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Today we are talking with Seth Isaacson, the lead historian at the Rock Island Auction Company. While Seth has an interest in a variety of historic firearms, his personal passion and specialty is with muzzleloaders.

This episode is a packed one, we talk about Seth, the best muzzleloaders of Rock Island Auction Company history, shooting with friends, and more. We hope you enjoy listening!

Raised in a Victorian home in Illinois, Seth has had an interest in history and biology for as long as he can remember. Now, a young father, Seth spend a lot of his time analyzing firearms as they pass through the Rock Island Auction system. Getting a hands-on look with fine original and contemporary muzzleloaders is something many of us dream of, but that is Seth's day-to-day. Whether handling a fine rifle from Jud Brennan, or Alexander Hamilton's personal pistols, each day brings something new.

Muzzleloaders don't just stay at work for Seth, when not researching and writing about fine muzzleloaders he and a group of coworkers from RIA head to the range with their personal blackpowder arms for a day of fun and friendship. From what we hear, Seth and his friends are working on converting more RIAC employees into muzzleloading enthusiasts (an initiative we can get behind!)

Listen to the full episode today wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to check out the Rock Island Auction Company to see great photos of these beautiful muzzleloaders.

Follow Rock Island online - rockislandauction.com

Follow Seth on Instagram - instagram.com/blackpowderhistorian

Read more about the Hamilton Pistols  

Read about the Running Deer Rifle

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A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.

We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.

Find out more about being a Member

Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.

This week we’re talking to Knight Rifles Pro Staffer Jamie Hancharick about his muzzleloading accessory designs, muzzleloader hunting, and what it takes to get new people interested in muzzleloading.

Jamie is based in the eastern United States, right on the Chesapeake Bay. Calling himself a seasonal outdoorsman is an understatement, Jamie takes every moment he can to get outdoors. It’s this love of the outdoors that got Jamie hunting at a young age. His first experiences with muzzleloaders were during Pennsylvania’s Flintlock season. Jamie was out hunting with his brother when his ball started broke, leaving part of the rod lodged in the barrel. While this misfortune ended the hunt, it didn’t end Jamie’s interaction with muzzleloaders.

Jamie went home and removed the stuck starter, and let the muzzleloader sit for some time, understandably frustrated. It was this situation that helped fuel Jamie’s interest in becoming a machinist and designer.

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Muzzle Blasts Podcast

A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.

We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.

Find out more about being a Member

Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors 

Muzzle Blasts on Instagram 

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Muzzle Blasts Podcast

A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.

We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.

Find out more about being a Member

Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.

This week we're talking with Eddie Davenport, the newest editor of the N-SSA's magazine, the Skirmish Line. Eddie grew up in the N-SSA and has won many of their national championships and still holds some records.

It's not all competition shooting for Eddie though, he loves hunting with his muzzleloaders. From traditional sidelocks to a new inline now and then, Eddie loves muzzleloading. As the editor of The Skirmish Line, Eddie hopes to bring a fresh spin to the magazine and engage more readers with all of the cool things associated with the N-SSA. From history to firearms, tools, and trades Eddie's goal is to build on the great history of the magazine and bring it into a new era.

Like all editors, Eddie brings his own perspective to the magazine. 2020 was hard on the N-SSA like it was all shooting organizations and it brought unique challenges to the young editor. Eddie's background as a first responder and EMT helps him think quickly on his feet to add new content and promote the N-SSA.

When he's not shooting on the firing line, hunting, or editing, Eddie is a mental health professional. In a short time from now, he'll be a licensed therapist in North Carolina. Combining his love of firearms with mental health is important to him.

"Firearms aren't the most used item for suicide, but they are the most lethal", he says, "And that's where it's important for people to know they can talk to someone who knows about guns and the shooting sports culture. When they don't have someone who understands, it can be alienating."

Eddie volunteers with "Walk the Talk America", an organization dedicated to "Bridging the gap between mental health and safe firearm ownership. "Walk the Talk America" has spearheaded pro gun mental health advocacy, integrating range time as a form of therapy to help veterans and first responders use the firearms they are familiar with to aid in a patient's mental health journey.

We had a lot of fun talking with Eddie and getting in deep about just about everything covered. Eddie is a great guy and we can't wait to see his work continue at the N-SSA.

For contacting Eddie

[email protected]

Or on Instagram Currituck_Kid.

The websites

https://walkthetalkamerica.org/love/   for free anonymous mental health screenings

N-SSA

Website http://www.n-ssa.org 

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A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.

We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.

Find out more about being a Member

Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.

Jeff is the owner of THOR Bullets, but he's also an avid outdoorsman from Oregon who grew up hunting elk and mule deer with his family. He's used everything from traditional bows to modern centerfire rifles to take his chosen game, but muzzleloaders remain one of his favorite ways to hunt. In this episode we talk about how 2020 impacted THOR Bullets, the shooting sports industry at large, as well as Jeff's personal background in business and hunting in the Western United States.

Jeff shares our positive outlook on the state of muzzle loading, it was a lot of fun to talk with him this week. I hope you enjoy the show!

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Muzzle Blasts Podcast

A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.

We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.

Find out more about being a Member

Listen to the full episode today

Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.

In 2020 we were asked to be a part of the Backcountry Rookies “Muzzleloader March” series as they share insights and history on how muzzle loaders can be used in Western Big Game Hunting to increase odds and lead to memorable hunts.

It was great to talk to Chad about the history of muzzleloaders and how they have changed over time. Be sure to check out the full series from the Backcountry Rookies as they plan their custom build with NMLRA Match Sponsor Arrowhead Rifles and start hunting with a muzzleloader.

The Backcountry Rookies Podcast

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A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.

We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.

Find out more about being a Member

Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.

Did you know Montana is the ONLY state in the union that doesn't have a dedicated muzzleloader season?

We just got off the phone with Caleb Hinkle, a state representative from Montana who is sponsoring a bill to bring a muzzleloader exclusive season to hunters in Montana. 

Read more about Caleb's bill here. 

Caleb's love of muzzleloading and it's accompanying history started when he was a young boy and his father sat him down to watch the movie "Gettysburg", released in 1993. It was during that first viewing that young Caleb fell in love with American history and it’s companion, the muzzleloader.

Hunters in Montana can use their muzzleloaders during the normal rifle season, but Caleb wants to reward those who hunt with “heritage” arms some extra time in the field. “It can be hard to introduce a new hunting season.”, says Caleb, “We don’t want to step on any toes. The other seasons have their time and we respect that.” Caleb’s bill, Montana House Bill 242, would give hunters using traditional muzzleloaders an extra 9 days in the field.

If you are interested in watching the hearing, you can do so at 3pm Mountain Standard Time online at Leg.mt.gov. Click “Watch and Listen” and then select “Fish and Game”. You can also click here to go directly to the hearing.

We’d like to thank Caleb for his dedication to muzzleloading hunters in Montana. It’s not often we hear of new muzzleloader seasons being introduced, and seeing one lead by a young man such as Caleb shows us there is a bright future ahead for muzzleloading enthusiasts.

Find out more about Caleb and his work at his website, https://calebformontana.org/ or on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Caleb-Hinkle-Montana-Legislature-101542258053145

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A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.

We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.

Find out more about being a Member

Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.

Tyler Mazer is the artist behind "Stonefield Accoutrements, but he's also a father, husband, and muzzleloader at heart. Tyler's first experiences with muzzleloaders came from his uncle, who would take Tyler to the range to assist with loading his muzzleloader. As a boy, Tyler's grandfather would pack up the family each year and travel to the NMLRA National matches to compete. While he doesn't shoot much anymore, Tyler's father has passed down a love for muzzleloading and its accompanying traditions to be enjoyed in the years to come.

Tyler was born and raised in Virginia, a hotbed of American history and has loved the outdoors for as long as he can remember. Listen to our full interview today to hear about Tyler's history, his family, and how he finds artistic balance in the world of muzzleloading. 

It's always wonderful to talk to young muzzleloaders like Tyler, and we can't thank him enough for taking time out of his day to talk with us. If you are interested in getting started in muzzleloading I hope you've enjoyed this episode. 

You can reach out to Tyler online via his Facebook page and his Instagram profile , be patient though, he has two young kids and works a full time job! 

Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors 

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Muzzle Blasts Podcast

A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.

We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.

Find out more about being a Member

Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets. 

Today we're talking with Darren Binder, the marketing coordinator at Muzzle-Loaders.com about what muzzleloading trends they are seeing in 2021, and how they are adapting to the challenges from 2020. 

This is part of an ongoing series from the NMLRA as we take a look at the State of Muzzleloading in 2021. We're talking with industry representatives, mom and pop shops, and everyone in between to get an idea of what muzzleloading is doing in the coming year.

Shop for your muzzleloading supplies with our sponsors 

Muzzle Blasts on Instagram 

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Muzzle Blasts Podcast

A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.

We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.

Find out more about being a Member

Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets. 

Today we're talking with Tambi Dudley of Schuetzen Blackpowder about how the challenges of 2020 have affected the black powder industry, and how they are rising to the occasion to support muzzleloaders and black powder enthusiasts in 2021.

This is the first in an ongoing series from the NMLRA as we take a look at the State of Muzzleloading in 2021. We're talking with industry representatives, mom and pop shops, and everyone in between to get an idea of what muzzleloading is doing in the coming year.

Schuetzen Blackpowder- https://schuetzenpowder.com/swiss-black-powder/

Schuetzen Blackpowder on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/schuetzenpowder

Contact Schuetzen Blackpowder via phone  866-809-9704 or email  [email protected] [email protected]

Schuetzen Black Powder, 7650 US Hwy. 287, #100 Arlington, Texas 76001

Find out more about the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association at our website - NMLRA.org

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A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.

We couldn't have this conversation, the podcast, or anything here at the NMLRA without the support of our members. Everything we do is made possible because of their generosity. Thank you.

Find out more about being a Member

Visit thorbullets.com/nmlra for your chance to win a pack of premium THOR Bullets.

CVA released the latest in their Paramount Muzzleloader line, the  Paramount HTR. It’s available in a .40 and .45 caliber.   Much like the Paramount Pro that we talked about last year, the barrel  in the Paramount HTR is free floating, promising greater accuracy down  range. The barrel is 26” long, threaded with a 3/4 x20 thread.  

The Paramount HTR Barrel Twist rates are       

1:20” for the .40 cal      

1:22” For the .45 cal  

The barrel comes with CVA’s Nitride treatment over stainless steel  The HTR weighs 9.6 lbs, making it lighter and easier to carry over long  trips into the woods up up a mountain. One interesting note here on the  specs for the HTR is that it comes with an aluminum range rod. Could  this be a nod to the competitive muzzle loaders out there wanting to get  into precision muzzle loading without needing to purchase a custom  muzzle loader to get started?  

To combat what seemed to be an easily lost collapsing ramrod, CVA is  including a MOLLE pouch in the box to help you keep track of your ramrod  while hunting.   The stock features a nice adjustable cheek rest, the internal chassis is  aluminum. You’ve got a Variflame Breech Plug, to go with the solid  “Super Magnum” Blackhorn 209 loads the Paramount HTR Can handle.  

“HTR” Stands for Hunter, CVA has built this with hunters at the  forefront of every descision  

Here is some more information straight from CVA:   The Paramount HTR is the new addition to the PARAMOUNT Series for  2021, and it will be offered in both .40 and .45 calibers.      

Like all of the Paramount models, the HTR is designed to handle   “super-magnum” propellant charges up to 170 grains by volume (119 by   weight) of Blackhorn® 209.  Therefore, the Paramount HTR can provide   muzzle velocities comparable to centerfire rifles.     

Paired with PowerBelt ELR 225 grain .40 caliber or 285 grain .45  caliber bullets,  which were specially designed for the PARAMOUNT™, the  HTR can produce  muzzle velocities previously thought unattainable from a  muzzleloader --  like 2850 FPS in the .40 and 2475 FPS in the .45,  which are comparable  velocities to a .300 Win Mag and a .308,  respectively.  But speed is  worth nothing without the accuracy to put  those shots where they belong,  and with its nitride treated, stainless  steel Bergara® barrel, sub-MOA  groups are easily attainable.     

Unlike the original Paramount, the HTR (which stands for “Hunter”) has a more hunting-oriented stock design, and it is dipped in the new   

Realtree Hillside camo pattern for excellent concealment capability in a   variety of terrains.  While this stock is slightly lighter than that  of  the original PARAMOUNT, it still has an adjustable comb for perfect   eye-to-optic alignment and the internal aluminum chassis that provides a   rock-solid foundation for the action and free-floating barrel.      

Truly, the Paramount HTR provides serious muzzleloader hunters with the most long-range capable hunting muzzleloader ever developed.