Southern Ohio Artisan Workshops

Southern Ohio Artisan Workshops runs a series of immersive gunmaking classes that teach the craft of building early American rifles and period-correct gun accoutrements. You're not watching demonstrations—you're building your own gun or gear over multiple days using hand tools and time-honored methods.

The flagship class runs March 9-17, 2026 at Camp Muskingum in Carrollton, Ohio. You start with a stock blank, barrel, and basic components, then build a complete American flintlock rifle under instructor guidance.

What you learn: - Stock work and shaping - Barrel fitting and assembly - Lock mechanism installation - Hand tool techniques - Period-correct finishing methods

Instructors give daily presentations on tools and techniques. Both beginners and experienced builders attend—your goals might differ from the next student's, and that's the point.

Held at Log Cabin Sport Shop in Lodi, Ohio. February 15-20 (full), September 21-26, and October 19-24 (Hawken kit only).

Gary Ludwig teaches proper kit construction, wood and metal finishing, hand tool use, lock and set trigger assembly, and custom personalization touches. Class size is limited.

• •Fee: $725 (includes materials). Does not include tools or rifle kit.

Beginners are welcome. This class is designed for someone who wants to learn skills before tackling a build alone, or for experienced builders looking to sharpen technique.

All feature hands-on instruction from recognized artisans. Beginners welcome in all classes.

Gary Ludwig started building muzzleloaders in 2013 after attending Canter's Cave Gunmakers Seminar. He trained under Hershel and John House, Jim Kibler, Ken Gahagan, and Ian Pratt. Beyond gunmaking, he's taken classes in knifemaking, belt axe making, engraving, powder horns, fire steel making, and flintknapping. He teaches multiple Kibler Kit workshops annually and co-instructs the annual Gunmakers' Workshop.

Ken Gahagan has been building 18th-century reproductions since his teens. Best known for Hudson Valley Fowlers and composite guns. His work appears in Muzzleloader Magazine, Muzzle Blasts, and Contemporary Longrifle Association publications.

Clinton Byers is a Master Horner recognized by the Honourable Company of Horners. Professional educator with lifetime flintlock hunting experience. Accoutrements judge at Gunmakers Fairs.

Kathy England produces scrimshaw since the early 1980s, specializing in detailed work on Scottish Highland horns and allegorical designs. Published in American Traditions, The Horn Book, MuzzleBlasts, and Muzzleloader magazines.

• •Other instructors: Eric Von Aschwege, Ian Pratt, and Jeff Tebay teach the annual Gunmakers' Workshop. Combined expertise spans gunbuilding, metalworking, engraving, and period-correct blacksmithing.

• •Young Gunbuilders' Scholarship covers much of the cost of tuition, room, and board for the annual Gunmakers' Workshop. Open to ages 18-30 with desire to learn longrifle building. No prior experience required. Essays due January 15th, 2026 to Muzzleloader Magazine, PO Box 1316, Gallatin, TN 37066.

• •Family Scholarship also available. Both funded by Kentucky Rifle Foundation, Muzzleloader Magazine, and private donors.