​Young Gunbuilders' Scholarship

In an effort to promote and encourage the art of longrifle building among young people, we are proud to partner with the Kentucky Rifle Foundation and a private donor for the ​Young Gunbuilders' Scholarship. This scholarship will allow for one recipient to join the 2026 Gunmaker's Workshop by covering much of the cost of tuition, room and board. Although the amount awarded can vary from year to year, often there is also enough to cover some of the cost of tools or gun parts. The seminar will be taught Jeff Tebay and Gary Ludwig and will be held March 9th-17th, 2026 at FFA Camp Muskingum in Carrollton, Ohio.

To apply, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and have a desire to learn the craft of longrifle building. The scholarship is offered both to beginners and those with experience. Prior gunbuilding or related skills such as wood or metal working are worth describing in the essay but are not requirements. To apply you must write a short essay which will serve as your entry. Do you shoot traditional muzzleloaders or hunt with them? Are you involved in living history or reenactment? Do you have experience with other early American crafts? Or are you a complete newcomer who wants to get involved? All are welcome to apply. You can include descriptions of what you expect to gain from attending the class, what your present and future goals might be, why you would be a good candidate for the class, and any other information you feel is relevant.

To enter, please mail your essays by January 15th, 2026 to: MUZZLELOADER, PO Box 1316, Gallatin, TN 37066 or email it to us here. Please be sure to include both your email address and phone number with your essay. We ask that you only apply if you are serious about making the full nine day's commitment, can provide your own travel to the class, and will be able to supply the balance of your gun parts not covered by the scholarship. We will award the scholarship to one person. All applicants will be notified of the results. We hope you'll apply and we look forward to receiving your essay!

Left to Right: Ken Gahagan, Levi Miller - The recipient of the 2018 MUZZLELOADER Magazine Youth Gunbuilding Scholarship, and Ian Pratt

Left to Right: Ken Gahagan, Blakely Chambers - The recipient of the 2017 MUZZLELOADER Magazine Youth Gunbuilding Scholarship, and Ian Pratt

Left to Right: Ian Pratt, Noah Miller - The recipient of the 2016 MUZZLELOADER Magazine Youth Gunbuilding Scholarship, and Jim Kibler