When I think about the future of traditional muzzleloading, I can't help but think about how much has changed since I started 30 years ago.
A friend introduced me to cap and ball colts in college in rural New Mexico and I had to have one. Went to the black powder/mountainman store in Albuquerque and got me an 1861 Navy Colt. Later, bourht a TC Renegade kit at the hardware store. In those days, you could buy BP and supplies at most hardware stores that sold shooting supplies.
I never got into hunting, it holds no interest for me, I do some plinking at the range and some light reenacting. Now I live in Houston, which has far fewer resources for traditional ML than the small NM town I lived in 30 years ago. Most of us get supplies, including guns, cleaning supplies, and even powder over the internet. We know what we want and can find what we need. New folks can't always do that, at least without some guidance, and I am not optimistic about growth in our sport.
TR Wrote:
"Before I leave the range I always ask if anybody wants to shoot a flinter and some inliner or shotgunner or 22er always does. They always
compliment my guns and walk away saying something
like "cool." That makes me feel good.
TR "
God Bless. I do the same, and of course do demonstations at public events like reenactments. Another thing I have done is print up cards to hand to people that show a bit of interest. On one side is my name and e-mail if they have any questions(I don't give out the phone #), on the other is a list of websites that will provide more information. to date (about six months) nobody has e-mailed me.
I am disturbed by the fact that, to my knowledge, in Houston, Texas, there are no muzzleloading shops, clubs, or monthly shooting organizations (other than a few reenacting groups), and just one place to buy BP in all Southeast Texas. This does not bode well for us.
Sorry if I ran long.
