Hi all,
I'm still new to this scene--just got into flintlocks a little over a year ago. In that time I've acquired two: a T/C Hawken that I purchased last summer, and a TVM Early Lancaster that I ordered late last summer and received early this year.
In my spare time between going to the range and putting lead downrange, I've immersed myself into the study of these beautiful devices. One of the first books I read on the subject will be familiar to many of you here: Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age. The many illustrations and biographies contained in this book just captivated me. This year I also made the pilgrimage to Dixon's gunfair here in PA, which showed me just how popular this hobby is. It was great to see such a wide array of people with a common interest, most of whom have been following this path for much longer than I.
One of my other interests is Japanese swords. Out of all the weapons in the world, for me, katanas and longrifles are the closest in spirit. Both of them are handcrafted and contain traces of the craftsman's personality. When well executed, both of them possess an essence that makes them seem alive. The flow of the lines, the carving, the rituals one does to get the thing to fire every time, the elaborate cleaning. It's not just about pointing the thing down range, pulling the trigger, and making 1" groups every time at 200 yards. It's a visceral experience that draws you in.
This hobby has become a relaxing and intriguing pastime for me. I'd like to thank all of you here for your interest, enthusiasm, and knowledge; you who have given me so many hours of fascinating reading and expert advice in these pages. You who take the time to post the wisdom of your experiences for the benefit of novices like me.
Looking forward to continuing this fascinating journey.
Blue skies and calm winds,
PA Prof
Wellsboro, PA
I'm still new to this scene--just got into flintlocks a little over a year ago. In that time I've acquired two: a T/C Hawken that I purchased last summer, and a TVM Early Lancaster that I ordered late last summer and received early this year.
In my spare time between going to the range and putting lead downrange, I've immersed myself into the study of these beautiful devices. One of the first books I read on the subject will be familiar to many of you here: Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age. The many illustrations and biographies contained in this book just captivated me. This year I also made the pilgrimage to Dixon's gunfair here in PA, which showed me just how popular this hobby is. It was great to see such a wide array of people with a common interest, most of whom have been following this path for much longer than I.
One of my other interests is Japanese swords. Out of all the weapons in the world, for me, katanas and longrifles are the closest in spirit. Both of them are handcrafted and contain traces of the craftsman's personality. When well executed, both of them possess an essence that makes them seem alive. The flow of the lines, the carving, the rituals one does to get the thing to fire every time, the elaborate cleaning. It's not just about pointing the thing down range, pulling the trigger, and making 1" groups every time at 200 yards. It's a visceral experience that draws you in.
This hobby has become a relaxing and intriguing pastime for me. I'd like to thank all of you here for your interest, enthusiasm, and knowledge; you who have given me so many hours of fascinating reading and expert advice in these pages. You who take the time to post the wisdom of your experiences for the benefit of novices like me.
Looking forward to continuing this fascinating journey.
Blue skies and calm winds,
PA Prof
Wellsboro, PA
