What started as an interest in flintlocks quickly grew into dozens of hobbies and activities that have taken me back in time and across the US. After meeting many skilled and knowledgeable reenactors, I wanted to find my niche--my way of contributing something unique to the community. After an apprenticeship under Mr. Novak of Anvil Gunsmithing and with nothing more than a journeyman’s toolbox and a passion for rediscovering and demonstrating historical gunsmithing methods, I set out trying to fill the maintenance and repair gap I saw at events. Thus, Shope Arms was born! Setting up as a travelling armorer, I quickly discovered that there was a wide range of comfort and expertise concerning flintlock maintenance, and many reenactors relied on modern methods to clean their guns after battles. My hope for this venture is to encourage and facilitate the usage of appropriate techniques and tools in military reenacting units wherever they may be.