Answering "The Call" for a TRUE Experience

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Excellent! I might be disabled and can’t go hit events anymore but I’m still quite able to practice various forms of the crafts that sustained our forebears. I’m still very interested in experimental archeology even though I don’t do reenactment anymore. These skills can still keep a body alive and kicking in hard times. Perhaps I’m not at events but I’m still able to teach a younger or someone into starting out. When you get into the zone, visit a campfire at night or offer a stranger a morning cup of coffee, when there’s not a modern convenience in sight, you’ve stepped into history again and you’re repeating it for remembrance. It’s a very rewarding feeling!

[@phoebegraveyard7225]

I’m watching this whilst reducing mushroom catsup and roasting the dregs to grind to powder. I wonder how many people see reenactment skills as prepper skills. There is so much cross over. We never called it prepping. We were just stocking the larder and root cellar for the winter, doing for ourselves and being creative.

[@adreabrooks11]

You've pretty much echoed both my views and my interest in the channel! I've never considered myself a "prepper" either; I just grew up being prepped. :) Keeping a pantry is just good economic sense, and, back in the time these guys focus on, it was a necessity - so it's natural that we can learn a wealth of tips and techniques from our forebears. There's an old camping/backpacking adage that states: "knowledge is weightless" - and the more you have, the better off you are. One needn't fear some hypothetical apocalypse or civil unrest to find value in that, and we lose these skills at our folly.

[@BicycleFunk]

@@adreabrooks11 I don't think it's a matter of "economic sense" that some people have empty pantries. It's a privileged, just as it is to play.

[@starshot5172]

The mushroom ketchup, ketjap, ketsup is really nice, but what surprised me so much is how it's almost indistinguishable from worcestershire sauce, despite having totally different ingredients. It's so weird. Also really tasty added to hamburger meat!!

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

That first sentence is something that could really only be said today. That's wonderful.

[@ThomasPaineintheArse]

I'm diggin' up parsnips before the ground freezes, and then I'm pretty much waiting on the new seed catalogs and keeping the fire going

[@jasonwilliamson8416]

I've been involved with Civil War living history for 36 years, and it all started with a book I got from the school library in second grade. I've done tiny local events, I've done mega events like the 150th of Gettysburg, and I've been an extra in movies. But my absolute FAVORITE thing to do is school presentations. Sadly I don't get invited to do very many in this day and age, but when I do I go all in.

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thank you for doing this for schools at least when you are asked. My dad had a friend from work who was doing Civil War Reenacting. And his one room was like a small museum. It was great. This was I think back in the late 60's. So thanks for your story. Brought back good memories.

[@5poopy]

what movies were you an extra in?

[@voraciousblackstn]

My parents did the same, growing up. I've been in a few shows myself, though not Civil War. That was so much fun to so.

[@K2mtp]

I remember the union reenactors who came to my school in 7th grade. They were part of an artillery regiment. They couldn't fire the cannon but popped off several musket rounds. I had been into the civil war since a 4th grade history chapter. I really appreciate the work that sadly you get to do less of now days.

[@Mweedy420]

thank you, we need more folks like you!

[@nathantaylor6768]

I appreciate it so much when you allow other historians and reenactors to share their experiences on your platform. Conversations like this one prove that Townsends is as interested in the community surrounding history as it is in the history itself. Pre-congratulations on achieving 2 million subscribers! You people really do deserve it.

[@wanderlustjake]

Thank you for having Ethan on and covering the reenactor side of things. Being new-ish to the hobby, I appreciated his insights and especially discussing the large reenactment vs small group and being self-conscious trying to figure it out. It resonated as it can be very nerve wracking starting on this journey. The community is VERY welcoming, so that goes a long way and is a BIG part of it. Also, in trying to describe it being a hobby or what have you, it can turn into a "lifestyle" . You find yourself researching, learning, creating and surrounding yourself with the items you make or aquire. It becomes part of your life and you.

[@ladyofthemasque]

In the SCA (medieval society) we have 2 seasons, the season of fighting (outdoor events, faires, tournaments, mock-wars, etc, late spring through early autumn) and the season of feasting (indoor events, feasts, arts & sciences competitions, bardic competitions, etc). It's similar to a lot of other reenactment period groups. Both groups tend to work more on crafting projects in the winter, when there are fewer events, and fewer all-weekend events.

[@debbralehrman5957]

I have friends who have been involved with SCA. I loved the clothing she made for the both of them. We went to some events for the public.

[@mindym.1166]

It is great to hear about the European reenactment community! I love the idea of indoor winter season events that focus on food and craft! I wish we had that in the US!

[@connorperrett9559]

As far as I know the SCA has you select personas, but they aren't segregated by time period and there are many farbisms, including essentially the entirety of heavy fighting. Frankly I wouldn't consider that reenactment. There are great artists and craftsmen who make accurate historical objects, but most reenactment groups are strict about the entire group representing a specific, fairly narrow period and doing so as accurately as possible. In the SCA can't you have a 16th century Ottoman vizier, a 12th century French knight, and a 9th century Viking all hanging out together in costume?

[@lyra2112]

This was a delightful episode! Please sprinkle a few more interviews like this to share more historical passion and knowledge! 😃

[@charlesdrew3947]

Reenactment in Europe is similar (I do medieval), just chatting with anyone and everyone in the beer tent or around a fire, getting to know people who your never close to but are friends with for years, and will attend an event if you know they are.

[@codiefitz3876]

“Never close to yet still friends.” Yup. You’re European.

[@ArianaBauer]

This is so so true about connection. I spin and weave. I use equipment from the 1800s. I just feel this connection to the women i never knew but now know through this craft. I feel like there is a common thread quite literally and figuratively in how finding our past feels. My kids are not interested in re-enacting (late teens) but they love attending events. When my kids are in college my husband and i plan to start properly reenacting. I am a docent at a local park for a regency era home and i teach about textiles. I love the connections i can bring people too!

[@fishinwidow35]

Nice! I'm a seamstress who also knits etc. You would love the chemise my great-great grandmother made. She spun the flax and wove the linen then sewed the garment, all by hand. I was so fortunate to inherit it and other garments she literally made from scratch.

[@ArianaBauer]

@@fishinwidow35 what a beautiful way to be connected to her!

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

I'm a Museum Educator/Living Historian specialising in textiles (I'm a spinner/weaver/dyer). I've been in the field for 35 years. We learned about 25 years ago that my 6th great-grandfather was a French Huguenot linen weaver.

[@carapowers8987]

I love seeing episodes where Ryan interviews people. He asks such interesting questions, he's great at getting people to open up and tell interesting stories. Videos like this are so interesting.

[@rachelkrumpelman5131]

I think ppl are passionate about it because it's our ancestry. You feel close to long deceased family. Well, the guest just said that! 😆 I agree 👍 Having your own children changes things too. I realized when I was pregnant 14 years ago that I really wanted my son to practically live in the woods like I did when I was a child. I couldn't imagine raising a child in a big city. So, thankfully, I was able to get a home in the woods with land. He's the most awesome kid. I couldn't be prouder. The smell of woodsmoke is in the air. Watching the squirrels argue bark at each other, the deer that walk through my yard...all the wildlife...my soul is best when close to nature.

[@debbralehrman5957]

I like that. We lived on the edge of woods growing up. My husband was in the Military so we didn't live near woods, but we would go camping and take them to the woods. They always enjoyed it. My daughter now she and her husband go with the boys. They're all under 5 years.

[@mandapanda7407]

I'm not a reenactor, but I love learning old ways of doing things. Domestic history and agriculture are some of my passions! This video was very cool, I always wondered how folks got into reenacting in the first place. Lovely content, as always! Keep up the fabulous work ❤

[@trentnichols5075]

So great!! I’ve been watching him for about 18 months now. He’s a true craftsman with a passion to learn! I love his channel.

[@AlexisLK]

This video have something very special. It talks very deep topics, society topics, human soul. I can feel the passion of these 2 gentlemen. European right here, I was in reenactment in the past, and a lot of us in Europe have an eye on what you're doing in Townsends, and you guys, what you are doing, is another level. One of my dreams since I'm kid, is to setup a farm or even a very little village, living in the middle of a nature, in an intact landscape, in 17th to 20th century style (pick your preference). And just living a very simple and peaceful life. Working in the farm. Hunting. Doing art and things with my hands, studying history etc.with a lovely family around. And... what you're doing is kind of touching with one finger this kind of picture in my mind, and it's like a window to match this dream and reality. Keep going, it's just genius.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Very well said friend!

[@rachelkrumpelman5131]

As a teenager all I wanted to do was live in NYC. 😆 As a more mature mother all I could think of was how can I get away from a city and live in the woods again. 😆 Nature always wins. Had to get back to my roots to raise my baby boy who's now 14. An amazing teenager. 👏 Also, I can't think of a better place to grow old.

[@lyra2112]

I think most of us here would love a life like you describe. Intentional communities.

[@AlatheD]

This was lovely! I love seeing Ryan come into his own on this channel. I loved the discussion. As someone approaching 50, the age rand of re-enactors becomes each year more apparent. Each rendezvous I learn of someone else I will miss going forward. The biggest hope, and some of my biggest joys are seeing younger folk newly involved or coming back. Aging out is a real concern for both rendezvous and SCA. I don't want to see these things die out, partly because i love them, but also because I feel the can teach real skill.

[@juliestevens6931]

My husband introduced me to revolutionary war re-enacting when we first met. He had been doing re-enacting for years. He was a member of the First Virginia Regiment and I became a camp follower. I was used to primitive camping already, so sleeping outdoors on the ground in a cloth tent was not a hardship, nor was cooking over a wood fire. He introduced me to many friends and we had lots of fun. He had quite a few interesting stories. He was able to be part of the 200th anniversary of the Surrender at Yorktown (before we met, so I missed it).

[@charoleawood]

What a wonderful interview! I'm not to interested in firearms (certainly not our modern variety), but the passion here for experienced history, of the importance of connection --- with people, with the generations past, with the reality of existence --- is intoxicating.

[@squawk3120]

7:49 EXACTLY. I just want a chunk of land to build a small cabin on. Just to get away sometimes “especially during deer season”.

[@robbinallan3767]

God bless you guys. My father built his muzzle-loader and made his shot, carried his possible bag, made his strip canoe.Such a lifestyle and memories.

[@robbinallan3767]

Btw; loved seeing the chickens being happy chickens in the background. I spun the wool and kit Dad's Voyageur Cap from our sheep.

[@sharenp3839]

I’ve always felt more connected to my past and never understood it, like I was just born in the wrong era, I truly loved this, thank you!

[@VladSWG]

Being an avid flint knapping enthusiast, I find your love for muzzle loading so exiting, and yet while high-tech for me, so calling of older life experiences. 👍😉💯

[@alanlutz8373]

Awesome video. You gentlemen have no idea how badly I would have liked to be sitting there with you telling stories. Hahaha Thank you very much for the video.

[@myrlstone8904]

I’ve been a fan of Ethan’s channel for some time. A real delight seeing him here on Townsends chatting with Ryan. Thanks for getting together.

[@mountainwoodsman8116]

The Call speaks to us all universally because it is primal in nature. This is why these "hobbies" (living history, bushcraft, hunting, homesteading, living off the land, etc.) will continue to grow. The fragility and artificiality of modern society is obvious to all, and we hunger for something real, something of value, something we can really trust in. But it takes skills and knowhow in these fields of study to live more closely to nature and to the Earth. That's where these youtube channels (and yours) really shine. Thank you for sharing your love and knowledge with us! Never stop learning.

[@karlharrelson1091]

My favorite two video sources come together! Amazing! I’ve been following both for three years, or so. Ythan from his NMLRA Muzzle Blasts days, prior to ‘I Love Muzzleloaders’. I think you’ve both inspired thousands of people to dip their toes into living history. The thing about videos, and KZbin is that it’s always in your pocket. These videos will be around when you’re both old and gray, still inspiring those willing to look to the past for their future. Can time travel be that far away? The next step for living history, perhaps.

[@TheHumanSynthesisProject]

This was such a cool conversation, absolutely loved the depth you guys go into on this topic. Really really cool

[@earlshaner4441]

Good evening from Syracuse NY brother and everyone thank you for sharing the living history videos

[@000MidnightSun]

This interview is great. It is reminiscent of festival life, where you meet people you know for a weekend. Your synopsis of getting rained on is perfect, being miserable together while also having fun. I got rained on at a festival this past summer, but it was still spent laughing with my friends.

[@tiffanyannhowe1712]

I appreciate this channel, all the peeps and all the energies spent creating this content! I love the reenactment community and all that’s offered and shared. Thank you to all that answer the call.

[@uriah-s97]

I've been following i love muzzleloading for about a year now, Ethan is an awesome guy, my wife and I were hoping to meet him at 5 medals this year but we could only go Sunday. Still got our book signed by Michael and chatted with Ryan at the coffee stand for a bit. I got to talk to thad and Mike judson too, my wife and I were even invited to join their group! Awesome video Ryan, what a good interview with Ethan. Love it, keep up the fantastic work Townsends!!!!

[@markpabst8468]

Fantastic conversation, gentlemen. I love how you covered that this thing y’all do is more than a hobby. I would go so far as to call it a tendency. A tendency to want to reach back into nature and history from time to time, to remind us all where we came from. Humans have always had an interesting tendency to want to key back into nature and to understand their origins. Keep up the good work.

[@ferdi5407]

I may not be able to go to events, or go camping, but ALL Townsends videos are riveting, interesting and full of thought provoking content Thank you all at Townsends

[@sparkcommunications2499]

This guy is a legend. Such a great "interview"/discussion between two lovely souls

[@voraciousblackstn]

I have been a subscriber since before you had a webstore. Suttlers like you and Smoke and Fire were staples of the events I went to in the 80s and 90s. I myself was reenacting until I joined the Army in 2000. I have occasionally checked back on your page with outfitting the "hobby" again, but have mainly been doing military surplus backpacking. I love it almost as much as reenacting. I do still use a few items from my reenacting days for it though, my fire kit and belt knife for instance. I love Townsend, he keeps the fire lit for anyone and helps new people get back to their heritage.

[@haydenbsiegel]

I never thought about what my favorite period of history is until just now when it was mentioned in the video. Man, that is a tough question and I am in the same boat of just generally liking history. Good talk to watch. I have a lot of interesting thoughts brewing now. I'll let you know if I settle on a time period.

[@rachelkrumpelman5131]

I'm having a brew whilst my thoughts brew and I really couldn't pinpoint one moment of history either 😕. Luckily, we don't have to. I'm with you on this! I just love history. I go to sleep at night with documentaries on ancient civilizations. It just delights me and calms me too. It also makes for very interesting dreams!

[@maudline]

I can’t pick one either and not even a geographic area. I’m Scandinavian but am interested in both early America, Inkas, Vikings, imperial China, and prehistoric to just mention a few. I learn from all and everyone

[@user-gu7yo5yn9g]

For me it is somewhat simple 1800s naval history particularly around the royal navy though that's probably because they were the biggest and best documented

[@pmichael73]

What a privilege to listen to two friends talking about their passion! Some very wise observations and comments that are worth listening to. Thank you!

[@thomaswilson517]

Thanks Ryan for spending this time with Ethan. You both represent the seed that brings forth the next generations of this lifestyle.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

you have a very good channel and close to 2M subscribers now! I hope that you are making a good living out of it because it would be well deserved :)

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thanks Ryan and Ethan. Ryan I always have enjoyed when Jon has interviewed people who have been involved with reenacting. So thanks for sharing someone new.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

I'm writing a story set in Colonial America, You guys have given me a lot of inspiration for it

[@doms.6701]

And where can we find this story when you are done?

[@curtisep5885]

Sounds awesome please share when you finish it

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

@@doms.6701 Haven't figured it out yet, Gonna be some months before I'm done

[@chrissewell1608]

Whats the plot line?

[@Bri-ro4lf]

@@TihetrisWeathersby post again whenever you've finished it and it's ready to purchase. I'm interested in reading it

[@timhaugen6410]

Great conversation, guys. Thanks for sharing it.

[@soeffner6833]

Thank you guys for discussing this topic. Historical reenactment was a big part of my self growth. I stepped away for real time reasons. But I miss it deeply. No where in my life have i ever found such a connection with people as i did doing reenactment.

[@terryt.1643]

Thank you, Ryan, nice interview. 👍👍

[@IamTheaveragegamer]

That really is true, while times are crazy in the now, we have gone through so much more as a people.

[@MCCProductions2024]

It's videos like this that make me really want to get out there and reenact or try living like my family did.

[@louc3336]

Outstanding video,well done to all involved!!!!!!

[@workingguy-OU812]

Such a great video and conversation.

[@2gpowell]

I watch both of your channels really great educational content!

[@duelist1954]

Great to see Ethan on your channel

[@alexmiles40]

Great video. Interesting topics discussed. THX

[@pinetree9343]

Really great interview and expansion of content. Good job Ryan

[@ammoiscurrency5706]

Watching my game cam for a muzzleloader deer hunt in two days. I love muzzloading has been a great help.

[@DeoVolente7-7-7]

I'm not part of a re-enactment community, but I love history and love y'all's vids. Very interesting guest. Keep up the good work

[@j.b.4340]

Great, laid back, interview. I’ll check out Ethan’s channel. I got my first muzzleloader (Traditions Hawkens.50) when I was 14. The blackpowder seasons that most states have keep that bit of history alive. That’s why I got one.

[@mikejudson2465]

Outstanding dialogue! Thank you both.

[@7drunkenmermaids431]

As always, excellent video 🥰

[@screwthenet]

Lived in the woods for three years on and off, usually 9-11 months. Its a helluva thing. Always take supplies and what tools and things you might need to provide diversion and entertainment. Its still always surpriing what you dont think to bring along, but its a learining experience.

[@thecookiechannel7083]

I really enjoyed this! Thank you.

[@rungfang27]

Almost 2mil, congratulations!

[@gusthewiseone3247]

I like the notion that ‘American culture is not white picket fences.’ I agree American culture, for me, is about helping the people around you when needed. So much of our modern life wants to divide us when many of our ancestors looked for ways to build strong communities.

[@johngaltman]

My family have been here since the 1630's so a muzzle loader was something a multitude of my ancestors carried.

[@patrickdurham8393]

I've built 2 rifles and a pistol and also mill my own black powder. Very satisfying to watch your creation go up in smoke.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

I've always been interested in this time period the beginning of our nation and you guys have really helped me learn more about in... Especly as I make games, books and art set i this rtime period or a fantasy version of it. Which in video and table top gaming I've seen that 20s gap too so it's not just this. Which I'm 27 and found you guys a year ago and've been enjoying seeing you guys grow.

[@_d0ser]

You have a great "radio" voice. You should do more and more interviews!

[@MrHihowryou]

Great conversation!

[@ciphercode2298]

My grandfather's family came up from Patrick Henry co. Va before the 1900 census. They were irish immigrant farmers that I traced back to the late 18th century in that area. They come to West Virginia during the coal boom. My grandfather was born in 1870,and my father in 1923. I cant live on the farm like they did,but I try to embody their spirit of strong independence and individualism. I garden,raise rabbits and chickens,hunt and fish. I still have my maternal grandfathers single shot 12ga that's scratched,beaten,and shows signs of gross misuse. My mother told me stories if him bringing home rabbits,squirrels, and turkey with it when she was a child in the late 1930s. I have shot it,but due to its condition I'll most likely never shoot it again.

[@Texican-1836]

Two of my favorite channels together!

[@vada7259]

Interesting & thought provoking - Thanks!

[@LycaonsMemories]

so much this, im not part of the historical reenactment group. but i do my local renaissance festival, a term ive heard thrown around is "fairemilly" we are the family you choose and love one another greatly. it is very much a calling because you have some stupidly rough days where every part of you hurts, but you are still enjoying yourself because of the people around you.

[@shadekiller19]

I used to do LARP (with foam swords & stuff) when I was younger and I can totally relate to the feeling of community. The feeling of just being wholly accepted and part of a group was so fun it's almost addictive.

[@honeyand_sunshine]

I grew up in mini re-enactments in my homeschool community and the local southern Appalachian heritage association. I miss it so much, I think that calling is definitely always there.

[@astranaut3967]

I love historical re-enacting I have been doing it since my early 20s. I love this channel to turn to during times when I cannot attend events.

[@timothygermann1746]

Five Medals at the Trace was a great event. I met both Ethan and Ryan when I was camped there.

[@CleaveMountaineering]

Two terms that come to mind that I've heard in the traditional woodworking context definitely apply here too, "Historic Preservationist" "Experimental Archeologist"

[@Winterascent]

I love the chickens running around behind them. Either period hogs or a cow or two would be great.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

God, can you imagine the chaos of a hog running around the Townsends homestead?

[@winterquilting7318]

We are from Essex County in Massachusetts, since 1660. For us it’s about Anadama Bread, death at sea and chowder.😁

[@shaunhull9235]

Ethan is awesome. I love watching his adventure

[@VernonWallace]

Great job Ryan. Thank you

[@FacesintheStone]

Fun video. Thanks for uploading!

[@maxpower3050]

Great video!

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

I’m watching this while working, I’m a bread baker. I live in Alaska so it’s hard to find anyone that’s interested in any common thing. There is need with humans in general to find connections to the past, to grow and extend or even just plant their roots. Humans are lost in this modern world. I love the idea of reenactment but I don’t know that I would be happy to get into it. Just because I don’t see a crime with the past inspiring the present. I want the latest tech when it comes to shoes and backpacks and clothing. If not the latest then a new design using natural materials. We can always improve our gear and ourselves. The nice thing about reenacting and living history is that it brings people together. There’s not enough in society anymore that brings people together. Often times we don’t even know our own neighbors and we hate everyone that doesn’t get along. This channel and others like it help teach people how to get along and how to find their roots.

[@stevemalibu99]

This was a fantastic conversation on so many levels. Thank you for sharing.

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Another great one

[@allencampbell4460]

I regularly look at Townsends, I Love Muzzleloading, and Dualist1954 videos. I love the history lessons in each of these videos, and I wish I lived closer to the events in the northeast, and in the midwest. I live in Florida, and there aren't any colonial living histories here in the deep south. I have participated in many Civil War reenactments, and living histories over the past thirty years, along with Spanish American War, and WWII. I'm an old fart, and doing these activities is getting more difficult. Thank you all for what you're doing.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

I started watching Townsends after attending a fur trading rendezvous. Ordered from their catalog about that time for 3 needed items. Still watching & learning skills.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

This is really awesome. Cheers!

[@rustyshackleford4728]

I'm not sure why I was surprised to see this crossover but it works great!

[@Honk21]

Great vid !

[@JohnSmith-st5ud]

You are looking very healthy congratulations sir.

[@joshuayow4653]

My ancestory prior to the civil war were frontier men, always pushed west, muzzleloader in hand. During the civil war all the adults died leaving only the wife's and children, than were ever the yow families were at the time is kinda were they stuck around. I would of loved to been trapping in appalachia in the mid to early 1700s just like my great x10 or x11 grandfathers. My son is a 14th generation American. It'll be a decade until I can teach him to use a muzzleloader unfortunately. He's only 2 atm.

[@uriah-s97]

Awesome awesome awesome video!!! Big fan of Ethan's channel, haven't met him in person yet, been hoping to catch him at an event. Keep up the amazing work everyone!! If yall haven't seen Ethan's channel its incredible and his podcasts are something else. And check out the Iron Ram channel as well !!

[@Peter-od7op]

Love both of u guys

[@ryanthomas2374]

I love his channel and been watching "I love muzzle loading" and that is where i got the first news about GOEX and their buy out.. we cant let them and the sport of muzzle loading die.

[@someonesdad5986]

Awesome crossover! I love Ethan!

[@fishinwidow35]

I'm not a reenactor, I just always lived like I was living in a different era than most other people. It isn't a wekend thing.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

It’s a ancestral path that’s in our blood and bones and spirit. That path our great greats cleared and walked that brought us to this point we are on today. Riding on their shoulders, as is said. The “real world” is not the 9 to 5 traffic filled one many think of but the one many flock to on vacations or walks in parks or the country. Or the back yard in many homes. Because Nature, our Mother Earth is the true reality. The Native Peoples lived within this reality very well and very happily. You two fellas are connected in this light of the historical and ancestral energy that our Grandparents of generations past made way for us all. And I for one as I know you both are, am very grateful for. Kind Thanks and Many Blessings! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@unclebubba5584]

very interesting conversation.

[@nordicson2835]

My boys love Sharpes Rifles ... when l get home today l will share this with them and check out your channel Thank you.

[@robertsmith9970]

I was pleased to speak with you both at Five Medals at the Trace.

[@willysmithereens]

Really enjoyed this conversation. As a young professional living in the big city, I yearn to return to the old ways. I see muzzleloading as a great way to connect with the past, but have no idea how to start. Where should I look?

[@patrickdurham8393]

If you are at all handy you might try building your own muzzleloader from a kit. The barrel and action are complete but you have to finish the stock and affix the trim. I would recommend a percussion rather than flintlock to start because the flintlocks can be temperamental to fire. If you have an open area you can get a ball meal and make your own black powder since commercial BP is as rare as hens teeth now. If you don't have the skills to build one don't buy an inline rifle since that's cheating and not much fun. If you ever smell that smoke you will be hooked. Sulfur will smell like perfume.

[@karlharrelson1091]

Do a search on reenacting events in or near your city. Then go to one and talk to the living historians. Most of them would be thrilled by your interest and willing to share. They can get you started and keep you from wasting money on the wrong gear. Best of luck in your endeavors!