Lost Muzzle Loader

Lost Muzzle Loader

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Your recent talk on muzzle loaders got me thinking about my son Luke's first muzzle loading hunt.  He was interested in the history portrayed in the Sean Bean movies.  Based on the books by Bernard Cornwell, Richard Sharpe was in the British army during the Napoleonic War.  Sharpe carried a Baker Rifle; one of the first flintlocks with riflings in the barrel.  My son Luke was so interested in how that rifle worked that he purchased a non-functional replica 1809 Baker 62 caliber flintlock muzzle loader from a Canadian company.  A rifle shop back east put a real barrel on the prop.  His intent was to do the muzzle loading season here in Clayton, Washington.  After much practice -- one has to hold on target not only for a moment with a flintlock; one must hold on target for the flash in the pan followed by the ignition of the powder and time for the gun to fire--Luke was ready for hunting.  The last day of the season at 3 pm he headed out and low and behold, a buck came right into target range.  Luke carefully took aim and fired.  And to the amazement of all concerned, he got that buck in the left ear!  It dropped instantly.  The sad part to this tale is that Luke's muzzle loader has been stolen. He'd sure like to get it back.  Please pass the word to help it be found and returned.
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