Over the Log (Chunk) Muzzleloading Match | Wes Hartley Memorial Shoot 2021

Today we're on the road to one of the longest running muzzleloading matches in the country, the Wes Hartley Memorial Over-the-Log muzzleloading match. This match is the very definition of small town American muzzleloading and represents the kind of unity we need as muzzleloading enthusiasts, Americans, and people in general.

While at the end of the day this is a muzzleloading competition, its really about getting together as a community and having fun with some blackpowder. These matches are shot at 60 yards in 10 relays. One shot each relay. The goal is to shoot the center of the X, or get as close as possible. Sounds easy enough, but there's a catch. The target is hidden from view behind a "sighter"- a solid piece of paper or cardstock that hides the target from the shooter. In each relay, the shooter is tasked with placing his or her target at the center of their group, these previous shots are the only windows into the target. Shooters must shoot a tight group if they hope to score high enough to win.

Established in 1969, the Wes Hartley Memorial Shoot is held in the scenic valley of Vallonia, Indiana. The shoot is held in the spirit of tradition using black powder, muzzleloading rifles. The match is in the style of chunk gun shooting, which was and still is in the tradition of the "beef shoots" held in the Mountains of the Appalachians. The 1941 classic, Sergeant York, shows this tradition on the silver screen.

The Shoot's namesake comes from muzzleloading rifle builder, Wes Hartley, that made numerous muzzleloading rifles for many years in the area. He passed away in 1968, but the shoot still honors him and his legacy within the muzzleloading community.

Thomas Cooley has won the match a record 5 times with Don Neal, Lowell Crane, Gilbert Speer Jr., and William Crump tied for second most all-time each with 4 wins.