The Arms and Armour Society
The Society was formed in 1950 by a small group of dedicated enthusiasts to further the study of arms and armour, from earliest times, by bringing together scholars, collectors, professional experts and all who share this common interest. It has now grown into one of the leading groups of those concerned in the study, collection and preservation of arms and armour.
A Journal, published twice yearly, is recognised worldwide as one of the most authoritative publications in this field and is the preferred medium for original research papers. A quarterly Newsletter keeps members in touch with the Society’s many activities and major events in the world of arms and armour.
Membership is open to all who share this interest and enables them to participate in monthly meetings held at The Tower of London, lectures, visits to places of arms and armour interest and to seek help and advice on their queries.
In addition the Society keeps a close eye on all matters affecting the collection and ownership of arms, particularly with regard to legislation, and makes appropriate representations on behalf of members, to safeguard their interests.
If you take pleasure in the collection or study of armour, swords, firearms and other arms, it will be greatly increased by membership of this Society, by bringing you into contact with others, including many of the world’s leading experts, who share your interest. Moreover, it will enable you to take an active part in furthering your knowledge and that of your fellow members and, by joining with them, help to safeguard the future.
Contact details:
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Website:
http://www.armsandarmoursoc.co.uk/
E-mail contact:
armsandarmoursociety2014honsec@outlook.com
HBSA – HISTORICAL BREECHLOADING SMALLARMS ASSOCIATION
The HBSA was founded in 1973 to bring together UK shooters and collectors interested in preserving and studying historical firearms.
The Association has a full schedule of shooting practice and competition events throughout the year. The HBSA publishes a quarterly bulletin REPORT and an annual JOURNAL.
Regular meetings and lectures are organised on a national and a regional basis. The meetings take place each month in London and at the Royal Armouries in Leeds as well as a bi-monthly cycle of meetings in Pembroke. The Association has strong links with other UK associations involved with the collection and use of firearms, and participates in annual pan-European gatherings of enthusiasts. Full details can be found on the Website. www.hbsa-uk.org
Contact details:
Chairman: Derek STIMPSON
Secretary: Chris REID
Website:
E-mail contact:
The Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain (MLAGB)
The MLAGB was formed in 1952 and is the Governing Body for muzzle loading within the UK. Its objectives are:
- to encourage an interest in muzzle loading firearms;
- to promote, regulate and safeguard their use;and
- to preserve their freedom of collection.
The shooting of muzzle loaders as a sport has increased out of all relation to its humble beginnings, to one of enormous participation worldwide.
Over the past thirty years or so there has been a remarkable increase in the use of replica firearms. Scores of muzzle loading long-guns and handguns of every description are now produced and to suit almost every taste.
The increasing demands for replica arms suitable for competitive shooting up to world class level have inspired manufacturers to produce products of superb quality, comparable with the originals they replicate. Cheap versions, of dubious quality, still abound but the serious shooter can now find all the qualities needed in a replica that were once only available in an original arm. He or she can now shoot alongside other muzzle loaders in mixed or replica classes at all levels of competition up to and including World Championships and, as the availability of original arms decreases – and as their cost increases – replica arms will naturally come to predominate. In many overseas countries this is already the case, but in the MLAGB at the moment there is about an equal split between the use of originals and replicas. Both forms are catered for, and encouraged, within the Association and in many competition events there is no distinction made between the two.
The size of the Muzzle Loaders Association has grown, particularly over the last two or three decades. It has branches throughout the United Kingdom and many affiliated clubs.
Contact details:
MLAGB Membership Office
Goodform Ltd
7 Olympus Court
Tachbrook Park
Warwick CV34 6RZ
Website:
E-mail contact: