C. Peter Jorgensen published the first issue of The Muzzleloading Artilleryman in Spring 1979. He was a suburban Boston weekly newspaper publisher, history buff and firearms enthusiast who had been shooting scale cannon for 12 years. He was to become a collector of original cannon, 3-inch projectiles, artillery accoutrements, and competition shooter of cannon and mortars.
Pete saw the need for a specialized publication because black powder publications paid little attention to artillery. He thought artillerymen needed a better way to share information and to educate newcomers to safety issues and reduce the number of cannon accidents.
The first issue’s introduction thanked the people who provided the content and the 500 who signed up for the initial copy of “the first national magazine devoted exclusively to black powder muzzleloading artillery.” Readers were invited to participate with articles, photos, advertising, subscriptions, and suggestions.
A year later readers began what became the “Great Paint Debate” about the color of Civil War period field carriages and implements. It ended with the Winter 1984, Vol. 6, No. 1, issue featuring a sample of olive drab and Don Lutz’s explanation of how modern attempts to duplicate the 1860s paint formulas erred. As a result, yellow-brown national park cannon carriages were repainted dark olive green.
The word “muzzleloading” was removed from the magazine’s title in Summer 1985, Vol. 6, No. 3, to more accurately indicate that crew-served breechloaders were included.
Pete continued publishing The Artilleryman until his death in September 2009 when his wife, Kay, became editor and publisher.
In 2015 Jack W. Melton Jr. purchased The Artilleryman and has completely redesigned the publication to a full-color glossy magazine filled with content from some of the leading artillery enthusiasts. The Fall 2019 issue of The Artilleryman won an Award of Recognition for Division III, Magazines, periodicals & publications presented by PIA | MidAmerica Graphex Graphic Excellent Awards.
In the Summer of 2025 Charles Williams purchased The Artilleryman and plans to uphold and build upon the magazine’s rich tradition of excellence and looks forward to its up coming Golden Anniversary.
