Josh First's Blog

Kempton Gunmakers Fair 2026 starts with a bang

The annual Kempton Gun Maker’s Fair started today, at the Kempton Community Center, in Kempton, PA. This is the former Dixon’s show. Dixon’s black powder shop is still operating, and why they ever gave up ownership of this national show, I will never understand.

For those easily startled and alarmed and triggered by the word “gun,” you can do a bong hit and relax, because these are guns of the 1776 variety. Mostly flintlocks, some percussion, all artistic beauty. They are loaded by pouring black powder down the barrel, and then ramming down a patched lead ball on top. Shooters of these fine instruments might get one shot every 45 seconds, if they are really fast. These are mostly used for primitive hunting and shooting competition, and are constructed of especially pretty, and expensive, sometimes rare, wood.

Hunters toting these rifles in the woods are committed to challenge. To giving animals a real high chance of survival. No long range assassinations possible here, the Long Hunter must have excellent wood craft, and get close to his quarry. A shot over 100 yards is considered long distance, and though the guns are very accurate, the human hand-eye coordination factor is the fly in the ointment here. Hold-through after the flash in the pan is imperative. Thus the nickname “flinchlocks”, because that fiery flash in your face makes you flinch, and miss.

My usual experience, anyhow. And so any legal animal taken with one of these primitive black powder guns is truly a trophy.

A great deal of 1770s period clothing and accoutrements are available, for those wishing to step back in time. Tools, tomahawks, spontoons, halberds, pikes, and naval spears are all part of the kit, and are therefore available.

I went to check on the status of a percussion rifle being made for me, to take a class on flint knapping, to see long time acquaintances, and to pick up some really neat hand crafted gifts for people who appreciate them. Ended up selling a pile of dry curly maple and black walnut stock lumber I have had stashed for many years. Whatever I get for that will go towards paying for that percussion rifle being made.

Funny little circle, that.

If you are at all interested in black powder guns and all the related stuff around them, like beautifully made leather “possibles” bags, or a blacksmith’s hand made steel tomahawk, or a set of naval pikes for your office decor, the Kempton Gun Maker’s Fair is worth your visit. It runs through Sunday.

Jim Chambers Flintlocks is one of the powerhouse lock and parts makers in the world. Jim and his crew here

A colorful attendee from New Jersey, upon whom I bestowed Most Hirsute of The Show award.

Antique style arms and armor. Need a curaiss for Monday’s board meeting?

David Martin, a talented cabinet maker from Bloomsburg, talks with talented gunmaker Mark Wheland, from Blair County. At age twelve, I started my trapping career on Mark’s family farm in Pennsylvania Furnace. Funny small world.

Making homespun wool thread on a traditional spinning wheel

Gary Fatheree and his super cool wheel locks from Germany, Denmark, and some other formerly European country. You can successfully bag dinner with these

Gunmaker Rod England and gun barrel maker Jason of Rice Barrels teamed up. Rod makes beautiful 1860s style percussion locks and breech plugs, long range sights, and makes Henry style rifle kits. Jason makes perfect barrels to your exact order on his CNC machines. In fact, that percussion rifle I came to check on has Rod’s lock and Jason’s barrel, a .62 caliber Forsyth rifled masterpiece.

More wheel locks, a snaphaunce, and an assortment of related 1500-1700s style guns

Spark Mumma from Jonestown, PA, makes beautiful hand crafted items from cow horn, bone, and wood. I bought one of his large scrimshawed salt shakers

In flintlock rifle circles, Alan Martin needs no introduction. His guns are objects of artistic beauty

Someone talented spent a lot of time making these beautiful “letter openers”

Every year artisans from across America submit their best work to be judged in a competition. Rifles, knives, scrimshawed powder horns, ornate leather bags are the most common items

You can stand amazing beauty only so long, before resorting to the “smart” phone

Some vendor tables

Blacksmith making a naval spear head with socket. As a part time blacksmith myself, I will attest that making a quality socket is the hallmark of a real talented smith

Master class on knapping flint

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Tools and detritus (debotage) of flint knapping

Thank you for helping us learn how to make our own gun flints!

Two blacksmiths compare notes