If you are then I recommend you read Bluelk' s chapters at [Link]http://www.realtree.com/bluelk/index.tpl[/Link]. Bluelk (Rich Dunkirk) recently lost his battle with cancer but leaves behind a legacy of trying to help new folks gain a safe start in muzzleloading.

Another great site for beginner' s help is found at [Link]http://mamaflinter.tripod.com/beginningguidetomuzzleloaders/index.html[/LINK] . Donna is quite knowledgable and has made available a lot of good info.

One more great resource and a supplier of some of the finest muzzleloader projectiles is at [link]http://www.prbullet.com/[/link]. Cecil Epp has done a lot to advance the sport and offers some excellent products. LOTS of info there, look around a bit.

And don' t forget the manufacturer of your rifle/shotgun is usually a good source for additonal info and tips. Sometimes a toll-free number is provided to ask questions that might go beyond the web resources or your owner' s manual. Owner' s manuals are of varying quality and worth but no one should skip reading through those pages to learn what you can about the use and care of your gun.

Seems every year there are more and more folks taking up the sport and the same set of questions start popping up on the forums about this time. Intent here is to give you quick access to some enlightening info and speed up your learning curve.

Finally, don' t discount the worth of this and the several other good forums available to you, where many experienced shooters are willing to take the time and help you learn the ropes.

Be safe and enjoy!

Good advice.

I' d 2nd what he said about Bluelk - he was a wealth of knowledge. I never posted much there but I read a lot of his stuff.

Also - many of the companies are very quick to reply to your email. I have emailed Traditions w/ a few questions and have had great customer support from them.

Thanks for the links bud. ive heard of the blueks article but never read it till now.

thanx alot....i need more to read!! i just got into black powder this year(im sure you know that if youve been around the blackpowder forum in the past few months....) i love it....its a great sport.....theres something wrong with me though..im a teenager with all kinds of modern technology surrounding me that most people would think id be hunting with...but instead of being like a normal person i go back to the stone age and shoot a flintlock....i love it so far...thanx for the links also i got a TC manual.....it has EVERYTHING in it....saftey..parts and what they do...tips to get consistany fire...proper way to clean and load...tons of tips and such....and a list of loads and everything....its a great little manual....im glad i called and had them send me one....very helpful.....