competitions..
It's a "do your own thing" sport. start your own shoot....it only takes two people to tango.

Often I think the problem isn't reenacting the past...but rather being stuck in it...

 

[coloradoclyde]

There is also one other thing relating to a lack of increased participation...

A lack of open discussion..

 

[meanmike8665]

Of what?

Michael

 

[coloradoclyde]

Everyone wants to complain or offer their opinions.....
Few are willing to discuss, offer, and entertain solutions....
Cooperation is a 4 letter word.

No one it seems is willing to implement changes.

It's like a quagmire. :idunno:

 

[meanmike8665]

:grin: Since this discussion is under Muzzle Blast magazine, I am asking again. What suggestion do you have? I am the Region 7 Field Rep Coordinator for the NMLRA. I listen to all suggestion and have had a hand in making changes, but if you just want to speak in riddles and innuendo nothing will change. I will be going to the Field Rep meeting at the Western National in March please share your ideas and concerns.

Michael

 

[coloradoclyde]

Do you have a copy of the bylaws?

 

[meanmike8665]

No, if you want a copy I will see about having one sent to you.
Again give some idea about what you would change?
Michael

 

[coloradoclyde]

They can start by making their bylaws available online....and by aligning their bylaws with their mission statement.

 

[Gene L]

Bylaws? That's a little too "organized" for me. Or am I misunderstanding? Mission statement: to have fun shooting traditional ML rifles. By laws: don't manure in the spring, don't throw shade on other shooters. No in-lines.

Every law that's made takes away a bit of freedom. I think they should be there, but carefully limited.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Bylaws? That's a little too "organized" for me. Or am I misunderstanding? .

Yes! you are misunderstanding....Bylaws are critical to the function of an organization...
Without them it becomes corrupt and chaotic.
They must also align with their mission....or they suffer the same fate.... It also directly affects growth.

 

[coloradoclyde]

I was once burdened with the task of turning an organization around...
This organization was corrupt....broke from embezzlement, and bleeding members....
Two years after I was elected president we had to put a cap on open membership because it grew by over 700% and had so much money that we easily met our goals and membership fees were able to be reduced by 50%

 

[meanmike8665]

I was surprised not to find the Bylaws on line. I will bring it up at the Field Rep meeting, as an FYI the President has been at the last three meeting I attended and there are always Board members around who will listen to suggestion. As far as the Mission Statement it is rather clear, promote shooting, hunting ... sounds good to me.

Michael
PS, sorry this came late I went shooting today.

 

[Snakebite]

As a member I seem to remember seeing the bylaws, just don't remember where. I know we vote on changes from time to time.

I see people spend $6.00 on a pack or $60 on a carton of cigarettes without batting an eye. $40 to support the organization that's trying to look out for those of us who shoot muzzleloaders, for me, is worth it. Even if it was just for a magazine, still cheaper that a lot of things we blow our money on.

Just my thought.

 

[coloradoclyde]

PS, sorry this came late I went shooting today.

Hope you shot well... :v