Muzzle-Loader Books

These muzzle-loader books include topics such as black powder hunting, the history of muzzle-loaders, muskets, longrifles, blunderbusses, shooting and practical muzzle-loader subjects, powder horns and flasks and much more.

Major R O Ackerman

Introduction To Muzzle-Loading by Major R O Ackerman (1966)

Shooting The Percussion Rifle by Major R O Ackerman (1966)o

Care And Repair Of Muzzle-Loaders by Major R O Ackerman (1966)

Shooting the Flintlock Rifle by Major R O Ackerman (1976) (Book No. 4 The Muzzle Loader's Little Library). This is a very scarce little booklet. Illustrated by the author with drawings of examples from the various school of muzzle-loading rifles, as well as technical drawings of the mechanism, projectiles and various types of flints. Text offers historical context, plus an explanation of the various types and instructions on the powder charge, patching, the ball, the flint, priming, firing and troubleshooting. This booklet is in 'The Muzzle Loader's Little Library', below.

The Muzzle Loader's Little Library by Major R O Ackerman (1994) is the combined edition of all 4 volumes, including the scarce 'Shooting The Flintlock'.

Bill Ahearn

Muskets Of The Revolution And The French And Indian Wars by Bill Ahearn (2005). The exciting, true story of the guns that fought the American Revolution, including intimate details of the men who carried them and the desperate battles in which they served. Not just a technical study of old firearms, this is a tribute to the bravery of the men who fought on both sides of that epic conflict and a celebration of the tools of freedom. Includes many never-before published photos. (The Smoothbore Longarm in Early America, including British, French, Dutch, German, Spanish and American Weapons).

Ted Bacyk, David Bacyk & Tom Rowe

Gunpowder Cans & Kegs by Ted Bacyk, David Bacyk & Tom Rowe (Vol I 1998, Vol II 2005) is devoted to powder tins & kegs, shown in full colour! Includes: duPont, Hazard, Kings, American Powder, Mass. Powder, Laflin & Rand & Austin. Also there is a price guide, rarity scale, dimensions and company histories.

De Witt Bailey

British Military Flintlock Rifles 1740-1840 by De Witt Bailey (2002) covers such famous weapons as the Ferguson, the Pattern 1776 and the rifles used by German mercenaries and American loyalists during the Revolution. And naturally, a large portion of the book is dedicated to the most famous rifle of them all, the Baker. Illustrated with 320 exceptional photos, this book also includes a remarkable wealth of data about the Rifleman and Regiments that carried these weapons into battle.

John D Baird

Fifteen Years In The Hawken Lode by John D Baird (1971). The success of 'Hawken Rifles, the Mountain Man's Choice' led the author to write this, a collection of thoughts and observations gained from many years of study of the Hawken rifle.

D R Baxter

Blunderbusses by D R Baxter (1970). The author is a noted authority on the blunderbus and whose studies of firearms have been published in many learned journals.

B M Baxter

For Beginners Only by B M Baxter (1972) National Muzzle-Loading Rifle Association publication on reconditioning & shooting muzzle-loaders.

Toby Bridges

Advanced Muzzle Loaders Guide by Toby Bridges (1985) is the complete guide to muzzle loading rifles, pistols and shotguns - flintlocks and percussion.

Advanced Black Powder Hunting by Toby Bridges (1997) is filled from cover to cover with guns, loads, projectiles, accessories and the techniques to get the most from today's front loading guns. The author's involvement with the industry in developing modern in-line percussion rifles has won him the title, 'Mr In-line'. No other writer could have compiled the information in this book.

Black Powder Gun Digest by Toby Bridges (Editor) (1972) is a complete guide to muzzle-loading guns and shooting - how to choose and use, collecting, characteristics, ballistics, etc. Contributions from R O Ackerman, Dan Cotterman, Bob Furst, Dean A Grennell, Turner Kirkland, Jack Lewis, Skeeter Skelton, Chuck Tyler and Bob Zwirz.

William R Brockway

Recreating The Double Barrel Muzzle-Loading Shotgun by William R Brockway (2003). This valuable reference book, long out of print and scarce, has been finally fully updated by the author. A wonderful book for the black powder enthusiast.

William Buchele

Recreating The American Longrifle by William Buchele (2007) contains an abundance of information for those wishing to make their own flintlock or percussion longrifle.

Walter M Cline

The Muzzle-Loading Rifle: Then And Now by Walter M Cline (1942) is a classic on the muzzle-loading rifle. The author's name is well-known among members of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association. The book covers a myriad topics including, but not limited to, making the barrels of muzzleloading rifles, shooting, the rifle in the American Revolution, arms and ammo of the Civil War, testing for accuracy, hunting, frontier riflemen in American history and the revival of muzzleloading matches.

Andrew Courtney

Muzzle-Loading Today by Andrew Courtney (1981). The history of early weapons, ignition systems, accessories, rifle and pistol shooting, shotgunning, safety, law and shooting regulations and national and international loading competitions.

Donald Dallas

Charles Gordon: Magnificent Madness by Donald Dallas (2011) A fine new work by this leading authority on firearms, privately published by him. Gordon was a wealthy, somewhat insane, collector. "He was of unsound mind throughout his life, one aspect of this being a desire to collect on a massive scale. He bought over 300 guns, rifles and pistols of the very best quality, all in sumptuous cases, about half being muzzle-loaders. Even his breech-loaders were quirky and out-of-date."

Don Davis

Muzzle-Loading: To Begin With by Don Davis (1988). Illustrative pamphlet guide to preparing a muzzle-loading rifle.

John S Du Mont

American Engraved Powder Horns: The Golden Age 1755 / 1783 by John S Du Mont (1978). An important reference on these fine hand engraved powder horns of the French & Indian War and Revolutionary War periods.

C F Eckhardt

Texas Smoke: Muzzle-Loaders On The Frontier by C F Eckhardt (2001) is a history of muzzle-loading firearms in America from the Spanish invasion to the mid-19th century.

Dave Ehrig

Muzzleloading For Deer And Turkey by Dave Ehrig (2005) covers types of muzzleloaders, ballistics, checklists of accessories and much more. Some of the key points and information covered in this guide include: molding your own lead bullets for hunting, tuning flintlocks, percussion and in-line muzzleloaders, safety tips and troubleshooting problematic muzzleloaders, powder horns, flasks, possibles bags, reloading gear and quick second shots.

Sam Fadala

Rifle Guide by Sam Fadala (1993). This comprehensive, fact-filled book beckons to both the seasoned rifleman and the novice shooter. Sure to become a classic in every gunner's library, the 'Rifle Guide' covers the entire spectrum of the rifleman's world, starting with a brief history of the rifle in America. A pertinent reference for any rifle enthusiast.

The Complete Black Powder Handbook by Sam Fadala (1979 Ist Ed). This textbook for black powder shooters is topped off by a catalog of all currently-manufactured black powder firearms. The ultimate source for black powder. 5th Edition Kindle Version

Black Powder Hunting by Sam Fadala (1978) describes the history of black-powder weapons, how they are used and maintained and how to obtain the best results from them. The author invites today's sportsman to experience his favourite hunting using skills and weapons that were developed over 200 years ago in the golden age of front-loading flintlock and percussion rifles. The modern hunter will find an in-depth introduction to all the special lore and techniques that are part of the black powder experience.

The Complete Shooter by Sam Fadala (1984) is a total resource guide for the practical shooter.

Traditional Archery by Sam Fadala (1999) covers all you need to know from choosing a bow, setting up the bow and arrows to selecting tackle and ordering a custom bow. There is practical advice on the storing and transporting of bows and gear safely and advice for teaching beginners. The book includes some of the history of archery as well as stories of the fathers of traditional archery in North America.

John Wayne Fears

The CVA Muzzle-Loading Hunter's Handbook by J Wayne Fears (1980) for tips on muzzle-loading and hunting.

Gene E Fries

Muzzle Loaders Almanac by Gene E Fries (1977) includes pioneer and game recipes, rifle making in the Great Smoky Mountains and more.

Claud E Fuller

The Rifled Musket by Claud E Fuller (1958) is a comprehensive treatise on rifled muskets used between 1861 and 1864 including regulation models, contracted models and the cartridges they used.

Hank Goodman

Muzzle-Loader's Manual by Hank Goodman (1975) is about how to build, load, fire and care for your muzzle-loader.

Stephen V Grancsay

American Engraved Powder Horns: A Study Based On The J H Grenville Gilbert Collection by Stephen V Grancsay (1965). A study of colonial American engraved powder horns of the J H Grenville Gilbert Collection by the Metropolitan Museum's curator of Arms and Armor. Excellent full-page reproduction of the engravings on the powder horns by Rufus A Girder. Includes description of the powder horns and their provenance; check list of powder horns, owner's names, dated horns, map horns etc. A major research source on 18th century colonial powder horns.

Tom Grinslade

Powder Horns: Documents Of History by Tom Grinslade (2009). The author has gathered over 180 different horns, most of which have never been published, for this fresh look at powder horns as 'documents of history.' His detailed but concise background text bring the artwork of the horns and their historic context into focus.

Ken Grissom

Buckskins And Black Powder: A Mountain Mans Guide To Muzzle-loading by Ken Grissom (1983). You'll learn about the rendezvous, the men involved and how they lived. You'll learn how to become a buckskinner yourself: what kind of equipment you need, what to wear and how to make it and all the details of primitive camp life. The author describes the guns used by the early mountain men and the currently available replicas and reproductions. Other chapters cover powder horns, pouches, clothing, buckskinner's jargon, tomahawks and knives, primitive shelters, trail and camp chow, saddles, rendezvous activities and more.

Rick Hacker

The Muzzle-Loading Hunter: Being A Complete Guide For The Black Powder Sportsman by Rick Hacker (1988) includes detailed illustrations, information on handloading, discussions on muzzle-loading rifles, pistols and shotguns, as well as information on hunting knives, loading and cleaning equipment, clothing and much more. A complete guide for the black powder sportsman.

Charles E Hanson

The Plains Rifle by Charles E Hanson (1960) is the history of the famous plainsmen and their rifles.

Charles T Haven

Shooting Muzzle-Loading Handguns: With Contemporary Notes On Duels And Duelling Practice by Charles T Haven (1947)

James Henderson

Firearms Collecting For Amateurs by James Henderson (1966) begins with the blow-gun and covers the match-lock, wheel-lock, flint-lock, percussion lock, muzzle-loading rifle, breech-loader, fowling piece, etc and gives valuable advice on the care, maintenance and display of firearms.

Herbert G Houze

The Sumptuous Flaske: European And American Decorated Powder Flasks Of The Sixteenth To Nineteenth Centuries by Herbert G Houze (1989) illustrates and describes 60 of the finest European and American powder flasks.

Joe Kindig Jr

Thoughts On The Kentucky Rifle In Its Golden Age by Joe Kindig Jr (1960). Long before publishing this book, Joe Kindig has been buying, selling and trading Kentuckys with the ultimate result of having the finest arms collection which contains some of the finest examples of Kentucky rifles ever to be assembled. Two hundred and sixty-six of these most important guns are illustrated in this volume. These illustrations together with facts from hundreds of unpublished documents and the author's keen analysis comprise a storehouse of information and a knowledgeable point of view available nowhere else.

Paul A Matthews

How-To's For The Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Shooter by Paul A Matthews (1995) contains fine points not covered in Matthews's other black-powder books, such as lube recipes, good bore cleaners and over-powder wads. Tips on compressing powder charge, combating wind resistance, improving ignition and combustion and case annealing.

More How-to's For The Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Shooter by Paul A Matthews (2008) expands on his previous work with more tips on compressing powder charge, improving ignition & combustion and case annealing.

Loading The Black Powder Rifle Cartridge by Paul A Matthews (1993) Contents include 'A Few Basics', 'Lubrication and Lubricants', 'The Grease Cookie, Bullets and Bullet Moulds', 'Casting the Bullet', 'Care of the Cartridge Case - Before and After', 'The Powder Charge - Black, Pyrodex or Duplex', 'Loading the Black Powder Rifle Cartridge', 'Developing and Testing the Load' and more.

Cast Bullets For The Black Powder Cartridge by Paul A Matthews (1996). Finding the right cast bullet to perform in your black powder cartridge rifle can be a pursuit of disappointment or reward. Matthews puts into perspective the tools and techniques used to make your cast bullet shooting a success.

The Paper Jacket by Paul A Matthews (1991). The most authoritative work on paper patched bullets. The current resurgence of single-shot and black-powder rifles creates a need for up-to-date and accurate information about paper patched bullets. This book presents today's most thorough, fully illustrated source of information for those who enjoy a taste of the past.

Shooting The Black Powder Cartridge Rifle by Paul A Matthews (1994). This volume compliments 'Loading the Black Powder Rifle Cartridge'. Specific information for shooters to gain more understanding on the operation and approach to accurate and reliable use of these rifles.

Black Powder, Pig Lead And Steel Silhouettes by Paul A Matthews (2002). Once again Matthews offers his astute insight into the world of black powder cartridge rifle silhouette shooting with more tips and recipes for the accuracy needed to effectively compete. From cross-sticks to mirage to making your own casting dipper and bullet lubricant, the author imparts all the facts and figures necessary to come out a winner!

Forty Years With .45/70 by Paul A Matthews (1989). Containing years of the author's personal experience, compiled in the interest of gaining knowledge and utilizing the cartridge's full potential. Expanded version includes six more years; Lever Marlin 1895SS Navy Arms Buffalo Rifle plus the new long range .45-70.

Sixty Years Of Rifles: A Personal Odyssey by Paul A Matthews (1991) is a personal account of hunting and shooting a variety of rifles from .22 to .458. Full of useful tips, anecdotes, information on choices of bullets and more.

R H McCrory

Make Muzzle-Loader Accessories: Powder Horn, Capper, Nipple Wrench, Loading Block, Spring Vise by R H McCrory (1971)

The Modern Kentucky Rifle: How To Build Your Own by R H McCrory (1962). Put your own rifle together with 100 step-by-step photos. The author spent thousands of hours on each descriptive step, putting together the fine points of work. Full scale, detailed drawing of a longrifle of the Golden Era pre-1820 and flintlock single shot pistol.

Ian McMurchy

Modern Muzzle-loading For Today's Whitetails by Ian McMurchy (2002). The author has been shooting and hunting with modern in-line muzzle-loaders since shortly after their invention in 1985. He reveals what hunters should look for when buying an in-line rifle, and then offers detailed insights on their use from the shooting range to the deer woods. Most muzzle-loading books concentrate on everything from flintlocks to sidelocks to in-lines. McMurchy is the first to concentrate on what is widely acknowledged the deer hunters muzzleloader of choice: the in-line.

Jerry Noble

Notes On Southern Long Rifles by Jerry Noble (1991). 4 Volumes. Includes gunmaker listings and numerous black & white photographs of guns and the early characters that used them.

George C Nonte Jr

Home Guide To Muzzle-Loaders by George C Nonte Jr (1974). How to shoot, restore, repair, build and collect these classics of the past.

Black Powder Guide by George C Nonte Jr (1976) covers how to get started in this fascinating hobby and how to restore and refinish an old gun. Includes tables of ballistic information and a glossary.

Ian Phillips

Start Muzzleloading: An Introduction To The Black Powder Sport by Ian Phillips (1977) is full of information on blackpower muzzle-loading.

Al Raychard

The Ultimate Guide To Blackpowder Hunting by Al Raychard (2001) covers such topics as the anatomy of a muzzleloader, muzzleloader types and designs, ignition systems, propellants, projectiles and barrels, and loading up and sighting in for hunting. Raychard also gets into explaining field-tested tactics for hunting a variety of big-game species.

E G B Reynolds

Small Arms Profile No.14: Early Enfield Arms: The Muzzle Loaders by E G B Reynolds (1972)

Ned H Roberts

The Muzzle Loading Cap Lock Rifle by Ned H Roberts (1940) explores the history, construction and care of one of America's finest firearms. This book features hundreds of photographs that show muzzle-loading cap lock rifles, ammunition, cap magazines, powder flasks, bullet moulds and more. It also describes and recreates traditional shooting matches.

Rudolph Roth

The Visser Collection: Arms Of The Netherlands In The Collection Of H L Visser by Rudolph Roth et al (1996) 4 Volumes. Includes Ordnance, Cannon, Mortars, Swivel Guns, Muzzle and Breech Loaders. The Visser collection of arms made in the 17th and 18th centuries in the Netherlands is comprehensive and world famous. Parts of it have been exhibited in the Kremlin in Moscow and at the Tower of London. Apart from the technical and historical aspects, Mr Visser has always been interested in the artistic value of the collection, for example the extraordinary carving, the spectacularly worked ivory gun stocks and intricate inlays.

Martin Rywell

American Antique Rifles And Their Current Prices by Martin Rywell (1951). Comprehensive compilation of all the known American rifles, shotguns and carbines, of every make, model and type, in easy-to-consult dictionary form. Lists, describes and gives up-to-date prices. Chapters are alphabetical, also including Calibers and Cartridges, History of Firearms, Dictionary of Firearms, Flintlock Gunmakers, How to Use a Muzzle Loader, Principal Proofmarks and Illustrations.

The Powder Flask: The Complete Guide For The Collector Of The Principal Accessory To The Firearm by Martin Rywell (1959) is a well-illustrated collector's guide and history of the role of the powder flask in the use of firearms, by an expert in the field.

William H Scurlock

The Book Of Buckskinning edited by William H Scurlock (1981). Muzzle-Loader Magazine. Various editions covering all aspects of hunting and buckskinning, including guns and gun makers, shelters, making footwear, cooking and recipes, shooting, crafts, bead work, trade beads, quillwork, and costumes.

Herbert Arment Sherlock

Black Powder Snapshots by Herbert Arment Sherlock (1946). A great picture book, virtually a brief pictured history of black powder firearms in America. The vignettes and sketches show numerous accessories as well as arms and augment the historical value of the contents. An excellent work by an author-shooter-artist.

R A Steindler

Shooting The Muzzle-Loaders by R A Steindler (1975). Everything you could ever need to know about muzzle-loading weapons and their use - from single-shot flintlock handguns to double-barrel percussion shotguns.

L Gordon Stetser

The Compleat Muzzleloader by L Gordon Stetser (1992) introduces newcomers to the sport of shooting muzzleloaders. Beginning with an assessment of the role these guns played in American history, it goes on to explain, in nontechnical terms, the hows and whys of loading and some basics about hunting with muzzleloading rifle, pistols and shotguns. Offers both green and seasoned shooters a well-rounded perspective, as well as detailed information, about black powder weapons.

Mike Strandlund

Muzzleloader Hunting by Mike Strandlund (1990). National Rifle Association of America. A complete guide to guns, gear and game for the blackpowder hunter. Lots of useful, practical advice and tips.

Nathan L Swayze

Engraved Powder Horns by Nathan L Swayze (1978) Basic to exquisite in terms of design and provides the name and military record of the maker whenever possible. Also provides historical background for any horn which displays a place name. Horns derive from a number of collections. Also presents a drawing labelling the parts of a horn.

Lewis Winant

Early Percussion Firearms: A History Of Early Percussion Firearms Ignition - From Forsyth to Winchester 44/40 by Lewis Winant (1959). Alexander Forsyth was the first to conceive the idea of igniting gunpowder by means of striking a priming fulminate mixture. The author traces Forsyth's development of his scent-bottle model through to sliding locks, moves on to Pauly and his breech loader, and goes on to describe punch-locks, muzzle and breech-loading cap guns, tape, disc and cap magazine guns.

Stamford Sheridan Young

The Three Rifles by Stamford Sheridan Young (1878). A treatise on the Snider, British Military small bore and match rifle shooting with the muzzle and breech loader and an additional chapter on the history of small arms.