While putting the gifted 2F powder in my metal cabinet containing smokeless, black powder, pellets, caps, and primers I rooted around. I found a can of GOEX 3F dated May 22, 1978! A month or so ago my father came across a 5 gallon bucket of polished once-fired brass in his garage. Mind you, I haven't lived there in
many decades. It contained calibers that are pretty much impossible to find around here these days (e.g., 300 Savage, 8 MM Mauser) that I shared with my sporting associates. Apparently my shooting supply inventory management system never worked...
The gun safe helped with inventory control of the guns themselves... I recently gave my son some "modern" guns to make room for more muzzle loaders. The latest safe resident is the long rifle I started while working at Williamsburg under Jon Laubach's guidance. Between my leaving Williamsburg, living in another state, family, jobs, and events in Jon's life, the project languished. Jon's untimely passing stalled it completely. I had lunch with George Suiter around Christmas 2019 and he agreed to help me get the project done. Lot's of great memories attached to this Isaac Haines inspired rifle. I've been deer hunting with it and have until about New Years to get the job done. Then I'll get on to the task of using up the 44 year old powder... and then the "new" powder I have.
Digging out my other muzzle loaders and books (Shumway 1&2, Brown's Firearms in Colonial America, etc.) revealed how much I've forgotten! It was also nice to speak with Chris Laubach about his lock project shortly after Jon's passing. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with George, Jon, Gary Brumfield and Dave Wagner... Wallace was a visitor to the shop during that time frame. Terrific guys.. I've very much enjoyed reading the forums here as the academic environment I experienced at Williamsburg is also alive and well here.
P.S., I never found an application for hand filed woodscrews after leaving the shop.
