Muzzleloader/Scurlock Publishing

Me in 1973

2011-12-07T12:53:00.000-06:00

I recently found these images tucked in my high school yearbook. I reckon this was me in Greenhorn-Stage 1 (using the Mark A. Baker scale). This was January of 1973, and I was 14 years old. We were shooting in a local muzzleloading club at my uncle's farm. Our local newspaper sent a photographer out to take photos for a story on the club. In perspective, the first issue of MUZZLELOADER magazine was not published until March of 1974.

Good ol' T/C Hawken, .45 caliber. It wasn't as grand as the rifles I shoot now, but it was extremely accurate. Shot some squirrels and placed in a lot of shooting matches with it.

Bill Scurlock

Camryn's First Deer

2011-11-03T14:34:00.000-05:00

My niece, Camryn (11 years old), shot her first deer last weekend while hunting at our lease. She took this spike buck with a bow. Made a good shot through the vitals. My brother-in-law said he was shaking like a leaf while she was preparing to shoot, but that she was outwardly calm and collected, until after the shot. Way to go, Camryn!

Bill Scurlock

Second Deer This Year

2011-10-31T10:23:00.000-05:00

This is my second deer this season. Got her on the evening of the 23rd. Another nice doe weighing 134 lbs. Once again, I was using my Mark Thomas .54 caliber rifle.

Son, Jacob, scored one that morning, but I didn't get a picture before she was skinned. This made three in the family, so it's time to slow down on the shooting. Running out of freezer space.

I hunted parts of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday last week. Saw quite a few more deer, but not the big one, so I didn't shoot. I did have a relaxing time away from the computer.

Bill Scurlock

Arkansas Muzzleloader Season

2011-10-27T17:24:00.000-05:00

I have been gone for a few days, taking some time off deer hunt with my flintlock in South Arkansas. Last Saturday evening, I shot a mid-sized doe at about 20 yards with my Mark Thomas .54 caliber rifle. Same rifle that I have been carrying the two previous years. Everything worked right, and I killed my first deer of the season.

Contact info: Mark Thomas, rifle www.markthomas-graver.com
Mike Small, powder horn www.mspowderhorns.com
Greg Hudson, pouch www.revwarsupplier.com

Bill Scurlock

Frizzen Bounce-Back

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

One of the special features in the Sept/Oct issue is Frank Twist's article discussing the causes and remedies of frizzen bounce-back, which can break your flint.

Bill Scurlock

Mark Sage and the Northwest Gun

2011-10-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

In the Sept/Oct issue, Mark Sage continues his journey into the world of the NW gun with a look at his method for discovering the past.

Bill Scurlock

Nesbitt's Old-Timer's Ways

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

In the Sept/Oct issue, Mike Nesbitt shares his how-to advice on casting ball, shooting and other subjects.

Bill Scurlock

Albert on Powder Horns

2011-10-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

T.C. Albert's column in the Sept/Oct 2011 issue featured powder horn basics including the layout of engraving (top photo) and finishing a horn. T.C.'s how-to columns are first-rate.

Bill Scurlock

The Suppressed History of America

2011-10-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

I reviewed this book in the Sept/Oct 2011 issue. Check is out at www.bearandcompanybooks.com.

Bill Scurlock

Native American Women

2011-10-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mike Nesbitt wrote a favorable review of this book in the Sept/Oct 2011 issue.

Bill Scurlock

Mo's Big Afternoon

2011-10-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

Once again, I'm straying a little from muzzleloading, to show you a picture of Mo, on our hunting lease in South Arkansas. Bow season is the only one open, and Mo went hunting last Saturday afternoon. She stuck this nice doe with an arrow from her stand, and then waited patiently to see if any hogs would come in. Sure enough, this 200 lb. boar came in later. She had a small caliber modern rifle in her box stand (just for this purpose). She has had problems with hogs coming to her food plot this fall, and it's legal to shoot feral hogs year-around. She shot this guy at the base of the ear with her rifle, and he dropped on the spot. She was excited. Good job, Mo!

Bill Scurlock

The Rogue Republic

2011-10-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

I reviewed The Rogue Republic by William C. Davis in the Sept/Oct issue. This is a good book about the early 19th century revolution in Spain's West Florida colonies (modern-day Louisiana).

Bill Scurlock

MBS Flint Knapping Hammer

2011-09-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

In the Sept/Oct issue, Mike Nesbitt reviewed this brass knapping hammer from Muzzleloader Builders Supply. You can contact them at www.muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com.

Bill Scurlock

Flintlocks and Gobblers DVD

2011-09-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

I reviewed this DVD in the Sept/Oct 2011 issue. This is a fun and educational video by Brian Beckum, and I highly recommend it. You can order this or one of his excellent whitetail-hunting videos from www.beckumoutdoors.com.

Bill Scurlock

Dean Oliver's Knives

2011-09-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mike Nesbitt reviewed these hand-forged knives made by Dean Oliver in the Sept/Oct 2011 issue. Dean's knives have a lifetime warranty on the blade, and customer satisfaction is guaranteed. You can contact Dean at rivertraders@hotmail.com.

Bill Scurlock

September/October 2011 Issue

2011-09-12T12:41:00.000-05:00

Another great image from H. David Wright graces the cover of the Sept/Oct issue. Among the Big Hickories reflects David's love for the big woods, squirrel hunting and mountain curs. You can see more of David's artwork at www.davidwrightart.com. Canvas giclees are available through Gray Stone Press, 800-251-2664.

Bill Scurlock

Ron LaClair Lil' Shaver

2011-07-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mike Nesbitt wrote a review in the July/August issue on this knife called the Lil' Shaver. You can see Ron LaClair's knives and traditional bows at www.shrewbows.com.

Bill Scurlock

Scott Summerville Razor

2011-07-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

With the help of John W. Hayes, I reviewed this hand-forged razor in the July/August issue. The top image shows the original upon with Scott Summerville based his recreation. Scott may be called at 618-547-7142.

Bill Scurlock

MBS Hinged Toe Plate

2011-07-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Muzzleloader Builders Supply is now offering a hinged toe plate in brass, German silver or iron. This one was reviewed by Mike Nesbitt in the July/August issue. Check them out online at www.muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com.

Bill Scurlock

Dean Hazuka Butcher Knife

2011-07-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

In the July/August issue, Mike Nesbitt reviewed this traditional butcher knife made by Dean Hazuka. You can see Dean's work at his website www.MontanaAmericana.com.

Bill Scurlock

July/August 2011 Muzzleloader

2011-07-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

I got behind on posting images of the current issue. The cover is an original painting entitled A New Day, by Andrew Knez, Jr. You can contact Andy at 724-969-3200 or visit his website at www.andrewknezjr.com. If you are a subscriber and haven't received your copy by this time, please give us a call.

Bill Scurlock

GEORGE SHUMWAY 1928–2011

2011-07-08T10:01:00.000-05:00

Long-time friend, Paul Jones, sent word that George Shumway has passed from time. Below is an excerpt from a longer report to be published in the Sept/Oct issue.

On May 1^st, 2011 all aspects of the gun collecting fraternity lost a great friend. His knowledge of early longrifles and baroque decoration on firearms was second to none. His Rifles in Colonial America along with Kindig’s Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age are the two most important publications in the field. George’s self developed style of photography and giving critical measurements, have been a boon to all gun makers.

On June 19^th, 2011 a Memorial was held on George and Dorothy’s farm attended by family and many friends, George’s ashes were then buried on a hill overlooking his beloved farm, a rustic bench was made and placed on the site by a neighbor and friend.

Allan W. Eckert

2011-07-08T09:14:00.000-05:00

One of the great ones recently passed from time. Here's a notice I received via email.

Eckert's The Frontiersmen, a historical narrative about the lives of Simon Kenton and Tecumseh, is one of my all-time favorite books. I know I've read it more than 5 times. He also wrote many other books about the American frontier.

Bill Scurlock

1812: The War that Forged a Nation

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dick Weaver reviewed this book by Walter R. Borneman in the May/June 2011 issue. With the bicentennial of the war fast approaching, this is a good read. It's available from most online booksellers.

Bill Scurlock

Frontier Hearts

2011-04-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

I reviewed this novel, set in the Revolutionary War era, in the May/June 2011 issue. Dan Hall crafts a fine story that's a good read. For ordering information, go to www.frontierhearts.com.

Bill Scurlock

Firearms of the Fur Trade

2011-04-29T09:09:00.000-05:00

Mike Nesbitt reviewed this new book, published by the Museum of the Fur Trade, in the May/June 2011 issue. James Hanson is the author. Firearms of the Fur Trade is volume one in The Encyclopedia of Trade Goods. It has 583 pages and is hardcover. You can contact the Museum of the Fur Trade at www.furtrade.org.

Bill Scurlock

Straps by the Weaving Welshman

2011-04-28T07:00:00.003-05:00

These straps are hand woven by Lynn Blevens, The Weaving Welshman from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The top photo shows a cotton strap on the left and two cotton/wool blend straps on the right. The bottom photo shows a narrower waxed cotton strap designed specifically for powder horns. These were reviewed in the May/June 2011 issue. Contact Lynn Blevens at www.theweavingwelshman.com.

The powder horn shown here (made by Mark Ewing) was reviewed in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue. Contact Mark at gaelforce1965@yahoo.com.

Bill Scurlock

Bumblin' Bear Grease

2011-04-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Bumblin' Bear Grease was reviewed by Mike Nesbitt in the May/June 2011 issue. This all-natural lube is great on patches and has many other uses. You can order it from www.octobercountry.com.

Bill Scurlock

George Ainslie Folding Ladle

2011-04-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Mike Nesbitt reviewed this nice folding lead ladle in the May/June 2011 issue. It was made by George Ainslie of Prairie Elk Forge, P.O. Box 234, Lavina Montana 59046. You can call George at 406-636-2391.

Bill Scurlock

Janna Gatliff Woven Tapes

2011-04-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

I reviewed Janna Gatliff's hand-woven linen and cotton tapes in the May/June 2011 issue. You can contact Janna by phone at 615-230-9853 or via email at janna@colonialmarket.com.

Bill Scurlock

Steve Watts Letter

2011-04-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

We received the following note, and the photo above, from long-time subscriber, Steve Watts:

"Just a note from someone you don't know, but who, like many, has been influenced by your work. Many thanks for the years, the efforts and the publications that have been so useful to those of us who seek to interpret the past."

Thank you, Steve, for your loyalty and support.

Bill Scurlock

May/June 2011 in the Mail

2011-04-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

The next issue is in the mail. The cover features a painting by Pennsylvania artist John Buxton, entitled "Stolen Bay." You can visit John's website at www.buxtonart.com or call him at 412-486-6588.

Bill Scurlock

Scott Shea Flint Wallet

2011-04-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

This flint wallet was sent to me by Scott Shea. Scott's work has been featured in MUZZLELOADER ("Prime Possibles" Sept/Oct 2010) and on this blog (Aug. 25, 2010). This wallet features pockets for 2 spare flints and a hand-forged tool with turnscrews and a pick. To see more of Scott's work, visit www.scottshearifles.com.

Bill Scurlock

LaClair Skinner by C. L. Matteo

2011-04-19T07:00:00.003-05:00

This hand-forged knife was reviewed by Mike Nesbitt in the Mar/Apr 2011 issue. For more information visit www.shrewbows.com/laclair_skinner/index.html.

Bill Scurlock

Hunting Gloves by Karen Hainlen

2011-04-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

I reviewed these handmade wool hunting gloves in the Mar/Apr 2011 issue. They are first rate. To see them online or to get in touch with Karen, go to www.applecartcreations.com.

Bill Scurlock

October Country Frontier Horn

2011-04-16T07:00:00.002-05:00

Mike Nesbitt reviewed this powder horn in the Mar/Apr 2011 issue. You can see more at www.octobercountry.com.

Bill Scurlock

Sharpshooters by Gary Yee

2011-04-15T07:00:00.004-05:00

"For the Bookshelf" in the Mar/Apr issue featured this excellent book by Gary Yee. He also had an article entitled "Sharpshooters to the Top! Small Arms Marksmanship in the Age of Sail" in the Mar/Apr issue. Gary is an arms curator, former firearms instructor and enjoys building longrifles and accoutrements. Order online at www.sharpshooterpress.com.

Bill Scurlock

March/April 2011 Cover

2011-04-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

The Mar/Apr 2011 issue features an original painting entitled Tracking Bahd-ler on the cover. Ohio artist Todd Price can be contacted by phone at 513-891-0260. You can visit his website at nightowlstudio.net.

Bill Scurlock

October Country Knurled Jags

2011-04-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mike Nesbitt reviewed these knurled jags from October Country in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue. Their website is www.octobercountry.com.

Bill Scurlock

Tedd Cash Range Finder

2011-04-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Mike Nesbitt reviewed this 19th century reproduction range finder in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue. It comes with it's own drawstring cloth pouch and instructions for use. You can order at www.tdcmfg.com.

Bill Scurlock

Krill's Watch Hutch

2011-04-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I reviewed Dave Krill's traveling watch hutch in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue. Made of curly maple, this hutch protects your watch while traveling and displays it in camp or at home. You can contact Dave at 970-835-8871 or view his wares online at www.teacaddy.biz.

Bill Scurlock

Callahan's Worm/Ball Puller

2011-04-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

This combination worm and ball puller appeared in the Jan/Feb 2011 "Prime Possibles." Larry Callahan, one of the "Missouri Boys," makes these by hand. They're available with either 8–32 or 10–32 threads and can be fashioned for most any caliber you desire. To order, you need to call Larry at 636-475-7444. If he doesn't answer, leave a message, and he will call you back.

Bill Scurlock

Sean Lang, A Real Muzzleloader

2011-04-08T16:23:00.000-05:00

I apologize for not keeping my blog up to date. Back toward the end of hunting season, I got busy, the Christmas season came upon us, end-of-the-year stuff the January issue of American Tradition for the CLA, etc. I got out of the habit of posting for awhile.

At this point, I'm picking up with the Jan/Feb 2011 issue and the "Smoke Signals" section. There was a young man pictured there who must be pretty tough. Take a look at the picture of Sean Lang, standing in the snow, preparing to shoot his flintlock during the Independent Mountain Men of Pennsylvania winter shoot in February 2010. His dad, Jerry, is right to be proud.

Bill Scurlock

Trophy Doe

2010-12-20T10:05:00.000-06:00

In an effort to help manage the herd, our hunting camp shoots a lot a does each year. We all like to eat them, so it's a win/win for us. Just for fun this year we started weighing every deer brought into camp and established a big doe contest. Since October, we've been stuck at two does weighing 124 and 125 pounds. On Friday evening, Jacob blew us all away with this 140 pounder. He made a nice shot through the heart. She only went maybe 40 yards before crashing in a pine plantation. It was an easy track, even in the dark.

That is a Steve Davis .54 caliber rifle that Jacob is holding, and his third deer this year with this rifle.

The contest will continue through the bow season that ends in February. I expect that it will be hard to top this one.

Bill Scurlock

Defending the Backcountry

2010-12-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

I reviewed the book in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue. It is an excellent source for documenting the dress and habits of spies and scouts on the frontier. It is priced right and available from store.scurlockpublishing.com.

Bill Scurlock

Jan/Feb 2011 Preview

2010-12-10T10:11:00.000-06:00

Here's the cover of the next issue. Just printed this week. Should be mailing next week.

This is a painting by Tim Tanner, entitled On the Headwaters of Spanish River. Tim says, "This name is taken from a quote by Nathaniel Wyeth, speaking of the Green River country. There is a complete article on the research for this painting in the 2010 edition of the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade Journal. (Every single item you see in the painting is documented - scenery, horses, equipment, everything)."

You can contact Tim at www.timtannerstudios.com. The website has been undergoing construction, but should be up soon. Email Tim at ttanner@silverstar.com.

Bill Scurlock

Duck Hunting

2010-11-29T13:59:00.000-06:00

Both Justin and Jacob were home for the Thanksgiving weekend, so last Friday we went to a beaver pond I was saving. No one had hunted it this year, and I had found some mallards there the week before. We had a great hunt (8 mallards and 1 shoveler) and got home in time to prepare for a family gathering at noon. Left to right in the photos: Kate, Justin, Juno and Jacob.

Sorry I haven't been posting much lately. With hunting, work and holiday functions, I just haven't had time to think much about posting. I hope to get back into the routine of it soon.

Bill Scurlock

1980 Scurlock Horn

2010-11-15T12:10:00.000-06:00

I was at the hunting camp the other day and ran across this horn that I made back in 1980. My father-in-law carries it attached to the hunting bag he made. I would not make one like this today, but it was kinda cool back in 1980, especially for a guy who had never seen or handled original horns. It has forged iron strap hangers and a poured pewter junction between the horn and the maple spout. It was all filed and shaped by hand and includes the hokey tomahawk and pouch mark I used to put on stuff I made back then.

Bill Scurlock

Hartley Horn Drawings

2010-11-09T07:00:00.002-06:00

Another book reviewed in the Nov/Dec issue, this book is a great resource for horn makers, especially those who want to do a little scratching on the horn's surface. It's available from store.scurlockpublishing.com.

Bill Scurlock

Moravian Gun Making

2010-11-08T10:03:00.000-06:00

This book was reviewed in the Nov/Dec issue. It has beautiful photos and interesting history and is available from the Kentucky Rifle Foundation, PO Box 768532-L, Roswell, GA 30076.

Bill Scurlock

ML Hunting 4, Oct. 2010

2010-10-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday morning, Jacob and my nephew, Dusty, both shot deer. This photo is Dusty with his little doe and his grandfather's rifle. That was a cheap rifle in the early 1970s, but it shoots straight. It's .45 caliber and has tallied around a dozen deer. It hasn't been shot in years, but Dusty borrowed it and shot the nine-pointer shown below on his Dad's place the first Saturday of the season. Dusty is an excellent shooter.

Bill Scurlock

ML Hunting 3, Oct. 2010

2010-10-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

I went back to the lease Wednesday afternoon and shot a nice doe on Thursday morning. She is 2nd place in our camp's trophy doe contest at 124 lbs. (1st place is currently 126 lbs.). One shot, and she didn't go far. I didn't hunt very hard after shooting that doe. The temperature just kept rising each day. That may not have effected the deer (2 were killed Sat. morn), but I get tired of sweating while hunting, so I didn't hunt much more of the week.

Other members came to came on Friday and Saturday, and we spent most of Saturday planting winter food plots. Normally, these are already in by the first of October, but since it was so dry until last week, we held of on planting. We didn't want the seed to sprout and then burn up. Having received over 2 inches of rainfall in the last week, the food plots should grow well now.

ML Hunting 2, Oct. 2010

2010-10-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

The season began with me missing a shot on a does early Saturday morning. I checked the vines, limbs and trees between where I sat and where the deer was standing, but didn't see any marks. Couldn't find any hair or blood where she stood or where she ran. Still don't know why I missed, just missed. That was my first miss with the Mark Thomas rifle. At that point, I was 7 deer in 8 shots with that rifle.

Jacob shot the doe (last post) on Sunday evening. I shot a nubbin buck (shown here) on Monday morning. Didn't see that he was a buck until I tracked and found him. I had to shoot again to put him down for good. That's the flattened round ball from the second shot in the lower photo.

I went home on Monday at noon to process and freeze our two deer and to take care of a couple of other things.

More later,
Bill Scurlock

ML Hunting Oct. 2010

2010-10-25T14:04:00.000-05:00

On our hunting lease, muzzleloaders caught up to the archers last week. When I left camp Saturday evening, it was 5 to 5. A nice buck (Mo's posted here about 2 weeks ago), 2 nubbin bucks, and the rest were does. It's still warm. The big bucks don't seem to be moving around much. It should get better in a couple of weeks.

Here's son Jacob with a nice doe from last Sunday evening. He made an excellent heart/lung shot, and she only traveled about 20 yards after the shot. I'd say that in 10 seconds, she was dead. Jacob used a .54 caliber Steve Davis rifle for both of this deer. We missed getting photos of the nubbin he shot this past Saturday morning.

More to come,
Bill Scurlock

Gone Hunting

2010-10-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

I am liable to be in and out this week because muzzleloader deer season is open in Arkansas. If anything happens over at our hunting camp, I'll post when I return to a computer.

Bill Scurlock

New Dixie Gun Works Catalog

2010-10-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Just got the brand new Dixie Gun Works 2011 catalog in the mail today. This has always been the biggest and most comprehensive black powder catalog. It has 688 pages of black powder guns, muzzleloading accessories, shooting supplies and antique gun parts. It's a great catalog, and you can learn a lot, just by reading it.

You can get one at www.dixiegunworks.com.

Bill Scurlock

Steven Lalioff Pouch

2010-10-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

This simple pouch was made by Steven Lalioff when he was writing his chapter, "The Traditional Hunting Pouch," for The Book of Buckskinning VI, published in 1992. Steve is also pictured on the cover of that book.

The pouch measures about 7" square, no inside pocket and a 7/8" strap. It's a basic bag, but very well made. I used it for years, but have basically retired it.

Steve can be contacted at lalioff.com.

Bill Scurlock

Wilde Haversack

2010-10-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

A few years ago at the Fort Frederick market fair, I realized that I had left my haversack at home. It's tough to do a 4-day market fair without a haversack, so I stopped by Ed Wilde's tent, Wilde Weavery and Trading Co.

This is the haversack I chose. It's just a plain pouch, meant only get me through that event, but I have used it many times since then. It measures 9-3/4" X 12" and has three copper buttons.

Bill Scurlock

Taylor Indian Sculpture/Zender-Dale Outfit

2010-10-13T11:57:00.001-05:00

On November 9, 2009, I posted images of this Mike Taylor carved and painted wooden Indian bust. At that time it was just the carved and painted sculpture without the jewelry. This last spring we boxed up the carving and sent it to Jan Zender in Big Bay, Michigan. We asked Jan and his wife, Rochelle, to outfit Mike's carving in the appropriately styled and sized trade silver and ornamentation. Jan brought it to us at this year's CLA show, and Linda and I were thrilled.

Of course, Mike can do this same type of decorative work, but we like that idea of having a collaborative piece that features the work of three friends.

To give you an idea of the scale, this sculpture is 9" tall from the base to the top of his head (not counting the hair). The base is about 5" wide.

You can contact Mike Taylor at www.michaeljtaylor.com.

You can contact Jan Zender and Rochelle Dale at www.zenderdalearts.com.

Bill Scurlock

Mark Ewing Banded Horn

2010-10-08T12:24:00.000-05:00

Mark Ewing, from Lincolnton, North Carolina, came by our table at the CLA show back in August. After some visiting and catching up, I asked if the horn he was carrying around was for sale. He said it was and handed it to me. I did not hand it back. It's about 15-1/2 inches around the outside curve and the base is 2-1/4 inches in diameter. I plan to run a review in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue. In the meantime, Mark can be contacted at 704-530-2829 or mark_ewing@bellsouth.net.

Bill Scurlock

Stolen CW Pistols

2010-10-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

Two Pistols Stolen from the Colonial Williamsburg Gun Shop

Pistol 1 has an octagon-to-round barrel 8-3/4” long, .56 caliber. On a flat at the breech is a silver inlay with a hand and hammer stamp to show that the barrel is hand-forged. The top flat is engraved “Williamsburg 1991.” The lock is engraved with “Smith” under the pan. Stock is curly maple and relief carved behind the tang. The mounts are engraved brass.

Pistol 2 has a full octagon barrel approx. 10” long and is signed “J. Laubach at Wmsbg. 1981.” It also has a silver inlay on the oblique flat at the breech with a hand and hammer. Stock is curly maple and is relief carved behind the tang. Engraved brass mounts.

Also stolen was a powder horn approx. 14” long, engraved with “A Man of Words and not Of Deeds is Like a Garden of Weeds.”

A small black leather shooting bag was also stolen.

Contact George Sutier at Gsuiter@CWF.org or call 757-565-8747

Bill Scurlock

Milita from Sept/Oct issue

2010-10-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is a beautiful photo from Ronald Poppe's article entitled "Militia Drill" in the Sept/Oct 2010 issue of MUZZLELOADER. It's such a good looking photo that I wanted to show it here in color.

Bill Scurlock

The Book of Lancaster

2010-10-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

I reviewed The Book of Lancaster: Carving Details for the Gunmaker by Susanne Warren-Bicio in the September/October issue. It's an excellent book of 68 detailed drawings by Susanne of the carving on a number of original Lancaster rifles. These drawings can be of greater value than many of the photos that have been published of these rifles because many of the details cannot be seen in the photos.

You can contact Susanne at www.historicalarmsmaker.com.

Bill Scurlock

Mo's 10-Point

2010-10-04T11:16:00.001-05:00

I spent last weekend at the hunting camp, working on our cabin with Trey, Ernest and Trey's daughter, Camryn. Bow season opened last Friday, but the only one in the camp who went hunting on Saturday was Maureen, aka Mo. This is Mo with a nice 10-pointer she stuck at about 7:30 am. A perfect shot, and he only travelled about 25 yards. This is exactly how he fell, with the arrow in place. All Mo did was pick up his head for the photo.

Bill Scurlock

Western Rendezvous 1991

2010-09-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a scene from the rendezvous, after our ride in. It was a gorgeous site.

Bill Scurlock

Fishing on 1991 Western Ride

2010-09-29T10:35:00.000-05:00

On the 1991 ride into rendezvous in Montana, we camped by this lake, don't remember the name, where I first tried my hand at fishing. Didn't do any good here.

Bill Scurlock

Grayling Lake 1991

2010-09-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

This is one of my favorite older photos. It was taken by David Wright while I was fishing in Grayling Lake in Montana. There's a linen line in my fingers. The hand-forged hook was baited with a piece of bacon fat. Incredibly, I caught 3 graylings. I think I could have caught more, but a little squall blew up and ruined the fishing. They just quit biting.

This was during a horseback ride into the Western Rendezvous. I was a guest on this ride (my first period ride into rendezvous) of the AMM's Upper Missouri Outfit. Good times.

Bill Scurlock

Shoot on Sunday

2010-09-23T09:22:00.000-05:00

I'm hosting a shoot at our farm west of Texarkana on Sunday afternoon. It's just an informal, stand-in-the-pasture shoot. Richard Henry and Robert Tibbit are providing targets and matches. We haven't gotten together since March or April, so a lot of local guys are looking forward to it, including me.

Bill Scurlock

Spike Buck 1982-83

2010-09-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

I shot this spike buck in about 1982-83, and Ernest Cook (right) finished him off with a shot to the head. This was on the Lafayette County Wildlife Management area in South Arkansas. We used to do a buckskinners' camp there each fall during ML deer season. This deer survived a close shave a day or two before I shot him. One of the guys in our camp cut some hair on his neck with a round ball. Said all he had was a neck shot through the brush, so he tried it. There was a smooth groove cut in the hair on this deer's neck, but the skin wasn't broken.

My rifle in the photo was a .45 caliber made by Hobbs and Hopkins in Elkridge, Maryland (they use to run H&H Barrel Company back in the late 70s to early 80s. I sold this rifle back in the early 80s, and wish I had it back. Ernest is holding a .54 caliber, half-stock English sporting rifle made by Kit Ravenshear. He still owns and uses that one.

Bill Scurlock

Caney Creek Again

2010-09-22T07:00:00.003-05:00

A year or two after the photo in the last post, we did another trek into Caney. We started out with more guys than shown here, but one guy got hurt and I think two others helped carry his stuff out and didn't come back. This was the second morning. It was drizzling rain and just above freezing. We had four guys and two pieces of canvas, so one went underneath while the other one covered us. From the left: Mark Baker, Tim McCrae, Rooster Bob and Bill Scurlock. The photo was taken with a timer on my camera.

Bill Scurlock

Caney Creek Wilderness Trek

2010-09-21T14:47:00.000-05:00

Here's another one with the local guys heading out on a trek in the Caney Creek Wilderness of Arkansas. I think it was somewhere around 1986-87. From the left: Bill Scurlock, Rooster Bob McKellar, Ernest Cook, David Pearce, Ken Womack and Bobby Bailey.

Bill Scurlock

Dog Hollow Trek 1984

2010-09-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Been going through some old images and found some that brought back good memories. In 1984, some of the local guys took our first period trek up Dog Hollow in the Ouachita Mountains of Western Arkansas. From left to right: Ernest Cook, Oran Scurlock, Bobby Bailey, John Upton and Bill Scurlock. For Bobby and me, this was our second trek, the first being with David Wright and Steve Davis the year before in East Tennessee.

Bill Scurlock

Mark Wiley Table

2010-09-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Another piece of furniture we bought from Mark Wiley at the Raid at Martin's Station is this nice table. It's very well made and comes apart for travel. The legs and stretcher are maple, painted with milk paint, and the top is larch. Top top measures 53 inches long. More details will be in "Prime Possibles" in the November/December issue of MUZZLELOADER.

You can contact Mark at WileyHouseShoppe@yahoo.com.

Mike Walsh Lantern

2010-09-16T10:43:00.000-05:00

Linda and I picked this ships lantern up from Mike Walsh at the Fort Frederick Market Fair last spring. Mike does excellent work and was chosen in 2009 and 2010 for inclusion in the Early American Life magazine's Directory of Traditional American Crafts. This is a big lantern measuring 16 inches tall. A full review is scheduled to appear in "Prime Possibles" in the November/December issue of MUZZLELOADER.

You can contact Mike and see more of his work at www.earlyamericantin.com.

Bill Scurlock

Mark Wiley Ice Box

2010-09-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

We met Mark Wiley at the Raid at Martin's Station back in April, and bought this ice box from him. It's made of painted poplar and lined with 1" foam. It even has a well-designed drain hole in the bottom. The pipe sticks out underneath and has a threaded cap on in, but you can't see it without practically laying on the ground. It's very nicely done, and we look forward to using it in our camps. A review in MUZZLELOADER is scheduled for the November/December issue.

You can contact Mark at 724-714-7549 or email WileyHouseShoppe@yahoo.com.

Bill Scurlock

For Trade and Treaty

2010-09-13T07:00:00.002-05:00

Mike Nesbitt wrote a review on this book in the Sept/Oct issue. This is another excellent book published by Track of the Wolf. It covers the firearms of the American Indians from 1600 to 1920. The photography is excellent and printed in full color. It is available from store.scurlockpublishing.com.

Bill Scurlock

New Brown Bess Book

2010-09-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

This new book by Erik Goldstein & Stuart Mobray is the best book on Brown Bess identification to date. One of the great things about it is the professional color photos of each model, from the Pattern 1730 to Pattern 1809. The photography and format allow you to clearly see the many variations in each pattern and the evolution of the model over almost 100 years of production. I wrote a full review in the Sept/Oct 2010 issue. Copies of The Brown Bess are available from store.scurlockpublishing.com.

Bill Scurlock

Roland Cadle Half-Size Horn

2010-09-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

At Fort Frederick in April, Roland Cadle told me that he was making a horn for me to put on my table at the CLA show, "so you will have a quality horn to show instead of the backwoods stuff." At this year's show he brought me this 1/2 scale powder horn, completely hand made by him in the Philadelphia horn fashion. It has turned pewter rings, turned wooden base and tip, dyed green, and iron loops for the strap. It measures about 9 inches around the curve and a base diameter of about 2 inches. It's a beautiful little horn that I'm proud to display on my table.

Bill Scurlock

Doe and Fawns

2010-09-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

On the way from the house to the office yesterday morning, I drove up on a doe and two fawns. I was about 25 to 30 yards from them. I didn't want to chance getting out of the truck, so I took the photos through the windshield again. In addition, it was overcast and not real bright. Consequently, they're not as sharp as I would like. These are the first fawns we've seen on the place this year.

Bill Scurlock

Jan Riser Housewife

2010-09-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Jacob bought this nice housewife from Jan Riser at the CLA show. The green exterior is wool dyed in osage orange sawdust and over-dyed with logwood by Anne Ramsey. The interior is made it from various pieces of vintage homespun fabric. The inside has a couple of spare buttons sewn on, a needle in the pincushion on the right in the middle photo and several lengths of thread in the interior pockets. Jacob will get years of use out of it, like I have from the one Linda made me years ago.

You can contact Jan at artriser@mindspring.com.

Bill Scurlock

Clay Smith Trade Rifle

2010-09-07T07:00:00.003-05:00

I wrote an article about this rifle in the September/October issue. Here are a couple of color images of this nice rifle. Shoots good too!

You can contact Clay at www.claysmithguns.com.

Bill Scurlock

Allen Heiser Throwing Knife

2010-09-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mike Nesbitt reviewed this throwing knife from Arrowhead Traders in "Prime Possibles" in the September/October issue. It has an overall length of 13 inches and is well balanced for throwing. While made for throwing, it can be used for heavy camp chores as well.

Bill Scurlock

Brian Beckum Whitetail DVDs

2010-09-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

I reviewed these two DVDs in the September/October issue. If you aren't fired up about hunting season yet, get these videos, and they will cure you. Through these videos, Brian Beckum takes you on a number of fair chase hunts and uses flintlocks to harvest a number of bucks and does. They're great for a new hunter but also quite enjoyable for those of us who have flintlock hunted for 30 years.

You can order these at www.beckumoutdoors.com.

Bill Scurlock

Rich Pierce Flints

2010-09-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

These flints by Rich Pierce were reviewed by Mike Nesbitt in the September/October issue. Mike had good results with these Missouri-made flints.

You can contact Rich at longtrekflints@gmail.com.

Bill Scurlock

Deer By House

2010-09-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

We've been seeing two nearly identical bucks, traveling together, this summer. Usually it was just after dark when we saw them. This is one of them I saw when I was driving home about 6 pm last night. He was standing at the wood's edge about 100 yards from our house and 25 yards from the driveway. Was able to get my camera out and shoot through the windshield, hence the glare at the bottom and the fussiness of the images. Pretty decent buck. Sure gets the blood pumping.

Bill Scurlock

David Crisalli's Gunner's Mate

2010-09-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Featured in "Prime Possibles" in the September/October issue is the Gunner's Mate by David Crisalli. It is a handy sized tool that can take the place of a bag full of tools at the range or in the field. It is well designed, good looking and has the feel of a traditional styled gun tool. And the several functions I have tried all worked beautifully.

You can order these online at www.luckybag.us.

Bill Scurlock

September/October Issue

2010-09-01T10:19:00.000-05:00

A lot of you have already received your subscription copy of the Sept/Oct issue. This one features a painting by Andrew Knez, Jr., on the cover. This work is entitled, Watching the Back Trail. Andy's work has appeared several times in MUZZLELOADER, and we appreciate all of the fine work that he does.

You can contact Andy at www.andrewknezjr.com.

Bill Scurlock

Doug Hall Giclee

2010-08-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is another prize from the CLA's silent auction this year. Linda ended up with the high bid on Doug Hall's Treetop Advantage giclee. Doug lives in Missouri, and when he's not painting, he likes horseback riding and building and shooting longrifles.

You can contact Doug and see more of his work at www.doug-hall.com.

Bill Scurlock

Lisa Crews Commemorative Horn

2010-08-30T12:17:00.000-05:00

Lisa Crews, a potter from Hickman, Kentucky, made this ceramic "horn" especially for the silent auction at this year's CLA Show. My cousin, Richard, ended up making the high bid. I didn't think to measure it while it was here at the office, but it is a regular size horn.

Lisa attends many events in the eastern part of the country and always has some beautiful delft pieces, as well as pit-fired, unglazed native pieces for sale. You can contact her at bonecamp@yahoo.com.

Bill Scurlock

R. L. Darrall Huntboard

2010-08-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

Our good friends from down in this country, Bobby and Debbie, were also at the CLA show and bought this huntboard from R.L. Darrall. Linda and I carried it home for them because they did not have covered room in their pickup. It has a curly maple top and a painted poplar case. The large drawers have hand-cut dovetails – half-blind at the front and through at the back. All of the work was done with period hand tools. It's a beautiful example of the work Butch is producing these days.

You can contact R.L. Darrall at traditionalcraftman@yahoo.com.

Bill Scurlock

Scott Shea Pouch and Horn

2010-08-25T17:32:00.000-05:00

This pouch and horn set were made by Scott Shea and donated to the CLA. Linda won the bid on this set in the silent auction. It also included the powder measure and patch knife. The translation for Psalm 84:11 on the reverse side of the horn follows:

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." (King James version).

Some of Scott's work was reviewed in "Prime Possibles" in the Sept/Oct 2010 issue. You can see more or contact Scott through his website www.scottshearifles.com.

Bill Scurlock

Hartley Horn Drawings Book

2010-08-24T15:53:00.000-05:00

I'm back from almost two weeks away. First, went to see my oldest son, Justin, in New York City. He has a residency job with a firm there as part of his studies with the School of Architecture at the University of Texas. It's a great opportunity for him, and he's doing well.

On the way back to Texas, we attended the CLA Show in Lexington, Kentucky. It was another great show, with more to see than time to see it. And more folks to visit with than time to visit.

A new book produced by the Honourable Company of Horners was introduced at the show and was a big hit. Titled The Hartley Horn Drawings: A Collection of Powder Horn Drawings by Robert M. Hartley, this 80-page book reproduces all 40 drawings held by the Margaret Reaney Memorial Library in St. Johnsville, New York. These drawings date to between 1933 and 1938 and are a great resource for the horn maker or collector. I helped the HCH on the publication and printing end of the project, and the book turned out beautifully.

These books are available at store.scurlockpublishing.com

Bill Scurlock

Rapt Attention to Trail-Cam Images

2010-08-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

After a long, hot day of work at the hunting lease about two weeks ago, some of the members gathered in the cabin to look a trail-camera photos on a laptop. We're eagerly awaiting the hunting season this fall. There are a lot of does and some pretty good bucks showing up on the images. Shown here from the left are Jacob, Tom, Trey and Mo. Brian is there too, but he's hidden behind Trey and Mo.

Bill Scurlock

Clay Smith Pouch and Horn

2010-08-09T11:26:00.001-05:00

Though I've had this pouch and horn, both made by Clay Smith, for a while, I didn't get them paired up, with straps on the bag and horn, until last Friday. There will be an article on one of Clay's "trade rifles" in the September/October issue. You can contact Clay at [www.claysmithguns.com].

Bill Scurlock

Shinin Times Valley Rendezvous–Wisconsin

2010-08-06T09:41:00.000-05:00

MUZZLELOADER recently received a couple of images from last year's Shinin Times Valley Rendezvous in Lynoon Station, Wisconsin. The booshway was Andy "Red Bear" VanSickle, shown at left in the lower photo, presenting a one-year subscription of MUZZLELOADER to Ed Anderson.

Bill Scurlock

Mike Taylor Quilled Pouch

2010-08-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

I almost left this quilled pouch made by Michael Taylor out of my posts about this year's CLA auction. This quilled brain-tan bag is also in the live auction on Friday, August 20th, in Lexington, Kentucky. You can contact Mike at [www.michaeljtaylor.com].

Bill Scurlock

Jacob Shooting

2010-08-04T10:18:00.000-05:00

Yes, it was hot last week. Not as hot as this week, though. But son Jacob pulled out the Steve Davis iron-mounted .54 and did some shooting. He will be home this fall, still going to college, but plans to deer hunt at our lease. Therefore, he is practicing. He did pretty well this day, and the afternoon before,

but still needs the practice. We all look forward to having him at the camp this fall.

Bill Scurlock

Clay Smith Copper Candles

2010-08-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

Noted gunmaker and craftsman, Clay Smith, has been making these copper candles this year. I got a couple of them after the Fort Frederick trade fair. These fit perfectly in the socket of my candle lanterns, and they never burn short. You fill the copper container with liquid paraffin, and light the wick. It will burn for about 4 hours.

I don't know that there are any original lamps just like this, but blown glass peg lamps, burning whale oil, work the same way and date back to at least the early 19th century.

You can contact Clay at [www.claysmithguns.com] or email [claysmith@cox.net].

Bill Scurlock

Tomahawk by Frank House, Ian Pratt and Joe Seabolt

2010-08-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

This reproduction of the Jacob Fraiser tomahawk, made by Frank House, Ian Pratt and Joe Seabolt, is part of the 2010 CLA live auction at the annual meeting in Lexington, Kentucky, on Friday, August 20th. You can contact House at 859-707-5429, Pratt at 303-658-4049 or Seabolt at 513-722-4321.

Bill Scurlock

Lally and Frank House Quilled Sheath and Knife

2010-07-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

This quilled sheath and hand forged knife, made by Lally and Frank House, are part of the 2010 CLA live auction at the annual meeting in Lexington, Kentucky, on Friday, August 20th. You can contact them at 859-707-5429 or 859-707-9677.

Bill Scurlock